Asetek Waterchill CPU Power Kit Review - Installation
(Page 3 of 6 )
Installing the Waterchill is very simple; following the directions provided should make it easy for you to install the Waterchill kit into your system. Make sure to cut all hoses at a 90 degree angle. Press the hose all the way into the push-on fittings.
The first thing you must decide is where to mount your radiator. Asetek offers massive radiators for the best possible cooling performance. A few of these radiators are so large that you might be unable to modify your case. In that case, you'll need to install the radiator externally from your system. Normally this means securing the radiator on the top of the case, which can limit airflow if holes cannot be drilled for proper ventilation.
Here I have cut a hole to allow air to be pulled up from my system and pushed through the radiator to cool the water within. The radiator can also be installed without cutting holes, but reduced airflow will decrease performance. The radiator is secured to holes drilled into the four corners.
Once you decide where to install your radiator, the second thing to mount is the pump and reservoir, which is normally installed at the bottom of the chassis. It needs to have enough room to direct water lines, although you can mount this externally as well -- it’s entirely up to you. Also you can install the control unit. The unit should be located in an accessible place until you complete the installation of the system.
The base of the pump has suction cups, or you can use screws to mount the pump to holes in your chassis (if available).
After you locate a suitable place to install your pump, radiator, and control unit, it's time to get the CPU block ready for installation. When you install the CPU block, you first want to dry fit the block. Install the guide posts for the socket mount. Place the block in the guides over the CPU socket, but do not secure it. You want to cut enough of the hose to easily reach from the radiator to the middle Inlet on the block. It’s best to leave extra hose and trim it down before filling. After cutting the inlet line, it’s time to cut the outlet lines.
The water inlet is directly over the core of the block, and the water outlets are the outermost lines; using the Y fitting, they send water to the reservoir or optional chipset and VGA blocks.
Since the CPU block has dual outlet connectors, you must cut two hoses of the same length, and attach them together with the provided Y fitting. I suggest not making these lines too long -- no longer than six inches. Slide them over the two close fittings. It may be a tight fit, but with a little bit of effort you can get them on past the third barb. Once you have the two lines installed, go from the single connector on the Y fitting back to the reservoir.
Once you have completed installing all of your hoses throughout the system, make sure all ends are cut at a 90 degree angle to prevent leaking throughout the filling process.
Next: Final Preparations >>
More PC Cooling Articles
More By Mike Mackenzie
