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Asetek Vapochill LS

Asetek Vapochill LS

Conclusions

Asetek’s Vapochill LS is a fantastic package that provides everything you need to do phase-change cooling the ‘proper way’. This is without a doubt the most powerful commercially available CPU cooling solution that I have seen and the overclocking results speak for themselves. Asetek’s innovative condensation elimination measures have also made the LS a fantastic ’24/7′ system that any hardcore computer enthusiast would appreciate. The ‘Chill Control’ board is a unique and very feature-rich device that gives me the reassurance that my system will start up and shut down at the appropriate times. It removes any potentially dangerous guess work. Installation was much easier to do than I had originally feared, largely due to the large amount of thought that likely went into the CPU kit’s design.

This entire article was written at 3.3GHz and I have complete confidence in the stability of my system. It is interesting to think that my CPU is running 500MHz faster than AMD’s flagship FX-57: That never fails to bring a smile to my face. It may be well over a year before AMD releases a 3GHz CPU, let alone 3.2GHz or faster. The machine genuinely feels very fast. It chews through Folding@Home tinker units like nothing, completing a frame in under three minutes.

Unfortunately, when it comes to phase-change, high performance also comes with a high price tag. The Vapochill LS retails for around $850US/$1000CDN for the silver model and about $50 more for the black model. Although the price is high, I really feel that you get what you pay for in this unit. Everything looks built very well, and the attention to detail is apparent. This kit really does contain everything you need, from the mounting kit to the thermal paste. I suppose you just have to try to justify the cost to yourself in some way. I spent about the same amount of money for a Vapochill LS and an Opteron 148 as I would have for a single FX57. Not to mention that it’s 500MHz faster. Hey, I feel better already about the cost of the unit!

Asetek did a fabulous job with their Vapochill LS, and they have exceeded my expectations. I would not hesitate to recommend this product to anyone seeking the ultimate CPU cooling solution.

Pros:

  • Incredible cooling performance
  • A complete performance cooling package with everything included
  • Excellent condensation prevention measures
  • Intelligent control system and software
  • Looks great
  • Optional socket kits make this a future proof unit

Cons:

  • Very expensive


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Comments

  1. Sledgehammer70
    Sledgehammer70 This is awesome info! I don't think I have seen a better write -up for this product. Great images, nice detail I give you 150% on this one!

    Also I have been looking into the LS for a few days now. I was thinking fo Watercooling for about $400 but I was liek why not go all the way for an extra $400 I mean if youare getting 3.3Ghz on a Opt. what do you think the FX-57 would score? It is all in the aire, but something I am looking into.
  2. Medlock
    Medlock Excellent review, Lemonlime! :thumbsup:
  3. paroxym
    paroxym Lemonlime: You are :leet::ninja:

    As leet as you are though you might want to spell Asetek correctly :aol:

    :bigggrin:
  4. primesuspect
    primesuspect :eek: wow paroxym, thanks for catching that. I'm editing it right now :(
  5. Shorty
    Shorty
    :eek: wow paroxym, thanks for catching that. I'm editing it right now :(
    He sent me an email asking me to do that, Im just about to edit but if you are.. Il wait! :)
  6. primesuspect
  7. lemonlime
    lemonlime
    paroxym wrote:
    As leet as you are though you might want to spell Asetek correctly

    Pfft, the truly hardcore do not waste their time spelling things correctly. I've got benchmarks to run my friend.. :ninja::D
    Done :)

    Thanks for fixing that prime :)
  8. Winga
    Winga Lemonlime - I, like many others followed your trials and tribulations in the forums when you were putting together your now infamous build. All I can say is "Hats off" buddy :respect::respect::respect:

    Not only did you do a superb job of it, but you left a documented legacy for us all to share. And of course make us all green with envy. :bigggrin:
  9. lemonlime
    lemonlime
    This is awesome info! I don't think I have seen a better write -up for this product. Great images, nice detail I give you 150% on this one! ... I mean if youare getting 3.3Ghz on a Opt. what do you think the FX-57 would score?

    Thanks for the comments Sledge! :cheers:

    My Opteron isn't even a terribly strong stepping stepping either :). AMD really puts some love into their flagship FX series chips. 3.3-3.4GHz should be no problem if you are willing to crank up the vcore a bit. I think the best CABNE stepping FX chips can do about 3.5. It's rare to see anything higher than that though without a more extreme cooling solution (definitely not anything 24/7 like the LS). Some of them have the cold bug, so I would look up your chip's production week just to be sure.
    Winga wrote:
    Lemonlime - I, like many others followed your trials and tribulations in the forums when you were putting together your now infamous build. All I can say is "Hats off" buddy

    Not only did you do a superb job of it, but you left a documented legacy for us all to share. And of course make us all green with envy.

    Thanks very much for the kind comments Winga :cheers:
    TheGr81 wrote:
    Excellent review, Lemonlime!

    Thanks dude :cheers:
  10. TheSmJ
    TheSmJ Pretty cool!

    Now how about some pics/specs on that planted tank in the backround...? ;)
  11. Linc
    Linc An excellent read :cool:

    I sure flubbed catching that Asetek spelling though, huh? ;D
  12. profdlp
    profdlp Quite a lot of information and a very nice read. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable article. Well done! :cheers:
  13. lemonlime
    lemonlime
    TheSmJ wrote:
    Pretty cool!

    Now how about some pics/specs on that planted tank in the backround...? ;)

    It's a watercooled 55g long ;) I thought you might notice the tank :D The anubias in the front there were pretty yellow in that picture. Cleaned them up since then. The DIY co2 I'm using now has made a huge difference.
    I sure flubbed catching that Asetek spelling though, huh?

    This is the Chuck Norris of CPU coolers.. I think the vapo was so powerful that it automatically removed every third vowel from the article the last time I saved it. At least thats my excuse and I'm sticking to it ;D
    profdlp wrote:
    Quite a lot of information and a very nice read. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable article. Well done!

    Thanks for the comments prof :cheers:
  14. paroxym
    paroxym
    This is the Chuck Norris of CPU coolers..

    Asetek Vapochills aren't hung like horses, horses are hung like Asetek Vapochills.
    :cheers::p
  15. lemonlime
    lemonlime Time for an 8 month update!

    The 'LS' is still going very strong. Evaporator temp has not swayed at all, and is now cooling my slightly hotter (and cold bug free) 4200+ X2 chip at 3.1GHz without breaking a sweat.

    I have had one encounter with Asetek technical support that I would like to share.

    A couple of months ago, I had an issue where the unit would not fire up every try. I'd hold the power button in as perscribed, and the LCD on the front of the unit would simply go black without starting the compressor. I'd have to unplug the unit and keep trying to get it to successfully start up. Once it did start, it ran like a champ though. I went to support.asetek.com and opened a new ticket. Someone replied very quickly, and offered to replace the chill control board. I explained that the unit was working, and that I'd be without a computer if I had to send the defective one back before receiving a replacement. They had no isses sending the replacement prior to receiving the defective one. This is a rare thing this day and age :) Not only did they send the new one first, it arrived within 3 days from Europe. I swapped the card for the new one, and now everything is 'good as new'.

    Other than that card replacement, I pull out some dust bunnies from the heat exchanger every month, but that is about it :)
  16. profdlp
    profdlp Quite impressive service. :respect:
  17. Nightwolf
    Nightwolf Nice article LL.
  18. Jim Jarmon Have you ever tried this with a dual socket 940 system? I've got a monster that likes to run hot!!

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