FSP Windale 6 CPU Cooler Overview
FSP gave us something new to look at with their CMT210 Chassis, but they included a CPU cooler to review as well That is FSP Windale 6 CPU Cooler. The CMT210 was excellent in addressing tiny details that can cause frustration for someone, especially if it’s a first-time PC build.
Now we have the FSP Windale 6 CPU Cooler to look at and while we’ll be looking at how easily the cooler installs, cooling performance will be an integral point to look at as well. We also won’t forget aesthetics. As always, we’ll get to Windale soon enough, but first, let’s look at the company statement again from FSP!
A closer look at FSP Windale 6 CPU Cooler:
Packaging:
I have to wonder, just how many of you actually check out this packaging section? Don’t get me wrong, I completely understand, but if you stopped at this page, go to the forum post for this review and copy this phrase: “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night…”
All-in-all, the packaging looks very nice and seems to adequately protect the product. It’s a good start for FSP.
Install:
The installation process certainly had its up and downs. For starters though, the bracket step was really good. The bolts slide into nice notches that will keep them from spinning, while the plastic nuts hold everything in place very well. Installing the cooler mounts after that was a cinch.
The next step is where things get a little ugly. The part of the bracket that holds the cooler down merely rests on the cooler base. The screws have no springs and it’s really easy to knock things out of place when trying to line up the cooler. With careful placing though, you can get the screws lined up and started.
The next step that gets pretty rough is installing the fan. FSP has a design that is bound to obsolete any and all fan vibration noise. On the other hand, it means you have to push rubber mounts into holes on the top and bottom of the cooler. Obviously, the top isn’t nearly as hard as getting to the bottom.
The install process on the Windale 6 wasn’t my favorite, but I can certainly say I’ve had worse. I think the biggest thing would be to manufacture slots to push the fan mounts from the side, instead of the top.
Also, I had some interesting boot issues when I first set everything. Basically, be careful when you tighten down the Windale. It has no tension springs and if the grooves on the base bracket aren’t lined up, you might over-tension the socket. For the full details, check out my video review below.
Also, I want to give a quick mention to EpicGear for sponsoring The Hardware Hound channel and helping me continue to bring video content to the site. Check out our reviews of Defiant and Morpha X if you want to learn more about their products, but now let’s move on to the rest of the review.
The thing I loved the most about the Windale however, was the aesthetic. The full black finish followed by the excellent deep blue LED glow was perfect on this cooler. You might want to match your system color scheme a bit more, or you can go with a crazy red-and-blue mix.
Conclusion:
While the FSP Windale 6 CPU Cooler may not have impressed as much as the CMT210, this is one of the best-looking 120mm air coolers in its bracket making it a very compelling choice.