Urlyin
12-18-2005, 12:27 AM
[Page=Introduction & Specifications]
Introduction
I would like to thank Thermaltake (http://www.thermaltake.com/) for providing us the review kit.
We are going to take a look at a new Water Cooling Kit from Thermaltake. They have been producing products for computer enthusiast since 1999. This new kit named the Big Water 745 is a revised version of the Big Water produced earlier by Thermaltake. Some knocks on the previous Big Water was that it was to small with its 1/4" ID tubing, to the smaller pump housed in the reservoir and just toward kits in general. Its performance was slightly better than a really good air cooler. Mainly for those new to water-cooling the first Big Water was a great kit to get your feet wet. I used the Big Water myself to cool my Dothan processor with great results.
The new Big Water 745 now sports 3/8" ID tubing along with a larger pump and liquid tank. The kit also includes two radiators with the original Big Water single rad design still being used and with the additional dual 120mm external radiator. From the larger tubing size to a small change in the design of the copper waterblock this kit looks to be a great addition to the Thermaltake product line.
Features:
World 1st liquid cooling system supports ATX / BTX motherboard
Application for Intel P4 LGA775-Intel BTX platform and all AMD K8 series.
Breakthrough design Radiator<br/>
1. Exclusive 240mm Radiator: High performance radiator with dual 120mm silent fan(1300 rpm) to improve thermal dissipation.
2. Remarkable 120mm Radiator: High performance radiator with a 120mm silent VR fan(1300 ~ 2400rpm).
3. Triple fans and dual radiators ushers in the next generation cooling capability.
Superb liquid pump with 400 L/hr:<br/>
1. Silent and powerful P400 pump provides superb reliability.
2. The pedestal can be secured onto the case by screws.
3. The ceramic bearings significantly extend the life expectancy of the pump.
4. Thoughtful inlet and outlet design prevents air blocks from water flow.
Exceptional Liquid Tank:<br/>
1. High capacity liquid tank capable of holding 350c.c of liquid for continuous usage.
2. Easy to refill.
Second-to-none Copper Water Block<br/>
1. With the LED acrylic covering illuminates the CPU
2. Increased number of water channel within the water block greatly enhances the thermal efficiency.
Durable 3/8" Tube:<br/>
1. Special material to prevent wear & tare from being clogged up from over bending.
2. User friendly installation, tool-less connector design.
Specification
<table border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="resulttable">
<tr>
<th colspan="2">Water Block</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Dimensions</th>
<td>78(L) x 60(W) x 23.5(H) mm</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Material</th>
<td>Copper & Acrylic</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Connector</th>
<td>3 pin</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>LED</th>
<td>Blue LED</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th colspan="2">Pump </th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Dimensions</th>
<td>75(L) x 70(W) x 75(H) mm</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Bearing</th>
<td>Ceramic bearing</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Maximum Capacity</th>
<td>400 L/ hr</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Rated Voltage</th>
<td>DC 12v</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Connector</th>
<td>4 pin</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>LED</th>
<td>Blue LED</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Noise</th>
<td>16 dBA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Life time </th>
<td>70000 hr (MTBF)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th colspan="2">240mm Radiator </th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Dimensions</th>
<td>272(L) x 120(W) x 35(H) mm</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Material</th>
<td>Aluminium</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Fan Dimension</th>
<td>120(L) x 120(W) x 35(H) mm</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Fan Speed</th>
<td>1300 RPM</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Max Air Flow</th>
<td>54.4 CFM</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Noise</th>
<td>26 dBA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Fan Connector </th>
<td>4 pin</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th colspan="2">120mm Radiator</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Dimensions</th>
<td>166(L) x 122(W) x 35(H) mm</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Material</th>
<td>Aluminium</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Fan Dimension</th>
<td>120(L) x 120(W) x 35(H) mm</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Fan Speed</th>
<td>1300 ~ 2400 RPM</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Max. Air Flow</th>
<td>38.6 CFM ~ 93.7 CFM</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Noise</th>
<td>16 ~ 30 dBA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Fan Connector</th>
<td>4 pin</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th colspan="2">Liquid Tank </th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Dimensions</th>
<td>86(L) x 66(W) x 110(H) mm</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Capacity</th>
<td>350c.c</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Quick Install Connector </th>
<td>For 9.5 ID(3/8") tube</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th colspan="2">Tube </th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Dimensions</th>
<td>9.5 ID(3/8") tube</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Material</th>
<td>Green UV</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th colspan="2">Coolant </th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Capacity</th>
<td>500c.c</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Major Material Ingredient </th>
<td>Ethylene Glycol</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th colspan="2">Application </th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>CPU</th>
<td>AMD all K8 series<br />
Intel LGA775<br />
Intel BTX platform</td>
</tr>
</table>
[Page=Packaging & Contents]
Packaging
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/boxfront_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/boxfront.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/boxback_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/boxback.jpg)
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/boxsd1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/boxsd1.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/boxsd2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/boxsd2.jpg)
Thermaltake packages the kit in a box measuring 444.5(L) x 215.9(W) x 304.8(H)mm and the shipping weight comes in just under 4 kg. The front of the box shows the assembled kit with the back displaying individual pictures of each component. The sides display specifications and kit features.
