asetek VapoChill LightSpeed [AC]
May 05, 2005
Manufactured by asetek
Introduction
When it comes to supercooling a computer, overclockers have to be the driving force behind such art. Had it not been for this breed of computer enthusiasts, PC cooling, as we know today wouldn’t be as aggressive as it is. Who would have thought to use water, peltiers and gas to cool processors, graphics card, chipsets, etc? A few years back, only hardcore overclockers are known to do such things. But with the availability and simplicity of using such extreme cooling systems nowadays, these types of cooling are fast becoming mainstream.
Supercooling or extreme cooling can be done is so many ways. You can use watercooling with peltiers, phase change cooling or even submersion cooling and liquid nitrogen cooling. All of which we have already done here at the OCTools lab for many years now. At the time, these forms of cooling require a lot of preparation and could be extremely complex for the normal Joe Bloggs. Just take a look at our attempts at phase change, submersion and liquid nitrogen cooling and you will see how difficult it is to create such rigs.
Luckily there are companies now that are dedicated in bringing such “extreme” form of cooling to the masses. An example of this type of cooling is vapour phase-change cooling. As you all know by now, phase-change cooling uses the same technology applied in our refrigerators in cooling desktop processors.
One of the first companies that used this technology and applied it to computer processors was asetek. Their VapoChill systems were the first “affordable” mass produced vapour phase-change cooler available to the public. Finally you have a professionally made subzero cooler that can push anyone’s computer system to the limits.
Our first VapoChill experience as far as supercooling and overclocking is concerned was no doubt amazing as we managed to squeeze almost 50% more out of our processor. Today we will once again test the VapoChill as we put their most powerful vapour phase-change cooler to date on our test labs. Introducing, the VapoChill LightSpeed [AC].
The VapoChill LightSpeed [AC]
Unlike other VapoChills before it, the LightSpeed is different in a way that it is an external, standalone cooling unit that can be integrated to any case of your liking. Previous VapoChills comes standard with a case and requires only the system's power supply to power it. The LightSpeed, as the [AC] suggest, uses either a 110v/220v as its main power source.
The LightSpeed works like any other VapoChills before it less the case. This new design however finally allows most enthusiasts to use any case of their liking to partner the VapoChill with. As the CPU in all ATX standard PC cases is placed in the same height from the bottom of the case, the VapoChill LS can be applied to ALL standard PC cases. Until recently, only Chip-Con’s Prometeia provided such design. Thus, one can say that the LightSpeed design from asetek is long overdue.
How asetek describes the VapoChill LightSpeed [AC]?
“The VapoChill LightSpeed [AC]™ represents not only the most powerful CPU cooling system commercially available – its superiority extends to control features, upgrade flexibility, CPU-mounting mechanism, CPU support, emergency shut down features and, especially, LOWEST TEMPERATURES & MOST BANG FOR THE BUCK!”
“The VapoChill LightSpeed [AC]™ has been optimised for the most extreme performance by using a different coolant; R507, which is the most powerful and effective coolant for CPU heat removal. You will not only achieve the lowest possible CPU core temperatures but also an extreme overclocking potential. Unlike the rest of the VapoChill family the LightSpeed [AC]™ is based on 115/230V why it supports all motherboards.”
Above description confirms that the LightSpeed is indeed the most powerful VapoChill to come out of asetek’s plant. If not, the most powerful desktop processor cooler in the market today. At least on paper. What about in the real world? Well, we’ll find out soon enough.
Features
Lowest CPU/Evaporator temperatures on the market
World’s most powerful mass-produced cooling unit
Highest overclocking potential
Lowest prices [LCD & aluminium case incl.]
Supports AMD K8 and Intel P4 in one kit
VapoChill Control Panel [USB]
100% motherboard compatibility*
LCD display and aluminium enclosure included
Maximum CPU/Motherboard upgrade flexibility
No mounting tools necessary
CPU-kit can be rotated 360°
Fits aluminium design on most Lian-Li cases
Mounting holes Mach II compatible
5 extra temp. sensors can be connected
4 extra fans can be connected
Emergency shut down features [Also w. water-cooling]
Specs
| Cooling performance load/idle 200W @ -33'C / 0W @ -50'C
Case colors Aluminum or Black
Dress-up kits Available in Aluminium, Black, Deep Sea Blue, Oxblood Red
Front bezel Aluminum or Black
LCD Display Blue [Programmable via VapoChill Control Panel]
CPU-kit AMD S754/939/940 & Intel S478
CPU-kit (optional) Intel Socket T (LGA 775)
Dimensions (HxWxD) 210x210x490mm / 8,3x8,3x19,3 inches
Core features High performance 115/230V cooling unit NEW improved ChillControl NEW Windows based VapoChill Control Panel [USB]
Case support The VapoChill Lightspeed™ unit has a base measure of 210x490mm.
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Next: How does the VapoChill LightSpeed work?