• Optimized performance characteristics at the lowest possible audible noise levels.
• Full compatibility with all Intel® Xeon retention systems, thanks to three different retention solutions:
  • Plug-and-play installation with Intel's validated retention mechanisms for OEM processors (400 & 533 Mhz FSB motherboards), does not necessitate removal of the motherboard for installation.
  • The Swiftech proprietary screw/spring assembly retention system (for 400 & 533 Mhz FSB motherboards) is favored by professionals and system integrators for its sturdiness, but requires removal of the motherboard for installation of the heatsink.
  • Mounting hardware for Xeon "Nocona" class processors using the newest 800Mhz FSB motherboards
• Hybrid copper base, thin aluminum pin heatsink: the massive 1/2" thick copper base provides superior heat capacity for unparalleled stability in extreme overclocking applications. The thin aluminum pins promote increased turbulence for more efficient heat dissipation compared to traditional fin extrusions.
• Patented Helicoid pin design (U.S. patent 6,469,898): pins are individually machined in an helicoid shape, to increase their surface area, and further enhance heat dissipation efficiency.
• Several patents pending for concentrically aligned rows of pins, bent at multiple angles. The spacing and angles between the concentric rows has been precisely calculated to optimize cooling and reduce noise at air flow levels as low as 22 CFM and 23 dbA.
• The MCX-VPro™ is designed to work with 80mm fans only. In effect, there is not enough space between processors in most dual Xeon™ motherboards to accomodate two 92mm fans side by side
• Quick and easy fan installation: the fan installs "in a snap" with convenient snap-in rivets.
• Exceptional quality and attention to details: the heatsink base is lapped to 0.0003" (3/10 of 1/1000"), and polished to near-mirror finish to promote optimum thermal conductivity. Users are advised that while flatness is strictly respected for providing the most significant benefit to thermal interface, surface polish is a cosmetic component and may vary slightly from one heatsink to another. Re-lapping or polishing the heatsink base is never recommended.
• Asymetric pin design to allow multiprocessor installations
  

• Processor Compatibility: All Intel® Xeon® processors
• Motherboard compatibility: There are basically two motherboard form factors for Xeon processors at the time of publication. The hole spacing on the motherboard is the same for both, but the retention mechanism is significantly different. Motherboards running at 400 and 533Mhz FSB are the original mounting style, and motherboards running at 800 Mhz FSB use the new mounting style. The MCX-VPro includes mounting hardware for both styles.
• The product is also specially designed to allow installation with motherbards were CPU are located side-by-side, as shown below. Note that in such cases, 92mm fans cannot be used.
  
  This picture shows 2 MCX-VPro heatsinks installed side by side, and illustrates the two different mounting mechanisms described in the following chapter.

Following their preference, users can utilize Swiftech's screw-spring retention systen, which allows installation of the MCX-VPro™ with all 400 and 533Mhz FSB Xeon™ compliant motherboards, without any known exceptions . Such installation requires removal of the motherboard . An example is provided below:

Installation with "Nocona" class Xeon processors using 800Mhz FSB Motherboards
The kit includes the hardware necessary to install the heatsink on the latest 800Mhz FSB motherboards (Xeon code name "Nocona") .