Print this article

Jetart HCA06 HDD Guard


Date
: 04/3/07 – 06:58:46 PM

Author
:

Category
: Cooling

Page 1 : Index

Manufacturer:
Jetart Technology

Price:
N/A

My introduction to Jetart came through the many articles of spam I get from them which I cannot figure out how to unsubscribe from! This made me think that Jetart is a newcomer to the market but that is not the case. It seems that they have been around since 1989 designing "thermal solutions."

Hard disks are often neglected when it comes to cooling but a little extra cooling to these storage monsters couldn't hurt right? Jetart has embraced the idea with the HCA06 "HDD Guard" hard drive cooler.

Looks like a simple device so this should be a relatively straightforward review.

Page 2 : Package and Specifications

Jetart has chosen a slim blister pack for encasing the HCA06. However, this is not the usual hard-to-open blister pack that requires scissors.

The front features very few words but manages to advertise and showcase the product well. The model number and company name are present at the top with the product's name ("HDD Guard") prominently placed in the middle. The user is made aware that this is a hard drive cooler that is compatible with 3.5" bays and promises to be "quiet and cool." Below this, we get a full view of the HCA06 itself thanks to a clear window in the package.

Flip the package over and suddenly, everything is verbose. There is a description of the cooler as well as features, specifications, and more. There is even an installation procedure here so we can safely assume that there won't be a manual inside the package.

Jetart's website was quite helpful in providing the features and specifications in a convenient table:

Based on the information, we see that the HCA06 is basically comprised of an aluminum frame which attaches to the hard disk and which holds a 60mm fan. The fan seems to be low powered as seen by the noise level of 20 dBA. There was a disparity between the specifications on the package and the website as the package puts the noise level at 22.5 dBA while the website says 20 dBA; in either case, it is not that big of a difference and should not be awfully loud.

We will take a closer look at the cooler as well as install it in the next section. Installation looks easy based on the instructions on the back of the package.

Page 3 : Package Contents and Specifications

Take the staple off the back of the package and the contents can be accessed.

This is a very simple package, consisting only of the HCA06 cooler and a small bag containing four mounting screws. The cooler is painted black with white accents and is emblazoned with Jetart's name as well as the product's name "HDD Guard." It has small ridges along the sides which serve no apparent purpose as far as I can tell. I do not know if the folded ridges are to increase the surface area in case the cooler functions as a heatsink; I would doubt this though as the only points of contact with the hard disk should be along the edges.

Taking a look at the back of the cooler, the side which faces the hard disk, we see that the 60mm fan is manufactured by Jetart. It is powered by a standard pass-through Molex connector. Note that the HCA06 has several mounting holes to accommodate variability in hard disks.

Installing the HCA06 is very easy. Flip the hard disk over such that the PCB is visible. You should see four screw holes.

Place the HCA06 on the hard disk such that the fan is on the inside, facing the PCB. You should be able to see the writing on the cooler. At this point, use the four included screws to secure the cooler onto the hard disk.

Connect the Molex to the power supply, install the hard drive regularly into your drive bay and you should be set. If you had noted the "Notes" section on the back of the package, it warns that you do not place another hard disk too close to the cooled hard disk as it might negate the effects of the cooler, resulting in decreased performance.

Page 4 : Performance and Testing

Testing will consist of installing the HCA06 on a hard disk and measuring the temperature and comparing it to the same hard disk's temperature without the cooler.

Here is the test setup:

I did all testing without a case by laying out the components on my workbench. Temperature measurements were taken under different conditions using Lavalys Everest Home Edition 2.20. SMART was enabled for the hard disk in order to allow temperature readings. Idle measurements were taken with the computer idling at the desktop for 2 hours and no CPU or hard drive intensive programs, such as antivirus software, running. Load temperatures were taken while running HD Tach's "Long Bench" test 3 times and taking the maximum. The ambient temperature was maintained at 24°C (75°F).

The results clearly show that the HCA06 is effective at reducing the temperatures. Idle temperatures were 2 degrees cooler while load temperatures were 5 degrees cooler with the HCA06. In regards to noise, the 60mm fan was relatively quiet.

I am not sure if the HCA06's performance actually matters in the case of today's relatively cool-running hard disks. A load temperature of 39°C is not awfully high and will probably not cause damage to a hard disk. However, it does not hurt to have extra cooling. Therefore, a hard disk cooler is not a necessity but it is a good thing to have nevertheless.

Page 5 : Conclusion

Jetart has really delivered with the simple but elegant HCA06 "HDD Guard."

The packaging was very simple yet got the point across, installation was a breeze, and the cooler performed well. The black anodized aluminum is a nice touch and should complement your other components, not that this matters unless you have a case with a window. The design is great and should cause no interference when installing in a case with many drive bays. If your case is cramped, then what is the point of using a cooler in the first place? It will be ineffective.

In terms of faults, I could not find any other than the fact that I couldn't find any sellers who are carrying the HCA06.

All in all, I highly recommend the Jetart HCA06 "HDD Guard" to anyone looking for a good hard drive cooler. Maybe I won't block the spam I've been receiving from Jetart after all in case they come out with another cool product like this!

Advantages

Effective at cooling
Quiet
Easy, simple installation

Disadvantages

Availability is scarce

Thanks to Jetart Technology for providing the HCA06 "HDD Guard" for this review.