Bitspower NP60CS Copper Skive Heatsink Review

Bitspower NP60CS Copper Skive Heatsink Review

So far this is the first all copper heatsink Bitspower have brought to the table, and as far as a first run goes, the NP60CS works quite well. As Skive heatsinks go, the NP60CS doesn't boast the highest of fin densities, or the thinnest of fins, but it does perform admirably, and that's always the most important aspect.

Improving on their manufacturing techniques, Bitspower have junked the 'bent look' their older heatsinks had, and gone for a more upright look here. This means that the fins are more straight and upright, and remarkably smooth on both sides. Generally, the skive process creates fins with a smooth and a bumpy side. This is a direct result of the way the metal is sheered off of the flat plate to form the fins.

	Heatsink Specsheet: Model: NP60CS Fan: SuperRED, 5400RPM, 12V, 0.28A. Fan Dim: 20x60x60mm Heatsink Dim: 52x60x62mm HS Material: Copper Mfg by: Bitspower Cost: ~$32 Sold By: www.bitspower.com

Bitspower NP60CS Heatsink From All Angles
	The Fan: The fan is a Super RED and draws 0.28A when at full power. RPM monitoring is standard and the noise levels are moderate, but not extreme. It connects via a 3-pin fan header on the motherboard.
	Heatsink Top: The fan shroud works to keep the fan above the relatively fragile fins, and also directs the flow of air towards the center slightly. The clip was easy to engage and not at all overly stiff. Some manufacturers include clips which are extra stiff because they want to ensure the heavier heatsink does not come loose.
	Side A: With 33 fins spaced 1.15mm apart the NP60CS is not the highest density Skive heatsink on the market, but it is well equipped. The base plate is 5mm thick, and 60mm in length. Each fin is about 22mm in height. There is 4mm of space between the tips of the fins and the base of the fan.
	Side B: The clip works well enough when locking the heatsink down onto the socket but doesn't have any type of tab at the fulcrum to prevent the mass of the heatsink from sliding after installation. The two sets of skived fins are 25mm in width. The opening for the clip is 8mm.
	Heatsink Base: We can never stress enough the importance of a good smooth flat base. While the NP60CS has been machined, the finish is not completely perfect. The base is flat but left with minor machining marks making the use of good thermal paste mandatory.