Cooler Master GeminII SF524 Low Profile CPU Cooler Review

With an increase in the popularity of small form factor computers and a growing number of enthusiasts in the HTPC market, Cooler Master understand the importance of branching out to these consumer’s specific cooling requirements. Should the use of a micro ATX or mini ITX chassis really impede one’s choice of CPU cooler and henceforth overclocking goals? Cooler Master have shown their opinion on this question; an assertive ‘no’. Their GeminII SF524 aims to increase the cooling boundary that low profile CPU coolers were thought to be limited by.

Utilizing no fewer than 5 6mm copper heatpipes, thermal energy transfer shouldn’t impose a bottleneck on this 105.4mm tall cooler. The electroplated copper base transfers heat away from the CPU in a balanced fashion reducing the probability of CPU ‘hot-spots’ occurring. A 3-tiered top-down style aluminium fin stack provides the heat dissipation medium while retaining 47mm of RAM clearance beneath. Cooler Master’s 1300 RPM fan, which can be reduced to an operational speed of 900 RPM with the supplied low-noise adapter, ensures that noise levels are kept to a minimum. Motherboard cooling is another key element of the GeminII SF524’s top-down design.

With fittings for 140mm and 120mm fans supplied, Cooler Master make certain that users have freedom in their choice of fan. Support for all modern AMD and Intel sockets, other than LGA 2011, allows the GeminII SF524 to appeal to a large target audience. Retailing for around £36/€39,90, Cooler Master could have a great low-profile, heat extracting and noise-eliminating option in the GeminII SF524. Read on to find out if this is the case.