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Astetek KT03A-L30/115V WaterChill CPU Cooling Kit

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In order to simplify the installation and filling process, a small Plexiglas reservoir has been included. The RSV02 reservoir is cylindrical in shape and measures approximately 100mm x 50mm. Two angled inlet and outlet barbs are positioned towards the bottom portion and have been outfitted with the quick release fittings. The top cap features a water-tight seal via a reinforced rubber O-ring. The clear benefit of a reservoir is to simplify the filling process and also doubles as an air trap. The RSV02 can be configured either attached to the Hydor L30 II pump in a plug on fashion or stand alone. Advanced water cooling users will prefer to use a T-line configuration which eliminates the need of a reservoir altogether thus freeing up more room inside a case interior.

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Since the original launch of the WaterChill Water Cooling Kits released last year, Asetek have since revised their product line in order to offer a fresh competitive water block design. The Asetek WaterChill Antarctica Water Block is the latest addition and is designed to cool CPUs based upon Intel P4 S478, AMD Socket A, and AMD S754/S940 platforms. In this default configuration, the Antarctica is also capable of removing a maximum of 200W of CPU heat. My initial impressions of the Antarctica Water Block were very positive and the unit bears an aesthetically pleasing design. The top portion has been outfitted with a triple 1/2" O.D barb design similar to that found on the PolarFlo and White Water series of water blocks. The addition of a third barb allows for a more aggressive and centralized cooling method from the center while providing dual outlets on opposing sides. The dual outlet configuration acts to provide more aggressive water flow thus removing the heat quicker than conventional two barb water block designs.

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The inner portion of the Antarctica Water Block has been machined from pure copper for maximum heat removal ratio. A series of Stream Channel fins are located in the center portion which sits above the CPU core, two slightly lower areas reside on either end for the outlet barbs. Water enters the center portion and is carried across the Stream channels in both directions, then dipped down into the lower areas on either side and propelled upwards exiting via the outlets. The overall design takes on the same outline shape as the original Asetek WaterChill Water Blocks with a newly revised internal structure to reflect the triple barb configuration. Similarly, the copper plate is also reminiscent of the Danger Den Maze 4 Water Block. The copper base of the Antarctica Water Block has been machined to a perfect flat surface with slight marks evident. The overall finish isn’t overly reflective and does produce foggy reflections which shouldn't hinder performance.