A thin layer of Arctic Silver was used between the CPU core and the heatsink, and between tests the CPU was thoroughly cleaned with Isopropyl Alcohol, and the paste reapplied. To obtain our temperatures, first a baseline idle score was recorded after letting the CPU temp stabilize in a no load condition. All of these tests were performed with the motherboard on our workbench, so you may find slightly higher temps when installing the heatsink in a closed case, although a well-ventilated case should provide near ambient temps on the inside. Temperatures were taken using the VIA Hardware monitor, which is included with the KT7A-RAID, for those of you not in the know. When possible, I tested a cooler with both the stock fan, and the 7K RPM Delta.
Most enthusiasts are willing to put up with the noise of the Delta to gain the cooling effects.