Zalman ZMachine LQ1000 chassis

@ 2008/09/19
I’ve really enjoyed my time building and using the LQ1000, and it’s very much reaffirmed my interest in water-cooling after previous unsuccessful experiences. Zalman has produced a case of simply phenomenal build quality, and the full integration of the water-cooling system into the design just about justifies the monster price.

Perhaps our only beefs lie with the rather puny pump and reservoir included with the LQ1000. Rated to 300 l/h, according to the case’s own flow meter the pump isn’t pushing anywhere near this, with the display indicating a flow rate of 1.5 litres per minute at full speed and just 0.6 Litres per minute at low. The reservoir also seems rather small with a maximum capacity of just 300ml, although the meaty 240mm radiator seems more than up to the task of keeping your coolant cool, and the rest of the case is very difficult to criticise.

The LQ1000 offers an admittedly expensive, but fantastically well executed, stylish and easy route into the wonderful world of water cooling. It won’t be for everyone, but then neither is chocolate sauce and chips, but for the few who are willing to drop £400 on a new premium case and water-cooling setup, the LQ1000 is a very high quality bit of kit that's well worth considering.

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