A Hidden Gem - XIGMATEK GAIA

mickyflinn · 28 Jan 2012 at 14:05

I was looking through the cpu coolers and found the XIGMATEK GAIA for £16.99, so being a bargain hunter i did a little research and found this gem that competes with the likes of the Cooler Master hYPER 212 +.

So thought i share it with my fellow forum members

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-012-XG

Review

Xigmatek's Gaia SD 1283 CPU cooler has it all covered. It's got outstanding cooling performance, a diminutive acoustic footprint, a distinctive look, an innovative direct touch design and a robust yet easily installed mounting solution. Xigmatek has done a great job with the Gaia, offering the PC enthusiast community top-notch, quiet cooling performance in a well-engineered product with excellent fit and finish.

As you can probably tell, I like this Gaia cooler a lot. I would recommend it highly to almost any enthusiast looking for an extremely quiet cooler with great performance that's easily installed and good looking to boot. Widely available for an MSRP of somewhere in the neighborhood of $30, Gaia is a very good value indeed. So keep your eyes open for the Gaia. You won't be disappointed.

Pros:

- Great cooling performance
- Direct touch heatpipe design
- Extremely quiet
- Very wide socket compatibility
- Excellent mounting solutions
- Easy installation

Cons:

- Ummm…doesn't install itself

http://www.tweaknews.net/reviews/xigmatek_gaia_sd1283_review/index8.php

stulid · 28 Jan 2012 at 14:18

Cheers, does look like a cheap, handy item indeed.

MikeHunt79 · 28 Jan 2012 at 15:58

I use an s1283 which is pretty similar by the looks of the photo

It performs well especially at lower fan speeds, great for quiet rigs

mmj_uk · 28 Jan 2012 at 21:03

I might pick a couple up for my spare rigs (Pentiums), thanks for the heads up.

Subliminal Aura · 3 Feb 2012 at 12:42

I'm in too - Looks like a direct competitor to the Gelid

mickyflinn · 3 Feb 2012 at 12:44

You should check that it will fit into your case.

Subliminal Aura · 3 Feb 2012 at 12:44

mickyflinn said:
You should check that it will fit into your case.

What case

mickyflinn · 3 Feb 2012 at 12:46

Maybe a computer case.

Subliminal Aura · 3 Feb 2012 at 12:51

Back OT - It looks a little light... any owners wish to confirm how heavy it is in comparison to the Gelid ?

mickyflinn · 3 Feb 2012 at 12:56

You should have read the full review its all there.

460g without fan

http://www.tweaknews.net/reviews/xigmatek_gaia_sd1283_review/index2.php

I have read a few other reviews and if you add a second 120mm fan to the gaia it has a big gain in cooling.

Subliminal Aura · 3 Feb 2012 at 12:57

Ease up Mickey ... I read that it's 460g that's why I enquired

mickyflinn · 3 Feb 2012 at 12:59

Apologies if i sound sharp. :eek:

Subliminal Aura · 3 Feb 2012 at 13:01

mickyflinn said:
Apologies if i sound sharp.

Not as sharp as me.

Anyway I'm thinking about this

mickyflinn · 3 Feb 2012 at 13:13

GAIA 120(W) x 50(D) x 159(H) mm

TRANQUILLO 74 x 125 x 153mm (L x W x H)

Its 6mm taller the the tranquillo so as long as you have the room and if you want to add a second fan like Corsair 120mm Fan - Black £3.98 makes it a steal.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FG-000-CS&groupid=701&catid=57&subcat=4

Subliminal Aura · 3 Feb 2012 at 13:19

Tranquillo weighs 645 g

superleeds27 · 3 Feb 2012 at 13:44

So whats the quitness of this thing like i wonder.

Its tempting to buy, after something quietier then my Freezer 13

Currently have my Freezer 13 rpm manually sat at around 600!

olivier renault · 3 Feb 2012 at 13:50

Yeah, was looking at it earlier. Looks like a good option for a quiet rig. And it's small. Kinda like my MUX-120 / Hyper 212.

Subliminal Aura · 3 Feb 2012 at 14:27

I've got

Hyper Evo > Gelid ~= Gaia.

Some put the Gaia above the Gelid some don't. Ordered and taking a punt. Let's see if skimping 10-13 quid was really worth it

shootersam · 3 Feb 2012 at 15:56

I like my Gelid, but might give this a go seeing it's so cheap

superleeds27 · 3 Feb 2012 at 17:56

Gelid and this better than the Freezer pro in terms of quietness/performance?