Zalman Reserator 2 review

Right mate ! Let's have a look. What we'll do is swiftly work through the components in the kit with the help of an extensive photo-shoot. We'll continue the photo shoot with a guide on how to install the components (both VGA and CPU) into a PC up to the point where we have finalized and finished everything.

It's 2006 and you've been reading Guru3D.com for a while now right ? Then you must know I initially was not a big fan of using water inside a PC. It was scary considering you have conductive fluid inside an electrical system, but I've been converted and am a believer, praise the water .. hallelujah ! All the primary systems in my office are equipped with a water-cooling solution, I kid you not. Why you ask? Oh, just the noise level and the extraordinary cooling effect it has on components. I told you... I'm a changed man.

On the previous page we discussed the basics of cooling. Right now we'll slowly dive into a photo shoot and emerge again later with a performance overview.

As you already guessed by now, this is a complete kit, so expect a lot of components. The kit we received from Zalman comes with CPU and VGA coolers. Optionally there are many upgrades available including southbridge water-blocks, pumps and flow-indicators. The following specifications and features are from the Zalman website.

Reserator 2 (Reservoir+Radiator+ Water Pump

”Reserator” is an amalgam derived from ‘Reservoir' and ‘Radiator'- it acts as a reservoir while radiating heat. This product works well with natural convection and integrates a water pump inside for convenience. It incorporates a coolant flow sensor as well as the Flow Indicator in the front for safe and handy use.

• Dissipation Area: 1.5 m2
• Weight: 7kg
• Dimensions: 76(L) x 436(W) x 369(H) mm
• Material: Anodized Pure Aluminum
• Coolant Capacity: Max. 1.25L
• Integrated Water Pump: 5 W, Qmax 300L/h
  (A type: 230V-50Hz, B type: 120V-60Hz, C type: 220V-60Hz, D type: 110V-60Hz)
• Maximum Lift: 0.5m

CPU Water Block (ZM-WB4 Gold) :
The CPU Water Block incorporates a pure copper base for excellent heat transfer, and has gold plating to prevent corrosion. It supports Pentium 4 Socket 775/478 CPU & AMD Socket 462/754/939/940 CPU, and is designed to be lightweight and easy to install.

• Weight: 135g (Water Block)
• Dimensions: 63(L) x 63(W) x 16.5(H) mm
• Material: Polycarbonate Cover, Gold Plated Pure Copper Base
• Compatibility: Intel Pentium 4 (Socket 775/478), AMD Sempron/AMD64 (Athlon 64/Athlon 64 FX/Opteron) (Socket AM2/754/939/940)
   
Flow Indicator :
This component is connected with the circulation tube for checking the circulation of the coolant. When the coolant is actively circulating, its impeller rotates and the blue LED is brightly lit, providing easy indication of the circulation status.

Anti-Corrosion Coolant (ZM-G300) :
This coolant contains a high quality anti-corrosion agent for various materials including copper, aluminum, and plastic, that prevents corrosion for long term operation.

• Material: Propylene Glycol & Anti-Corrosion Agent
• Weight: 250ml
• Freezing Point: -9°C
• Exchange Cycle: 1 year

Quick Coupling :
The Fittings incorporate valves that prevent leaks when disconnecting the PVC Tubes allowing quick, convenient separation and reassembly of the Reserator for transport and coolant replacement.

The pump and quick couplings are the only things left unchanged from the Reserator 1 Plus.

VGA Water Block (ZM-GWB3) :
The VGA Water Block incorporates a light weight pure aluminum base for high cooling performance, and is anodized and coated to prevent corrosion. It also incorporates pivoting fittings for easy installation of hoses.

• Weight: 100g
• Dimensions: 60.4(L) X 60.4(W) X 30(H) mm
• Material: Anodized Pure Aluminum
• Compatibility: Graphics cards with heatsink mounting holes

It's good to know that the VGA Water Block (ZM-GWB3) will fit on all modern graphics cards. I had a peek and this thing will not fit onto a GeForce 8800. Another exception, If you own a 7950 GX2 you are pretty much screwed.