Xigmatek XLF-S1253:

Xigmatek also sent us a fan, the XLF-F1253. The standard fan on the HDT-S1283 is rated for 56.1 cfm @ 1500 rpm, and 27.2 dBA. The XLF-F1253 is also a 120x120x25mm fan, but rated for 61CFM @ 1500rpm and just 20dBA. This fan uses long-life sleeve bearings vs. the HDT's standard fan's rifle bearings, and increases estimated life expectancy from 40,000hrs to 50,000hrs. The XLF-F1253 also features a dark colored transparent shroud and four white LED's, and a 3-pin PWM controller plug.

After recalibrating the fan speed control in the BIOS to 3-pin PWM for the XLF-F1253, I reiterated my idle and load tests. Here are the results for both standard fan and XLF-F1253, in both stock clock and overclocked configuration. Immediately I noticed I could overclock higher - 1.525v vCore and x18 multiplier gave a great Prime stable 3.6Ghz.

Xigmatek HDT-S1283 Heatsink & Fan Results:

Xigmatek HDT-S1283 Heatsink with XLF-F1253 Fan Results:

Looking at the first set of results using the HDT-S1283 with stock fan, we already note a drop in idle temp. Idle CPU IHS temperature is 26C, loading up to 40C after 4 minutes of Prime95. After 30 minutes of load, Prime95 is stopped and the CPU IHS temperature returns to idle in 2 minutes. The CPU core average temperature begins at an idle low of 35C, increasing to load high of 47C after 2 minutes. After stopping the Prime95 load test, the CPU core average temperature returns to idle temp in under 2 minutes. Overclocked results show a similar improvement over the stock cooler, with a higher vCore and clock speed resulting in lower CPU IHS temperatures. Idle low for CPU IHS is 34C, and CPU core average idle low is 46C, both close the to the stock coolers temps for a non-overclocked system. Initiating the Prime95 load sees the CPU IHS temperature eventually hit a high of 54C after 10 minutes, after fluctuating in the low 50's. The CPU core average matches this, after 12 minutes reaching the peak high of 62C. Terminating Prime95 shows the CPU core average temp return to normal in 1 minute, with the CPU IHS returning to idle low after 2 minutes.

Examining the second set of results shows the differences the XLF-F1253 fan makes - nearly none. The idle and peak temps are almost identical to the stock fan results. However the XLF-F1253 is quieter than the stock HDT-S1283 fan, but neither is loud. The stock fan's max rating of 56CFM @ 1500rpm is quiet and non-intrusive, rated at 24dBA by Xigmatek. The XLF-F1253 is rated at 61CFM at less than 20dBA, giving the same cooling performance with low noise and enhanced looks. Real world, both are inaudible if you have any background noise - ceiling fans, window unit A/C, music playing, cave-babies poking you in the eye, etc.

Conclusions

The Xigmatek HDT-S1283 is a great heatsink and fan, it's performance is belied by its pricing in the low-end of the mid-range aftermarket segment. Whether the additional XLF-F1253 fan is a good purchase depends upon on your target use - it's very quiet, performs as well and potentially better than the included stock fan, and has great looks. The sticky residue on the base of the heatsink was easily removed with household products, and is likely an aberration as other Xigamtek products we have seen with this protective film didn't have the same issue. As a whole, we have a hard time recommending another heatsink over the HDT-S1283 because of its great performance and value, especially on the AMD platforms. Its huge size might be a concern for some, but we have yet to encounter a mid or full tower that won't accommodate it. Xigmatek's own products seem to be the main competition. Caveman Recommends!