Aqua-computer blocks, general info?

[CoW]8(0)]

Alot of [H] members seem to use AC parts and they seem to love it. What is it about AC that's loved so much?

Do the blocks perform well under low flow systems? Many of the baseplate designs I've seen don't seem restrictive at all. Can their blocks be used in a high flow system? If so, are there exceptions?

Also, anyone that has problems with AC please chime in. But let's not turn this into a debate, post FACTS ONLY.

 

[topcat989]

good luck with this thread.

the "aquatrolls" are out in force today.

Anyways, i use AC stuff becuase i like the bling, it is well made, does what i want it to do, which is cool the computer quieter then air, and be fairly neat in the hose department. Of course, it seems there are those who can't live with that decision and feel the need to denigrate it constantly.

AC also has the most selection of acc like aquiero, flow meters, multi switch, etc so that if you want to and don't mind the $ you can go all out, or add things peice at a time, or like me not use any acc.

 

[theseeker]

AC is designed for low-flow, converting to high flow will probably not benefit you. AC does have a small cult following here, which has been named an obsession by some. Those of us that use it, have a passion for it. It is very clean, high quality and works like a charm. As pointed out before, it does have a certain bling factor,but that it is a matter of taste.
The main is that it does work and it works well. BTW, good question, but I fear you have opened a can of worms.

 

[Erasmus354]

Do the blocks perform well under low flow systems? Many of the baseplate designs I've seen don't seem restrictive at all. Can their blocks be used in a high flow system? If so, are there exceptions?

Their blocks perform decent under low flow systems. AC Fans dont take this the wrong way. The reason why I am saying they perform decent is because they are largely untested. The only performance data we have right now is user observations. AC gear is not poor performing by any means, it does work well at low flows. HOWEVER, with no accurate performance data I dont think anyone you can put it up near the top.

As for the baseplate design, actually the design AC uses in most of their stuff now is quite restrictive. The Micropin channel design has been shown in other blocks (Nexxxos XP, MP-05) to be VERY restrictive. In fact this is one of the most restrictive designs you can get, more restrictive than a storm. Another thing about this design is that it benefits greatly from higher flow rates. Some waterblock designs work well at low flow rates and dont improve much as you increase the flow. The micropin channel design, while still performing decently at low flow rates, excells when you bring on the juice.

Yes their blocks can be used in a high flow system. In fact their blocks, especially the Cuplex XT would probably perform very well in a high flow system. They will be restrictive, but so are many other high performance waterblocks. The only other drawback is the extreme price of the blocks, but if you like the looks go for it. The only problem however is the largest barb you can get for the blocks is 3/8" so if you have a 1/2" system you will have to convert the tubing to a smaller size.

 

[theseeker]

Their blocks perform decent under low flow systems. AC Fans dont take this the wrong way. The reason why I am saying they perform decent is because they are largely untested. The only performance data we have right now is user observations. AC gear is not poor performing by any means, it does work well at low flows. HOWEVER, with no accurate performance data I dont think anyone you can put it up near the top.

As for the baseplate design, actually the design AC uses in most of their stuff now is quite restrictive. The Micropin channel design has been shown in other blocks (Nexxxos XP, MP-05) to be VERY restrictive. In fact this is one of the most restrictive designs you can get, more restrictive than a storm. Another thing about this design is that it benefits greatly from higher flow rates. Some waterblock designs work well at low flow rates and dont improve much as you increase the flow. The micropin channel design, while still performing decently at low flow rates, excells when you bring on the juice.

Yes their blocks can be used in a high flow system. In fact their blocks, especially the Cuplex XT would probably perform very well in a high flow system. They will be restrictive, but so are many other high performance waterblocks. The only other drawback is the extreme price of the blocks, but if you like the looks go for it. The only problem however is the largest barb you can get for the blocks is 3/8" so if you have a 1/2" system you will have to convert the tubing to a smaller size.

"largely untested" no kidding! No offense to you, as you are stating the God's truth. I truly wish someone would test them in an even comparison.
Even meaning, the same MB, the same CPU, RAM, PSU as in the whole nine yards!
Here is my offer; I will buy a new Cuplex XT and donate my old DFI SLI MB to any "real" PC Mag reviewer or any "Worthy" testing people such as [H] to conduct a real world test. Hell, If I dont sell my FX-55 by Monday I will donate that as well! There will be one cavieat, the block has to come back to me before it goes on to the next site, or to TN or any other AC follower who knows how to clean it.
How does that sound?

 

[Top Nurse]

Their blocks perform decent under low flow systems. AC Fans dont take this the wrong way. The reason why I am saying they perform decent is because they are largely untested. The only performance data we have right now is user observations. AC gear is not poor performing by any means, it does work well at low flows. HOWEVER, with no accurate performance data I dont think anyone you can put it up near the top.

