Thermolab Trinity Review

Performance

The Trinity cooled disappointingly on our Intel LGA1155 test system, managing a delta T of only 46°C on its default fan speed and 49°C with the bundled resistor cable installed. These results were among the warmest on test, although they were still much better than the Intel reference cooler.

The Trinity's fortunes reversed dramatically once we'd attached it to our AMD test rig, however - its default speed result of 45°C was bettered only by the Corsair H80 on high speed. This is an almost bizarrely excellent result (to the point where we rechecked it twice), and is likely due to both the excellence of the Trinity's Socket AM3+ mounting bracket, and the fact that the fan spins up to a relatively loud thrum, shifting lots of air when pushed. While this means more noise, our AM3+ test CPU simply generates too much heat for slow spinning fans, so at least the Trinity adapted to its surroundings.


Conclusion

On this basis, we can't recommend the Trinity for use with an LGA1155 system as there are many much more attractive options if you can spend a little more, while the Be Quiet Dark Rock Advanced performed better and was much quieter, whilst costing the same. On an AMD system, however, the Trinity is a different kettle of fish, although you'll have to put up with some noise if you want good cooling.

Intel LGA1155 Score


AMD Socket AM3+ Score