X-bit labs

Cooler Master Aquagate S1 Liquid Cooling System Review (page 7)

Category: Coolers

by Sergey Lepilov

[ 02/12/2008 | 12:45 PM ]

Conclusion

Before we make any final conclusions about the efficiency of Cooler Master Aquagate S1 system, let’s recall how efficient the previous model, Aquagate VIVA, was. If you read our review, you should remember, that this system lost about 9ºC to Cooler Master Hyper TX on a dual-core CPU with very high level of generated noise. Since Hyper TX and its universal modification called Hyper TX2 do not really differ from the constructive standpoint, we can actually compare Aquagate S1 and Aquagate VIVA with one another as well. So, it turns out that the new cooling system is a tremendous move forward compared with the previous one, because today it yielded only 2ºC to Hyper TX2 although working on a much hotter quad-core processor and having generated considerably less noise during operation. Moreover, if you modify your system by simply adding another exhaust fan, it will leave the competitor behind in no time. However, it is true only if we compare Aquagate S1 against Hyper TX2.

Overall, the new cooling system will hardly be a very attractive buy for overclocking fans and some regular users as well. The mere fact that it loses to an air cooler makes it really hard for Aquagate S1 to make it to the favorites list. The only possible modification is the installation of an additional fan, because Aquagate S1 doesn’t allow adding any more water blocks, which is in most cases a primary advantage of any liquid-cooling solution. So, if you want to modify it any further you will have to be really creative. Among indisputable advantages of this solution we should definitely mention extremely low price point, universal design, simple installation and assembly procedure and compact size.

Highs:

• Low price;
• Compact size that allows it to fit inside a system case completely;
• Universal design (supports all contemporary platforms);
• Very simple assembly and installation;
• Quiet pump and fan at low rotation speed;
• Modding highlighting of the fan and UV glowing tubes.

Lows:

• Low efficiency on overclocked processors at comfortable level of generated noise;
• Noisy fan at its maximum rotation speed;
• No cooling for around-the-socket area.