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Thermaltake WATER2.0 Performer Review
By: Brandon Harrison (Brandonwh64)
By: Brandon Harrison (Brandonwh64)
Though Thermaltake is no stranger to water cooling products, this is one of the first lines of closed loop liquid cooling systems. With the release of this series of closed loop coolers, Thermaltake has strived to bring large improvements to the hassle free liquid cooling solution. In this review we will be doing visual inspections as well as benchmarking to its competitor. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have on the product.
Unboxing
The box was well packaged and very protected with all of the components in their own individual packages. The whole package is tucked in an egg carton style cardboard container.
Specifications of the Thermaltake WATER2.0 PerformerContents:
Back Plate (AMD “AM2/AM2+/AM3/AM3+”, Intel “775/1366/1156/1155/2011”)
Retention Rings (AMD “AM2/AM2+/AM3/AM3+”, Intel “775/1366/1156/1155/2011”)
Mylar
Grommet x4
Screws (Fan mounting) x8
Plastic Components Top x4 (AMD/Intel)
Plastic Components Bottom x4 (AMD/Intel)
Screws (CPU Block Mounting) x4 (775/1366/1156/1155/AMD)
Screws (CPU Block Mounting) x4 (2011)
Retention Clip
Washers x4
Fan Y Cable x1
120MM Fan x2
WATER2.0 Performer Unit
Installation:
The installation for this product has improved over their competitors previous versions. Installation of the back plate with the mylar strips to hold the back plate securely to the motherboard. The grommet inserts must be inserted for specific socket of the board. The plastic components must be put together with the boards socket name facing out and the proper socket screws inserted into the plastic clips. Below is a picture of the CPU block with the retention bracket and clips installed.
Test Bed:
• Mainboard: Gigabyte P67A-UD4;
• Processor: Intel Core i7-2600K, (Stock - 3.4 GHz Stock Voltage),(OCed - 4.5 GHz 1.33V);
• Thermal interface: Arctic Silver Ceramique;
• Memory: DDR3 1333Mhz 2 x 2 GB Corsair XMS3Dual Channel (Spec: 1333MHz / 9-9-9-24 / 1.5 V);
• Power supply: Corsair TX550M;
Testing:
In this review I will be comparing the Thermaltake’s WATER2.0 Performer to the Corsair H50 which share the same characteristics and are closed loop water systems. The Corsair H50 is one of the older style coolers and this test will prove that the newer designed WATER2.0 Performer can outperform the older technology.
Corsair H50 Stock:
Corsair H50 OCed @ 4.5ghz 1.33V:
Results:
Stock: 53 Degree Celsius
Oced: 70 Degree Celsius
Thermaltake WATER2.0 Performer Stock:
Thermaltake WATER2.0 Performer OCed:
Results:
Stock: 46 Degree Celsius
OCed: 57 Degree Celsius
Temperature Differences:
Stock: 7 Degree Celsius
OCed: 13 Degree Celsius
Great numbers!
Value and Conclusion
*The Thermaltake WATER2.0 Performer has an MSRP $69.99*
Good
• Packaged very well with protective cardboard shell
• Very clean and well built
• Rubber tubes instead of metal coiled tubes of the H50
• Excellent performance!
• Easy installation
• Supports AMD and Intel along with the new socket 2011
• Hassle free liquid cooling!
Bad
• Requires a 120mm fan port inside case to install
• Motherboard requires removal to install
• Loop cannot be extended to other components like the GPU
Thermaltake has done a phenomenal job with this unit! It has many improvements over previous generations of closed loop liquid coolers. The fans that are included with this cooler move air greatly through the radiator and are very quiet. While not performing in the same range of custom built high-end water cooling, the Thermaltake 2.0 Performer is great for the typical overclocker. This cooler has provided significant cooling for the typical gamer or moderate overclocking enthusiast. Thermaltake’s sleek design of the CPU block and quiet fans has provided a simple cooling system that can be installed and does not require much maintenance. Basically, if you are looking for the cheapest water cooling solution for your CPU or simply want a great cooler for your CPU in the Thermaltake’s price range, you shouldn’t have to think twice.
