Noise Levels and Conclusions

I took sound pressure level readings of the computer with the WaterChill kit installed with the radiator fans running at both low and high speeds.  Readings were taken 3′ from the front of the PC60 enclosure in an otherwise quiet room (approximately 30 dBA background).

The difference in noise levels was barely noticeable between the very quiet low speed and just detectable high speed.  All four 80 mm case fans plus the power supply fans were also running.  Each user will have to decide for them selves what the right balance of performance to noise is but you can rest assured the WaterChill kit is very quiet during operation.

Conclusions

The Asetek WaterChill kit did an outstanding job of converting my air-cooled test rig into a water-cooled PC.  The quality of components and manufacturing is excellent.  All three waterblocks were very easy to securely mount thanks to the well engineered hardware.  The kit included all necessary parts for a complete installation and the detailed Owner’s Manual illustrates the entire process step-by-step.

The measured performance was good for the CPU, GPU and North Bridge chip, especially considering the very low noise level.  None of the components in the test rig were overclocked so the total heat generated was not excessive.   Systems utilizing components with greater heat output will naturally experience higher temperatures than I saw.

The WaterChill kit is a well balanced system and may be an excellent choice for users who do not want to piece a system together with various parts from different manufacturers.  On the other hand, for users who are seeking ultimate performance, a hand picked system incorporating the latest components will potentially deliver even better results for above average heat loads and overclocking.

I had one problem with the installation and that was due to the Antarctica waterblock interfering with a row of capacitors on my particular EP-8RDA+ motherboard.  It was easily corrected however by trimming off the K8 mounting lug on one end.

Two minor points come to mind that in my opinion could make an already great kit even better.  First is to add an additional port on the reservoir (180° from pump inlet) to provide more flexibility when routing tubing.  For increased performance it would be nice to have a Black Ice Extreme II radiator, which would provide additional surface area and less flow resistance (but at a greater cost).

This particular Asetek WaterChill power kit has a MSRP of $319 USD (~$299 street price) and offers good value considering everything that is included.  If you are in the market for a complete water-cooling solution that is designed to cool your CPU, GPU and NB chip, then this WaterChill kit may be just what you are looking for.  Asetek also offers other WaterChill kits and components to suit individual water-cooling needs.  Check out the Asetek website to see what they have to meet your water-cooling needs.

And finally, I would like to thank Asetek for sending over the WaterChill kit for us to review (and for being patient when it took a little longer than expected to complete 🙂 — thanks!