Thermaltake Jing Review

Thermaltake Jing Review

Manufacturer: Thermaltake
UK Price (as reviewed): £56.88 (inc VAT)
US Price (as reviewed): $64.99 (ex tax)

When the Thermaltake Jing first appeared in our lab in its small box, we assumed it was a smaller version of the Frio, our current high-end favourite. However, when we unboxed the Jing, it was clear that its sole purpose was to knock its sibling off the top spot. It's slightly smaller than the Frio, but still sports a large heatsink and two 120mm fans, one placed on either side.

Initially we thought Thermaltake had installed these the wrong way round because the bearings and cages of the fans - normally an indicator of the exhaust end - both point outwards. This would normally mean the fans would be trying to create a vacuum inside the Jing, which would be catastrophic as far as cooling your CPU is concerned.

Our fears were put to rest though as one of the fans has been built in reverse with the air being drawn in the opposite end to normal, resulting in a push-pull arrangement with the other fan. Like the Frio, the Jing has independent fan control for both fans via two dials attached to the fan power cables. While PWM makes a good effort at keeping both your ears and your CPU comfortable, manual control still offers more flexibility.


The Jing installs in much the same way as the Frio, with sprung screws mounted to the cooler (one of which has been attached in the image on the right, above), securing to large plates mounted to the motherboard using a backplate. Like the Frio this is straightforward, but given its size it may well be easier to install with the motherboard removed from your case. Each screw locks into place, so it's impossible to apply too much pressure.



Specifications

• Compatibility Intel: LGA775, LGA1156, LGA1366. AMD: Socket AM2, AM2+, AM3
  
• Weight 920g
  
• Size (mm) 131 x 120 x 162 (W x D x H)
  
• Fan 2 x 120mm, manual control, 800 -1,300rpm
  
• Stated Noise 16dBA at 800rpm