Testing the Nautilus 500 
Testing Nautilus 500's cooling ability entailed overclocking and stressing the CPU using the tried and true CPU/subsystem-stress test software
S&M. Processor temperatures were measured placing an external thermistor at the edge of the processor's IHS between the CPU and water block. Primary temps will be measured using the processor's internal thermal diodes. Self appointed PRO-cooling "experts" will frown upon this, this usually involves a temper tantrums and labeling some a "Buffoon." I understand the pathology as pseudo-intellectuals often have too much knowledge in one area lacking any real life experience they become myopic. This may be a result of post traumatic stress disorder from the socket-thermistor days and/or troubled childhood. Sociopath diagnostics aside since CPU makers have been integrating thermal diodes into their processors they have an innate advantage simply by virtue of proximity. While its true software interpreting these devices may be inaccurate, they are at least consistent, therefore temp fluctuations will provide useful data.
Overcocking our Opteron 148 involved the following settings:
9 x 275FSB = 2475MHz @ 1.34Vcore | 10 x 285FSB = 2850MHz @ 1.53VcoreTemps will be recorded at LOAD with the fan speed at Low then High. The Thumbnails below record data entered into our chart below.
2475MHz Low | 2475MHz High | 2850MHz Low | 2850MHz High
As the thumbnails above indicate (and the chart below will clarify) there was very little difference in temps between High and Low fan settings. This is most likely attributable to Opteron?s thermal output while overclocked. Temp differential is even less prevalent at 285FSB (2850MHz) even with the additional Vcore and this is due to the cooling system beginning to reach a state of thermal equilibrium.
There was also very little difference in noise level between the Low and High settings. I measured this using a Intelli Instruments AR824 SPL meter from 50cm. With the fan on Low noise was measured at
6dBA above ambient (for my room) and
10dBA above ambient wit the fan set to High. Corsair has chosen a fan from
Vette Corp. whom make numerous OEM products in addition to a large number of
DC-fans. For the Nautilus 500 radiator fan, Corsair chose the VETTE model
A1225L12D (PDF) this is a 12VDC, 1800RPM, 74.4CFM.
As I stated above the temp differential while overclocking was minimal between High and Low fan settings and i believe this is due to the system reaching its maximum performance range. If there was one area which I felt limited Nautilus it was its fan. This inspired me to replace the VETTE fan (74.4CFM) with a Sunon KD1212PTB1 which moves 90CFM. Given the Laing Delphi is basically a low flow pump then increasing the air flow certainly couldn't hurt anything. One reason I delved into laminar flow in the opening section was to exemplify here in the "real world" there are always variables which arise when mating H20-components which make universal rules such as "higher flow rate = lower temps" susceptible. Unfortunately the fan Corsair has mounted requires a Torx wrench to remove, therefore I was forced to remove the entire top half or cover and simply lay the Sunon fan on the radiator allowing it to run flat out as I bypassed the switch. This
ad hoc method introduced a number of variables once the cover was removed.
Thumbnails below exemplify results running the Sunon fan. In so far as noise levels running the Sunon, from 50cm from the case/unit measured
19dBA over ambient; however, with the fan improperly mounted this reading isn't representative as to what the fan might sound like if properly mounted, that is secured and covered. This was an
ad hoc experiment since I didn't have a Torx head driver to remove the Vette fan.
9x275FSB=2475MHz Sunon High | 10x285FSB=2850MHz Sunon High
Summary of ResultsThe chart below summarizes all results including the
ad hoc experiment where the Sunon was used. Temps are recorded in Celsius, comparing performance between the Nautilus 500 and the Stock AMD air-cooler provided with our Retail version Opteron 148.
PRO Great overclocking performance.
Very easy to setup.
No need to remove motherboard.
Ergonomics, svelte unit, streamlined, LED, good looks.
Silent operation on High or Low fan speeds.
PRICE!
CON Foam retention mounting system.
A more powerful fan with rheostat would be ideal.
Price at time of writing. The Nautilus 500 can be found through
Froogle at around $/? 150.
ConclusionCorsair has done an outstanding job bringing the
Nautilus 500 external H20-kit to market for the SRP of $150. There are a growing number of inexpensive compact internal/external water cooling kits beginning to hit the market; however, they all seem to fall short in one area, their pump. Most are spec'd with underpowered, unreliable submersible designs which leave the system wanting. The Laing Thermotech Delphi DDC offers a respectable balance of pressure and flow-rate, not to mention the DDC is found in more water cooling kits then any other pump today. If I were asked what the secret ingredient is in the Nautilus 500's successful recipe, I would have to say it's the radiator. Corsair's decision to use a previous model from the Hydrocool series not only contributes to its efficient cooling, but most likely the low price as well. I have just one concern and one "wish" for the Nautilus 500. My concern is the foam insert acting as the retention mechanism for the mounting system. Perhaps a more traditional mounting system might be in order as I fear the "sponge" will eventually loose its rebound. Although I'm sure it would take some time.
My "wish" would be a more powerful fan mated to a rheostat. Of course keeping the cost down for the consumer was key for Corsair and to this end small concessions must be made, none of which negated performance. The charts above speak loud and clear as to this external water-cooling kit's ability. When you consider you can be water cooling your CPU in just about the same time you can install a high performance air-cooler, many of which require removal of the motherboard while Nautilus does not, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this system to anyone interested in virtual maintenance free H20-cooling.
In the very near future I plan on re-visiting Nautilus 500 replacing the fan with a much more powerful model and switching out the water block with a model more conducive to low-flow or the Laing Thermotech in particular. Stay tuned for some real fun as this unit is highly mod-able!
Questions/comments:
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