Heatsink Base

The high number of fins in the CoolGate increases its overall surface area and allows for better thermal dissipation. The heatpipes are, as seen in the picture below, connected very close to the heatsink base. This allows for a more efficient heat transfer.

The heatpipes

The base and, more importantly, the contact area of the heatsink are probably the areas which deserves the most attention in the finishing of any heatsink. We were disappointed to find that the base of the CoolGate was not as well-finished as we had hoped it would be.

The picture below illustrates the 'penny test'. Notice how blurred the reflection of the penny is?

Reflection with coin

Here's another test, which we previously used in the KestrelKing III review - the pen test. Once again, the CoolGate didn't perform quite as well as the KestrelKing III, which was a bit of a letdown.

Reflection with pen

Here's a look at the base of the heatsink from a few different angles:

Base shot

Another base shot