As for the baseplate design, actually the design AC uses in most of their stuff now is quite restrictive. The Micropin channel design has been shown in other blocks (Nexxxos XP, MP-05) to be VERY restrictive. In fact this is one of the most restrictive designs you can get, more restrictive than a storm. Another thing about this design is that it benefits greatly from higher flow rates. Some waterblock designs work well at low flow rates and dont improve much as you increase the flow. The micropin channel design, while still performing decently at low flow rates, excells when you bring on the juice.

Yes their blocks can be used in a high flow system. In fact their blocks, especially the Cuplex XT would probably perform very well in a high flow system. They will be restrictive, but so are many other high performance waterblocks. The only other drawback is the extreme price of the blocks, but if you like the looks go for it. The only problem however is the largest barb you can get for the blocks is 3/8" so if you have a 1/2" system you will have to convert the tubing to a smaller size.

Very good factual post. As I have stated before Wes has told me that a lot of people are buying Cuplex XT's with the 3/8" barbs. Also it was noted a while back that AC started selling the DDC pump a week or so after they released the XT due to market demand for a higher pressure pump. However, many also want to use the Aquastream pump because of the interconnectivity possible within their electronic framework of Aquaero, Multiswitch, and Tubemeter's.

Interesting developments may put the whole watercooling business on it's head if AC can deliver this design reputed to beat anything on the market. One small step for man and a giant step for Aqua Computer.

 

[Erasmus354]

"largely untested" no kidding! No offense to you, as you are stating the God's truth. I truly wish someone would test them in an even comparison.
Even meaning, the same MB, the same CPU, RAM, PSU as in the whole nine yards!
Here is my offer; I will buy a new Cuplex XT and donate my old DFI SLI MB to any "real" PC Mag reviewer or any "Worthy" testing people such as [H] to conduct a real world test. Hell, If I dont sell my FX-55 by Monday I will donate that as well! There will be one cavieat, the block has to come back to me before it goes on to the next site, or to TN or any other AC follower who knows how to clean it.
How does that sound?

No need. I already have purchased a Cuplex XT for just that very purpose. It was going to go to SystemCooling, but Sharka finally stepped to the plate. Right now I am waiting for MaxxxRacer over at XS to get his testbench finalized before I send the block over to him.

 

[theseeker]

No need. I already have purchased a Cuplex XT for just that very purpose. It was going to go to SystemCooling, but Sharka finally stepped to the plate. Right now I am waiting for MaxxxRacer over at XS to get his testbench finalized before I send the block over to him.

Just trying to help.

 

[CoW]8(0)]

Well I was considering the Twinplex (copper) chipset cooler. The baseplate design seems very passive. But I've come to the conclusion that chipset cooling isn't necessary. If someone can give me a good reason why chipset cooling is worth the $, please don't hesitate to tell me

 

[theseeker]

Well I was considering the Twinplex (copper) chipset cooler. The baseplate design seems very passive. But I've come to the conclusion that chipset cooling isn't necessary. If someone can give me a good reason why chipset cooling is worth the $, please don't hesitate to tell me

The chipset on a Nvidia based board gets extremely hot. That is why there are so many SLI NB coolers on the market. If on the other hand, you are talking about dual CPU MB's that is a different animal.
Going back to a DFI or an Asus MB, other than the Premium, the chipset will get very hot, especially in the case of OC'ing. If you plan to OC.....COOL the chipset!

 

[Top Nurse]

Alot of [H] members seem to use AC parts and they seem to love it. What is it about AC that's loved so much?

Do the blocks perform well under low flow systems? Many of the baseplate designs I've seen don't seem restrictive at all. Can their blocks be used in a high flow system? If so, are there exceptions?

Also, anyone that has problems with AC please chime in. But let's not turn this into a debate, post FACTS ONLY.

It looks good, it's very well made, and it shows engineering excellence. What else is their to love about it? The only down side to it is the price, but what isn't expensive when it meets these considerations? Why do people buy Volvo's, Ferrari's, BMW's, Aston Martin's, Yamaha, Sony, Lian-Li, Palm, Asus, AMD, and a host of other companies products? If you can answer that then you know why people buy AC gear. Here is a quick look down the long haul with AC.




The original AC waterblock design called the Cuplex:

The next generation TwinPlex chipset and GPU cooler (silver):

The classic avant-garde Cuplex Evo:

The third generation Cuplex Pro:

The awesome Cuplex XT:

A typical combo GPU cooler with floating GPU sink and lighted AC logo:

The TwinPlex Pro GPU cooler (silver):

The TwinPlex Pro SLI Typ 1 chipset cooler:

The RamPlex ram cooler:

The Asus Mosfet cooler:

The Asus P5 cooler:

And for a look into the future here is the One!

And of course the AC waterblocks are just the tip of the iceberg so to speak. The reservoirs, pumps, and assorted electronics just simply put them over the top FTW.

Try it! You can't help but to like it.

 

[Bbq]

Woah. Great post. I especially like the rotating action on first block

 

[R1ckCa1n]

Considering every AC user has had at least a 3/8' based system, I would say there is more than "bling bling" to the products!

