Xigmatek Dark Knight SD1283 Nighthawk CPU Cooler Review Cases and Cooling   Page 1

Reviewer: Tyler Bernath Article Publish Date: 7/25/2012

 

 

 

 

Introduction

 

 

 

For those of us in the computer industry Xigmatek is a familiar name, albeit scarce as of late—but nonetheless familiar. With the world economy still in a bit of a confused state, it is safe to say some companies have strayed off the straight and narrow. One of these companies – in my opinion, is Xigmatek.

 

Xigmatek started off with a bang – maybe too quickly for the young companies own good, but business was good and with the introduction of new coolers every few months, things were going good for them. Until the recession hit, and they fell into a slump of sorts. All of this leads us to where they are today, improving rather than innovating.

 

In this article we will take a look at the SD1283 Nighthawk, which is an improvement on the Gaia which was an improvement of the Balder. Do you see where I am going with this? I am not one to bash a company for keeping the business alive – but then again I like to see innovation – because without it the CPU cooling market becomes stale, exactly where it is today.

 

The Nighthawk from Xigmatek uses the classic design concept that started the company, direct touch heat pipes and a stack of aluminum fins – but at the same time it is different in its own way because Xigmatek has dusted this cooler with a ceramic coating. Which would leave me to believe that it would hold heat in, but then again the concept of this has been proven on the track. Yes, this same technology has been used on superbikes for years and now it’s on your CPU cooler.