May 11th 2010 - AMD are shuffling their mainstream value processors, introducing a new top-dog Athlon II X4, the AMD Athlon II X4 640. Several other AMD Athlon II models are launching and we snagged an energy efficient triple core, the new Athlon II X3e 415. Finally, Cooler Master launched their new budget aftermarket heatsink and fan CPU cooler, the Vortex Plus. Today we're going to look at how the Vortex Plus performs as we compare the two new multi-core Athlon II processors with existing ones. Below you can see the three new mainstream and three new energy efficient processors added to the stack.

May 11th 2010 Launch

Cooler Master's Vortex Plus is a low profile CPU cooler featuring direct contact copper heatpipes and 92mm fan, targeting small form factor cases using mini-ITX and micro-ATX motherboards. The Vortex Plus is compatible with AMD socket AM2 and AM3 motherboards, and Intel socket 775, 1156 and 1366 motherboards, without needing motherboard removal.

CoolerMaster Vortex Plus

Today we will look at the AMD Athlon II processor product line and how well the Cooler Master Vortex Plus works with them. You can find the specifications of the new heatsink and processors over the next two pages - take a look!