Cooler Master V10 200+W Hybrid T.E.C. Cooler

The Cooler Master V10 200+W Hybrid T.E.C. - Continued

With the shroud and fans removed the skeleton of this cooler is more easily seen and discussed. The left bit of the fins is connected to only the hot side of the peltier and is soldered to its transferring four heat pipes via the plate on that side. Then there is the gap for the first 120mm, 90 CFM fan, and on to the second bit of fins. This second set only transfers heat from two of the pipes exiting that side of the base. This leaves us to the horizontal bit to the right. This carries the opposing side of the T.E.C. pipes. The second matching fan is laid down on the top of these fins and directed to blow downward.

This view gives a better look at how the heat pipes are distributed.

Here we get an inside look at the temperature control module. To the left are the powering wires that use a 4-pin molex connector that will hook up to any PSU on the market. These then go inside of the box to the PCB and temperature probe that awaits a 25° temperature reading to kick into action.

Here we get a good look at the T.E.C. of which I have exposed the hot side. Once I removed the four screws from the two plates, the fins lifted right off. Note the pattern in the TIM; they do make excellent contact with each other.

This is what the hot side of the T.E.C. depends on for survival. In order for a T.E.C. to function at its best the hot side needs to stay as cool as possible to allow the cold side of the peltier to get even colder. As long as this part of the V10 doesn't get saturated with heat, the cooler stands a good chance of doing a better job at controlling temperatures.

Cooler Master has supplied a matching, wired together set of black 120mm fans; a nice touch of wiring them together so that there is no need for adapters or using multiple motherboard headers to power this cooler. Both fans are capable of putting out up to 90 CFM and are both lit with red LED's.

Here I wanted to show that Cooler Master even thinks ahead and installs spacers on their fan that stands up inside the cooler. This keeps vibrations to a minimum as the fit is quite snug. Barely visible is the horizontal fan, but as you can see it is plainly set atop the fins, then it just mounts with the screws in the shroud. Be careful during cleaning and replacement of the shroud, the wire to the horizontal fan can be pinched if not laid into proper position before slipping on the shroud.

Here's a closer look at what I meant about how the fan just sits there. There are no anti-vibration rubber inserts for the V10; Cooler Master relies on the screws from the shroud to keep this fan in line. Also note how the wiring to the fan is laid prior to reassembly.