![[H]ardOCP](/images/blank.gif){kind=small}
- Date:
- Tuesday , October 16, 2001
- Author:
- Kyle Bennett
- Google +1
VapoChill and P4 @ 2.46GHz
It has been over a year since we visited asetek's vapor phase cooling solution. While vapor phase cooling has not changed much, asetek's approach to building a friendlier VapoChill certainly has.
VapoChill Case Basics:
As we mentioned earlier, we have been working directly with VapoChill for a long time. This allows to see a bit easier than most folks where they have made advancements in their packages. Here is the case that your vapor phase cooling system would come mounted in.
Of course the first couple of shots show you the case with the cover on then the others with the cover removed. The VapoChill case is built very sturdy and it is very heavy, over 40 pounds. This is not a case for LAN Gamers. Still we have to keep in mind that it was built to hold the weight of the compressor in the top of the unit. One thing, this unit uses mainly Torx head screws so you will want to invest in a Torx head screwdriver otherwise you will be sitting looking a box that you can do nothing with.
This unit's cover is a plain beige while the chassis is a black anodized surfacing. Very nice looking and has a very professional feel. Gone are many of the sharp edges that we had in the last VapoChill case.
You can see that the compressor is now pretty much enclosed in a box inside the case. This was done so that no condensation would form on the compressor. While both ends are open and there is an exhaust fan, enough heat stays inside to keep the temperature of the air above the dew point in most instances. Condensation was never a concern with the new setup. There is also a cutout for an intake fan at the bottom front to help ventilate the motherboard compartment.
Nicely enough, the case cover is shipped with a super-heavy plastic coating on it to ensure your box arrives scratch free. This covering simply pulls off leaving a residue free surface. Very good idea.
Here are a couple of shots that are a bit closer up. The first shows you the control unit mounted in the compressor box. There are several plugs in there that can be moved around in order to control the compressor strength. We never took ours of "High". I really don't see a need for anyone to do this, and most folks that would consider the VapoChill as a cooling option are not likely to either. The second two pics show you the inside of the case where the motherboard will mount. The evaporator is the small silver box hanging down on the end of the black insulated tube. It is tied off with zip ties to keep it secure during shipping. I would have liked to have seen them have some sort of cover over the evaporator coldplate, but they are not as anal about those things as you or I. You will have room for two 5.25 drives and three 3.5 drives. (asetek has updated the case so now that is has room for three 5.25 drives.) asetek is selling an additional drive rack for 3.5 drives now if you need more space.
Keep in mind here also, that this unit does not come standard with a Power Supply Unit. Many times they will be bundled with one though. We picked out the 550 watt Enermax to power ours. A 400 watt unit should be sufficient though and should probably be the minimum on most TBird systems.
Overall, it is a nice case that is well constructed for exactly what it is going to be housing. There are several small things that you will find are "European" when compared to Taiwanese and Chinese made cases but nothing negative at all. Just make sure you have your Torx head screwdriver.
VapoChill Got Pretty:
One thing that can be said about the last VapoChill unit is that it was ugly. OK, maybe not ugly, but it was just plain to look at. The VapoChill has been dressed up a bit, at least enough to catch an eye and possibly get some innocent bystander asking questions. We all know, deep down, we want folks to go, "Nice box, what's in it?!"
No more squareness, it is all round and swooshy now. The little swooshy even comes in four or five different colors if red is not your bag. I have seen several custom paint jobs of this case in the last few months and I have to say that they can be dressed up to look even nicer than they come stock. The bezel requires a six-screw assembly but otherwise it is all normal stuff.
Enough with the inside, let's see exactly how this thing works.