Date: October 5th, 2008
Article by: Jackie Mueller (Hardware Reviewer)
Edited by: Nathan Glentworth (Owner / Head Editor)
Product was submitted by: Thermaltake USA
<--SHOP FOR WATER COOLING SYSTEM HERE
PRODUCT INSTALLATION AND TESTING
First and foremost, I would recommend thumbing through the manual to become familiar with all the parts before beginning. The process of mounting the waterblock is different depending on the type of processor being used and may or may not require removal of the stock backplate on the motherboard.
The test system consists of the following hardware:
- Biostar TForce 550 SE Motherboard
- AMD X2 5000+ Black Edition CPU overclocked to 3.0 GHz
- 2 x 1GB GSkill PC2-6400 RAM
- XFX Geforce 8800GT Video card
- 2 x 80GB WD800JD SATA hard drives
- NEC DVD-RW
- Thermaltake SwordM case
My particular AM2 setup did not require removal of the stock backplate. To get the block mounted to the processor, the retention frame was removed and then four screws were inserted through holes on the H clip to tighten it down. All in all it was very simple.
One of the nice things about this kit is the radiator and fan assembly can be installed anywhere a 120mm fan can. Since the SwordM case has a rather unconventional design, I settled with installing it on the side door.
Tubing is attached to the waterblock by slipping it over the holes and tightening it down with a metal clamp. The same process is used to attach other ends of the tubing to the radiator and pump. The manual has good illustrations, so it's easy to get everything connected properly.
The flow meter is installed between two sections of the inlet tube. Again, the metal clamps are used to tighten it down and prevent any leakage.
