Antec KÜHLER H₂O 920 Review

1. Introduction2. Antec KÜHLER H₂O 920 Liquid Cooler3. Installing the Antec KÜHLER H₂O 9204. ChillControl V Software5. Performance Testing6. Acoustics Performance7. Closing Thoughts8. View All Pages

Asetek have had great success in working with enthusiast companies such as Corsair and lately Antec. With this new range however Asetek don't list any of the specifications on their website. There is no information on pump flow rate, but with the thicker tubes it is no doubt improved on the older versions.

While many of the specifications are in question what is not in question is the performance of the Antec KÜHLER H₂O 920, it is almost on a par with the Noctua NH D14, rating less than a single degree behind it. This is an exceptional result and ideal for people who want a hassle free installation but the highest levels of processor overclocking with cooling performance. We aren't huge fans of the mounting bracket system, but it works fine once you get used to it.

How does it compare with the industry leading Noctua NH D14 cooler? As we have seen, the performance levels are close and the benefits with the 920 are that memory slots are easily accessible after a system build. There is also more room for airflow across the top of the motherboard area. It is a much tidier system build and won't cause any subsequent hardware fitting issues.

Negatively, the 920 in full performance mode is painfully loud and would only be bearable for those with hearing problems. That said, it is a worst case scenario, and even with our 990x at 4.8-5ghz, it didn't often go into full performance mode, only with PRIME loading or after 15 minutes of continually looping Cinebench. Generally it is much quieter than this and we know a lesser processor wouldn't heat the liquid as much as our 990x with 1.5 volts.

We really like the Antec ChillControl software, it is both useful and practical, although a little education is in order as the liquid temperatures recorded by this program can be often 30c lower than the CPU core temperatures.

There is no doubting this cooler will make its way into many performance systems, because unless you opt for the significantly larger Noctua NH D14 it is currently in a (mainstream) class of its own.

The Antec KÜHLER H₂O 920, costs around £75 inc vat in the UK, around £5 more than the Noctua NH D14.

Pros:

• great cooling performance
• tidy build leaves CPU socket and surrounding area free for access
• dual fan system is better than single
• good build quality

Cons:

• the mounting system is a little fiddly
• can get loud, especially without customisation
• price means it has a lot of competition

KitGuru says: High performance liquid cooler which is very well put together.

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