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For testing today we are using an Intel Core i7 970 6 core CPU and an MSI X58A-GD65 motherboard – a combination we know already hits high overclocks with relative ease. Thanks to Intel and MSI for supplying these.
We are also going to be using 6GB of our favourite Ballistix Tracer DDR3 courtesy of Crucial.
Our chassis of choice is the Lian Li PC-8FIB which we reviewed a few days ago over here.
The cooler is supplied with a bracket prefitted for Intel processors, to change the fitting you simply slide the bar across to the relevant slot position. It comes set already at 1366 which is what we need.
We simply slide through a backplate and attach the CPU block to this with a standard screwdriver. We like the fact that Coolit have used little protective shrouds on the screws to ensure you don't slip and damage components.
There are two connectors which feed from the Vantage Pump assembly, the first is a four pin female connector which delivers power to the CFF1 pump via a CPU header on the motherboard. It is extremely important that PWM control is disabled in the bios so full power can be send via this connector.
A four pin male header delivers power to the fan mounted on the radiator. The Vantage control box can then adjust fan speeds to suit temperatures and settings.
There are many settings and options on the Vantage which allow for personalised configuration. The display can be rotated for instance to suit the fitting position.
Firstly, the main view shows the temperature of the Coolant as well as the speeds of the fan and pump.
There are coloured options to suit your own taste and you can make the unit ‘pulse' the colour if you wish.
We created a video to show the panel functionality.
As you can see the panel offers plenty of customisation, from fan speeds, to colours and rotation. We hear that upcoming units will support added software based functionality, such as auto detecting devices and controlling third party fans. This might be very useful for someone who wants complete control over airflow and system performance/noise.
