MODTHEBOX would like to thank Chris from Xoxide Modifications
for sending the Koolance EXOS External Water Cooling System for review.
Introduction:
The art of recent water cooling brings a wealth of advancement on both the technological and aesthetic
aspects of enthusiast computing. The ability to cool your processor using a combination of water and
additives alongside the usual lineup of hardware is one concept that has brought a response of mass
appeal amongst users seeking to overclock the most out of their components. Several case modders also
favor water cooling as the lack of additional case cooling enables more complex and aesthetically
appealing designs within a near silent case design. Originally started as personal home cooling projects
showcased online, external water cooling solutions occupy a very small niche or users and are slowly
making their way into the retail market. Koolance, a company who has been providing quality PC liquid
cooling systems since 1995 are one of the few to offer an external based water cooling system entitled
EXOS. Today in MTB Labs, we will be evaluating the Koolance EXOS External Water Cooling System.
Specifications:
The Koolance EXOS is a professional self-contained liquid cooling solution designed to provide users
with an easy to maintain external solution. Existing Koolance products such as chipset, hard drive, CPU
and video card waterblocks are also compliant with the EXOS system. The EXOS is currently only offered
in black and brings water cooling to any existing computer without the need for modifications. Consumers
should take note that a waterblock must be purchased separately. Here are some of the specifications
taken directly from the Xoxide Modifications and Koolance websites:
EXOS External Water Cooling System - Key Specifications:
EXOS External Water Cooling System: Manufactured by Koolance
Dimensions: 7.25" 3.75" 18.5" (18.4cm x 9.5cm x 47cm)
Product Weight: 7.3 pounds (3.3kg)
Quick-connect rear valves for easy transport or disassembly
Optional attachment strap for systems that are "on the go"
Components Included: External Chassis,
heat exchanger (radiator), reservoir & pumps, top cooling module with fans, LED display, power control
board, slot interface, quick-release valves, User Manual, liquid bottle, funnel, tubing, attachment
strips/pads, & various smaller components
Click image for larger view
Click image for larger view
The Koolance EXOS ships in a standard white corrugated cardboard box bearing the product name boldly
across the top. Two blocks of styrofoam are used to protect and keep the EXOS unit itself stationary
within the box. Inside the box, all contents are neatly laid out with the accessories to the left in a
small grooved piece of styrofoam along with the tubing and power cord in the center. Overall packaging
was simple yet effective.
Click image for larger view
Click image for larger view
A series of accessories are enclosed in a separate re-sealable plastic baggie, the contents revealed a
PCI pass-through plate, two quick connect nozzles with valve bolts, PSU bypass cable, four rubber feet
and some Velcro. Absent from the package was the advertised instruction manual. Koolance offers a
universal PDF instruction manual on their website located here.
A small funnel and a package of Koolance Cooling Liquid Concentrate is also included and is sufficient
for one filling of the EXOS.
Click image for larger view
EXOS external power cord
Included with the EXOS are 2 separate types of tubing used for the connection of components. Both
varieties of PVC tubing measure 1/4" (6mm) internal diameter, 3/8" (9mm) external diameter. Each tubing
facilitates its own usage with the blue braided tubing to be used for the majority of connections and
the clear tubing to be only used to link multiple waterblocks within the case. The high-quality braided
blue tubing ensures no accidental nicks or cracking when being routed outside the case, consumers will
have to sacrifice the usage of any UV reactive dyes within their water due to the blue tubing. Also
included is a power cord to be connected from the EXOS unit to the PCI pass-through card.
