Features:
The Igloo 5710 is the latest multi-platform CPU cooler from GlacialTech. Although visually it looks a lot like the 5610 we've previously reviewed, this new model now supports both Intel and AMD systems - instead of Intel-only like the 5610 was. This multi-platform compatibility is achieved through the use of interchangeable mounting brackets that screw onto the bottom of the cooler. The brackets included are the clip-on Intel LGA775 style and two separate steel plate designs that are used with AMD systems, these plates screw into the motherboard's backplate.

Also similar to the 5610 is the physical heatsink design itself. The stack of fins is on top of three large heatpipes extending up from the base. Down near the base itself there is also a smaller heatsink sitting on top of the heatpipes. Both heatpipes and heatsink fins are all aluminum, although not quite as good of a conductor as copper, it keeps the costs dramatically down to make this a cooler everyone can easily afford. The entire fin area of the heatsink is wrapped in a solid aluminum covering, the only open part is the front and back, one of which area has the 92mm fan attached.

  
(Click to enlarge)

Just like most coolers in their Igloo series, the 5710 is available in two models - the Silent version and the PWM version. We were lucky enough to receive a sample of each to compare. For those unaware of the differences; the silent model has a fan with a constant speed which always maintains a 19dB sound level and the PWM version is controlled by a temperature sensor on most newer motherboards so the fan speed will change depending on how much cooling is needed for the current CPU load, and along with that the noise of the cooler will also vary. The fan on this model will operate between 800-2600RPM with a maximum airflow of 51.6CFM at 29dB.

Installation:
Since it's marketed as being a universal mount, I decided I was going to test this on my AMD Socket 939 system instead of the Intel system the previous GlacialTech cooler was reviewed on.

(The base has pre-applied thermal paste)

After removing my old cooler and putting the AMD brackets on this one, I was ready to roll. At first glance, I noticed the screws that go through the cooler's bracket and into the motherboard's backplate seemed rather short, especially since the brackets have a slight upward arc to them. After getting the threading started on the first one, I realized the angle that the cooler was on was very extreme, using regular pressure (no extensive pushing), the cooler wouldn't level out on the CPU to put the second screw in like one would expect it to do. The only way I could think of to get it flat on the CPU would be to use extensive pressured and push. After building as many computer systems as I have in the past, I was still frightened to put this sort of pressure onto my CPU for fear of the possibility of cracking the edge of the CPU itself which would render the system useless. At this point, I decided the review would be done on the Intel Quad-Core LGA775 system I also have here.

 
(Left; PWM fan plug, right; silent model fan plug)
(Click to enlarge)

Installation on the Intel system went without any problem. I was very glad to see the clip-in locking style of mount on the Intel brackets this time. With the previous 5610 cooler you had to put a backplate on the motherboard then screw each leg into it - making installation a bit of a hassle with taking out the entire motherboard on an existing system. Swapping to the 5710 cooler only took a matter of minutes with the updated bracket style.