Asetek Antarctica Waterblock - My Thoughts

[neospazzy]

I just replaced my Innovatek Waterblock for the Asetek Antarctica and I couldn't be more happier. The install was a cinch and the directions were wonderful! I am using the InnovaRadi single with a Vantec Stealth 120mm fan, an Ehiem 1048 pump, a large Innovatek Tank-O-Matic Plug-On, and 3/8 tubings (I had to replace all the fittings for the Rad, pump, and reservoir). Here are my temps at stock speeds (2.2GHz) using the latest build of Motherboard Monitor 5. All the fans are running on lower RPMs cause I hate noise.

Idle : CPU = 38C and Case = 43C
Load: CPU = 41C and Case = 43C

Overclocked to 2.37GHz:

Idle : CPU = 41C and Case = 45C
Load: CPU = 45C and Case = 45C

That is right, my case temp was higher than the CPU temp (warm evening in Southern California ... gotta love the weather!). If my case were a bit cooler with fans running at higher RPMs, my results could be theoretically be better. But I am not complaining with the numbers at all!

Just a word to those who use Tygon Tubing like me. Due to the flexible nature of the tube and the design of Asetek's way of fitting tubes, I found it easy to pull off the tubing off the fittings on the waterblock, which worried me. I was forced to use the regular tubing it came with to connect the pump to the water block and the two exit openings of the waterblock to the Y connector. I then used Tygon tubing from the Y connector to the Rad and from the Rad to the reservoir.

Ran Prime95 for 5 hours on the overclocked mode and it never went higher than 45C.

In all, I love the waterblock and its ease of install and performance. However as a Tygon tube user, I didn't like the fitting too much, though non-Tygon tube users will probably love the design and ease of install. On top of it all, the waterblock is very inexpensive at $49 at Sharkacorp.com.

I highly recommend this block over any Innovatek's current blocks any day!

[Lord09]

Any pictures?

I'd love to see some. I'm thinking about going Innovatek or Asetek, since my Sonata is too small for 1/2 ID.

Is that 3/8 ID tubing?

[neospazzy]

Here are some pics.

http://www.irvinemods.com/images/mod1.jpg
Here is my Rig

http://www.irvinemods.com/images/mod2.jpg
Needs a little cleaning up

http://www.irvinemods.com/images/mod3.jpg
Here is the Antarctica.

Lord09: I did use 3/8 ID tubing.

Correction, I originally had Tygon tubing from the Y-Connector to the Rad, but I had to replace it due to kinking. The only Tygon tube is the one from the Rad to the Reservoir. It is only a matter of time before my UV CC destroys the non-tygon tube.:(

I love Innovatek and Eheim products, but the Asetek Anatarctica is the new love of my life. I did retain the Innovatek Rad and reservoir. I decided to also keep the Eheim 1048 due to its low vibration, silent operation, almost non-existent heat output, and fairly strong waterflow. I felt the Hydor and the Eheim 1250 were a bit too audible and vibrates like crazy.

Hope this info helps.