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For testing today we are using the Alienware M17x R3 as the partner. This machine actually doesn't generate a lot of heat on the underside, however it will be interesting to see if the cooler can lower the chassis temperatures regardless.
We also attached 5 diodes to the rear of the machine to measure the load temperatures of various parts of the chassis. These were measured after 1 hour of intensive work.
The fans are certainly helping to reduce overall system temperatures, by several degrees when the fans are on low, to 4-5c when on high.
Both processor and discrete graphics receive noticable benefits from the Strike Force SF-19 laptop cooler, with temperatures being reduced by several degress when fans are on low, and up to 5c when on high.
Next, we measure power drain at the socket with a Kill-A-Watt Meter.
The SF-19 is a bit of a power hog when compared with other laptop coolers we have tested, however this is obvious as it requires its own power adapter. A USB port would not be adequate for delivering this kind of demand.
We measure from a distance of around 2 foot from the chassis with our Extech digital sound level meter to mirror a real world situation.
KitGuru noise guide
10dBA – Normal Breathing/Rustling Leaves
20-25dBA – Whisper
30dBA – High Quality Computer fan
40dBA – A Bubbling Brook, or a Refridgerator
50dBA – Normal Conversation
60dBA – Laughter
70dBA – Vacuum Cleaner or Hairdryer
80dBA – City Traffic or a Garbage Disposal
90dBA – Motorcycle or Lawnmower
100dBA – MP3 player at maximum output
110dBA – Orchestra
120dBA – Front row rock concert/Jet Engine
130dBA – Threshold of Pain
140dBA – Military Jet takeoff/Gunshot (close range)
160dBA – Instant Perforation of eardrum
We certainly would be using a lower fan setting to cool our machine, although many gamers will not be bothered about 38 dBa of noise when in the middle of an intense session. Considering the massive levels of airflow, this is fairly respectable. The option to swap out the fans for other models will prove benefical for people wanting to fine tune the experience.
Dear lord, thats insanely big !
Very nice engineering work from Cooler Master, but its far too expensive.
It looks as if Dell made it for their alienware laptop range !
Firstly, this is brilliant,. it is about time some company turned the boring concept of laptop coolers on its head with a performance design capable of cooling hot running hardware.
The only negative is the price? why is it going to be 85 quid in the UK and its 80 dollars in the US? thats 50 pounds ! almost a 90% mark up there
I get annoyed with the UK pricing at times. I was looking at this product today elsewhere and thought, great UK pricing should be 55 quid. but its 85 quid. No thanks. I want one for my XPS, but im not paying the price for a new battery just for something to help cool it.
Looks good, but very expensive for a cooler. Maybe if id spent 3 k on my laptop I might be more willing to spend it, but 400 quid is enough for me on a laptop
Quality product from CM, but I dont think this will suit many laptops. looks great with alienware, but my HP would look terrible on it.
I’m in the market for a high-end laptop, and Alienware is on the shortlist. Fan noise is significant, but is there a “net” benefit? i.e.: does the additional cooling keep the laptop’s fans from spinning up louder? Presumably it will vary from laptop to laptop, but how does it fare for the new Alienware?
the problem is i can’t find in in the uk anymore ,and amazon.com doesn’t ship it to uk