Installation:
Testing System:
CPU: Intel Core2Quad Q6600 2.4ghz @ Stock Speeds
Motherboard: Asus P5K-E WIFI-AP
Memory: 4x1gb Patriot Extreme Performance DDR2 800mhz (4-4-4-12)
HDD: Western Digital Green Series 1TB
DVD+/-RW: Pioneer DVD-R212
Video: Asus 8800GT 1GB
Sound: MOTU 8PRE Firewire Audio Interface
Power Supply: Arctic Cooling Fusion 550R
OS: Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate Edition x64

With very few aftermarket coolers supporting the push-pin installation method used by the stock Intel coolers, I was not surprised when I had to fully remove my motherboard from the case to install the MeOrb. Once removed, I simply had to screw the correct bracket on to the cooler base, apply my thermal paste, set the cooler on the CPU and tighten the four screws on the back of the motherboard. For testing purposes I have chosen not to use the included thermal paste and replace it with the better performing Tuniq TX-2 that I usually use for cooler reviews.

Testing:
I tested the MeOrb with my usual method of taking CPU temperatures at idle and again when the system has been at full load for an hour. Results are charted below.

Although the temperatures for me were slightly higher than the stock cooler, the MeOrb does offer the advantage of being not only a much lower profile for smaller HTPC cases, but it also runs significantly quieter than any stock cooler does. Keep in mind that results will vary for everyone and every CPU type. Since I myself have a silent PC cooling setup, I will likely get higher temperature results than anyone with a typical PC cooling setup would due to the reduced airflow.