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Product:
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VoyeurMods PrimoChill X-QPack H2O Case |
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Price:
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$417-$477 (CDN) / $369-$422 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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VoyeurMods
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Author:
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Hi-TEK
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Date:
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July 21st, 2006
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Rating:
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MODTHEBOX would like to thank Brian from VoyeurMods
for sending the PrimoChill X-QPack H2O Case for review.
Introduction:
Air cooling principals by nature are common for most computer enthusiasts. The success of building a
good air cooled system requires the strategic placement of fans inside a computer case. The goal is
to achieve the best possible air circulation and at the same time keep a standard temperature level
for a system at the lowest and highest points of computer performance. Air cooling systems are quite
limited in terms of achieving the best overall performance and are known for the association of
additional fan noise. Water cooling applications have recently started to gain in popularity for those
individuals who prefer silent computing environments or want to overclock their system components beyond
the manufacturer’s specifications. One misconception that stops most users from moving from air cooling
practices to water cooling is the fear of combining electrical components with water. While this general
concept is true, it is misinformed since a proper water cooling system can reduce overall system
temperatures, increase system performance and lower the fan noise levels to introduce silent computing.
Enter VoyeurMods with its new PrimoChill X-QPack H2O Case series designed to minimize desktop space
requirements and at the same time bundle all the essentials required to assemble a
complete system. Today in the MTB Labs, we will be evaluating the PrimoChill X-QPack H2O Case, a
pre-modified all-in-one water cooled SFF solution designed specifically for the Micro ATX platform.
Specifications:
The PrimoChill X-QPack H2O Case is one of several entry level mATX based cases offered on the VoyeurMods website.
Consumers have the option of selecting different colour formats, window formats, custom laser etching, and water cooled components.
All cases include an Aspire ATX 420W 12V power supply. Here are some of the specifications taken directly from the
VoyeurMods website:
| Model |
PrimoChill X-QPack H2O Case
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| Dimensions |
116mm (H) x 149mm (W) x 87mm (D) |
| Material |
Aluminum 1.0 w/ ABS plastic front panel |
| Colour |
Black |
| Drive Bays |
5 (2 x 5.25" (external), 1 x 3.5" (external) and 2 x 3.5" (internal)
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| Motherboard Size |
Micro ATX / Baby AT
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| Top I/O Connector |
USB 2.0 x 2, IEEE 1394 x 1, Audio & Speaker ports
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| Cooling |
Rear exhaust: 120x120x25mm, 1300rpm, 17dBA, blue LED fan
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| Weight |
10 lbs
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| Expansion Slots |
4
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Features |
- Clear side panel windows
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| - Front Access I/O Panel
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| - Front Thermometer and side see-through windows
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| - Compact and portable with incredible H20 Performance
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| - Powerful and quiet
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| - 120mm SilentX rear fan
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| - Custom liquid cooling system upgradeable
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The PrimoChill X-QPack H2O Case was shipped in two double-walled corrugated boxes with the case
manufacturer's logos and images printed on all sides. The packaging inside the box was good with the
case sealed in protected plastic with two pieces of polystyrene located on the left and right sides of
the package.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The PrimoChill was bundled with an assortment of accessories which include drive mounting brackets,
mounting screws, zip ties, hose clamps, 4-pin blue LED module, and a small tube of Arctic Silver 5
thermal paste. Since the case has been customized with a water cooling solution, VoyeurMods also bundled
a 32oz bottle of PC Ice liquid coolant. PC Ice is formulated with lubricating properties to increase
pump life and contains corrosive inhibiting ingredients to cut down on internal build up and galvanic
corrosion. The product is safe on all plastic, rubber and miscellaneous gasket materials and is
non-toxic, biodegradable and environmentally safe. Absent from the package was any type of documentation
which means that consumers need to have some level of expertise in PC component and water cooling component
installation.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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Out of the box, my first impressions of the PrimoChill X-QPack H2O Case after removing the packaging
were extremely positive. The PrimoChill like most SFF based cases currently on the market carries a
small footprint measuring 13.8" x 11.2" x 9" with a weight of 10 lbs. The main focus for
the PrimoChill design is to provide a small form factor (SFF) enclosure without a proprietary
motherboard or power supply requirements. Construction of the case consists of light weight aluminum
chassis with an ABS plastic front panel. The PrimoChill includes a P4 certified dual 12v rail 420
watt power supply which should be sufficient for most consumers needs.
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