Intel Test System |
CPU | Pentium 630 Retail (3.0GHz 2MB L2 1.31Vcore) Socket-775 |
Mainboard | Asus P5ND@-SLI Deluxe (BIOS 0802) |
Memory | Corsairmicro 5400UL (2x512MB DC CL3-2-2-6) |
Graphics | AOpen 7800GTX |
Power Supply | PCPower&Cooling TurboCool 850 SSI |
Cooling | Alphacool 12V Cora 662 XP (passive H20-system) |
Operating System | Windows XP |
As a simple empirical test I placed the T-Type meter in front of the CRT screen while running Asus ,
AIBooster (indicating CPU Vcore, temp, speed, FSB, CPU utilization, memory voltage, PCIe voltage, system temp, etc.). Panopsys utility
Throttle Watch 2.01 and
S&M CPU stress tester. Our first photo below indicates the system running IDLE at default speeds/Vcore (3.0GHz/1.31V) the second running under LOAD settings remaining the same.
As indicated above by comparing the temp (lower) on the T-Type meter and the AIBooster GUI the discrepancy between water temps entering the CPU-block at IDLE and LOAD widens as the CPU produces more heat. In each test it was essential enough time elapsed so the coolant achieved a thermal equilibrium. The coolant used was
Danger Den endorsed
MCT-5. MCT is just slightly less effective at cooling compared to unadulterated distilled H20, but contains corrosion inhibitors which protect against
Galvanic Corrosion (aka
Dissimilar Metal Corrosion). In the photo below I've devised a low-cost solution for a rough Delta-T extrapolation by placing a Mercury based thermometer in the Alphacool supplied
Cape Cooplex 25 compensating reservoir which is located just opposite the T-Type meter.
Although the accuracy of the unit is not comparable to that of a high end digital multimeter, it’s good to see that for less then 1/100th of the cost you and I can have 99% of the accuracy determining
K-value (Delta-T). Thermaltake seeks to make water-cooling and the ability to measure the performance of your water-cooling system accessible and affordable.
Conclusion: Thermaltake has expanded their water cooling lineup and now offers both passive and active cooling solutions approaching the upper mid-line.
ProsAccurate +/- 1c
Easy to Install
Alarm
Place anywhere in/near case
F/C readout
Price
Extra adapters
Cons
Dual inline would be better
Minimum Alarm setting 37C
The T-Type water temperature indicator is a low cost solution offering accuracy, programmability and an alarm feature tunable from 37C. The unit can be found in the UK at CaseTech £12.95, or at TekHeads £14.75 incl. VAT. In the USA the CL-W0033 T-Type can be found at CaseCooler $28.95. I would to thank Annie at Thermaltake.
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