Xigmatek Aegir SD128264 CPU Cooler Review

Innovation is definitely one of the strong aspects of Xigmtek’s Aegir SD128264. Being one of the few CPU coolers to use a dual layer H.D.T. design base, Xigmatek were taking a rather large gamble which, unfortunately, hasn’t totally paid off.

The outright cooling performance is nothing to be sniffed at. The stock CPU temperature result sees the Aegir fighting a competitive battle with Cooler Master’s V6GT and Hyper 212 Plus while overclocked CPU temperatures are comparable to those of the latter. The similarly priced V6GT does manage to widen its lead with an overclocked CPU, but it was also operating with a greater noise output which may cause it to become unappealing to some buyers. A decision we were a little puzzled by is the location of the extra 2 6mm heatpipes which form the second layer of the base. They are located directly above the dual 8mm heatpipes which are positioned to extract heat directly from the centre of the CPU heatspreader. While it is understandable to place the heatpipes with the greatest cooling potential in the vicinity of the highest heat concentration (centre of the CPU heatspreader), we have to wonder if those 8mm heatpipes really need or even benefit from the assistance of the 2 6mm heatpipes directly above. The answer is that when the frequency and CPU voltage are significantly increased, the 8mm heatpipes will benefit from the pair of 6mm heatpipe’s heat extraction assistance. When a lesser voltage is applied by people with smaller overclocking goals, it would be better for the outer 6mm heatpipes on the lower H.D.T. base to use the upper pair’s assistance when faced with the challenge of extracting high amounts of heat created on the outer edges of the CPU’s heatspreader.

Moving on to the topic of appearance, we must say that the Aegir did look rather trendy, having a ‘gamer’ feel about it when in operation, thanks in large to the attractive white LED fan. There are users who may disagree with us and decide that looking at a ‘heap’ of metal with a fan attached isn’t attractive, but as far as heatsinks go, the Aegir is definitely one of the more attractive.

As with the Loki SD963 by Xigmatek, installation was incredibly hassle free. A clear instruction manual with well documented and annotated diagrams goes a long way for helping users understand the required procedures. The method of attaching a fan to the heatsink is a bit of a mediocre point, but this is just a minor niggle and doesn’t jeopardise the Aegir’s installation simplicity.

Priced at £35/$60 Xigmatek have some very tough contenders from Cooler Master, Scythe and even Antec who all offer coolers in a similar price category. It wouldn’t be fair to call the Aegir over-priced as it does offer good cooling performance with decent acoustic output levels. The simple installation procedure is another factor which is heavily valued by some users and may be enough to sway the purchase Xigmatek’s way. Whilst we don’t think the Aegir is over-priced in the UK, a £5-10 price reduction, under-cutting the V6GT and entering the Hyper 212 Plus price point would make a massive difference in terms of price vs. performance, purchase appeal and general affordability. In the US though, the $60 price is just far too high. Cooler Master’s $22 Hyper 212 Plus is by far the better purchase.

Overall, we were content with the performance of the Aegir, but were by no means amazed by it. The installation was a breeze which this editor always loves to see. The UK price isn’t horrific but isn’t massively competitive either. Xigmatek’s Aegir SD128264 is definitely a CPU cooler worthy of short-listing when deciding upon your sub £35 purchase. The US price is far too high to make it competitive in a very fierce market and, unfortunately, does impact the overall award for Xigmatek’s Aegir SD128264 giving it our a silver award, by a very narrow margin.