INTRODUCTION 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Usually when you purchase a new CPU (retail packaging) you end up getting the stock HSF (Heat Sink and Fan) solution which may be quite enough to keep your CPU at acceptable temperatures with default clocks but that's just about all these are good at. With the introduction of the latest Core I7 LGA2011 processors Intel released a new liquid cooler (sold separately) with hopes that it could be used with more than just default clocks, unfortunately however it proved to be a rather low/mid-end solution targeted only towards casual users and gamers. Today we will be looking at such a liquid cooling solution, just a much better one, the Antec Kuhler H2O 920.

 

   Antec, Inc., is the leading global brand of high-performance computer components and accessories for the gaming, PC upgrade and Do-It-Yourself (DIY) markets. Founded in 1986, Antec is recognized as a pioneer in these industries and has maintained its position as a worldwide market leader and international provider of efficient, quiet, and reliable products. Antec has also achieved great success in the distribution channel, meeting the demands of quality-conscious system builders, VARs and integrators. Antec’s offering of enclosures includes a large range of cases, such as its technically advanced Performance One Series, cost-effective New Solution Series and server grade cases designed for the needs of all workstation and server markets. Antec’s products also include front line power supplies such as its TruePower Trio series, Quattro series, and EarthWatts, the most environmentally friendly power supplies available. PC gamers are an increasingly significant consumer of performance components, and many Antec products are geared toward the gaming demographic, like the Nine Hundred, the premier gamer enclosure. Antec also offers a computing accessories line comprised of many original products, including its patented LED Fans and Notebook Cooling solutions. Antec is headquartered in Fremont, California, with additional offices in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, as well as in Germany, China and Taiwan. The company’s products are sold in more than 40 countries throughout the world.

 

   I am quite familiar with the Kuhler H2O 920 by Antec since i had the chance to test it over a year ago when it was first released, however back then it was used on the Core I7-920 CPU (LGA1366) so since we started on the new LGA2011 database we just had to check the new and compatible version to see just how well it does. So once again the Kuhler H2O 920 (just like the 620) is was designed and manufactured by both Antec and Asetek, features a double sized single fan radiator, two high speed 120mm fans (push & pull), a high performance pump, non-corrugated/easy-bend tubes and the usual Asetek control software for Windows. The only question is if it will perform just as good as it did with our LGA1366 system or not and that's what we're about to find out.

 

 

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The box hasn't changed compared to when the unit got released and so at the front we see a large product picture, the CPU compatibility list, LGA2011 support sticker and the Antec 25th anniversary logo.

 

 

Both the specifications table and package contents are present on the left side.

 

 

A chart showcasing the performance of the Kuhler H20 920 against the stock Intel CPU Cooler and 1st Generation Liquid coolers is placed at the right side.

 

 

The features of the unit are explained in depth at the rear of the box and showcased with 4 small pictures.

 

 

Again the 920 along with its bundle is placed inside a thick cardboard tray.

 

 

The bundle includes the main unit (radiator, tubing and waterblock/pump pre-assembled), two 120mm fans, software CD, installation guide and mounting brackets for Intel LGA775/1155/1156/1366/2011 and AMD AM2/AM2+/AM3/AM3+ CPUs.

 

 

 

THE KUHLER H2O 920

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The bundled 120mm PWM fans can reach speeds of up to 2400RPM and produce up to 110CFM of airflow at 43dBA of noise.

 

 

The Kuhler H2O 920 comes pre-assembled with the large tubes attached to the thick aluminum radiator on one side and the pump/waterblock module on the other.

 

 

The double radiator of the Kuhler H2O 920 version measures 151mm in height, 120mm in width and 49mm in depth.

 

 

Compared to the unit i tested over a year ago the radiator fins of this version are much better although far from perfect.

 

 

There are 4 holes placed on the four corners on each side to mount the bundled 120mm fans, however you can also mount two 140mm fans as long as they come with 120mm holes.

 

 

The 330mm long tubings of the Kuhler H2O 920 should make installation a lot easier to complete.

 

 

Just like with similar solutions we see that the pump is attached on the base of the cooler.

 

 

The tubings feature a 90 degree swivel to further simplify the mounting procedure.

 

 

In order to use the Kuhler H2O 920 you will first need to plug the USB cable and then the 3pin fan cable onto your mainboard. If you decide on using the provided software you will also need to plug both 120mm PWM fans to the 4pin cables.

 

 

The copper base of the unit has quite a few visible machine marks and comes with a thin pre-applied layer of thermal conductive material.

 

 

With both fans mounted the radiator of the Kuhler H20 920 now measures 99mm in depth so prior to making the purchase make sure it fits inside your tower.

 

 

Remember that if your tower comes with a top exhaust fan (or fans) then you should have both fans facing inwards so that they can push cool air from the outside to the radiator and thus improve the efficiency of the unit.

