This heatsink--the Cooler Master GeminII S--is a mini version of the earlier GeminII. 

Not only is it smaller, but it also includes a different fan, which we'll discuss further below. 


One thing you need to know is that although this fan fits perfectly onto the 120 mm heatsink , a special support is included allowing you to attach a pair of 92 mm fans if you prefer.  Going down this route won't give you much extra cooling power, but it does mean some cold air can pass over the motherboard and RAM as well as the CPU.

Technically speaking, the GeminII S has a classic design, with plenty of vertical aluminium fins.  Five heatpipes create a more even distribution of heat over the whole heat exchanging surface, whose base is made from copper.  The 120 mm fan that's included has nine thin, curved blades.

Fan Makes Itself Heard

The GeminII S performs reasonably well it comes to cooling, and can handle just about any type of processor.  Our main criticism is focused not on its cooling power, though, but rather the amount of noise it makes while doing it.  Running at half-speed and above, the fan quickly moves from a mild irritation to something that's unacceptably loud.