MCX159™ series Chipset Heatsinks for AMD® & Intel® platform motherboards



Made in the USA      
Patented

Features

Introducing the MCX159™ series heatsinks, the first extreme performance heatsinks designed for high front side bus frequency chipsets.

  • Hybrid copper base, and thin aluminum pin heatsink:
    the massive 1/2" thick copper base provides superior heat capacity for unparalleled stability in extreme overclocking applications. The thin aluminum pins promote increased turbulence for more efficient heat dissipation compared to traditional fin extrusions.
  • Patented Helicoid pin design (U.S. patent 6,469,898): pins are individually machined in an helicoid shape, to increase their surface area, and further enhance heat dissipation efficiency.
  • Ultra quiet (18 dBA) VAPO bearing Sunon 40mm fan
  • Three models are available, using different retention mechanisms for compatibility with with a wide variety of platforms:
    • MCX159-A™ for AMD® processor platforms - see compatibility specifications
    • MCX159-P™ for Intel® processor platforms - see compatibility specifications
    • MCX159-R™ (Retail version) includes both retention mechanisms


Click on picture to enlarge

Important notification to users: due to the extreme variety existing among chipset retention mechanisms, as well as location of the chipset relative to the CPU and/or other components, Swiftech simply cannot keep track of all motherboard configurations, and guarantee compatibility. As a result, Swiftech's customer service will respond to specific queries with respect to motherboard compatibility by referring users to this page. It is the responsibility of the user to determine compatibility based on the information provided below.

As we receive information from various sources, a "known compatibility" list for system integration purposes is published below and will be updated on an ongoing basis. End-users who will send us a picture of their installed system will receive a $5.00 credit towards their next purchase of a Swiftech product (restrictions apply)
Known Compatibility list for system integration
CPU socket
Heatsink Model
Motherboard Make
Model & link to review
462
MCX159-A
Abit
478
MCX159-P
Abit
478
MCX159-P
Abit
478
MCX159-P
AOpen
775
MCX159-P
Asus
P5AD2 series
775
MCX159-P
Gigabyte
462
MCX159-A
Asus
478
MCX159-P
Asus
P4C800E
478
MCX159-P
Asus
P4P800E
939
MCX159-R
Asus
A8V
462
MCX159-A
DFI
462
MCX159-A
Epox
478
MCX159-A
Gigabyte

Fan

This particular fan was selected specifically for its low noise characteristics.

Model

VDC

AMP

WATTS

RPM

CFM

Inch-H2O

dBA

KDE1204PKV3
(vapo bearing)
2 wires

12

0.05

0.6

5200

6.3

0.11

18


Overall quality & attention to details

Exceptional quality and attention to details: the heatsink base is lapped to 0.0003" (3/10 of 1/1000"), and polished to near-mirror finish to promote optimum thermal conductivity. Users are advised that while flatness is strictly respected for providing the most significant benefit to thermal interface, surface polish is a cosmetic component and may vary slightly from one heatsink to another. Re-lapping or polishing the heatsink base is never recommended.

The MCX159-P™ for Intel platforms shown above features neoprene pad stabilizers. These are used for two purposes: stabilize the heatsink, and minimize the risk of damaging the processor core upon installation. These pads must be removed when installed on chipsets protected by a heat spreader. Below are examples or when to use the pads, and when NOT to use the pads:

Pads needed
Pads not needed

Specifications


click on picture to enlarge

MCX159™
Base dimensions 1.59 x 1.59 x 0.5" - 40.4 x 40.4 x 12.7mm
Base material Copper C110
Base flatness better than .001" - 25µ
Base micro surface finish 8 or better
Heat dissipation medium 96 Helicoid pins (patented), made of high conductivity aluminum alloy 1100 (218 W/m-K)
Heatsink overall dimensions without fan 1.59 x 1.59 x 1.63" - 40.4 x 40.4 x 42 mm
Heatsink overall dimensions with fan 1.59 x 1.59 x 2.47" - 40.4 x 40.4 x 62.8mm
Weight with fan 8.4 oz - 238 g
Fan summary specs 40x20mm fan 12V DC 2 wires (no RPM output) - 6 CFM 18dBA

Performance *

1.26°C/W

* C/W shown is the heat sink to air values, excluding thermal resistance of the TIM joint, which will vary depending on the thermal interface used and bench test conditions. For reference, Swiftech's TIM joint bench test value is 0.09°C/W. All tests are performed in an environmental chamber using Industry standard procedures, and calibrated equipment.

Retention mechanisms

AMD® systems

  • MCX159-A™: thru-motherboard bolts, and springs. Springs are compressed by a knurled knob, and feature a compression limiter. Installation requires removal of the motherboard. Bracket design affords compatibility with various chipset models.

    Compatibility: center to center distance between mounting holes ranges from 2.05" (52.1mm) to 2.41" (61.4mm).

    Note that due to wide variations in motherboard manufacturers retention solutions, users are advised to check their motherboard retention mechanism prior to upgrading.


INTEL® systems
  • MCX159-P™ : Effective 1-30-04 a double spring wire-clip hooks onto Intel-validated solution (wire loops). Installation does not require removal of the motherboard. The clips hook to all four loops.

    Compatibility: center to center diagonal distance between loops is 3" (77mm).


Click to enlarge

Chipset compatibility includes but is not limited to i875™ and i865™ chipsets.

Note that due to wide variations in motherboard manufacturers retention solutions, users are advised to check their motherboard retention mechanism prior to upgrading.

For example, some Intel® platform motherboards do not use hook-and-loop style retention, but use instead thru-motherboard spring-pins. In such case the MCX150-A™ could become a valid option with its thru-motherboard bolts. Users should measure the distance between the mounting holes and compare it to the specifications indicated for the MCX159-A™.


Effective 1-30-04 the MCX159-P is shipped with two spring clips, thus attaching to all 4 loops on the motherboard.
  • MCX159-R™ is a version intended for retail channels. It includes both of the above retention mechanisms. It ships with with the wire-clip pre-installed.

Manufacturer Suggested Retail Pricing

Please consult your Swiftech distributor prior to ordering direct from us, or purchase the product factory direct here

Model Description Fan Retention Hardware & accessories MSRP in US$
MCX159-A™ Heatsink fan included thru-board spring/bolts & nuts included $35.50
MCX159-P™ Heatsink fan included Wire spring clip included $35.50
MCX159-R™ Heatsink fan included wire-clip and thru-board retention included $39.95
Accessories
MCX159-A-RB Retention hardware set for AMD platforms $6.50
MCX159-P-RB Wire clip & neo-pads for Intel platforms $6.50

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Restrictions:

  • Only pictures showing Swiftech products will be accepted (CPU heatsink or water-block and chipset heatsink)
  • When several pictures of the same motherboard are received, we reserve the right to choose among the best quality pictures
  • Only published pictures are eligible for the $5.00 credit
  • Redemption is valid on Swiftech's online store only




Contents

> Known compatibility for system integration
 > 
Fan
 > 
Overall quality
 > 
Specifications
 > 
Suggested Retail Pricing
 
Installation Guides

English
MCX159-A™
MCX159-P™
MCX159-R™

French
MCX159-A
MCX159-P
MCX159-R