Copyright 2010 - K.S. Studios - All rights reserved
Model No. SST-NT06-E
Material Copper base, heats pipes w/ aluminum fins
Color Black fan shroud, zinc coated cooler
Application Intel Socket LGA775, AMD Socket 754/939/940/AM2/AM2+/AM3
*LGA1156/LGA1366 supported with serial number AS09160001 and after
Heat Pipe Type 6mm thick powder heat pipe × 5
Cooling System 1 x 120mm fan (optional)
 CPU TDP Fanless with 120mm fan in PSU < 1000rpm - 65W*
Fanless with 120mm fan in PSU > 1000rpm - 95W*
Fanless with 135mm/140mm fan in PSU - 130W*
1 x 120mm fan 800rpm - 65W
1 x 120mm fan 1000rpm -95W
1 x 120mm fan 1200rpm - 130W
Net Weight 430g
Dimension 123mm (W) x 82mm (H) x 149mm (D)
The SilverStone NT06 Evolution CPU cooler is an updated version of the NT01 cooler that we reviewed a while back. This isn't just a simple update though as the cooler has been completely redesigned to cool the hottest CPU's around. The sintered powder heat pipes return along with a greater surface area and the option of adding a 120mm fan to the cooler if desired. We were sent this cooler to be tested with SilverStone's SG05 SFF case so space was definitely an issue. The thought of adding the optional fan was quickly dismissed, so we moved along hoping for the best using the fan-less option. Will the NT06-E be enough to passively cool our Intel E8400 in a tiny case? Read on to find out.

Specs

SilverStone NT06-E CPU Cooler

The NT06-E comes in a plain brown box with some basic artwork. The cooler is protected well which is common for SilverStone. The foam material safely secures the cooler for shipment.

Accessories

The NT06-E comes with backplates for use with both Intel and AMD processors. Mounting brackets are also included as well as four spring screws, all necessary mounting screws and some thermal compound. The cooler includes mounting screws for a 120mm fan if needed. Supported processors are: Intel Socket LGA775, AMD Socket 754/939/940/AM2/AM2+/AM3
and LGA1156/LGA1366 supported with serial number AS09160001 and after.
The cooler has a nice polished finish on the CPU contact area just like the NT01 version. SilverStone uses the sintered powder structure on this cooler as well. The look is high quality and the feel is very solid. This cooler will take up considerably more room than previous models, but even SFF cases can benefit from the NT06-E.
We are installing this cooler into a SilverStone SG05 case loaded up with a Zotac G43-ITX (mini ITX) motherboard, 4GB of Corsair DDR2 800 memory, and an Intel E8400 3GB CPU. The processor is a 65W Core2 Duo, so the NT06 should have no trouble keeping this system chilly. The slightly frustrating mounting method used for the NT01 returns with this model. The use of long screws and standoffs seems quite dated. It would be nice to see a solid mounting bracket that surrounds the CPU area. The use of spring screws to tighten the cooler down is a little risky as the board can be damaged if the standoff is tightened too much. The NT06 needs to be installed before mounting the board in the case unless the case has an opening behind the CPU area.

Installation

Testing

Thermal tests were run using Speedfan 4.40. Two instances of Prime 95 were used to max out each CPU core for max load. Ambient room temperature is 78 Degrees Fahrenheit. The temps listed are taken after one hour under each condition.

Conclusion

The temps for the NT06-E are excellent for this processor. The difference in temps was very close. We were surprised that the fan-less method produced results similar to an Intel stock fan, minus the noise factor. The mounting method continues to be a sore point. The mounting hardware works well for the experienced builder, but has the potential to be refined. The included thermal paste was again pushed aside for some Arctic Silver 5. The cooler was a tight squeeze in the SG05 case, but worked surprisingly well given the cramped quarters. The option of adding a fan to aid in cooling will allow this cooler to work in many situations. The frustrating mounting method prevents this cooler from being rated higher even though its performance is excellent. The NT06-E is a great addition to SilverStone's CPU cooler lineup and will be a good fit for a lot of builders. MSRP for the NT06-E is $49.99.

5/5/10 -Keith Soreghen-

Packaging

Exterior

The spring screws should be tightened by alternating sides so the cooler stays flush on the CPU. If you tighten one side too much, there is a risk of the cooler not making full contact. Check the orientation of the cooler before securing it to the board. It is possible to face the cooler in different directions depending on your setup. On our mini ITX board, the NT06 covers almost the entire board area. The SFF design is evident when you see this mounted in the case. The cooler sits just below the PSU by design. The PSU fan actually helps to pull heat from the fins and remove it from the case.
Excellent design uses the PSU to help remove heat.