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When it comes down to extreme cooling
solutions, Asetek is one company
most enthusiasts know for their high end line of VapoChill products which
offer the most effective cooling option available...phase change cooling.
However, while they are primarily designed for demanding power users and
overclockers looking to take their systems to the absolute limits, their
high price tag usually deters a majority on a budget. Asetek obviously
knows this, as it why they have expanded their product line to target a
wider range of power users and enthusiasts. While the VapoChill Micro can be
considered to many has a type of heatpipe cooler, there are some distinct
differences in its design when compared to a standard heatpipe cooler.
This is why Asetek considers the product as a sort of mini phase change
cooler. It is basically a much more affordable alternative to standard air
cooling. Today, we take a thorough look at their new VapoChill Micro Extreme,
as well as provide information on how this effective method of PC cooling
actually works.
Heat Pipe Technology vs. VapoChill Micro
Before we get to the review, it is important to note how this unique cooler
does indeed work. First off, the VapoChill Micro is not to be confused
with their other high-end cooling products that do carry the same name.
The VapoChill Micro does not feature a condenser, which happens to part of
their high price tag. Instead, like a standard heat pipe cooler, the
vapor chamber of the Micro is actually filled with gas. However, what
makes the VapoChill Micro different, is the location of the liquid/gas
chamber and the fact that it does contain refrigerant R134a gas.
The
following diagram gives you an overall idea of the differences between this
particular unit and your standard heat pipe cooler...
This vaporizable liquid moves from the hot end to the slightly cooler end
where it then condenses before returning to the hot end where the process
will repeat.
Packaging &
Contents
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**click to enlarge** |
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There are three different variations of the VapoChill Micro. The
sample we received was their Extreme Performance model that supports socket
478 processors. The other difference is basically the type of fan that
is included with the unit. This model includes a higher "Extreme"
performance fan. Also included are the required mounting hardware, fan
shroud, PCI slot fan control knob, and adapter/power cables that run from
the controller to the fan and power supply.
**click to enlarge**
Asetek did generously include their ultra
low noise and high-end fans along with the sample for testing purposes.
Depending on the product you do purchase, it will contain one of these three
fans. Also provided was additional mounting hardware for a variety of
other processors.
Design
**click to enlarge**
Now, I certainly do give them credit for its design. It is one of
those select few products where you can tell a lot of thought was put into
it. Its slightly angled design is not only to provide a high level of
compatibility with a variety of enclosures, but also designed to separate
both vertical and horizontal airflow, providing slightly more cooling to
other motherboard components.
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**click to enlarge** |
**click to enlarge** |
The
other thing that did strike me when I first took it out for pictures, was
the overall weight of the cooler. Despite its rather large footprint,
its all aluminum design makes it incredibly light, much lighter than some of
the other massive heatpipe coolers we have looked at such as the
Thermaltake
Tower112. In fact, I can confirm this cooler happens to weigh less
than most other high performance heatsinks on the market. It basically
consists of the bottom vapor chamber which leads to three large heat pipes
that are surrounded by aluminum fins.
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**click to enlarge** |
**click to enlarge** |
The
base is protected with a plastic cover to not only prevent damage,
but to keep its rather uniquely applied thermal compound intact.
Although not quite as smooth as the excellent
gold-plated coolers from Koolance, it is quite smooth and definitely
requires no lapping.
Specifications
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Dimensions (H×W×D): |
139×98×50 mm |
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Weight: |
278 g (355g incl. 92mm fan) |
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Thermal resistance: |
0,27 K/W (full fan speed) |
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Noise level: |
Fan speed regulator low setting: <28 dB(A) Fan speed
regulator high setting: 39 dB(A) |
Application
(form factor support):
The VapoChill Micro can be applied in most ATX midi and tower cases.
Tubes (H): 98 mm
Tubes (Ø): 13 mm
Base (Ø): 50 mm
Base (Thickness): 6 mm
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