X-bit labs

Water-Cooling Systems Roundup: 16 Systems Reviewed! (page 30)

Category: Coolers

by Kirill "ALT-F13" Balalin

[ 03/30/2006 | 08:48 AM ]

Zalman Reserator 1+

We also tested the improved version of the previous model. For more details about it you can check our review called Zalman Reserator 1 Plus Liquid Cooling System Review. This is the same tower as in the original model, but it is painted black rather than anodized blue (we tried both the blue and black radiators in the same system and got absolutely identical results, so there’s no difference between them other than color).

As opposed to the Reserator 1, this kit includes a simple GPU water-block and a few aluminum heatsinks for the graphics memory chips.

The ordinary fittings of the Reserator 1 are replaced with very handy self-locking ones in the Reserator 1+. This is indeed a plus of the updated system as the fittings prevent water from leaking out when you disconnect the pipes.

The water-block has been redesigned, too. It is now much smaller and lighter.

The results of the test are somewhat discouraging. The new water-block is much worse than the previous model’s. We do put all the blame on it because the rest of the components are absolutely the same in both the systems, including the pump.

Summary: We’d rather call this system Reserator Minus rather than Reserator Plus because it performs worse, but costs more. The additional aluminum GPU water-block looks like a bad joke when you recall that the heat dissipation of a single Radeon X1900 XTX is as high as 120 watts. You cannot put such a simple water-block on a powerful or overclocked GPU. Suitable for entry-level PCs with low heat dissipation, the Reserator 1+ is meant for midnight Internet surfers and people who enjoy listening to music without the irritating noise of numerous fans. We only cannot understand why this system is $35 more expensive than the original Reserator.