[Vortez] Alphenfohn K2 Mount Doom CPU Cooler

[Helios1234]

Right guys, I generally don't like making threads dedicated to my reviews but seeing as how OCUK are first to have stock of the Alpenfohn K2, I thought I'd share my thoughts of it...

Alpenföhn is a brand we have grown accustomed to here on Vortez having reviewed many of their offerings, from their entry-level Triglav to the high-end Matterhorn. Despite not claiming any top spots on our ever-competitive charts, we have always admired their products for their engineering, aesthetics, and innovation. It’s not often that we see manufacturers deviating from the norm to bring new ideas to the table and Alpenföhn have never shied from such opportunities. We only have to look at Triglav and its 10mm heat pipes to see that such designs can prove very effective. However, the picture isn’t always so rosy when we turn our attention to some of their other ideas. While the features of the Matterhorn might have looked great on paper, it failed to translate well into real world performance leaving us somewhat disappointed. But this is where Alpenföhn hope to make a bigger impact in the cooling world and very fittingly as the case may be, they are doing so with their biggest cooler yet, the K2.

FULL REVIEW

The K2 is actually a very good cooler, if the price and design wasn't already a good indicator. It's not quite as efficient as the cheaper Thermalright Silver Arrow or the likes of the NH-D14 or Phanteks PH-TC14PE but it is easily the best looking cooler I've used. The Phanteks may be available in 4 colours but the finish still doesn't match what Alpenfohn have produced here in my opinion. The front 120mm fans means that slightly taller memory modules than low profile ones can be accommodated and you can always shift it up slightly. Installation is extremely easy and on par with the best. Fan mounting can be a bit of a hassle but if your case has plenty of room, it shouldn't be a problem. Size-wise, it's 160mm tall so it should fit in most mid-tower cases comfortably, unlike the Silver Arrow or Phanteks which are slightly taller.

For the best performance, the Silver Arrow would still be my choice but those looking for a more aesthetically pleasing alternative and don't mind sacrifising a couple of degrees should definitely consider it. Also worth mentioning that Alpenfohn have excellent support and will provide you with the relevant LGA2011 screws if you email them.

BUY NOW @ £69.98

 

[pgi947]

Can't see this being a big seller tbh, 98% will go for Price + Performance in which case the SA wins, and the 2% that go for raw performance will go Phanteks/d14/custom water IMO.

Am I the only one seeing the glaring hole in the market for a high end air cooler thats under £50?

Edit: Sorry just realised how negative that post sounded, it is a cosmetically nice cooler, but its price point is a real stinger.

 

[Helios1234]

Can't see this being a big seller tbh, 98% will go for Price + Performance in which case the SA wins, and the 2% that go for raw performance will go Phanteks/d14/custom water IMO.

Am I the only one seeing the glaring hole in the market for a high end air cooler thats under £50?

Sometimes people pay money for looks. I mean how many people buy these ALC units that are frankly not very good (relative to air coolers) unless you use the fans at defeaningly loud settings. The great thing the K2 does it target people who are put off by the Noctua's or Silver Arrow's fan colours plus there should be absolutely no issue fitting it inside a decent mid-tower case. You're right that there should be good coolers that are under £50 and there are! The Thermalright Venomous X is perfect in that category. There are others such as the Thermaltake Frio or Cooler Master 612+ but they are both let down by their installation process.

 

[Raikiri]

Well, the Frio sucks purely due to the fact it needs to be used at a very loud setting to get decent results.

Looks good anyway, could do with dropping to £55 or so to really be competitive though.

 

[cammy5477]

Sometimes people pay money for looks.

only if your talking hookers