Advantages and Disadvantages
While the attractive copper heatsink has it’s advantages, it also does have it’s fair share of disadvantages. First off there is a BIG problem with this weight spec that all AMD users should take note of; AMD state that their socket a processors can handle a maximum of 300 grams, meaning that this heatsink is too heavy for the processor and would most likely crush it, I wasn’t going to try and risk killing a processor when AMD have already told us what would happen. So, even though the Hedgehog-238m can seat a socket a processor perfectly with the clips provided, I wouldn’t recommend using it with one unless you have the money to replace your processor. I informed CoolPC Australia of this and they tell me that this heatsink works fine on all AMD socket a processors they have tested this heatsink on without damaging the processor, just be careful. The weight also has two other draw backs that I can think of. First, if using the heatsink with a slotket due it’s weight it could have the potential to make the slotket lean and possibly come out of the slot. Second, if the heatsink happened to come lose and fall onto other hardware inside the case during transportation it would easy break, crack or snap chips and PCB material on the video card for example, uhh no what a nightmare!
These hedgehog heatsinks are imported into Australia by CoolPC Australia from Kanie who are based in Japan. It is often argued which material is best for heatsinks. Copper can transfer heat faster than aluminum, but takes longer to dissipate heat. Aluminum doesn’t transfer heat as fast, but it dissipates heat quicker than copper. So, many companies (including CoolPC Australia) who stock the Hedgehog-238m have been using more powerful fans such as the "black label" 38 CFM Delta fan to help dissipate the heat from the copper quicker thus allowing for better cooling performance at a higher cost to the user. Here we enter another disadvantage thanks to the copper material, because a more powerful fan (Delta black label 38 CFM) compared to the normal YS-Tech 27 CFM fan which is needed to dissipate the heat from the heatsink better. The Delta "black label" fan has hit my bad books, why? First it is VERY loud and it cut my finger which drew blood. This is the first fan which has actually cut my finger, I have touched other spinning fans before but they haven’t cut me - I highly encourage CoolPC to include fan guards in the future! In fact, while I was measuring the RPM rating of this fan in the BIOS, it couldn’t handle it and started reported lots of weird looking characters after it was spinning faster than 8000 RPM... I’d rather put up with lower cooling performance by using a less powerful, more quieter fan, it’s too loud and will annoy you if it is in the same room as you. Below is a picture of the Delta black label fan with 3-pin power connector which means you can monitor the RPM of the fan...
Copper as a material is also more expensive than aluminum, costing AU$90 compared the Thermaltake Chrome Orb (aluminum) for example which costs less at around AU$40 but doesn’t perform as well as this all copper heatsink. However, I have been told that other all copper heatsinks produced by other companies are much more expensive than the Hedgehog-238m, Kanie should be given credit for this. YOU are going to have to come to a decision, pay more for the all copper heatsink and obtain better cooling results, or spend less and get a aluminum heatsink which doesn’t perform as well as the all copper heatsink and not have to worry about taking some of the risks mentioned above.
