CONCLUSION

   Because of its larger size and thus fin surface the HR-22 should be able to surpass the Macho Zero with ease so since this wasn't the case (as you can clearly tell from our charts) we actually decided to go back and redo our tests just in case we did something wrong (took time but it's better to be certain). In the end we got pretty much the same results so although smaller the Macho Zero is indeed better compared to the HR-22 (although in some systems it may be just a tad better than the HR-22). We also thought of testing the Macho Zero without the 140mm fan duct but since we did use the one that came with the HR-22 back then we thought this was the logical thing to do (without the fan duct the performance of the cooler drops by at least 2 degrees Celsius). The only "downside" these fan ducts have is that you will most certainly experience slightly higher system temperatures (unless you have exhaust fans installed at the top) so do keep that in mind.

   For now the Macho Zero Passive CPU Cooler by Thermalright can only be purchased in the EU for a price of 54.99Euros (Mindfactory.de) with either the 120mm or the 140mm fan duct. By the end of the year this will change however so the Macho Zero should be available for purchase in most places. With that out of the way i really don't have anything to say about this latest offering by Thermalright not only because it looks great and is smaller compared to our passive cooling "champion" the HR-22 but also because it manages to outperform it (although the difference in performance will vary from system to system based on airflow levels). Bottom line Thermalright has launched what i think will become extremely popular amongst HTPC owners (primarily) and since we really can't find anything wrong with it (it's still quite large but we can't have it all) it gets our Platinum Award.

PROS

- Build Quality
- Black Nickel Color
- Size & Weight (Compared To The HR-22)
- Excellent Performance
- Passive Cooling (Silent)
- Zero Clearance Issues
- Sold With 120/140mm Fan Ducts
- Price (For Some)

CONS

- Size (Overall)
- Current Availability (Until Mid-December)