Introduction:

Following the recent release of the award winning MCX462-V™ model, which defined an entirely new class of high-performance and low noise heatsinks, we are now proud to introduce the MCX603-V™ heatsink for Intel® Xeon™ processors.

The MCX603-V™ heatsink is of equal size and pin design to the MCX462-V™, thus features identical performance and usage specifications as outlined below:

• Optimized performance characteristics at the lowest possible audible noise levels.
  
   
• Full compatibility with all Intel® Xeon retention systems, thanks to two different retention solutions:
   
  • Plug-and-play installation with Intel's validated retention mechanisms for OEM processors (does not necessitate removal of the motherboard for installation).
  • Optional screw/spring assembly retention system (requires removal of the motherboard for installation).

Features highlights

• Hybrid copper base, thin aluminum pin heatsink: the massive 1/2" thick copper base provides superior heat capacity for unparalleled stability in extreme overclocking applications. The thin aluminum pins promote increased turbulence for more efficient heat dissipation compared to traditional fin extrusions.

• Patented Helicoid pin design (U.S. patent 6,469,898): pins are individually machined in an helicoid shape, to increase their surface area, and further enhance heat dissipation efficiency.

• Several patents pending for concentrically aligned rows of pins, bent at multiple angles. The spacing and angles between the concentric rows has been precisely calculated to optimize cooling and reduce noise at air flow levels as low as 22 CFM and 23 dbA.

• The MCX603-V™ is designed to work with 80mm fans only. In effect, there is not enough space between processors in most dual Xeon™ motherboards to accomodate two 92mm fans side by side.

• Quick and easy fan installation: the fan installs "in a snap" with convenient snap-in rivets.

• Exceptional quality and attention to details: the heatsink base is lapped to 0.0003" (3/10 of 1/1000"), and polished to near-mirror finish to promote optimum thermal conductivity. Users are advised that while flatness is strictly respected for providing the most significant benefit to thermal interface, surface polish is a cosmetic component and may vary slightly from one heatsink to another. Re-lapping or polishing the heatsink base is never recommended.

Motherboard and CPU compatibility

• Processor Compatibility: All Intel® Xeon® processors
   
• Motherboard compatibility: All (1) Intel® compliant motherboards socket 603 or socket 604 form factor.
• The product is specially designed to allow installation with motherbards were CPU are located side-by-side, as shown below. Note that in such cases, 92mm fans cannot be used.

This picture shows 2 MCX603-V heatsinks installed side by side, and illustrates the two different mounting mechanisms described in the following chapter.

Retention Mechanisms

• The MCX603-V ships with two brackets designed to allow plug-and-play installation with OEM version Xeon™ processors. Intel's validated solution for OEM processors sold without a heatsink consists in two plastic retention frames and spring clips (shown in the example below), which the motherboard manufacturers normally provide. Installation of the MCX603-V with this setup does not require removal of the motherboard.

click to enlarge

• Swiftech's optional screw-spring assemblies allow installation of the MCX603-V™ with all Xeon™ compliant motherboards, without any known exceptions (1). Such installation requires removal of the motherboard to retrofit it with Swiftech proprietary retention mechanism composed of 4 standoffs and locknuts. An example is provided below:

click to enlarge

Part # MCX603-VSR for heatsinks shipped prior to 12-15-03 (see note 2)

Part # MCX603-VSR2 for heatsinks shipped after 12-15-03 (see note 2)

Performance data

Suggested fans.
 

Because this product is intended to cover the widest possible variety of uses, from virtually silent operations all the way to extreme overclocking, it is sold without fan.

We have extensively tested a large number of fans in our labs. Below is a list of the select few that were found to perform best with the MCX462-V™ heatsink. Since the performance specifications of the MCX462-V™ and the MCX603-V™ are identical, please use the list below as a guideline to procure a fan appropriate to your application. This list is intended to be updated as we receive more fans from the manufacturers for testing.

For user convenience, we will from now on separate all our bench tests into 3 distinct categories characterized by the fan's audible noise level:

Silent to low noise operations 22 to 26 dbA: For non-overclocked processors. The MCX478-V™ surpasses all known temperature specifications published by Intel® to this date.

Medium noise operations: 28 dbA to 40 dbA - From mild to serious overclocking levels depending on the fan selected, or high temperature environments. Up to 100 Watts processor load.

High noise operations: 40 dbA and up - From serious to extreme overclocking depending on the fan selected, up to 130 Watts processor load.

* C/Ws shown are the heat sink to air values, excluding thermal resistance of the TIM joint, which will vary depending on the thermal interface used and bench test conditions. For reference, Swiftech's TIM joint bench test value is 0.09°C/W. All tests are performed in an environmental chamber using Industry standard procedures, and calibrated equipment.

Specifications

 heatsink

• CNC machined, C110 copper base, 3"W x 3.3"L x .500"H, flatness better than 0.0003", micro surface finish 8 or better.
• 374 Helicoid Pins made of High Thermal Conductivity Aluminum Alloy, press fitted in the base.
• Heatsink base dimensions 3"x3.3"x1.66"
• Heatsink top dimension 3 3/4" x 3 1/2"
• Weight: 22 oz (620g)

Suggested Retail Pricing