asetek VapoChill Micro Review: Ultra Low Noise

Cooling/CPU Cooling by piotke @ 2005-08-09

asetek started with phase-change cooling, then they added water-cooling units to their product list, and today we see their first air cooled heatsink. Is their evolution backwards? The VapoChill Micro is very competitively priced, promises to remove up 150W of CPU generated heat, silently, and it weighs less then a feather. Too good to be true? Let?s find out.

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Intro & Specs

Introduction:

Today I’ll be taking a closer look at asetek’s first CPU air cooled solution, the Vapochill Micro Ultra Low Noise.

This quite unique heatsink construction will be thrown in the competition ring with the Thermalright XP-90C and Scythe SHOGUN which have proved to be among the top performers in Madshrimps latest A64 HSF roundup

So the Vapochill Micro, it comes in three different flavors, “High End”, “Extreme Performance” and the one reviewed today “Ultra Low Noise”.

The difference between the versions is the presence of a fan controller and the type of fan;

The package of Micro Ultra Low Noise contains:

  • Vapochil Micro Ultra Low Noise
  • Ventilator for Ultra Low Noise version
  • A transparent fan duct
  • 4 push pins to install the fan on the fan duct
  • A fan controller + screw.
  • Power cable for the fan controller
  • Cable to link rpm measurement to mainboard
  • Short manual
  • Heatsink hold-down plate



    Madshrimps (c)
    Madshrimps (c) Madshrimps (c) Madshrimps (c)
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    A complete package, lot’s to puzzle you might think? Well the website states that this cooling unit can be installed in 29 to 30 seconds. But that’s a bit optimistic.


    Specifications:

    The fully detailed specifications and complete information can be found here.

    Ultra Low Noise CPU cooler and still capable of removing up to 150W. A revolutionary CPU cooler based on the unique and patented VapoChill vapor chamber technology.
    The outstanding VapoChill Micro™ Ultra Low Noise CPU cooler is the ideal match for any PC in a noise sensitive environment. A real solid, low noise, reliable and effective solution for all common CPUs on the market.


  • Dimensions (H×W×D): 139×98×50 mm – can be applied in most ATX midi and tower cases
  • Weight: 278 g (355g incl. 92mm fan)
  • Tubes (H): 98 mm
  • Tubes (Ø): 13 mm
  • Base (Ø): 50 mm
  • Base (Thickness): 6 mm


    By extracting heat from the CPU, a closed sealed fluid will evaporate and reach top of the pipes - this gaseous form will then be cooled by an efficient fan and radiator and turn into a solid fluid form again where as it will hit the bottom of the CPU cooler once more. The recirculation of the coolant is based on gravity. In other words, no mechanical parts and basically unlimited reliability. This circular process will go on and on and keep the CPU temperature cool at all times – even at a low noise level.


    As a picture or a scheme can say more than hundred words, so here it is:


    Madshrimps (c)
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    After manufacturing you’ll get this:


    Madshrimps (c) Madshrimps (c) Madshrimps (c)
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    Capable of removing up to 150 Watt of heat from the CPU and weighing only 350 grams, and available for low price, this MUST be the best air-cooled heatsink to hit the market? Let’s find out ->
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