Goodbye to my multifan "screamer", Hello KooLance!!

[Technonut]

After accepting my loud ( 2 120mm intake/blowhole, 60mm Delta Black Label, 2 Blue Orbs, 2 fan Enermax ) case for it's great cooling ability, I think I have finally found the solution that I have been looking for.

I read a review this morning about the KooLance Case, and was impressed enough to order one. This is a case with high quality, built in water cooling. I have thought about water cooling for quite some time, but did not care to hassle with putting together pumps, radiators, hoses, etc.. This baby has it all, including a Water Cooled 300 watt Power Supply , and add on waterblocks for the NorthBridge & video card!!

The KooLance performed within 4 degrees of the reviewer's high end water cooling rig, and is very quiet The quality and design of this case floored me, with no clutter and great looks. I also did not have to take out a loan to afford it. I really liked the hold-down for the waterblock to processor, and other features. With some creative ducting from my air conditioner to the case's bottom cooling unit, I think it will perform well enough in the Summer to keep my T-Bird comfortable.

If anyone has thought about watercooling, you owe it to yourself to check out the review.

I will post back with my results after I receive and test the case. I got my order in early, and really hope that it arrives soon.

 

[CHHASmatroxuser]

It looks very interesting indeed, I wonder how much it would cost in shipping to Denmark

 

[SammyBoy]

yeah that looks phat. I wish I had only bought a crappy case so someday it would die on me and I could get this. DAMN ANTEC! BREAK!

 

[RandyHarris]

I sure wish I had known about this case a week ago before I ordered my "Alien" style hydrolic case. I would have bought this instead, sounds awesome!

I yearn for the quiet, cool case and componenents.

 

[DaveJ]

I *REALLY* like this idea, but there are a few minor annoyances:

1. I could use something with slightly more space, one extra 5.25" external bay and maybe 1 or 2 more internal bays would do it

2. One of the reviews I read this morning mentioned the PS voltages were somewhat weak, so it's probably best not to load the PS down with a bunch of stuff...

If it weren't for the space factor I'd have placed my order last night! I can't wait till they come out with the fulltower version later this summer...

Dave

 

[mindiris]

I haven't seen anything so cool in awhile! I'll wait for a bigger case with more drive bays...extraordinary price for what it does however!

 

[WarCon]

Where on their site do they mention or show the radiator and pump/tank? I have looked and looked to see gph and radiator size and what is the fan system that cools it. I think its a great lookin case, but need more info. Guess you need to call them to find out or something.

 

[Technonut]

Yeah, I checked out the review at Overclockers.com also. I am down-sizing from a full tower, but pretty much have my new arrangement figured out. I was not aware of a full tower model being available this Summer. Oh well..I will have some fun with this one when it arrives, and sell it or trade it later and get the full version, or use it for a back up rig.

The PS voltage is on the low side, but I will eliminate my Acer 50X and power sucking fans, and just run the Toshiba, Plextor, and HDs I will also install the lowest noise, highest CFM 80mm fan I can find in the back of the case for exhaust. I am already working on a ducting system idea to flow cold air from my air conditioner to the bottom cooling unit. All in all, I think I will be happy with it for the money, and could mod the hell out of it when the 1 year warranty expires!

This was also encouraging:


<< &quot;I talked to someone at Koolance a few days ago, and thought you'd be interested in what I was told. He said they have some &quot;high performance&quot; options coming very soon (within a couple weeks). He mentioned a different controller board, with more aggressive fan duty cycles, and different CPU clamps for peltier applications. He said the current system is really aimed at workstations, and systems where sound reduction is key. He claims the cooling capacity of the hardware is sufficient for performance cooling, and the controller change is all that will be required. And it will be inexpensive ($10 for the board, and $3 to 4 for the clamps). >>

 

[Davegod75]

these things look sweet. Anybody that gets one let me know how you like it

 

[MechanizedDeath]

Oooh, now that is quite attractive. For $210 shipped, it's a good price for such high-performance cooling. Man, I need a new job to afford all of this stuff. PEACE.

 

[Pauli]

For crying out loud! What is this world coming to that so many people want water-cooled computers?!! If I ever get this obsessed, someone please put a bullet in my head!

 

[RandyHarris]

Pauli, the reason I'm excited about this case/cooling system is because its an efficient heat cooler while being very quiet.

If you call wanting a high performance, quiet system obsessing, then I'm obsessed.

 

[DaveJ]

RH: I agree... the ONLY reason I'm interested in this box is because it's near silent... I have a 1.2 Tbird and my fans drive me nuts right now... Just gotta hold out for the larger version though...

Dave

 

[Mightybao]

*Drool* maybe I'll break the 1.5 Barrier with this baby...must...resist...

 

[Cooltech2k]

I Think I Will wait for a case geared a little more at performance... But Sheesh I Paid almost that much for my tornado 1000... I Got Ripped

 

[Pauli]

I agree, quiet is a reasonable goal, but what if the thing starts leaking? That's one thing I don't want to have to worry about.

 

[Technonut]

UPDATE: Koolance just posted this in the news section of their site today:

04/18/01- Power supplies and DDR compatibility

Some customers are having intermittent power problems with DDR memory. Our new power supplies in early May will resolve this issue, but we do not currently recommend purchasing a liquid-cooled power supply if the system is to be used with DDR memory. You may request a Koolance case from our resellers without a liquid-cooled power supply in about 2 weeks (the pump and fan-controller is currently integrated into our power supplies). Please check back with our website for further updates.

Also:

Due to a large number of requests, customers now have the option of purchasing a case with fan &amp; liquid cooled power supply. This will be a standard 80mm case fan, and while increasing overall system noise level, can lower the CPU jacket temp by an additional 3-4¨¬C, as well as aiding in ambient case temperature. In early May, all power supplies will be equipped with a variable 80mm fan controlled by a fan circuit, with options for larger-wattage power supplies of other brands. The comparisons &amp; specs pages will then be updated accordingly.

This is important to know if anyone planned to purchase a Koolance for their DDR system before May, and also that there will be improved power supplies available. I am going to contact them tomorrow to make damn sure I will be able to get an easy power supply upgrade next month with no hassle. I still do not regret ordering the case, and think it will do well with the A7V133 that I run in the meantime.

 

[RandyHarris]

Thanks for that update Technonut.

I was planning on getting one in June, lucky timing as I plan to go to DDR at that time also.