Box contents:
Copper water block w/ blue LED acrylic top
P400 pump & Liquid tank
24cm Radiator w/ Dual 120mm fans
12cm Radiator w/ 120mm fan
Foot stands and screws
Tubing 3/8"(9.5mm) ID UV sensitive 400cm
Coolant UV sensitive 500c.c.
Clips ATX & BTX motherboard
PCI bracket - Fan speed controller
Thermal compound
Screws for pump and radiator
Instruction manual
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pumppak_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pumppak.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pakraddual_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pakraddual.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/assesr_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/assesr.jpg)
The components are well protected in their cut-out Styrofoam padded slots. The pump, reservoir, single radiator and water block also have a plastic cover to help keep them safe. The accessories are packaged in the white box. All in all Thermaltake does a great job in packaging the kit.
[Page=Reservoir]
Reservoir
First lets look at the pump and reservoir that Thermaltake has provided with the Big Water 745. The P400 is an in-line pump and from the specifications we see the pump is rated for 400 L/hr, which is roughly 106 G/hr. This far more than the previous Big water at 90 L/hr and slightly more than the average kit. Thermaltake doesn't mention the PSI output. The P400 provides 2.10 m of lift using 10.8 Watts of power.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pumpres_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pumpres.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pumpres1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pumpres1.jpg)
Above we have the P400 connected to the reservoir or as Thermaltake calls it the liquid tank. The liquid tank is a little taller than I would have liked it to be, standing at 110 mm it may be a little cramped in some cases. But holding 350 cc of coolant it more than doubles the amount of coolant compared to the previous Big Water. Also on both sides of the liquid tank we have high and low water marks.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/resclose_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/resclose.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pumpres2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pumpres2.jpg)
Here we can see the how the P400 mounts to the liquid tank. The intake fitting of the P400 fits like a glove with the liquid tank. Thermaltake has fitted the liquid tank with dual o-rings to prevent leaks. The liquid tank is made of a hard plastic tinted a dark color.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/restop_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/restop.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/bottomr_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/bottomr.jpg)
The top of the liquid tank is where we have the quick connect and the see through cap for refilling. The quick connect is for return water flow and the liquid tank with the cap on top makes for easy filling or refilling. This is a big improvement from the earlier Big Water and easier than most kits. Both the P400 and liquid tank have rubber pads on the bottom.
[Page=Pump]
Pump
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pump1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pump1.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pump2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pump2.jpg)
The P400 housing is made of a hard plastic and sets on a removable pedestal, which comes with mounting screws. Because of the way it mounts to the liquid tank you can turn it 90 degrees and mount it.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pump3_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pump3.jpg)
The back of the P400 provides cooling vents for the motor housed inside. Thermaltake doesn't mention if the motor is brush-less. The rated voltage is DC 12 V, 900 mA max. current with a sleeved 4-pin connector.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pump4_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pump4.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pumpint1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pumpint1.jpg)
The best design of the P400 or what I like the best is how easy it is to open and clean. The outside housing cover is held on with plastic clips and after removing the intake fitting the cover is easily removed. We can see the heart of the P400 after only removing two screws and twisting the top of the pump cover free of the molded slide lock, which we can see in the picture below in the red square.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pumpint_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pumpint.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pumplock_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pumplock.jpg)
The P400 runs on ceramic bearings and has a Lifetime rating of 70,000 hours (MTBF) which is a good 20,000 hours higher than most pumps in its class. The noise level is rated at 16 dBA and a blue LED is on the top backside of the P400. At 16 dBA the P400 is hardly audible.
[Page=Radiators]
Radiators
The Big Water 745 comes with a 240 mm external radiator along with the 120 mm radiator. The dual 120 mm rad is external only, but with the single 120 mm it can be installed inside the case or outside. The external 240 mm radiator is exclusive to the Big Water 745 in the fact that it comes with stands to mount the radiator.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/raddualf1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/raddualf1.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/raddualf2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/raddualf2.jpg)
Both the front side and back have nice chrome cover grills. The sleeved 4-pin power connector cable that supplies power to the dual 120 mm fans stretches 45" (114.3 cm) which is more than enough.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/raddualb2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/raddualb2.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/raddualb1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/raddualb1.jpg)
The dual 120mm is a nice addition to the Big Water 745 kit. Something I noticed about the dual rad is it has the same slot for mounting as the single rad which if one didn't like the stands you can mount it in a different way. Perhaps adjustable stands so you could mount it on top of the case with clearance underneath. I for one will need to make room for it. On another note I noticed the dual rad doesn't have the fan speed adjustment as the single rad does. Not a show stopper nor hard to rig one up.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/srad1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/srad1.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/sradbak_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/sradbak.jpg)
The single radiator is a carry over from the previous Big Water and can be easily installed inside the case or outside. Seeing how the dual rad is already outside the case I would think it would be easier to mount it outside as well. Use a little less tubing and not as tight of a bend.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/srad3_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/srad3.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/raddual1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/raddual1.jpg)
The radiators themselves are in a black metal housing and come apart fairly easily and a blast from a can of air can help blow out any dust buildup in the fins.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/raddual_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/raddual.jpg)
Note that the back cover of the dual radiator has the slots for the quick connectors so if you don't like the tubing in the front you can flip the rad and connect the tubing from the back.
