This is one big cooler , over 700grams , It comes with a big Delta 80mm Fan pumping out 68.5cfm @ 4900rpm for some 48.5dBA .

The Swiftech MCX462 has a large copper base with aluminum pins pressed in , with ridges on them for more surface area. 

The base is some 76mm x 76mm wide and almost 10mm thick , and if you dont think this heatsink is large , here it is next to my FC-pga 800 Celeron.

Because of the weight of the MCX462 , it is bolted directly to the MB , so before you buy this cooler make sure your MB has 4 holes placed around the cpu for hard mounting coolers. Because this cooler is hard mounted ( bolted directly to the MB ) you need to remove your MB from your case , unless you have a hole in the right place on your chasse , as I did . Read the instructions carefully when installing this cooler , and dont get carried away tightening the mounting bolts , as you dont want to crush your cpu .

Here is the MCX462 mounted in my computer , just in case you thought I might cheat on this one , its no clip on test unit , and requires some serious computer disassembly to install . 

SYSTEM

Asus A7v133c MB , T-bird 1ghz @ 8.5 x 133mhz = 1133mhz / 1.75v , side covers off and room temp 22-23deg Celsius .

THE TEST

Well the MCX462 maxed out  at some 39deg Celsius after playing Return to Castle Wolfenstein for an hour and then playing Quake for 20 minutes . And as promised the Delta Fan lives up to its rated RPM of 4900 . 

I put the ARKUA 6228 up against the MCX462 , and I must say that Im still some what amazed by the cooling power of such a small cooler.

41deg Celsius for the ARKUA 6228 , Well that makes the Swiftech MCX462 the best cooler that I have tested to date , by some 2deg C ( full load ) .

CONCLUSION

The Swiftech MCX462 is the best cooler tested by me to date , mounting the cooler is no bush league affair , as it requires the user to dismantle his/her computer to install the MCX462. And it needs to be installed correctly , so as not to fall of , or crush the cpu . The noise is not quite there with the Delta 38 ( 60mm fan ) but it is noticeably loud . If you have to have the best , and nothing less , well here it is . This cooler is extremely well made , and a quality item . Now Im not to sure , about one thing , Price , this standard of quality and cooling power comes at a cost , and it will take a serious load of your wallet . I have seen this cooler priced from around $150 and up , with and without the Delta 80mm fan , and as tested I believe that the RRP  is $199 Australian. Well , some people are happy with GT Falcons and such , others want Ferrari's, well here is a Thoroughbred cooler , show of , be the envy of your friends , but Im not so sure it will get you the tall leggy blond like a  GTO would.

I would like to thank Peter from Nucleus for making this review possible .

MATT KORHONEN