MSI / Watercool HydroGen (Cont'd)
The water cooler draws its power from a Molex connector via a 9-pin cable (2 meters long) that enters the case through a faceplate on the back of the PC case. The fan speed signal is sent to the motherboard using the standard fan-header connectors.
Mounting components
The radiator's fans can be set to three different speeds: 5 volts, 7 volts and 12 volts.
MSI X38 Diamond HydroGen
MSI X38 Diamond HydroGen
At the lowest fan speed, the processor runs at 72.5°C, while the medium speed cools it down to 66°C, and the fastest mode drops the CPU's temperature down to 63.5°C. When operating at one of the lower two settings, the cooler is barely audible, while we were able to make out a dull hiss. This water cooler will never distract you from work if it is mounted under your desk.
The inherent advantage of a water cooling solution is that it can always maintain these temperatures, regardless of the airflow inside the tower and the choice of components. As a result, the entire system is quieter, since the CPU cooler also doesn't bleed heat into the tower, forcing other components' fans to compensate.
The CPU cooler dissipates heat very well, and the system's radiator is very effective.
According to MSI, the bundle consisting of the motherboard and the water cooler will appear in stores soon, although we haven't heard any details on pricing. MSI will also be selling the board separately under the name X38 HydroGen, at a price of around €295. Obviously, this version will lack the water cooler.
Technical Data | ||
---|---|---|
CPU | 100% load | idle |
Temperature 12V | 63.5°C | 33°C |
Temperature 7V | 66°C | 33°C |
Temperature 5V | 72.5°C | 33°C |
Noise | 41.9 dB(A) | 36 dB(A) |
Fan Speed | 1540 RPM | 560 RPM |
Weight | 426 grams | |
Intel Socket | 775 | |
AMD Socket | AM2 | AM2+ |
If you're considering buying the water cooler separately, expect to pay somewhere around €300.
Components | |
---|---|
Product | Price |
Heatkiller CPU LGA775 Rev2.5 | ca. €50 |
HT Fusion Dual | ca. €230 |
HT Fusion Triple | ca. €270 |
Screw connection A. 90°C 10 mm (four pieces) | ca. €11 |
PUR tube 10/8 clear (per meter) | ca. €2.50 |
PVC tube 10/8 clear (per meter) | ca. €1 |
Installation