CM Storm Strike Force SF-19 Laptop Cooler Review

1. Introduction2. CM Storm Strike Force SF-19 Laptop Cooler (1)3. CM Storm Strike Force SF-19 Laptop Cooler (2)4. Used with Alienware M17x V35. Testing the Strike Force SF-19 Cooler6. Closing Thoughts7. View All Pages

For testing today we are using the Alienware M17x R3 as the partner. This machine actually doesn't generate a lot of heat on the underside, however it will be interesting to see if the cooler can lower the chassis temperatures regardless.

We also attached 5 diodes to the rear of the machine to measure the load temperatures of various parts of the chassis. These were measured after 1 hour of intensive work.

The fans are certainly helping to reduce overall system temperatures, by several degrees when the fans are on low, to 4-5c when on high.

Both processor and discrete graphics receive noticable benefits from the Strike Force SF-19 laptop cooler, with temperatures being reduced by several degress when fans are on low, and up to 5c when on high.

Next, we measure power drain at the socket with a Kill-A-Watt Meter.

The SF-19 is a bit of a power hog when compared with other laptop coolers we have tested, however this is obvious as it requires its own power adapter. A USB port would not be adequate for delivering this kind of demand.

We measure from a distance of around 2 foot from the chassis with our Extech digital sound level meter to mirror a real world situation.

KitGuru noise guide
10dBA – Normal Breathing/Rustling Leaves
20-25dBA – Whisper
30dBA – High Quality Computer fan
40dBA – A Bubbling Brook, or a Refridgerator
50dBA – Normal Conversation
60dBA – Laughter
70dBA – Vacuum Cleaner or Hairdryer
80dBA – City Traffic or a Garbage Disposal
90dBA – Motorcycle or Lawnmower
100dBA – MP3 player at maximum output
110dBA – Orchestra
120dBA – Front row rock concert/Jet Engine
130dBA – Threshold of Pain
140dBA – Military Jet takeoff/Gunshot (close range)
160dBA – Instant Perforation of eardrum

We certainly would be using a lower fan setting to cool our machine, although many gamers will not be bothered about 38 dBa of noise when in the middle of an intense session. Considering the massive levels of airflow, this is fairly respectable. The option to swap out the fans for other models will prove benefical for people wanting to fine tune the experience.

Become a Patron!