The Thermaltake SpinQ is a very unique design for a CPU heatsink. The spiral fins and squirrel-cage fan provide some extra airflow around the CPU socket, but not as much as a downward-facing heatsink. Installation was very easy since it uses the same method as the stock heatsinks do, and although performance was not the best, it still was decent and allowed a respectable overclock. When installed in the system we saw no compatibility issues, except that which was caused by our motherboard and case combination, leaving little room above the motherboard.



However, the SpinQ does have some serious drawbacks worth considering. The stock mounting system is easy to use, but provides low mounting pressure. At the very least, this makes it not work so well with thicker thermal pastes. At most, it will mean less heat transfer from CPU to heatsink, which obviously reduces performance. The squirrel-cage style fan is also unique, which means it would be more difficult to find a replacement if the fan went bad. Fortunately, Thermaltake does include a two-year warranty in case such an event were to happen. The biggest problem with the SpinQ has to be the high price. For about the same price, buyers can find a Thermalright Ultra Extreme and get much better performance. If the price was in the $30 to $40 range, the SpinQ would have a better chance at competing in the mid-level heatsink market.



Overall the Thermaltake SpinQ is indeed a good choice for those looking for a mid-level heatsink that is different from all the rest, as long as they don't mind the extra cost.