BTW: Are we going to have to wait longer than it took Sharka to ship the entire loop for a test? No offence but I thought Eurmanus would be bugging the shit out of the tester for results, unless they don't want to post them.....

 

[CoW]8(0)]

The chipset on a Nvidia based board gets extremely hot. That is why there are so many SLI NB coolers on the market. If on the other hand, you are talking about dual CPU MB's that is a different animal.
Going back to a DFI or an Asus MB, other than the Premium, the chipset will get very hot, especially in the case of OC'ing. If you plan to OC.....COOL the chipset!

But what specifically causes the chipset to heatup when OCing?

 

[R1ckCa1n]

But what specifically causes the chipset to heatup when OCing?

They require better than stock cooling to achieve a high overclock. My RD580 based board can do 310fsb with passive cooling

 

[DFI Daishi]

Well I was considering the Twinplex (copper) chipset cooler. The baseplate design seems very passive. But I've come to the conclusion that chipset cooling isn't necessary. If someone can give me a good reason why chipset cooling is worth the $, please don't hesitate to tell me

depends on the chipset and board. i can cool my NF3 chipset to good temps while OCing, passively, because of it's location. if you can adequately cool your chipset passively, i see no reason to watercool it.

as for the rest of it.........A-C cools quietly.........domestic can cool quietly..........A-C can cool more parts........domestic can cool everything that normally has a fan on it........A-C gear looks nice and the thin tubing looks better..........domestic reall can't answer to that.

systemcooling will hopefully give an answer to how the A-C gear measures up to domestic's claims of superior cooling performance.

and as for "the future" block.......maybe i need to read that thread about the A-C USB something something.......i hope that's a waterblock with integrated fan control and temp monitoring logic......if it's another cooling solution with a weak pelt added in for the l33t factor, to the detriment of cooling performance, i'm going to have even less respect for A-C designs........

 

[R1ckCa1n]

I want this now! I hope we don't have to wait 36 months for this to release. Looks to me like a block/pump combo.

 

[theseeker]

It looks good, it's very well made, and it shows engineering excellence. What else is their to love about it? The only down side to it is the price, but what isn't expensive when it meets these considerations? Why do people buy Volvo's, Ferrari's, BMW's, Aston Martin's, Yamaha, Sony, Lian-Li, Palm, Asus, AMD, and a host of other companies products? If you can answer that then you know why people buy AC gear. Here is a quick look down the long haul with AC.




The original AC waterblock design called the Cuplex:

The next generation TwinPlex chipset and GPU cooler (silver):

The classic avant-garde Cuplex Evo:

The third generation Cuplex Pro:

The awesome Cuplex XT:

A typical combo GPU cooler with floating GPU sink and lighted AC logo:

The TwinPlex Pro GPU cooler (silver):

The TwinPlex Pro SLI Typ 1 chipset cooler:

The RamPlex ram cooler:

The Asus Mosfet cooler:

The Asus P5 cooler:

And for a look into the future here is the One!

And of course the AC waterblocks are just the tip of the iceberg so to speak. The reservoirs, pumps, and assorted electronics just simply put them over the top FTW.

Try it! You can't help but to like it.

TN, unload your mailbox! Tried to PM you.

 

[DFI Daishi]

But what specifically causes the chipset to heatup when OCing?

higher clocks, higher switching frequencies in the circuitry, more inductive loss, more heat to get rid of. in a really small nutshell.

 

[DFI Daishi]

TN, unload your mailbox! Tried to PM you.

did you HAVE to inclued the pics in the quote?

 

[thewhiteguy]

Try it! You can't help but to like it.

I don't like it.

 

[Top Nurse]

TN, unload your mailbox! Tried to PM you.

Okay let her rip....no wait! Nobody light a match....BOOM!

 

[Top Nurse]

I don't like it.

Did you try it? I never thought Volvo's were very sporty till I bought a turbo charged 850 sedan. Goes from 65 to 85 mph in a blink of the eye and then rolls right up to about 150 shortly thereafter. If your not willing to try then how can you not know?

 

[Bbq]

That's right. Some things you never know how good it is until you try it.

And for the record, when I was getting my car, I never thought a Mercedes could be so awesome. Especially at the price I got it at.

 

[Erasmus354]

Considering every AC user has had at least a 3/8' based system, I would say there is more than "bling bling" to the products!

BTW: Are we going to have to wait longer than it took Sharka to ship the entire loop for a test? No offence but I thought Eurmanus would be bugging the shit out of the tester for results, unless they don't want to post them.....

I remember why I had you on ignore for 5 months Perhaps it was a mistake taking you off....

Namecalling aside, Lee has already told us, and I have already posted. The review will take him about 2 weeks to complete, and it could take about a week after that for the review to get posted to the site. It has been about that long since he has recieved the review units so I would assume we will see a review any day now.

As for bugging him, I have much more important things on my hands right now.