 

 

However if your tower lacks a top exhaust fan (or fans) then you should have both fans facing outwards. We tested both configurations to see what performance you can expect with each.

 

 

 

THE CHILLCONTROL V SOFTWARE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Antec bundles the ChillControl V software with the Kuhler H2O 920 allowing you to choose between 3 different modes, extreme for maximum performance, silent for the lowest possible noise levels and custom which you can adjust at will. You can also adjust the color of the Antec LED logo (on the pump) and switch between available skins.

 

 

 

TEST BED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TESTING METHODOLOGY

 

     I always take things quite seriously when it comes to work so just like with the previous LGA1366 database we will not be testing each CPU Cooler on its own and with different ambient temperature levels so we can actually have yet another valid CPU Cooler database. Testing a CPU Cooler automatically means that you need to know where it stands against the immediate competition and to accomplish that we have spent both money and time through the years, something that i plan to continue to do so in order to get the most accurate results for the end users who read these lines. Every CPU cooler in this database will be tested with its bundled 140mm/120mm/92mm/80mm fans while working at 100% of their speeds for all the temperature tests. CPU Coolers that do not come bundled with a fan/s are measured using a Noctua fan (size dependent on the model) to test for the temperature tests but due to the lack of a stock fan we will not be measuring their dBA levels. For the dBA test every cooler in the database was measured both while on idle mode or with the fan controller in the minimum setting and while on extreme load or with the fan controller all the way to the highest possible setting. PWM fans do that or their own without our intervention. Every single test takes place in a temperature controlled room of 23 degrees Celsius Ambient Temp with the help of two AC units placed diagonally inside the room. The Arctic Silver 5 thermal paste is used with every CPU Cooler in our latest LGA2011 database (although initially this was not the plan we had to change things to get the most accurate results). Finally it's very important to point out that just because a CPU Cooler is better than another when tested with our test rig CPU, the Intel Core i7-3930k that does not necessarily mean that the same performance differences will apply 100% for other CPU models and in other situations (such as different ambient temps and system configurations).

 

     To successfully record the load temperatures we use the latest OCCT application for around 6-10 minutes to push the processor to its limits and after that is done and the temperatures are recorded we wait for about 10-20 minutes for the CPU to cool down and record the idle temperatures. This is done to allow time for the thermal conductive material to achieve the optimal performance level. Same procedure is then repeated with the Passmark BurnIn Test as a failsafe just in case the OCCT results are wrong. This procedure takes a lot more time than the usual peltier/thermometer tests but this way not only can we deliver real world results to our readers based on real CPUs but we can also triple check the results using a variety of programs. Last but not least the temperatures were recorded using both the latest versions of AIDA64 and RealTemp while the noise level tests are performed using a high precision ExTech HD600 Decibel Meter placed about 10-15cm above the CPU Cooler. Still although the same testing procedure applies to all units do take into consideration that unlike the official numbers which are measured in special noise isolated labs with just the fans here we also have both the rest of the cooler and the rest of the system (although all system fans are turned off when recording noise levels).

 

 

TEST RESULTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONCLUSION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Liquid CPU Coolers such as the Kuhler H2O 920 are very easy to install and produce excellent cooling efficiency if you choose the right path and judging from our results if you own a tower with good airflow and a top exhaust fan (or fans) it's better to have both fans facing inwards since naturally all the hot air in the interior will escape from the top. Still that also means that if you don't have a top exhaust fan then you don't really have a choice but to have both fans facing outwards otherwise all the hot air inside will have nowhere to go (unless that is you also turn your front fans outwards as well). Noise-wise the Kuhler H2O 920 may not be the most silent CPU Cooler out there but as you can see from our charts it's not very far from that.

 

   Just over a year has passed since the initial release of the Kuhler H2O 920 by Antec and so naturally its price has gone down a bit so currently you can find it at USD91.99 inside the USA (Newegg) and 105Euros inside the EU (Overclockers.Uk). Overall the Kuhler H2O 920 is still a great Liquid CPU Cooler even when used with a high end, power hungry CPU such as the i3930k. Granted it may not be just as good as the more high end/custom made dual/triple/quad radiator solutions but let's face it, you need to spend at least over two times as much to build a custom water cooler that could outperform the Kuhler H2O 920 so at least for me it's simply not worth it. Excellent performance, relatively low noise levels, easy installation and zero clearance issues are the reasons as to why the Antec Kuhler H2O 920 walks away with our Platinum award.

 

PROS

- Build Quality
- Excellent Performance
- Good Noise Levels
- Zero Clearance Issues
- ChillControl V Software
- LED Light
- Dual Fan Solution
- Easy Installation 

 

CONS

- Price (For Some)