Thermaltake W3

3
Bookmark and Share
by D_o_S, on Sep 7th 2006, in Watercooling. Manufacturer: Thermaltake

Value and Conclusion

  • Thermaltake's Aqua Brazing All Copper series W3 waterblock retails for around $30
  • Compact
  • Both 3/8” and 1/4” barbs included
  • Foam spacer included
  • SLI compatible
  • Might be too restrictive for 1/2" setups
  • Flimsy mounting mechanism
8.3As with the W2, the W3 is a great block for people who run SFF systems or for those who have watercooling geared towards silence.
Fortunately, Thermaltake has designed a block that will allow you to mount two graphic cards on most SLI/Crossfire motherboards. The block functions as intended; it doesn't leak and is relatively easy to set up. Of course, it doesn't make any sound either, so you can enjoy a completely silent PC. I am glad that Thermaltake has provided a cushion with the mounting kit, it subtracts a possible area where things could go wrong.
The W3 is close, yet so far from being perfect. It has several “pro” features, such as a lapped base, or the already much-praised foam cushion. On the other hand, there are features which are less understandable – small barbs and a flimsy mounting mechanism.
Larger barbs would not only make the block popular among those with traditional watercooling systems, but also to those who cool using a water chiller – a brazed block is ideal for this purpose.
If Thermaltake would improve these aspects, I would not be afraid to give this chipset block an even higher rating, but the above mentioned prevents me from doing so.

Page:
7722 Users online, 5.80 mbps
Quick Search
Already a member?
Username:
Password:
Register Here!
TechPowerUp on Facebook 
TechPowerUp on Google+ 
New Forum Posts
Popular Reviews

Latest VGA Drivers

ATI Catalyst 12.1 WHQL

XP32 | XP64 | W7 32 | W7 64

NVIDIA GeForce 285.58 WHQL

XP32 | XP64 | W7 32 | W7 64