Price: $66



Introduction:

Most avid enthusiasts will get into either silent/quiet computing or extreme forms of cooling. The heatsink reviewed here from ProlimaTech - the MK-13 Multi VGA heatsink is designed to fit many various graphics cards and allow either quiet configurations or optimal cooling for users who want to push their graphics cards - in either case the card equipped with this heatsink should run cool judging from the sheer size of the main heatsink with six heatpipes spanning its length with moderately spaced fins for a balance between restriction and performance. Fans aren't included, which allows users to customize the setup to their liking - up to four fans can be fitted on the heatsink as long as the case space allows - a bracket stretches out on which to mount the fans.

Closer look:

Looking at the box, a white outline of the MK-13 is immediately visible with a camouflage look in the background. Blue, black, green, and white colors are common on the box art. The ProlimaTech name and website are both boldly presented on the front of the box along with the larger MK-13 and Multi-VGA Cooler moniker. A white line separates the picture and the company logo/part name. Rotating to the back reveals a similar style - torn border at the top that separates ProlimaTech's logo/website, MK-13, and Multi-VGA Cooler from the installation notes and features - Omni-Mount Retention System for installation on various VGA cards, supports a maximum of four fans, no fuss, easy no-tool installation, solder on all contact points for maximum heat transfer, exclusive Prolimatech Omni-Mount Retention System for installation on all major VGA cards including future VGA cards, six high-quality copper heat pipes, works with 12cm duo fans (not included) for maximum cooling capacity, and Includes metal supporting cast to install two fans perpendicular to the VGA heatsink. The heatsink is made in China.

The first side sports the graphics card compatibility list separated for ATI and NVIDIA graphics cards. Starting with the NVIDIA list, both Geforce and Quadro are listed and range from Geforce 7800 series all the way up to Geforce GTX 285 and from the Quadro FX1400 all the way up to Quadro FX5600. The ATI side lists fewer - starting with the Radeon HD 3850/3870 and Radeon HD 4770 to Radeon HD 4890, to the Radeon HD 5750 and Radeon HD 5870. In red at the top it warns: "to ensure a more steady installation, a chassis with at least 20cm of width is strongly recommended." Oddly, the 9800GX2 is listed as supported although it is a dual GPU graphics card, which I think is an error. Opening the box shows some plastic foam padding the heatsink for protection, with the manual on top ready for viewing.

Lifting the initial foam pad shows another formed pad that encircles the heat sink- more are underneath it and provide a ring of protection. The large heatsink is finally revealed! Mounting holes are visible, along with the heat pipes. A protective bag and a sticker over the base also help keep the heatsink safe during the transition from shipping to installation. With everything removed, users will find that several medium and small heatsinks were also included for cooling memory and the occasional hot spots as well as voltage regulation. A backplate and many thumb-screws are also included, meaning a straight and easy installation, although most people will have already used tools to get their old graphics card cooling solution taken apart. The mounting brackets for the fans are seen to the right. Lastly, we have the user manual that lists the parts and numbers them accordingly in several languages and should be a good aid in installing the heatsink to a graphics card.

Time to get some close ups and get it installed!