An All-metal FAN??

The video opens by contrasting the traditional CPU cooler with a metal heatsink and fan approach, highlighting Thermaltake’s all-metal Engine 27 as a bold departure from conventional designs. The host walks through the historical idea of metal spinning impellers paired with fixed metal bases, noting that this concept first surfaced in 2012 with the Sandia cooler and later prototypes at CES, before Thermaltake finally brought a market-ready product to the scene. The core explanation centers on the theory: a small air gap between a fixed grooved base and a spinning grooved impeller should still permit heat transfer, as if the two were effectively connected. The discussion then shifts to the practical evaluation, where a set of small form factor coolers, including the Engine 27 and a stock Intel cooler for baseline comparison, are tested on an Intel Core i7-6700K system under controlled conditions. The host describes the testing methodology in detail, including the use of NZXT CAM for fan curves and IC Diamond thermal compound for consistent contact, ensuring a fair comparison across devices. In the initial results, the Engine 27 performs poorly relative to expectations, coming in as the worst cooler in the test with roughly 10 degrees Celsius more CPU temperature under load than the nearest aftermarket competitor, and it also emits more noise than the stock cooler. Despite the disappointing cooling performance, the video emphasizes that CPU cooling is not the only factor; overall airflow to surrounding components remains critical. The host then provides a balanced assessment, noting that while the Engine 27 is not a top performer, its slim profile,being notably shorter than rival coolers,offers practical appeal for compact builds, provided its cooling limitations are accepted. Finally, the video culminates with a lighthearted awards segment, acknowledging the Engine 27 as better-than-nothing in its niche, while also giving playful “best looking” and “ugliest” awards to other cooling options. The closing moments shift to a viewer giveaway promotion for a high-speed portable SSD, followed by a brief push to like, subscribe, and explore related content and gear. In sum, the Engine 27 is celebrated for engineering audacity and form factor, but its real-world cooling power falls short of competitive expectations, making it a niche option for slim builds rather than a general upgrade for most systems.

Topics · technology · hardware · computer-cooling · product-review