ThermalRight AX478

Material: Nickel Plated Copper/Aluminum Hybrid
Size: 77mmx77×78 (top), 83mmx77×78 (bottom) (LxWxH)
Weight: 540g
Bundle: Heatsink, mounting hardware

The ThermalRight AX478 design is similar to that of its Athlon cousin, the AX7. This heatsink also uses a combination of aluminum and copper for the same reasons that the Alpha does. The base is quite smooth and flat despite machining markings; etched onto the base are guides to help center the procesor core. Like the Alpha, the base is made from copper but is plated with nickel to prevent oxidation and discoloration. It also protects the copper base from extraneous scratches that might occur and should not affect thermal transfer as the layer is too thin. Removal of the nickel would most likely not improve performance. The aluminum fins are soldered to the copper base well, with no gaps evident, ensuring good thermal transfer. Similar to that of its Athlon counterpart, the fins radiate horizontally from an H shaped core allowing for better flow to the base of the heatsink.

Installation is quite simple and almost fool proof. The ThermalRight fits neatly inside the retention mechanism, found on nearly every Pentium 4 motherboard, only one way and is merely clipped into place, taking only seconds. The only problem when installing this heatsink is that the brackets can be putting pressure on the HSRM instead of the heatsink base; just be sure to check your mounting. The fan is attached via screws that wedge themselves between the outermost fins and atop of rubber washers. Not only do the washers reduce the dead-spot from the fan, they dampen vibrations for the fan, resulting in less noise. Like the Alpha, ThermalRight usually sells a bare heatsink allowing end users to pick the fan of their choice, which can be a pro or a con.