Impressions:

   Looking over the dual 12cm Black Ice Pro Radiator. These are a popular choice among overclockers and can be found in countless system configurations listed among the forums. This Asetek Kit came with not two or three, but four 12cm (120mm) fans. Commonly, you won't find this many fans among any kits unless it's an upgrade.

Black Ice Pro

Easy Mounting

Two Fan Configuration

Four 120mm Fans

Four Prop Power

   Can you say, "manuals"? There is a manual for every component, Asetek Control Panel CD, and other parts which comes in different languages for our fellow overseas or next door neighbors. The tubing is of good quality and is pretty thick which doesn't surprise due to the fact the tubing has to be stiff enough to be pushed in to the water blocks without bending or collapsing.

Software and Manuals

And MORE Manuals

Mounting Accessories

Installation:

   After laying everything out, two methods of installation were performed. The first method involved attaching the water blocks to the motherboard and video card before installing the tubing. The second method involved laying out each block, radiator, and pump to get a template of the tubing lengths needed. Then the tubing lengths were cut and connected to the water blocks before installing them on the motherboard and video card. This was easy as long as the tubing was cut correctly.

Attaching CPU

Attaching Chipset

Attaching VGA

Installing Mainboard

   The second installation method is much better for three good reasons. The pressure needed to force in the tubing is too much for the fragile CPU, Chipset, and VGA processors. To prove this, an experiment was carried out by installing the Chipset Block on an old motherboard first and then pushing the tubing in. As the pressure increased to ensure a good connection, a small 'crack' was heard. The chipset processor had cracked on one of the corners. So, please consider attaching the tubing first. Or at least use some non-detergent lubricant that will guarantee an easy fit.

   As with all high performance kits, the motherboard, CPU back plate, and mounting bracket had to be removed. The Antarctica CPU Block is mounted using two screws with washers, standoffs, springs, and thumbscrews. This was the easiest of the three blocks and attached efficiently without any concern for movement.

Antarctica Kit

Back Plate Removed

Tightening Thumb Screws

Tubing Inserted

   The Chipset block requires two very thin, long screws, washers, springs, two thumb nuts and bolts. The block is so large and tall, it easily moves around when first trying to start the thumb screw. Because of this, you should consider some preventative and safety precautions to make sure the block doesn't inadvertently touch the motherboard components due to its size, such as, placing some clear or electrical tape around the chipset wafer. Once you've started the screws, alternately tighten each side till the block is stable. As you can see, the test video card just barely fits due to the height of the water block.

Chipset Kit

Added Thumb Bolts

Tubing Inserted

Video Card Just Fits!

   The VGA block attaches in the same exact way and method as the chipset block. One safety precaution you can try is placing some thin small foam or rubber around the VGA wafer to help stabilize the block and keep it from sliding. A little dexterity and patience will save your chipset and VGA die from damage.

VGA Kit

Back View

Front View

Ready for Action