SilverStone NT04 CPU cooler review

Greetings! Having previously looked at a case from SilverStone, today we're looking at a CPU cooler, the NT04, and how well it stacks up against the stock cooler supplied with AMD's retail boxed Athlon64 models. But first, let's have a look at the specs surrounding this cooler, shall we?

Specifications

NT04 heatsink

Material - Extruded aluminum fins
Color - Silver
Application - AMD K8 Socket 754, 939, 940, AM2
Net weight - 300 g
Dimension - 94 mm (W) x 52 mm (H) x 80 mm (D)
Dimension (w/ fan) - 94.2mm (W) x 75mm (H) x 80mm (D)

80mm aluminum cooling fan

Fan speed - 2500rpm ±10%
Max airflow - 29.07CFM
Max air pressure - 2.8mmH2O
Noise - 25dBA
Fan blade size - 80 x 80 x 25mm
Bearing - Ultra maglev oil protection

Suitable for - AMD K8 Socket 754, 939, 940, AM2.

CPU Support - AMD Athlon 64 4000+ (Socket 754/939), AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (Socket AM2)

From the above, we can determine that this cooler isn't (I feel) aimed at high-end enthusiasts, but those looking for a reasonably priced and quiet solution. But, was this how it turned out? All will be revealed, after we've taken a look at the cooler in more pictorial detail.