Packaging (continued):
Pictured below is the CoolIT Systems Freezone CPU Cooler box with the lid removed. The Freezone is neatly tucked into the box such that no components can slide or damage each other. The second picture showcases the installation manual and some of the mounting accessories included with this kit.
The Basics:
The
CoolIT Systems Freezone CPU Cooler is designed to be totally self-contained and requires no maintenance. This makes the Freezone unique because most liquid coolers require constant care due to water in the system evaporating. Evaporation can become a serious issue if the water level drops too low because the cooling capability of the cooler can degrade below air-cooled heatsink performance levels. Thankfully, with specially designed seals and hoses, this shouldn't be a concern with the Freezone. An added benefit is the sealed design reduces the likeliness of a leak in the system, air bubbles forming, and spilled coolant when re-filling other liquid cooling system's coolant reservoirs.
Pictured below are two different angles of the Freezone CPU Cooler assembly. The water block, pump, coolant reservoir, TECs (thermoelectric coolers), and cooling fan are all combined into one assembly. In both pictures you can also see the thin aluminum shield that hides all of the components once the unit has been mounted into your computer tower. I was surprised that the entire weight of the assembly was supported using 4 screws that go through the 92mm cooling fan. Initially, I was concerned about the Freezone being cantilevered on these four screws but the mounting system ended up working quite well.
Next up is a picture of the underside of the CoolIT Systems Freezone CPU Cooler. The coolant pump and the small coolant reservoir are mounted here. A larger reservoir would seem a better idea, however that would increase the size of the overall system. The second picture below is a green PCB known as the Freezone thermal control unit. This module is where the Freezone CPU Cooler fan lead is connected. The Freezone is also powered via a 4-pin Molex connector at this module. Another important feature of this control unit is the adjustable potentiometer for adjusting the Freezone's cooling performance. This solution allows you to fine tune the system to a level of noise and cooling performance that you are comfortable with. This module works as intended, but it clutters your tower and it requires opening the side panel of your case each time you wish to adjust the Freezone's fan speed. A better implementation of this thermal control unit would be a unit that could install into an empty PCI slot or better yet a controller that mounts in a 3.5" floppy bay.
More detailed pictures of the accessories included with the CoolIT Systems Freezone CPU Cooler are provided below. The first image is a mounting bracket which adapts the Freezone Cooler's 92mm cooling fan to a computer case with a 120mm rear case fan. Buyers beware: a tower with 80mm rear case fans will not work with the Freezone CPU Cooler - you will need to upgrade your tower. CoolIT Systems should consider developing a second Freezone model that comes standard with a 120mm fan - this would reduce noise and increase airflow - a win-win for improving cooling performance. The second picture contains the retention brackets and hardware necessary for mounting the CPU water block to the processor.
