Installation:

   The dual 12cm radiator was a different story. The kit didn't include any mounting brackets for the radiator so a little improvisation was in order. I took four 1 and 3/8 screws that matched the threads in the radiator and used one of the four 12cm fans as a spacer of sorts to go between the radiator and back of the case. The screws were pushed through the back of the case, through the extra fan, and tightened in to the radiator. This turned out to be very secure and added one extra functional fan in case I needed it.

Extra Fan for Spacer

Mounted and Ready

Works Great w/Case

   The pump assembly is as simple as connecting the power supply and deciding where you want its placement. It can fit inside large enough cases or outside. The pump noise is around 15db or lower so outside is definitely an option. Asetek includes software to monitor temperatures and configure pump operations. Once in place, I finished cutting the tubing lengths from the blocks to the radiator and pump. With the tubing fully attached, it was time to fill and test the system for leaks.

Filling Reservoir

Priming Pump

Anti-Algae

Connecting USB & Fans

   The USB cable included attaches to the back of the pump and then to your motherboard. This cable provides the connection needed for the software to detect the pump and then install. Among the pump accessories are sensors that plug in to three ports located next to the USB connection. Each sensor of course is placed in between the very edge of each processor die and water block. You do not want to place the sensor in the center as this would inhibit performance.

Installing Control Panel

Reporting Temps

   Once the kit was primed and a water tight system was confirmed, all power was connected to the computer. The computer powered right up and the BIOS reported much lower temperatures than any of the stock heat sinks. For the testing purposes, the Asetek Control Panel software was installed which revealed temperatures to each of the three blocks. Pump speeds made so very little noise that it was left on full capacity.

Testing:

Test Notes: Room and distilled water temperatures were kept to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Additives were not added due to the short use of the water cooling system and to eliminate any possible performance hindrances. The kit was tested with the fans at 7v and 12v speeds to confirm any benefits at full speed.
 

   The channels in the water blocks do a good job of dissipating the heat from the copper. Many water blocks of old thought that causing water turbulence directly over the processors needing to be cooled was the best way to dissipate quickly. The channels allow the water to efficiently flow repeatedly over the hottest area of the copper block with more than one pass. When you think about it, the blocks are actually very simple in design but perform very well.

Looks Great

Testing

   The NB01/P1 Chipset water block kept the chipset very, very cool. The block's sheer size, surface area, and water movement are definitely all working together well. Some longer video cards may end up pressing against the water block, so keep that in mind as you plan your system layout. As for the GPU block the temps were also well within what one would expect since the video card GPU gets very hot, especially with the endless benchmarks it has to endure.

   The CPU block's performance is also good. It was very close in comparison with other crown winning water blocks. Temperatures didn't climb as fast as some other water blocks on our test bench. The temperatures leveled off and didn't climb any higher under load or overclock. Asetek's blocks coupled with water flow and the internal channels do well at keeping down any higher heat levels.

   Asetek's WaterChill Control Panel software was a handy and accurate tool for monitoring and regulating temperatures. The pump is very quiet at a the lowest setting and was only slightly audible at its highest. Some users will find this to be a handy software tool. What is nice about this kit is you do not have to use the software if you just want the raw performance of the kit. Just like any other 12cm fans at full speeds, the fan noise becomes easily noticeable. Low speed is definitely the optimal setting when comparing the performance to noise ratio.

   My own skepticism had me questioning the method of hose attachments until I measured the temps. Throughout the testing, the system never leaked or showed any signs of strain to suggest it could not handle another water block if you wanted to add one, such as for another video card.

   The only word of caution worth mentioning is that the barb connections can leak if the tubing isn't kept straight and pushed or pulled too far off center. Also, it might be worth your and Asetek's time to improve the use of extra nuts to hold the VGA and Chipset lengthy mounting screws steady. It was a bit tricky trying to hold the screws and water blocks steady while trying to add and tighten down the tension springs and nuts. Adding extra bolts would complete the mounting kits in a very cost effective way.


Summary:

   The Asetek Complete Kit is a very good performer and a very dependable water cooling kit. The positives far outweigh any negatives. You will get a great looking kit and Asetek's patented water block design that modders will find appealing as well as the overclockers who want temperature stability. Asetek's Control Panel Software has its benefits in that it combines and utilizes one program to configure, control, and monitor the Asetek's temperatures. However, it isn't necessary to install the software to operate the Asetek Complete Kit which is also a nice thing for those who are more of a hands on type user.

   A small amount of improvising may be necessary depending on your system configuration, but then what water cooling kit doesn't. If you have the opportunity to pick up one of the many Asetek Waterchill Kits, check out FrozenCPU, you won't be disappointed.