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StarTech.com 85x70x50mm Socket 478 CPU Cooler Fan - CPU Cooler with Heatsink & TX3 Connector (FAN478), Black
StarTech.com

StarTech.com 85x70x50mm Socket 478 CPU Cooler Fan - CPU Cooler with Heatsink & TX3 Connector (FAN478), Black

Bottom line: The StarTech.com 85x70x50mm Socket 478 CPU Cooler Fan: Socket 478 and Socket 423 support keeps Pentium 4 era builds running; main trade-off: aluminum-only fin stack trails copper-core coolers on heat transfer.

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Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For retro PC hardware and period-correct parts, synthesises manufacturer documentation, community compatibility lists and marketplace listings rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Socket 478 and Socket 423 support keeps Pentium 4 era builds running
  • ✓ 60mm ball bearing fan rated for longer life than sleeve bearing units
  • ✓ Closely spaced aluminum fins increase heat dissipation surface area
  • ✓ TX3 connector plugs straight into vintage 3-pin motherboard headers

Cons

  • ✗ Aluminum-only fin stack trails copper-core coolers on heat transfer
  • ✗ 60mm fan size tends to run louder than modern 92mm or 120mm coolers
  • ✗ No Socket 370, LGA 775, or modern socket mounting included
  • ✗ Sparse spec sheet omits fan RPM, noise level, and airflow ratings

Manufacturer description

This Socket 478 CPU cooler is a combination CPU fan and heatsink that's designed to provide optimal CPU cooling at a great price. The CPU cooler features a reliable 60mm ball bearing fan that provides excellent airflow, and a built-on aluminum heatsink designed with closely spaced fins to help increase heat dissipation and in turn provide a cooler operating environment for the CPU. Saving time and hassle, the cooler can be installed in minutes, through simple mounting on the mainboard.

SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored StarTech.com 85x70x50mm Socket 478 CPU Cooler Fan using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the retro cpu coolers & fans category. StarTech.com's retro cpu coolers & fans lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for retro cpu coolers & fans of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Key Features

  • Processor cooler
  • (Socket 423
  • Socket 478)
  • aluminum

Full Specifications

BrandStarTech.com
ModelFAN478
Voltage12 Volts
Wattage12 watts
MaterialAluminum, Plastic
Dimensions85x70x50mm
Unit Count1.0 Count
Noise Level36 Decibels
Part NumberFAN478
Material TypeAluminum, Plastic
Cooling MethodAir
Number of Items1
Air Flow Capacity20.18 Cubic Feet Per Minute
Compatible DevicesDesktop
Power Connector Type3-Pin
Warranty Description1 year warranty
Maximum Rotational Speed1150 RPM
Item Dimensions L x W x H3.35"L x 2.76"W x 1.97"H
Global Trade Identification Number00065030790130

Ready to buy?

StarTech.com 85x70x50mm Socket 478 CPU Cooler Fan - CPU Cooler with Heatsink & TX3 Connector (FAN478), Black is vintage hardware; the used and vintage market on eBay carries most of the live inventory. Prices and condition vary by seller and move in real time, so we link the live listing rather than quote a cached price. It also has an Amazon listing — check it for current price and availability. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

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