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Asus Axe Square CPU Cooler
Author: Rhys Published: March 7th, 2009 2:46 PM Category: CPU Coolers, Reviews
The Asus AXE Square
The AXE Square uses the ‘top-down’ design; opposite to the highly popular tower format. Instead, this design means air is forced down onto the fins and the base of the cooler; whilst its counterpart, the tower design, forcefully draws air through its fins.
Most obviously, this CPU Cooler carries forward the golden styling of the packaging. This golden styling is a two piece design whereby a black clip – at each side – secures the two pieces together. Although this ‘frame’ is plastic, it’s certainly not tacky. The plastic is of the translucent acrylic type and underneath, is a pearl sparkly finish. Alike me, I’m sure you can see that this looks pretty darn impressive.
 "Antec Axe Square CPU Cooler Review")
From the top of the Axe Square we can see a translucent grey Asus branded fan and four black non-headed screws securing it in place. The black button screws and golden frame juxtapose together very well, but unfortunately the fan cannot be removed as theirs no thread on the screws.
 "Antec Axe Square CPU Cooler Review")
Directly below the fan is the assortment of Heatsink fins. When I say directly below I mean it, there’s just 2mm clearance between the bottom frame of the fan and the Heatsink. This will ensure maximum airflow is forced through these fins.
 "Antec Axe Square CPU Cooler Review")
On two opposing sides of the Asus Axe Square are where the black clips securing the two-piece plastic frame are located. These are snugly formed round the curved frame to give an air of sleekness. A rectangular section of the fins can also be seen as a section of the frame is cut out.
 "Antec Axe Square CPU Cooler Review")
 "Antec Axe Square CPU Cooler Review")
The other two sides follow a grooved pattern. This is purely an aesthetic feature.
 "Antec Axe Square CPU Cooler Review")
 "Antec Axe Square CPU Cooler Review")
Moving to the bottom of the cooler, we can see the copper Heatpipes are nickel plated. Also nickel plated is the aluminium fins. Two screws are located on the underside, when removed – I was hoping this would dismount the frame of the Axe Square from the Heatsink, unfortunately this wasn’t the case.
 "Antec Axe Square CPU Cooler Review")
 "Antec Axe Square CPU Cooler Review")
Altogether there are 5 copper Heatpipes supporting this cooler, each of them run directly through the base of the cooler and through all the fins. Heat will dissipate up through these pipes. Unlike some CPU Coolers, the ends of the copper Heatpipes are finished off very well. They all have a similar shape and appearance to them and feel very smooth. No raw ends here.
 "Antec Axe Square CPU Cooler Review")
The base of the Axe Square is by no means the shiniest I’ve seen. However it does still have a mirror finish – albeit slightly blurred. For a nickel plated base, this type of finish is a rarity, so is therefore pretty impressive.
 "Antec Axe Square CPU Cooler Review")
Powering the 120mm spinner is a PWM connector. This is backwards compatible with the older – but more commonly used – 3-Pin jumper. One for everyone.
 "Antec Axe Square CPU Cooler Review")
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