Ok, let's move on to what a lot of folks are going to be reading for; just how far can we push the CPU? My first attempt at overclocking didn't go so well and only served to prove a caveat; the asetek Vapochill Lightspeed is good, but it isn't a miracle worker. If you expect and want the highest overclock you will have to make sure the rest of the components in your PC are up to the task. My first motherboard wouldn't let me go anything above 217 FSB, however Albatron sent me their new PX925XE Pro motherboard with support for 1066FSB Extreme Edition CPU's. This gave me headroom for 266FSB and above and allowed me to continue my overclocking endeavor. With temperatures at the evaporator holding around the -40 mark (unconfirmed readings of -7C load for the CPU) I began.

Test system: Albatron PX925XE Pro, Intel Pentium 4 540 (3.2GHz), 2x512 Kingston PC2-5400 (4-4-4-12), Club-3D Radeon X800XL, Antec P160, Windows XP SP2

Ramping the voltage up from 1.365v default to 1.465v as well as putting extra on both the Northbridge and the DDR2, I jumped straight in at 225FSB and had no problems of any kind. Temperatures were around the -5°C under load so I continued. Increasing in increments of 5, 250FSB was reached easily enough for an 800MHz overclock, taking my 3.2 Pentium 540 to 4.0GHz.

Again, I kept climbing raising the voltages as I went, and eventually hit a non-Windows boot at 280FSB, backing off by 1MHz increments, I finally hit on a rock solid stable 276FSB giving me a 1200MHz overclock, and a final stable clock of 4416MHz. Outside of stable the machine would POST at 286FSB (4576MHz), and who knows, this is a new motherboard and it has been running for only a few hours before getting clocked, so perhaps there is still some more left in it. Either way, I would never have reached this speed without the Vapochill Lightspeed.

Final Words

This isn't the first phase change cooling system I have had the pleasure of using but I have to say it is my favorite and certainly the most 'complete' marketed solution (of those supplied without a case) I've seen. Yes it is expensive, but considering the likely lifetime of the , coupled with the fact that a Socket format change simply requires a new clamshell installation kit, then you can see this as an investment.

The unit looks great, coming supplied not only with an aluminum Lian Li matching exterior, but also a front LCD to display pertinent information. You will need to cut and drill your case to which asetek supply you with a template, but as long as you have the tools for it (Drill, Dremel, Jigsaw), it isn't anything major.

I know that the Vapochill units have in the past been criticized for their mounting systems, but that is in the past and asetek have now turned this into one of the plus points. The current mounting systems work extremely well, are very simple to install and best of all, they are not messy. It obviously isn't a straightforward installation but it is by no means difficult.

There are a couple of downsides to all of this but they are to be expected. We already commented on the price which is the most obvious downside, but since this can be used from system to system it is an investment (not to mention the high overclocks allowing you to get so much more from your CPU than is currently available). The second point is that you will need to ensure that the rest of your components are up to the task of high overclocking; don't expect 5GHz from the 'No Name Brand' CPU/Motherboard/Ram bundle you bought from 'CheapPCs'r'Us'. The last downside is the noise, but again it is something you should expect; this is after all a refrigeration unit, and the compressor will make noise. It isn't too bad (I have heard worse HSF's) but if you are an overclocker moving from watercooling, you are going to be in for a shock. You can control the speeds of the two 120mm Panaflo fans used in the system via the rather nice software/hardware combo of the ChillControl and this will help you reduce the noise somewhat. These three points should be expected and accepted before you purchase.

Speaking of the ChillControl, this hardware/software combo works very well, and I do love the ability to be able to right click the tray icon to load up a saved configuration as well as add other system fans to those controlled by the ChillControl.

Overall, I'm very happy with the asetek Vapochill Lightspeed, and it has only fueled my desire to get better, faster components. I'm very impressed with the quality, ease of installation, and of course the final results. It really is pretty amazing when you hear that single beep to signify a successful POST of your system after an overclock, and to hear it time after time no matter how high you raise the FSB … absolutely magical. And I know mine isn't (currently) one of the best overclocks out there! Other folks are going higher, with 5GHz+ being very attainable thanks to the Vapochill Lightspeed.

If you have the money, and a need to have the fastest CPU available, then the is an item you will fall in love with.

Pros: Subzero temperatures, Higher then previous CPU overclocking, installation while not straightforward is easy, Not a messy installation, Reusable from system to system with just a 'clamshell' upgrade, LCD included, Lian Li matching aluminum exterior included, Different colours for the exterior available, ChillControl hardware/software combination is user configurable and expandable to other system components besides those of the Vapochill Lightspeed, Good support from both asetek and other users via the Vapochill forums

Cons: Obvious points – Pricey, a little Noisy

Bottom Line: Obviously this unit is built for and aimed at overclockers, but the installation is easy, it looks great and the results are fantastic. If you can get over and accept the price, and have a decent system to pair it with, you will love the asetek Vapochill Lightspeed.

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