GELID Solutions Silent Spirit CPU Heatsink Review

We tested the GELID Solutions Silent Spirit against several other popular coolers that we’ve reviewed in the past.  Some of the other coolers in this lineup have more weight, and we expect the results to pretty much line up with how heavy each of the coolers are.  The included fan was also designed to be silent, with an RPM range of 900 to 2400.  Based on its weight, fan speed, and pricepoints, we expect the Silent Spirit to fall right in the middle, and certainly outperform the stock cooler from Intel.

Test platform was an Asus P5W DH Deluxe, with a core 2 duo e6600 overclocked to 2.8ghz. I kept the fan on the radiator on its normal setting and room temperature was kept at a constant temperature.  Although this cooler comes with its own thermal compound, this is not what we used when testing our other coolers, so it was wiped and we used Arctic Silver 5 to ensure an even playing field for all the contestants.

	GELID Solutions Silent Spirit Performance Heatsink Model Idle Load Danger Den Watercooling Kit 39 56 Noctua NH-C12P (read our review) (check prices) 36 54 Intel Stock (check prices) 41 67 Zalman CNPS 9700 NT (read our review) (check prices) 36 53 Tuniq Tower 120 (read our review) (check prices) 35 52 Gelid Silent Spirit 36 59

As expected, GELID’s Silent Spirit performed rather well for a midrange cooler.  It couldn’t outperform Noctua’s NH-C12P or the Zalman CNPS9700, which are both heavier and more expensive.  The Silent Spirit does perform much better than Intel’s stock cooler, but that’s a feat that should be expected from any third-party cooler.  One thing to note is that the Silent Spirit was completely silent at idle, and could barely be heard under full load.  I’m sure it’s possible to improve this cooler’s performance if you were to slap on a different fan.  As far as third-party coolers go, the Silent Spirit is rather attractive at its $29.99 price.

GELID’s Silent Spirit Cooler does a decent job considering what you’re getting.  It has one of the better heat-to-price ratios, especially for a mid-range cooler.  This heatsink is adequate for even the latest Intel i7 line of processors… I just wouldn’t do any overclocking with it.  Since it is so quiet, it would be perfect in a HTPC project.  If you have a spare rig that doesn’t need to be absolutely pushed to the limit then Gelid’s Silent Spirit may be just what you need.

	REPORT CARD : Gelid Silent Spirit CPU Heatsink category rating comments Quality 4 Very well constructed, and good materials Innovation 3 This design is pretty old hat at this point Performance 3 About what you expect from a midrange cooler Installation 4 Flexible installation options, but use pushpins.  I’m not a fan of pushpins. Value 3 Not the Prom Queen, but still one of the pretty girls at the dance. FINAL VERDICT: 3 out of 5 stars

Oh, and by the way, I did find an appropriate definition of heatsink: