NZXT Cryo LX vs CM Storm Strike Force SF-19

Hey guys, I'm getting my m17x r3 in a couple weeks, and plan on getting all my upgrade goodies now so they'll all arrive around the same time and I can get down to business

Anyways, which of these fans is better performance wise?

NZXT Cyro LX: Newegg.com - NZXT Black Aluminum Notebook cooler w/ 3 120mm adjustable fans Model CRYO-001B

CM Storm Strike Force: Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER SF-19 Strike Force Notebook Cooler Model SGA-6000-KKYF1

Price is no real objection. I'm kinda leaning towards the CM (lights match well with lappy), even though the aluminum of the NZXT is more appealing. Can anyone comment on the portability? If the NZXT is very portable, I might buy both and use it for traveling.

If anyone has done any reviews, or there are any on the web, please post away. Testimonials are great if you've owned both.
Thanks guys

 

I have been using the NZXT for a few days now (I just got it recently). I must say that it is well built and sturdy (will not bend even if I wanted it to). I have the cooler placed on my bed which puts the fans in direct contact with my bed sheets, but it appears to not have any problems.

Noise -

The fans at its lowest setting are not noticeable, it sounds as if the fan is coming from your laptop. The fans at its highest settings is noticeable but tolerable.

Portability -

I have not tested out its portability, but the quality of it would be able to handle transportation. I would be more worried about the fans being damaged from the constant movement, but that would be for any laptop cooler.

The main reason I bought this cooler was that my laptop's fan could no longer keep it from overheating and shut itself down doing the simplest of tasks such as web browsing. That is all I have for now

There is a thread that might address some of your concerns about the cryo lx

http://forum.notebookreview.com/accessories/570936-there-better-gaming-laptop-cooler.html

 

I have the NZXT Cryo cooler and what i like about it is the portability, its foldable. The other one has USB 3 ports, your m17x r3 should be able to take advantage on that. Plus you'll be able to clean the fans on the cooler easily since its really easy to open. Also, there is no off switch on the NZXT, you have to unplug it from the socket unlike the CM SF-19.

 

i think the big problem with the nzxt cryo is its size and weight. even folded thatt hing looks bigger than most laptops

 

Can anyone give me dimensions on the NZXT folded? I like the fact that it is semi-portable, but if its too thick, then it would still not be really useful

 

NZXT Cryo LX

Folded is:

Length - 16.5 inches
Width - 7.5 inches
Height - 2 inches
Diagonally - 19 inches
I took my laptop cooler to my girlfriend's house and learned that my bag that I carry my laptop can not fit in it (bag can accommodate up to a 17 inch laptop). So I had to put the cooler in vertically which it would stick out. As I was walking out, I almost scratched a car with it. If you are going to get this cooler, you will have to get a bigger bag. The cardboard box the cooler came in would be a temporary solution. However, the box would eventually fall apart. I hope this helps you somewhat.

 

I just measured the dimensions and my bag can fit 16.5x7.5in. I'm just not sure if there will be room for it along with laptop in the laptop pocket. I still think it would fit the solution for a portable (ish) laptop cooler for traveling. The CM SF-19 will just be my home solution I guess. Does anyone have reviews on exactly how much air these two are capable of moving? 3x120mmfans vs 2x140mmfans, not sure how they stack up

 

$0.99 Cool Balls

Cant be beat

 

The cryo LX would not be considered portable due to it's sheer size and weight. The SF-19 would be considered more portable cuz it's made of lighter weight plastic and has a thinner profile. The only time I will ever fold my cryo LX is when i'm using it on my lap, couch, or bed. With the front folded under, it creates a little "base" that adds a few inches of lift and is comfortable to use on yur lap.

Stock vs stock, the SF-19 will produce more CFM and (ALOT) more noise due to the fans running at higher speeds. The SF-19 comes with a 12v power source compared to the cryo's OEM 5v. If both were powered by a 12v power source then they would both produce similar performance numbers.

So cryo LX or SF-19? u really can't go wrong with either cuz they are pretty much yur top 2 choices when it comes to active coolers. Personally, I think the biggest difference between the 2 will come down to aesthetics. I, myself, love how elegant the cryo LX's aluminum body looks and how well it pairs up with just about any notebook, any size. If u prefer the lights and more aggressive styling (or have a G73) then definitely give the SF-19 a try.

 

i used to have the crylo but now have the sf-19. i wouldn't consider any of these portable at at. both are big and chucky, but the crylo has alot of sharp corners you may need to look out for.

i have an r3 and can honestly say it doesn't need a cooler at all if you repaste and repad your gpu. but i do use the sf-19 more as a docking station at work. both coolers even on full blast only gave me max about a 2c difference in temps. even though they don't help with cooling much, they do help keep the laptop vents stay cleaner.

 

The M17xR3 fits better on the CM.

 

Can anyone give a comparison of the noise levels that each cooler produces? I had the Cryo LX previously and even at full blast, it was not too loud. Is the Cooler Master relatively the same, or do the fans produce more sound since there are only two, which I would think would cause them to compensate by moving faster and thus creating more sound.

Also, is the Cooler Master easier to use on your lap? The Cryo LX was difficult because of its lack of a base.

 

I have the Cryo and love it. Looks great, cools good and has a dial-type button on the r/side to adjust fan speed slow to fast.

Also, it blows air up onto the bottom of your l/top.

 

the SF-19 is pretty dang loud, actually. check out a few youtube reviews. the noise levels is the only thing that's kept me from buyin the SF-19.

 

sf-19 on full blast is crazy loud!!!! i only have it cranked half way most of the time, and only turn it on full blast when benching.

 

Yeah I watched some videos and they all say that it does get loud, but not unbearably loud. From what I hear though, it sounds like it gets pretty loud to the point where it would be too much to stand. I think I might get the Cryo LX again, along with the CM and compare them in multiple ways. It'd be awesome it NZXT made an updated version of the Cryo LX with some feature upgrades, I think it's about time for that...

 

Could someone please link me to a video that shows the SF-19's noise levels? I've been searching youtube for half an hour and have come up with nothing...:s

Mr. Mysterious

 

Sorry I can't give you a video for it, but after trying CM storm SF 19 out I do really pretty dang loud.

Definitely noticeable and pushing my limit of tolerance. However the cooling prowess on this beast is amazing so I think it boils down to whether you need such a strong cooler.

I still stand by getting it!

 

Here. Found one. Watch the second video luckily I havent experienced that thunder sound yet. http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/landing/sf19/home.php?page=videos

 

Sounds loud in the videos I just watched, plus having to have an external power brick for it too, seriously....

 

It's the price you pay for the best of the best

Short of your own solution, Vicious.

Mr. Mysterious

 

Yup and i doubt if there is any usb powered cooler strong enough to provide close to the cooling capacity of the sf19. Plus lets nkt forget the additonal usb ports.

 

Just got my sf-19 today (usb 3.0) and I got to say, this thing has some power. I put the fans on max and rested my hand over, and I could feel some real updraft. However, the noise on this thing is also really loud, if you are the type who likes peace and quiet, I would not advise this. Leds are a nice addition, and go along well with an alienware

 

Yeah. I just got it too. And I'm thinking of getting a noise-cancelling headset to kill the fan noise

 

Lol. Anyone here tried to change their fans to a quieter one?

 

I would, but that would add another ~20bucks plus just for the fans, and then there would be the hassle of installation, and then the new fans might not be as effective...

Too much work for me lol

 

I read an earlier thread where someone installed 2 Noctua 140mm Fans and the result has been positive

More info available here:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/accessories/530016-cooler-master-sf-19-new-notebook-cooler-3.html

 

Sounds a bit price though. I will try to pm him and request him to post a video of it in full blast.

 

Sounds good. But another 50 bucks is just too much for me. I'll deal with the loud fans, which aren't too bad with headphones in.

 

Could anyone tell me whatpowers the NZXT Cryo LX? Looking at getting one for the m18x...

 

What do you mean? It is usb powered I believe. It should go well with your m18x

 

Checking cause the Cooler Master isn't usb powered

 

Nope, requires an ac adapter. You can get an even better watt one and push the fan speeds up higher if you wish. Or mod if to where it runs off laptop usb, but it will be kind of weak then. The NZXT Cyro LX moves air pretty well supposedly for a usb powered cooler.