DeepCool Theta 20 PWM is a small budget cooler for the processor, which can often be found in various stores selling computer accessories. We offer an overview of this model, as a result of which we will find out how well and effectively it copes with its task.
Description
Let's start the review of DeepCool Theta 20 PWM with a small description of the cooler. Despite its modest size, this model has one very good feature - the presence of a power cable with a 4pin connection. This is a definite plus, since the system will control the fan, which means that it will increase / decrease its rotation speed automatically. If the standard 3pin connector were used, the cooler would constantly buzz and rotate at maximum speed.
Another plus is the price of the cooler. It is extremely low, but the price will be written separately. Another feature that I want to note is the ability to install the cooler in question only on motherboards that work with Intel processors. So, DeepCool Theta 20 PWM cannot be installed on motherboards with socket 775, 1366 and 2011. Users of these platforms will have to look for something else.
Equipment
The Cooler DeepCool Theta 20 PWM comes in a rather compact square box made of thin cardboard. The package is painted white, on the background of which there are images of the cooler itself, as well as other information that is not particularly interesting to the buyer. In general, there are no complaints about the design and quality of the packaging. Inside the box is the cooler itself and 4 fixing screws. The set, as we see, is minimal. Although, on the other hand, you should not expect more from a budget cooler.
Appearance and design
Now let's look at the design of the model. In general, DeepCool Theta 20 PWM does not differ in anything special from other similar models. An exception is the blue fan. This color has already become a trademark of DeepCool. The fan frame is made of black plastic, with smooth transitions, there are no sharp edges here.
As for the radiator, it is quite small and, at first glance, does not inspire confidence that it will not work for powerful processors, like the fan itself. To verify the capabilities of the cooler, you need to test it. Also, the radiator has a slightly protruding round base, the so-called sole. There is no copper here; everything is made in one piece from aluminum. Thermal grease has already been applied to the sole, and in a rather unusual way - with thin intersecting strips that form small even geometric shapes.
The minus of the cooler is the fact that the applied thermal grease is absolutely not covered by anything, not even a regular film. DeepCool has a slightly strange outlook. For models that cost 300-400 rubles more than DeepCool Theta 20 PWM, you can find a separate small bag with thermal grease that you need to apply yourself. For coolers in the price segment 900-1200 rubles, thermal grease has already been applied, but at the same time it is covered with a special plastic “cap”.
The last unreviewed item is the locking frame. It is also made of plastic. True, in places where the screws will be screwed in, metal nuts are installed. A double-sided tape is glued on the surface of the frame, which will help to fix it on the back of the motherboard.
Cooler specifications
We offer you to get acquainted with the main characteristics of DeepCool Theta 20 pwm:
- One fan.
- The size of the fan is 100 mm.
- The direction of flow is perpendicular to the motherboard.
- The airflow is 42.5 cfm.
- Noise - 18-33 dB.
- Rotational speed - 900 - 2400 rpm.
- Compatibility - Intel only.
- The maximum heat packet of TDW is 95W.
- Material - aluminum.
- Copper tubes - no.
- The cooler is powered by 4pin.
- Power consumption - 1.65W.
- Dimensions (L / W / H) - 97.5 mm / 97.5 mm / 60 mm.
- Weight - 375 grams.
As for the “hundred”, the cooler has pretty good specifications. The disadvantage is that there is no copper. Aluminum is good, but even a simple copper sole would improve the performance of the model.
It is worth paying attention to the noise level. At maximum speeds, it can reach a figure of 33dB, which is not small, but not critical. Moreover, in order to reach maximum speeds (2400), you will have to try very hard to load the processor, and since no one willfully do this, the noise level will be around 22-24 dB, which is approximately 900-1000 rpm.
Installation
Installing a DeepCool Theta 20 PWM cooler on a motherboard is very simple. Any person can execute it, even one who does not know computers very well.
First of all, you need to remove the motherboard so that you can install the mounting frame on its back side. Now you need to remove the frame from the cooler, remove the protective film from the double-sided tape and stick it on the back of the motherboard in the place where the outlet holes for the screws are located. The last step is to install the cooler itself. Thermal grease does not need to be applied, since it already exists on the base of the radiator. Therefore, just put the fan on the processor and tighten the 4 screws.
Now consider the issue of free space. On the motherboard format mATX cooler does not take up too much space and looks compact. Slots of RAM (although they are located nearby), nothing prevents. Installed memory modules with cooling radiators also easily fit into the space provided for them. At the same time, there is even a margin in space.
But the PCI-E slot, where the video card is placed, is quite close. Therefore, it is unlikely to be able to install any top-end graphics accelerator with a powerful cooling system. Note that motherboards in ATX format are deprived of this problem.
Tests
As an experimental processor, a pebble from Intel Core-i3 6100 was used. A simple sixth-generation dual-core processor has a 51W heat package, and our cooler is designed for a maximum of 95 watts. Theoretically, the supply of cooling should be more than enough, but let's see what happens in practice.
tests show that the cooler performance of the model in question is not particularly impressive. In normal operation, the temperature does not exceed 27-29 degrees, but in games the mark reaches almost 60 degrees, and this is on the younger model. For core-i5, this cooler is a stretch, but for i7 it cannot be used at all.
Price
Now let's talk about the price of the cooler. DeepCool Theta 20 PWM can be bought for ridiculous by today's standards 360-680 rubles. The average price tag is 450 rubles. For this money, DeepCool Theta 20 PWM is a pretty good option, especially for a not very powerful CPU.
Reviews
Reviews for DeepCool Theta 20 PWM are different, depending on which processor it was used for. Those users who put this cooler on low-power processors, in principle, are satisfied with it. Among the advantages of the device are its low price, availability (you can buy without problems), ease of installation. Other users see the main disadvantage of the device in its small cooling capabilities. The cooler is perfect for Pentium or Celeronon maximum 6-7 generation i3, but not more powerful. That is, if you put Theta 20 on a processor with a TDW rating of 65-95W, it simply will not be able to cool it.
Conclusion
The fan for the DeepCool Theta 20 PWM processor is a good model for processors with two cores and a low level of heat dissipation. He will calmly cope with his duties and will be able to provide good cooling. For more powerful processors, it is undoubtedly worth choosing the more expensive models.