Enermax ETD-T60-VD Low Profile CPU Cooler Review

Given its low profile form factor and top-down design, the cooling performance of Enermax’s ETD-T60-VD is very impressive. It managed to outperform Cooler Master’s competing option, the GeminII SF524, in every cooling test. The performance of Cooler Master’s low noise Hyper 612S was also matched by a significantly smaller cooler indicating that the ETD-T60-VD uses a very efficient design with a good balance between heatsink optimisation and fan choice.

Acoustic performance isn’t a particularly strong area for the ETD-T60-VD. It came out with a mid-table finish compared to the other coolers we pitted it against. The PWM connection does however ensure that low noise output levels are easily achieved when maximum cooling performance isn’t a necessity.

Aesthetics are one of the major selling points for our ETD-T60 version which utilizes Enermax’s highly-regarded T.B. Vegas Duo fan. Multiple LED colours are easily changeable via a button wired directly to the fan. Configurations such as static, motion and a disco-like style can be set with a mixture of each of the 3 colours being used. If flashy lights and LEDs aren’t your thing, Enermax make it easy for users to easily switch their choice of fan by using an attractive black plastic fan holder which clips to the heatsink.

Installation was a mediocre point. The first few steps which involved the awkward hold down bar were frustrating but after that was completed the procedure wasn’t too awkward. A method which has you moving your motherboard about in the air to align its mounting holes with some screws that you can’t see is never a good idea so hopefully Enermax will design a simpler method for future coolers. Removing the fan be it for cleaning or to replace it was simple as the plastic fan holder simply clipped on to the side of the heatsink. Enermax allow you to install the ETD-T60-VD in 4 orientations making it versatile and user-definable dependant upon your specific clearance requirements, something which is always useful for low profile components.

Compatibility with all modern Intel and AMD sockets excluding LGA 2011 is always good to see. Nobody wants to purchase a CPU cooler only for it to have to be replaced if they decide to switch to a different motherboard and CPU set-up. A height of just 115 mm and heatsink weight of 540g makes the ETD-T60-VD a viable option for users who regularly move their small computer as it is unlikely that extra strain is going to be put on the motherboard.

With retail pricing of around £45/€48/$49.99, the Enermax ETD-T60-VD isn’t cheap. It does however offer good value for money when you consider the fact that it fits in tight spaces which few other coolers may be able to and performs very well while doing so. With competitive cooling performance which beats some of its closest rivals, an attractive appearance and the possibility for low-noise computing with the PWM fan, Enermax have a very good low profile CPU cooler in the ETD-T60-VD which is only let down by its tricky installation procedure. If you are looking to upgrade the cooling potential of your small form factor computer, the Enermax ETD-T60-VD is definitely a low profile CPU cooler worthy of recommendation.