So what separates the the Red Scorpion S1283 from the Xigmatek HDT-S1283? Essentially it boils down to nickel-plated heat-pipe rods and a nice colored fan with LED's. The nickel plating, while not great for performance because it's a poor conductor of thermal energy and traps in heat, is good for trapping in the gas vapors that make heat-pipe cooling work. Over many years of use, the constant thermal cycles cause the vapor to pass through the copper walls which eventually reduce long-term performance. I'm not sure many enthusiasts plan on keeping the same cooler for ten years or more, but the nickel plating will ensure that it performs the same throughout the lifespan.

Source: Benchmark Reviews