Overclocked Test Results
|
Intel Cooler
|
Minimum Temperature |
Average Temperature |
Maximum Temperature |
| CPU: |
31°C |
46.1°C |
61°C |
| Case: |
15°C |
15.6°C |
17°C |
| Ambient: |
|
11.5°C |
|
|
H20-120 Delta Fan
|
Minimum Temperature |
Average Temperature |
Maximum Temperature |
| CPU: |
30°C |
42.2°C |
53°C |
| Case: |
16°C |
17.5°C |
19°C |
| Ambient: |
|
12.5°C |
|
|
H20-120 Vantec Fan
|
Minimum Temperature |
Average Temperature |
Maximum Temperature |
| CPU: |
31°C |
44.4°C |
56.5°C |
| Case: |
18°C |
18.6°C |
19°C |
| Ambient: |
|
12.5°C |
|
Are the results any different when we have overclocked the system? The only difference is that the gap widens between the 'best' and 'worst' coolers. The stock Intel cooler was simply not really designed to be overclocked that much, as in a 20+°C room it could reach 70°C easily, and average well over 50°C in our test. The H20-120 when paired with the Delta fan does very well, with its maximum temperature basically 10°C less than the Intel cooler, with its load results basically hovering around 50°C where the Intel cooler is hovering around the 57°C mark. With the quieter Vantec fan the H20-120 is a little warmer, with its average load temperature hovering around the 53°C mark, about 3°C warmer than its slightly louder companion, and quite a bit cooler than the Intel cooler. The same phenomenon that we saw with the stock CPU speed when the load is removed still applies here as it takes longer for the water cooler to cool down the CPU to idle temperatures
One difference between the water based coolers and the Intel cooler was that the case temperature went up a couple of degrees. This could be attributed to the lack of a back 80mm exhaust fan which was in the space the radiator is located on the case. In any case the 3°C increase in case temperatures is more than offset by the decrease in CPU temperatures under load.
Conclusion
So we've taken a look at all the different aspects of this particular water cooling kit. What then can we conclude about this system?
First is the packaging and documentation. Basically its a brown package with packing peanuts and everything in either bubble wrap or a plan white box. It wouldn't hurt Swiftech to create a kit box design that allows for the marking of what is in the box easily. Documentation is much like the packaging, generic and basic, again better documentation would probably be a good idea, especially for a water cooling 'newbie' such as me, since this most likely part of their target audience. However the parts themselves had the quality that we have come to expect from Swiftech, from a completely copper water block to the tubing and Coolsleeves.
Installation was fairly easy, with the hardest parts being the PCI slot pass-through installation, routing of tubing and installation of the water block (correctly). The water block installation was probably the hardest especially when you think that the block is actually on the CPU correctly, which is something for one to always check before turning the system on. Otherwise making sure that water is flowing is about the only concern that I had with the system, but even that wasn't too bad.
One of the main reasons we have water coolers is for the performance and quietness. In this the Swiftech system delivers, at least compared the the stock Intel cooler. With the included fan the H20-120 is fairly quiet, but when we put a Vantec Stealth fan in it basically didn't register on our sound meter. Cooling performance was very good especially when overclocked, with the system being from 5-10°C cooler under load than the Intel cooler. These results are more like how a water cooler should perform, compared to my last water cooler review.
Now for the dreaded price, water cooling systems aren't really a cheap product, so how much is this kit? The price with this water block for the LGA 775 is in the $200US range at the moment. This is close to/less than the Zalman noiseless water cooling system, but produces more noise, though there is no LGA 775 water block for some of the other kits out there.
Good Points
- Quiet system at stock
- Very good performer
- Simple to connect/remove tubing
- Everything but water included
- Socket 775 water block
Bad Points
- Water block can be 'harder' to install
- Bad Packaging
- Poor Documentation
- Not cheap
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a quiet water cooling system that isn't very expensive this is one very good performer. The only problems are if you are new to water cooling it is harder to install with the documentation, but well worth the time taken.
If you have any comments, be sure to hit us up in our forums.
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