3RSystem iCEAGE: A New Cooling Company Tackles the Heatpipe Tower

Conclusion

As our database of tested coolers grows, we see patterns start to emerge. To this point the heatpipe towers with side-facing fans are the top-performing coolers we have tested, in both overclocking ability and cooling efficiency. The 3RSystem iCEAGE performs in that category, with performance matching many other well-recognized brands of heatpipe towers.

The iCEAGE does not, however, reach the top of the heatpipe tower list. That is still the domain of the Thermalrights, Tuniq Tower 120, and a few push-pull configured towers. Performance for the iCEAGE falls in the tier 2 of heatpipe towers, with many other excellent heatpipe towers that overclock to just a hair below the top tier with cooling efficiencies not quite the top level. Like almost every other heatpipe tower, however, the iCEAGE generally outperforms the down-facing fan designs.

This makes the iCEAGE a very pleasant cooler with performance that is very competent. If 3RSystem makes a slight modification to allow mounting of 2 fans the iCEAGE might even join the Scythe Infinity, Scythe Ninja Plus Rev. B, and OCZ Vindicator at the top 3.90 overclock. This would be a simple change in manufacturing and it would make the iCEAGE even more competitive.

iCEAGE does excel in the area of installation. It is one of the most secure installations we have seen, which is particularly impressive considering how easy the iCEAGE is to install. If 3RSystem can just raise the mating pins on the back of the CPU block a bit for a more positive lock it will be all but perfect. When you see so many horrible install procedures from major names in cooling, you wonder what it takes to get an installation right. 3RSysytem obviously figured it out and got most things right as a new name in cooling. They are to be congratulated for their efforts, because the installation is truly simple and very stable.

Perhaps the suggestion we can make to many established names in cooling is to throw out your current install procedures and take a fresh look. There are better ways to do it, and the iCEAGE is one example of a much better installation method.

The iCEAGE is an excellent first cooler from a new name in air cooling. 3RSystem pride themselves in their Research and Development capabilities, and that talent shows in the design of iCEAGE. The cooler can be improved in a few areas with some simple changes, and we do hope 3RSystems will consider our suggestions.

You can get slightly better performance from our top tier heatpipe towers, but if you do decide to buy an iCEAGE you will likely not be disappointed. Performance is near the top, the design is the best heatpipe tower configuration, the variable speed high-output fan is effective, and installation is about as good as it gets. The biggest problem you may have is finding an iCEAGE for sale with such limited distribution in some parts of the world. When you do find iCEAGE for sale 3RSystems also tells us you will be pleased with the price. We are told the iCEAGE retail pricing will generally be at or below comparable offerings from other manufacturers.