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Product:
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H2O-8500AV Liquid Cooling Kit |
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Price:
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$390 (CAN) / $257 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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Swiftech
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Author:
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BigDaddy
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Date:
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January 24th, 2003
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Rating:
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MODTHEBOX would like to thank Gabe from Swiftech
for sending the H2O-8500AV Liquid Cooling Kit for review.
Introduction:
Water cooling and overclocking used to be synonymous terms. Pioneers like Tom Leufken pushed the performance envelop by
introducing radical new ways to keep temperatures down and CPU speeds up. These solutions were deemed extreme and while
power users looked on with amazement, mainstream users casually dismissed it as a ludicrous idea that carried far too high
a risk. However, as modern CPU design pushes thermal solutions to their limits, coupled with an increasing demand for quiet
systems, water cooling is becoming more and more common in the consumer market. While new companies are jumping on the water
cooling bandwagon, some pioneers are solidifying their position as experienced solution providers. Swiftech, based in Signal
Hill CA, is a water cooling pioneer in its own right, having introduced the first commercially available thermo-electric
cooling solution in 1999. Four years later, Swiftech is still well-known as a reputable source of performance cooling products.
Today in the MTB Labs, we will investigate their latest offering in all-in-one water cooling kits as we look at the H20-8500AV
Liquid Cooling Kit
Specifications:
The H2O-8500AV series of water cooling kits are designed around an inline system compatible with either Intel or AMD based
computers. The kit can be supplemented with GPU cooling, and has upgrade options for thermo-electric cooling. An 80mm radiator
allows for minimal case modifications, while an included relay switch powers the 115 or 230 VAC inline pump simultaneously with
the PC. Here are some specifications taken directly from Switech’s website:
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H2O-8500AV Liquid Cooling Kit - Key Specifications:
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| H2O-8500AV Liquid Cooling Kit: Manufactured by Swiftech |
| 1/2" (Tubing OD) combined with 330 GPH pump for optimal flow rate |
| Extreme performance water blocks with patent pending Diamond-Pin Matrix© technology |
| 80mm copper-core Radiator with dual 80mm low profile (15mm) fans rated at 29CFM (32dBA) each |
| Pump and fill & bleed assembly are pre-installed in a tray to fit into a 5 1/4" bay: no reservoir is needed, resulting in space saving, and uncluttered installation |
| 80mm form factor radiator fits in any case featuring at least one 80mm opening for a fan exhaust |
| Quick-connect fittings, for safe and expeditious installation |
| Plug-and-play water-block installation, doesn't require removing the motherboard |
| Pump relay switch to couple the pump operations to computer power-supply |
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The kit ships in a standard double-walled corrugated cardboard box. This was, by far, the smallest box I have received containing
a water cooling kit, and I was a little anxious about the type of packing I would find. However, upon opening the box, my fears
were quelled. The major components are individually boxed and separated, while the miscellaneous hardware is partitioned off into
individually labeled bags. The pump assembly with the fill/bleed system is wrapped in two layers of bubble wrap. Styrofoam spacers
ensure everything is secured into place to ensure shipping damage is minimized.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The water blocks and the radiator are individually boxed in standard cardboard boxes with a simple black and white label
identifying each component. Each component is shielded by layers of Styrofoam to protect it from shipping damage. The
individual hardware for the blocks is included in the box. This includes items like quick connect fittings and Arctic Alumina
Thermal Compound.
The kit is completely all inclusive; the only item a user will need to complete the installation of the kit is a drill or
Dremel to cut an appropriate sized hole for the AC power relay. Otherwise, even things like cable anchors and zip ties are
included to allow users to install the kit in such a way to give it a professional look and finish.
The unit sent for review is the H2O-8500AV, which is designed for AMD platforms and includes a GPU cooler. Here is a list of what is
included in the kit:
- MCW5000-A water-block compatible with:
- AMD® Duron®, Athlon®, MP & XP, socket 462
- Intel® Pentium® 3, socket 370
- MCW50 VGA water-block compatible with:
- ATI® Radeon 9000 series
- nVidia® GForce family of products
- MCR80-F Radiator with (2) 80x80x15mm fans rated at 29CFM (32dBA) each, (2) nylon clamps
- MCK525™ kit assembly, including 115V MCP300 pump terminated for connection to relay switch, FB500 fill-and-bleed kit, 5 1/4" tray
PRS kit, including relay switch, A/C socket, stainless steel cover plate, A/C power cord
- 12 feet 1/2" vinyl tubing, and tube inserts
- 2 Oz bottle HydrX™ extreme duty coolant
- Arctic Alumina™ thermal paste
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