The Katana Cu is nicely packaged in a colorful multilingual box. The packaging is completely proudly adorned with specifications and details on all sides, including product photos, warranty and compatibility information.
Package Contents
The Katana is packed on its side toward the back, with all the mounting hardware and other hardware located in the front. One thing that impressed me was the choice of mounting options available, which make this one of the most versatile heatsinks on the market. This heatsink can be mounted on practically anything. The package contained everything to mount the cooler on a socket 775, 940/939/754, 478, 370, and Socket A (462).
Because there are so many mounting options, needless to say there is a LOT of hardware in this package. Along with generic white thermal paste is a 4-pin Molex power adapter (for those who choose not to power the fan from the motherboard). Also there are 2 sets of instructions for the different installation methods. This does look rather difficult to install on the AMD 940/939/754 sockets, due to the assembly involved.
Inspection
The heatsink and fan feels fairly light, but both of the heat pipes are positioned ¼ of the way out off center. Heat pipes are apparently the latest buzzword these days, but the presentation of them is also important. All four ends of the heat pipes are professionally covered with cap nuts. The base is also one of the best finishes that I have ever seen on an air cooling heat sink. The smooth surface is flawless and reflects like a magical bronze mirror! Even most water-cooling blocks still have some sort of machining marks in them, but this air cooler’s finish is almost perfect. We should see some good results!
