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Product:
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Koolance PC2-C Super Liquid Cooled Case |
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Price:
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$279 (CAN) / $179 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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FrozenCPU
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Author:
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Hi-TEK
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Date:
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August 19th, 2002
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Rating:
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MODTHEBOX would like to thank Mark from FrozenCPU
for providing Koolance PC2-C Super Liquid Cooled 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. Watercooling applications have recently started to gain in popularity
for those individuals who want to overclock their system components beyond the manufacturer’s specifications. One
misconception that stops most users from moving from air cooling practices to watercooling is the fear of combining
electrical components with water. While this general concept is true, it is misinformed since a proper watercooling
system can reduce overall system temperatures, increase system performance and lower the fan noise levels to introduce
silent computing. Koolance, since 1995 has been developing a consumer line of PC liquid cooling systems which include
many unique features found nowhere else in the realm of computer cooling. Today in the MTB Labs, we will be evaluating
the Koolance PC2-C Super Liquid Cooled Case, a system which utilizes water circulation to cool system components.
Specifications:
The Koolance PC2-C is one of three case models available on the FrozenCPU and Koolance websites. The PC2-C utilizes
a mid-tower case housing to hold a complete computer controlled watercooling system. The case comes pre-assembled with
all the components necessary for a computer system installation. Here are some of the specifications taken directly
from the FrozenCPU and Koolance websites:
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Koolance PC2-C Super Liquid Cooled Case - Key Specifications:
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| Koolance PC2-C Super Liquid Cooled Case: Manufactured by Koolance |
| Case Dimensions: 7" x 17.9" x 18.1" (17.8cm x 45.5cm x 46cm) |
| Drive Bays: 7 (3 x external 5.25", 2 x external 3.5", 2 x internal 3.5") |
| Expansion Slots: 7 |
| Case Weight: 23 pounds (10.43kg) |
| Universal ATX I/O Shield included |
| Form Factor: Supports all Flex, Micro, Full ATX motherboards (max motherboard size: 12" x 10") |
| Intel P4 and AMD XP/MP compatible |
| Built in 2 front USB ports, 1 x sound, 1 x microphone connectors |
| Special Features: Includes a heat exchanger (radiator), reservoir & pumps, top cooling module with fans, LED display,
power control board, User Manual, liquid bottle, tubing, & various smaller components. |
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The Koolance PC2-C Super Liquid Cooled Case was shipped in a standard corrugated cardboard box with no visible case
manufacturer's logos or information printed on any of sides. Upon opening up the package, I was a little dismayed in
how FrozenCPU decided to ship this product. The case itself arrived undamaged, but was not sealed in any type of
protective plastic bag. Instead the box was filled with little pieces of polystyrene which made their way into every
open portion of the case including the top cooling module. I had to spend at least a 1/2 hour cleaning out the pieces
and spraying out the case with compressed air. I'm under the assumption that this is not the standard practice for all
FrozenCPU products and that all cases are packaged properly prior to shipping.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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My initial impressions of the Koolance PC2-C Super Liquid Cooled Case after removing the packaging were very positive.
This would be my first on-hands experience testing out a watercooling system and I was looking forward to the end
results. The case measures 7" x 17.9" x 18.1" (17.8cm x 45.5cm x 46cm) and weighs approximately 23 pounds (10.43kg).
The PC2-C is detailed in a two colour combination with standard beige used on the main areas such as the front bezel
and side panels. Grey highlights are used for the top cooling module and portions of the front bezel. The PC2-C is
suitable for all Flex, Micro, and Full ATX form factors with a maximum motherboard size of 12" x 10". One of the
highlights of this particular model is that it came with a pre-installed side panel window. The design on the side
panel window is pretty standard and held together with 2 piece black gasket molding which is 1/2" thick. I did note
during my inspection that one 5.25" drive bay bracket was missing from the package.
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