The MCX-VPro™ heatsink is a high performance-low noise thermal solution for Intel® Xeon™ processors. It replaces the MCX603-V and MCX604-V heatsinks, and includes retentions mechanisms for all know Xeon™ compatible motherboards.

Features highlights
Optimized performance characteristics at the lowest possible audible noise levels.

• Full compatibility with all Intel® Xeon retention systems, thanks to three different retention solutions:
• Now Includes bracket for Socket 771 compatibility

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 accommodate 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

Motherboard and CPU compatibility
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.
Retention Mechanisms
The MCX-VPro ships with two brackets designed to allow plug-and-play installation with OEM version Xeon™ processors. Intel's validated solution for OEM processors sold without a heatsink consists in two plastic retention frames and spring clips (shown in the example below), which the motherboard manufacturers normally provide. Installation of the MCX-VPro with this setup does not require removal of the motherboard.

Following their preference, users can utilize Swiftech's screw-spring retention system, 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 .

Additional information from Swiftech.