Overclocking On Air: 10 LGA 1156-Compatible Performance Coolers

Tuniq Tower 120 Extreme

While our experience with the Tuniq brand is extremely limited, a quick look at the design elements of Tuniq's $60 Tower 120 Extreme back up its claims of design innovation.

To begin with, the Tower 120 Extreme is the first cooler in today’s comparison that uses fully-enclosed sides, something that’s critical in a pull fan arrangement, but still helpful with push fans. The Tower 120 Extreme is both, since its fan is located internally between two sink halves. By placing it in the center, Tuniq protects the LED fan from damage while creating a unique look as light escapes from between and under the sink’s fins.

A built-on bracket supports both AMD and Intel processors, including Socket 939, AM2, AM2+, and AM3 and LGA 775, 1156, and 1366. AMD adapter brackets and an Intel LGA support plate complete the installation kit.

Tuniq is one of several manufacturers to use direct-touch heat pipes to reduce latent heat and cooler weight. A finely sanded finish maintains excellent flatness for improved CPU contact, although grooves along each heat pipe’s edge slightly reduce the contact area.

LGA 1156 and 1366 installation begins by installing screws and nuts onto the support plate to create threaded studs that slip through the motherboard’s mounting holes. Spring-loaded nuts then secure the cooler against the CPU. The support plate must be added to the motherboard prior to fitting the motherboard inside cases, although the cooler itself can be installed and removed from inside any case that’s large enough to allow access to the cooler’s hold-down nuts.