Installation
It is unfortunate, but we ran into a compatibility issue with the MCR120-Res radiator and our Antec mid-tower case that we use for testing. Because of the extra inch or so added to the height of the radiator—the part that contains the reservoir—there was not enough clearance for it to bolt in or line up with the fan grille.
Although this may sound like a show stopper, we’re willing to look past this issue. Not every case can accept a water cooling kit and many of them were never designed with them in mind. Hope is certainly not lost for buyers with older cases as Swiftech does have accessories for some non-standard mounting. Their RadBox allows a variety of radiators to be installed externally.
In order to test the H2O Compact kit, we decided to rig it up in an “open” environment using a Highspeed TechStation. It is important to note that the results we achieved with the kit will not be 100% comparable to the results we’ve recorded in the past with other heatsinks. They will likely be comparable within a degree or three but please keep in mind that this is not an apples-to-apples comparison.
In a case installation, it is done a bit differently, but the Swiftech provided screws are a perfect length for 25mm thick fans and can not puncture the radiator if overtightened. Buyers interested in using high-flow 38mm thick fans will have to find some longer screws.
The Apogee Drive was a breeze to install. Hats off to Swiftech for intelligent design that steers clear of motherboard components. The mount is very secure and is held down with a great amount of pressure. This is a professional mount that gets our nod of approval.
There were no clearance issues anywhere on the board. The Apogee Drive can be mounted in four different positions on an LGA775 system for numerous barb placements.
As mentioned earlier, a 3-pin fan connector is included but not used to power the pump. Only the RPM sensing lead is connected. Many motherboards can shut the system down if the RPM drops too low. If the pump fails, the system can act. Power to the pump is provided by a 4-pin molex connector.
Swiftech’s “X-shaped” backplate steers clear of all protruding pins and is generally our favorite type. There is an adhesive pad on the backplate but we opted not to remove the backing for easy removal.
The plastic hose clamps make installation of the tubing a breeze. A pair of needle-nose pliers made quick work of them. Swiftech’s anti-kink wrap is also very effective and tight bends are possible with this kit.
It was a little tougher getting to the clamps on the Apogee Drive due to the motherboard heatsinks, but after a minute or so we got them secured tightly.
Yes, that is a twist-tie holding the radiator to the TechStation and a piece of foam holding it up.
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