Value and Conclusion
- The FSP Windale 6 has an MSRP of $47.99.
- Ultra quiet
- Solid performance
- Plenty of clearance for GPU
- Easy to install
- Exceptional build quality
- Dual fan support
- AM4 support with new stock
- Matte black finish is nice
- Over hangs DIMM slots
- Rubber fan mounts are finicky
- Blue LED limits appeal
- Short warranty
The FSP Windale 6 CPU cooler is a solid first offering from the venerable power supply manufacturer. Providing good cooling performance that has it neck to neck with the Thermalright True Spirit 140 Direct and the MSI Core Frozr L, this remains true not just for general performance, but for performance per dollar. The Windale 6 is very quiet in terms of noise output. While not on par with the True Spirit in terms of noise, it is still unlikely to ever be heard over other components. Build quality feels good with no major flaws to report on, and the same goes for the mounting hardware, which made for an easy install. FSP even made sure to include extra rubber fan mounts for dual-fan configurations. For those planning an AMD Ryzen build, the Windale 6 supports socket AM4 out of the box as well. Taking all of that into account, along with the good GPU clearance, this easy-on-the-eyes matte black cooler is an intriguing option.
A few issues are present. First and foremost is the fact that it hangs over two DIMM slots. Some slightly taller-than-normal memory with heatsinks will fit, but buyers should be mindful of that limitation. The blue LEDs on the 120 mm fan mean it's limited in terms of what system themes it will look best with. Speaking of the fan, the rubber fan mounts are finicky and also limit the ability to move the fan up for better RAM clearance. Finally, the warranty is a bit short at just a year.
Overall, the FSP Windale 6 is a damn good cooler, but it is not the quietest or the best-performing in its price segment. As such, it doesn't take the top spot in any one aspect, but does very well in all of them. This makes the Windale 6 a very solid offering and a worthy cooler. If the warranty were a bit longer and memory clearance a bit better, it would end up a truly stellar product. Instead, it will have to settle for being damn good.
The Windale 6 from FSP offers solid performance, low noise levels, and is easy to install if you don't mind the blue LED fan.