A Closer Look

The OrigenAE C10 heatsink is a low-profile heatsink meant for HTPC systems (like the OrigenAE S10V reviewed here) and other low-profile cases. It is only as wide as the 70mm on the front of the heatsink, except for the mounting system. Behind the fan are 35 aluminum fins surrounded by an aluminum shroud that helps direct the airflow through the fins.


In order for a heatsink this small to be effective on CPUs like an Intel Core 2 Quad, there needs to be more than just aluminum fins. OrigenAE incorporated three U-shaped copper heatpipes into the design. Like many heatsinks recently reviewed at TechPowerUp, these copper heatpipes are exposed and come in direct contact with the CPU heatspreader. This allows the C10 to perform better than the stock Intel heatsink while still maintaining the same small footprint.


Under the razor-blade test, the base of the C10 is rather flat. The copper heatpipes come in good contact with the CPU, while there is a small gap between the aluminum part of the base and the CPU. Since the heatpipes are the part of the base working to transfer the heat, that is fine, but the gap beneath the aluminum part may make spreading the thermal compound out a little more difficult.