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Yes folks , the Volcano 7+ has evolved , no fanfare , no announcements that Im aware of ,  just some improvements ( I hope , as I havent tested it yet , just taken some pics and starting the review ) . Im not sure just how the original volcano 7+ was made , it did look like it was machined from a solid block of copper ( expensive ) and I could be wrong about that , but this latest version looks like a casting , fins and all . The original Volcano 7+ tested also had threaded holes , not so this time , it looks like Thermaltake is doing what they can to lower production costs on the Volcano 7+ , which from what Ive seen on this cooler , hasn't hurt it's performance .

Here you can clearly see the forward rake of the fins ( curved forward ) as compared to before when they just sat straight up.

Above is the original Volcano 7+ tested by me several months ago . The other thing that is new is the clip :

As you can see the clip uses all 3 retention points available now as to a single point previously .

 First Glance :

The Volcano 7+ comes in a plastic pack , which I personally dont care for , as its to easy for the heatsink and parts it comes with to be damaged . Now as to whether the changes are for the better or not , will have to wait until I test the Volcano 7+ , but I do like the new clip , and while I have personally not heard of any Volcano 7+ breaking lose , I like the added security of the triple retention clips , esp on a cooler thats large and heavy . One more thing , the base , whilst shiny , wasn't very flat , so some file work was needed and then some lapping on top of a flat surface with wet and dry to finish things off . Well its time to bite the bullet and fit the Volcano into my computer for some testing .

The Test : Epox 8K3A , XP1700 @ 9.5x166FSB = 1577mhz @ 1.775v

Playing Quake and listening to MP3's at the same time , approx 20min . The results havent really changed since the last Volcano 7+ review , temps are still within 1 deg Celsius between the Volcano 7+ and the Arkua 6228 , in favour of the Volcano 7+ . ( Arkua 6228 38deg C , Volcano 7+ 37deg C ) . What has changed is the clip , love the clip , whilst the tension in the clip  is heavy , its very easy to clip in place with a screwdriver . Also the rate at which the temp drops is highly in favor of the Volcano 7+ , as is idle temp , 33deg C for the Volcano 7+ and 35degC for the Atkua 6228 . On the next slowest setting , Medium the Volcano 7+ equaled the Arkua6228 performance with less noise , the same as before , results being 35deg C idle and 38deg C playing Quake and listening to MP3's ( thats at the same time folks ) . So lets see what the slowest setting gives us . 38deg C Idle and 42deg C under load . 

Conclusion :

Whilst the overall performance has not increased , Im still very impressed by the Volcano 7+ , This is literally 3 coolers in one , the three point retention clip is just what the doctor ordered , check out the non slip set up on the clip , no need to kill your MB just because you want good tension on the clip . The forward racking fins dont seem to increase overall performance , but as to whether they improve the time it takes for temps to drop when you have finished a high cpu intensity activity , I cant say for sure but within 30 sec of stopping Quake , the temp had dropped 2 deg C . ( Highest setting ) .   As for actual fan speed , here we go , Highest 6300rpm + - 100rpm , Medium 4900rpm + - 100 rpm , Low 3500 + - 100rpm . Now when it comes to noise , only in the highest setting can you hear the Volcano 7+ over my case fans , nice , going to run this cooler on the medium setting on my AGOIA XP1600 . Yeah , with the volcano 7+ fitted  I got my AGOIA XP1600 up to 1.85ghz thats 10.5 x 176mhz FSB @ 1.8v , temp being in the 38deg C to 42deg C zone . If only it would do 1.9ghz air cooled , but I dont think thats going to happen . Thermaltake seem to have done a fair bit in an attempt to lower manufacturing costs on this cooler , and in today's competitive market , I say bravo , author author . The Volcano 7+ is still a great choice for a cooler, and with the three point clip , more secure on your MB than ever before , and with the non slip screwdriver mount , easier to take on and off  than ever before . 

The base of the cooler was not flat , and needed filing and lapping to make it so , big deal , Ive yet to find a cooler with a really flat base , so with this one and only gripe out of the way , I can honestly say that for the money ( The price has come down ) this may be the best cooler that you can buy , not forgetting you are getting a fan speed controller and P4 mounting hardware in the one package . I have to take away half a point for the base not being flat , so thats 9.5 out of 10 for the latest rendition of the Volcano 7+ , I highly recommend this cooler folks .