Antec KÜHLER H2O 620 CPU cooler Review
Introduction
Product on Review: Antec KÜHLER H2O 620
Manufacturer and Sponsor: Antec
Street Price: £44.98
Last week, we had an in-depth look at Antec’s KÜHLER H2O 920. We concluded that despite the good performance, it was let down by its noise and reliance on high RPM fans to achieve its full potential. On the whole, it still proved to be an improvement over previous all-contained liquid cooling (ALC) units such as the CoolIT Eco and the Corsair H50, not surprising given the thicker radiator of the KÜHLER H2O 920. However, those not convinced by the price of the latter can opt for Antec’s cheaper offering, the KÜHLER H2O 620. This unit is more akin to the like of the Corsair and CoolIT mentioned above, featuring a thinner radiator than the 920 and a single fan. At around half the price of the 920, the 620 is a promising unit that features many of the former’s main advantages such as a compact package that can fit into an system regardless of size, zero-maintenance and leak-proof design, and warranty that covers any faults.
The KÜHLER H2O 620, like its bigger brother, is also based on the latest Asetek design using their third generation copper cold plate to ensure better cooling than other ALC units. As I mentioned in the previous review, Corsair’s H50 and H70 used the first generation Asetek technology so we expect the Antec KÜHLER H2O 620 to be a marked improvement over Corsair’s equivalent unit. The new units also feature a low profile CPU block and pump unit as seen on the KÜHLER H2O 920. The other notable difference between the Corsair H50 and the Antec unit is the orientation of the fan. Whereas the former is designed with a fan drawing cool air inside the chassis, the Antec features an exhaust fan instead to extract hot air from the radiator outside of the case. It remains to be seen which design works better and whether the KÜHLER H2O 620 is indeed a viable purchase in this ever competitive segment.
Let’s take a closer look at what the Antec KÜHLER H2O 620 has to offer…
Product on Review: Antec KÜHLER H2O 620
Manufacturer and Sponsor: Antec
Street Price: £44.98
Last week, we had an in-depth look at Antec’s KÜHLER H2O 920. We concluded that despite the good performance, it was let down by its noise and reliance on high RPM fans to achieve its full potential. On the whole, it still proved to be an improvement over previous all-contained liquid cooling (ALC) units such as the CoolIT Eco and the Corsair H50, not surprising given the thicker radiator of the KÜHLER H2O 920. However, those not convinced by the price of the latter can opt for Antec’s cheaper offering, the KÜHLER H2O 620. This unit is more akin to the like of the Corsair and CoolIT mentioned above, featuring a thinner radiator than the 920 and a single fan. At around half the price of the 920, the 620 is a promising unit that features many of the former’s main advantages such as a compact package that can fit into an system regardless of size, zero-maintenance and leak-proof design, and warranty that covers any faults.
The KÜHLER H2O 620, like its bigger brother, is also based on the latest Asetek design using their third generation copper cold plate to ensure better cooling than other ALC units. As I mentioned in the previous review, Corsair’s H50 and H70 used the first generation Asetek technology so we expect the Antec KÜHLER H2O 620 to be a marked improvement over Corsair’s equivalent unit. The new units also feature a low profile CPU block and pump unit as seen on the KÜHLER H2O 920. The other notable difference between the Corsair H50 and the Antec unit is the orientation of the fan. Whereas the former is designed with a fan drawing cool air inside the chassis, the Antec features an exhaust fan instead to extract hot air from the radiator outside of the case. It remains to be seen which design works better and whether the KÜHLER H2O 620 is indeed a viable purchase in this ever competitive segment.
About Antec:
Antec, Inc. is the global leader in high-performance computer components and accessories for the gaming, PC upgrade and Do-It-Yourself markets. Founded in 1986, Antec is recognized as a pioneer in the industry and has maintained its position as a worldwide market leader and international provider of quiet, efficient and innovative products. Antec has also achieved great success in the distribution channel, meeting the demands of quality-conscious system builders, VARs and integrators.
Antec, Inc. is the global leader in high-performance computer components and accessories for the gaming, PC upgrade and Do-It-Yourself markets. Founded in 1986, Antec is recognized as a pioneer in the industry and has maintained its position as a worldwide market leader and international provider of quiet, efficient and innovative products. Antec has also achieved great success in the distribution channel, meeting the demands of quality-conscious system builders, VARs and integrators.
About Asetek:
Founded in 2000, Asetek is a world leading thermal management solution provider of vapour phase, vapour chamber and liquid cooling solutions. These solutions are designed for OEM integration, servers/data centres, PC enthusiasts, gamers, and professionals who demands exceptional performance, maximum reliability and low noise. Asetek R&
works with state-of-the-art lab facilities and thermal simulation tools in its design process.
For a decade, Asetek has developed the very strong brand names VapoChill® and WaterChill™, to become the preferred choice of enthusiast grade cooling solutions. The VapoChill® and WaterChill™ product lines have won more than 200 international press awards.
With headquarters in Denmark, a marketing and FAE office in San José, California, a QA and sourcing office in China, and a sales office in Taiwan, Asetek works actively with world leading companies within the industry to ensure maximum reliability, cost effectiveness, and performance for its products, while providing global logistical support for its customers.
Founded in 2000, Asetek is a world leading thermal management solution provider of vapour phase, vapour chamber and liquid cooling solutions. These solutions are designed for OEM integration, servers/data centres, PC enthusiasts, gamers, and professionals who demands exceptional performance, maximum reliability and low noise. Asetek R&
works with state-of-the-art lab facilities and thermal simulation tools in its design process. For a decade, Asetek has developed the very strong brand names VapoChill® and WaterChill™, to become the preferred choice of enthusiast grade cooling solutions. The VapoChill® and WaterChill™ product lines have won more than 200 international press awards.
With headquarters in Denmark, a marketing and FAE office in San José, California, a QA and sourcing office in China, and a sales office in Taiwan, Asetek works actively with world leading companies within the industry to ensure maximum reliability, cost effectiveness, and performance for its products, while providing global logistical support for its customers.
Let’s take a closer look at what the Antec KÜHLER H2O 620 has to offer…
