Thermal Testing
Since we’re dealing with just cooling performance, I opted to use OCCT: CPU Linpack for heating up and monitoring the processor’s temps. All three speed settings (Quiet, Performance, and Extreme) were tested for 2 hours each. Ambient temps were 23C (74F). Here are the temperature results graphed up for your pleasure.
Since the coolant stayed below 35C in all three modes, the Vantage A.L.C. never needed to ramp up fan speeds. The only thing that could be heard is the soft hum of the case fans which easily overpower the Vantage. Now, when overclocking the CPU, the Vantage detected the warmer 39C coolant and ramped up the cooling fan on its own as specified. Basically, the unit is designed to balance the noise and temps to give you performance without noise. This resulted in the above CPU temperature results that rivaled the best air cooler we tested so far, the Thermalright Venemous X. Not surprisingly, both coolers took the stock INTEL solution to town but the Vantage A.L.C. does a fantastic job especially when you factor in the next test: Noise.
Noise Levels
We did a quick check with the noise level meter as well just to make sure we weren’t just hearing things…
At 3.8GHz, the Vantage finally out paces the A90’s case fans resulting in some measurable noise. The Vantage cooling fan finally reached its 2400 RPM adding another 7dBA to the A90’s meager 17dBA case noise. Still, I find 24dBA to be very acceptable given the amount of air it’s expelling out the back of the case. And, this was also the only time the Vantage was ever audible over the case at all. The Vantage was also quieter than the Venemous X at the extreme settings while performing neck and neck in the 3.8GHz overclocked cooling test.
While the Venemous X is a slightly less expensive air cooling solution, it doesn’t have the advanced monitoring or the ability to become the cooling control center of your system when the Maestro system becomes available. You do get a lot for your money.
Final Thoughts
The CoolIT Systems Vantage A.L.C. is a silent, yet very innovative high performance cooling system. At first, I was a little concerned that its self-monitoring of the coolant temps over CPU temps would result in less than ideal CPU cooling performance. However, it did an excellent good job of balancing the two which resulted in extremely quiet cooling operations even on one of the latest quad core processors. As with any overclocking, there is a limit to the unit’s cooling capacity and you can expect some noise as the coolant temps begin to climb. That’s just the nature of the overclocking beast. Most of the time though, you can expect a mix of performance and silence when you’re doing everything else.
It’s obvious that some advanced thinking went in to its design, from the installation to the functions. Users with computer cases that feature a single rear 120mm case fan will be cocked, locked, and ready to rock in no time. Users with multiple rear fans might have to improvise just a little due to the spacer not being a standard 25mm width. Either way, the Vantage is designed to work with whatever case configuration with minimal fuss. It’s definitely not complicated to figure out.
Getting down to brass tax, the Vantage A.L.C. is essentially an ECO A.L.C. with the same muscle but more brains. The Vantage did seem to do a better job of managing thermal performance by balancing CPU with the coolant temps as a result of the unique monitoring system. It’s impressive that it’s able to cool so well while remaining near silent even during load. With sufficient case cooling, users can expect similar experiences. If I had to sum up the Vantage A.L.C. in a phrase, it would be “inspiring innovative silence”. Not to mention, all of this innovation is backed by a 2 year warranty and better yet, a $114.99US MSRP when it finally hits the shelves. That’s a win-win in our books.
Pros
- High quality construction
- Simple installation process for INTEL CPUs with an even easier AMD CPU installation
- Extremely efficient and quiet cooling
- Better performance than most air coolers
- No vibrations or added case noise
- Easy to operate and manage
- Top Secret No-Maintenance, High Performance Coolant
- Impressive 2 Year Warranty
Cons
- Costs a little more than the best air coolers
- Radiator mounting screws may strip plastic after repeated use
Overall Rating: 9.0 / 10.0
