Super ORB vs. FOP32-1

[MUSTANG347]

I installed my new FOP32-1 about a week ago expecting to see some major temperature drops since I had the heap of crap Super Orb, or so everyone says....

Well, running my T-bird 900 at 946 and playing Unreal Tourny for a while, the super orb would keep my chip at 45°C, and the case would get up to about 31°C. Now, with the FOP32-1, the same game at the same clock speed with the same thermal paste (cheapo white stuff) the chip is at 46°C and the case is 30°C!! So the cpu gets one degree hotter and the case gets one degree cooler. So what am I missing? I thought this super orb was the biggest heap 'o crap on the planet?

I am going to take it off and try some arctic silver on it, and see if that helps.

So far, the FOP32-1 and the Super ORB are EQUAL. Except the ORB is a little louder and higher pitched.

 

[Mikewarrior2]

How are you measuring temps? The Super-ORb cheats socket-thermistor readings.

That being said, the best you can hope for, based on uninsulated socket-thermistor reads, is an "equal" reading temp, with the FOP being drastically cooler core temperature wise.

And look at this review Legion hardware FOP38 review. One of teh best cooling reviews on the net recently. The Super-orb doens't look so hot anymore, does it, if you were measuring core tmep, which you're not.

Keep in mind that his globalwin may have been "hand-picked". the regular 2 I have around here do not have super-flat bottoms, but a well-lapped one could beat a PEP66 depending on fan on the PEP.

Mike

 

[MUSTANG347]

I am measuring the temps with the socket-thermistor. That is, I assume the factory installed temp sensor on my Abit mobo, right?

How does the Super orb cheat?

 

[Mikewarrior2]

Look at the review above.

it cools:

MB
Socket-Area
Could pass air into socket

All of which effect socket-thermistor readings while not effecting core temps. Super-orbs tested on p3s with internal diode readings do not match alphas or globalwins, at all.

my own tests: FOP32, Taisol, orbs tested on diode versus socket-thermistor.

Notice how socket-thermistor globalwin and superorb temps match, while actual core temp is significantly different.


Mike

 

[MUSTANG347]

I see, so actually my FOP is probably keeping the die about 4-5° cooler than the super orb, i just cant tell. I get it. Thanks alot Mike, this makes me feel alot better for spending the extra cash on the fop! Now i just need to unlock more chip!

 

[Mikewarrior2]

i would guess 6C minimum, with likely core drop of 9-12C.


Mike

 

[CaiNaM]

well, i replaced the orb with an fop32-1 and get a 9C improvement at idle (44 vs 35) and 11C improvement at full load (49 vs 38). it also resulted in a 50 mhz increase in overclock.

yes, my orb is on display where it is best - on my shelf looking cool, but not much else.

 

[Mikewarrior2]

CaiNaM,

What mb are you using?


Mike

 

[JoeBob]

Just bought a 900mhz Thunderbird system and bought the Super Orb "upgrade". Now I'm worried after reading this thread. I am not an overclocker, I just want to make sure my CPU wont fry. Should I replace it or am I okay?

900MHZ T-Bird
Enlight case w/2 fans
Asus KT133A

 

[GasX]

Based on that review it seems that the same sink with a quieter fan would be a cheaper and very adequate option for most applications...

 

[CaiNaM]

mikewarrior,

using abit kt7 raid, duron 700 @ 950mhz

 

[Mikewarrior2]

JoeBob,

If you're not overclocking, you should be okay.

CaiNam,

did you do anything different with the socket-thermistor? I'm very surprised that you got that huge of a temp drop.


Mike

 

[Mykex]

Correct me if Im wrong here but I thought the real dog of the Orb's was the Chrome or Small Orb? I thought that the Super Orb was Ok but did tend to bend thermistor tests in its favor.

 

[Mikewarrior2]

The super-orb actually performs worse than the Taisol CEk733092, the retail T-bird heatsink.

neither are good heatsinks. LegionHardware.com has a good PEP66 and now FOP38 review, and the SuperOrb is 9C and 10C warmer, respectively, on a p3@1+ghz/1.85V.

If you really look at the super-orb, it is in essence the same heatsink as the chrome orb. The fins are longer, but i think hte major orb problem is poor transfer from chip to base to fins. The longer fins do not improve performance to alpha/globalwin levels.


Mike