[Page=Radiator Cores]
Radiator Cores
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/corer2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/corer2.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/core3_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/core3.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/srad2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/srad2.jpg)
The cores of the single radiator above and the dual radiator below are made with copper tubing inside aluminum fins measuring 25.4mm (1") thick. Both cores are just like condenser units used in most air conditioners. With the aluminum fins tightly packed but air flows through freely. The single rad came with a few blemishes on the fins but this shouldn't affect overall performance, it does however have smaller tubing running through the aluminum fins as does the dual radiator with 3/8" tubing and the 1/4" tubing for the single radiator more than likely a carry over from the previous Big Water.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/dualcore_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/dualcore.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/dualcore1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/dualcore1.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/dualcore2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/dualcore2.jpg)
If you look at the back of quick connects in the middle picture above you can see the o-ring used on each quick connect to seal against the fitting.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/radstands_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/radstands.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/stand_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/stand.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/stand2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/stand2.jpg)
The stands are made of a metal alloy and are installed by removing the screw from the bottom outside corner. Set the stands in place and use the screws provided with the accessories. Looking at the dual radiator at first reminded me of a space heater, however I thought about all the dual rads I've seen mounted on top of cases with make shift mounts or even in card board boxes, the stands started looking a little better
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/plate_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/plate.jpg)
Here we have the slot covers for the hoses exiting and returning, along with the fan speed adjustment for the single radiator fan. I would have liked to have seen the dual radiator fans with a speed control.
The radiators are made simple and look rather well in black with chrome grill covers. The dual radiator fans generate up 54.4 cfm at 1300 RPM and the single radiator with the adjustable fan speed generates 38.6 ~ 93.7 cfm at 1300 ~ 2400 RPM.
[Page=Water Block]
Water Block
Usually the first thing that catches the eye of a water cooler is the water block. Thermaltake has made a few changes to its water block but the overall look is the same.
A copper block with an acrylic top and of course the larger quick connects. The copper block is where the changes have been made. The original Big Water water block was square on the bottom, however the new design has a round base.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wb1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wb1.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wb1r_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wb1r.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wb2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wb2.jpg)
The machined bottom is smooth but not polished. Even though it's not polished like most would like to see, it shouldn't degrade the overall performance of the water block.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wb4_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wb4.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wb5_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wb5.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wb6_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wb6.jpg)
The added channels to the copper block will have more of an effect on performance. The acrylic top is sealed to the copper block with an o-ring. As with the original Big Water, Thermaltake keeps the small UV light in the acrylic side of the block. Which gives it some added bling, you can see the UV sensitive tubing in the first picture below.
Please note that unscrewing the plexi top voids your warranty. If you do not properly screw back the top, there is the risk of leak - Thermaltake will not take any liability for that.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wblight1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wblight1.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wblight3_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wblight3.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wblight5_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wblight5.jpg)
The size of the water block is 78(L) x 60(W) x 23.5(H) mm which is just shy of an inch thick from the top of the acrylic top to the bottom of the copper block. Thermaltake doesn't give us a weight for the redesigned water block, but the original Big Water waterblock came in at 453 g. I would expect them to be somewhat close in weight with the new design being lighter with less copper. Nothing fancy but again Thermaltake has made it easy to take apart and clean with just four screws to remove and separate the block.
[Page=Tubing-Coolant-Clips]
Tubing-Coolant-Clips
Thermaltake prides itself with being the first to provide a water kit that supports both ATX and BTX motherboards. Something you'll also notice is it makes no mention of Socket 478 motherboards. The H-clips for the ATX motherboards also come with a foam insulator and a mylar insulator with adhesive.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/bracketr_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/bracketr.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/btxclip_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/btxclip.jpg)
The BTX clip is mounted using a case stand that allows it to be mounted at the end of the motherboard. Where the new BTX motherboards will have their CPU socket.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/tubing_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/tubing.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/coolant_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/coolant.jpg)
The kit also provides you with 500 cc of UV sensitive coolant. The coolant uses Ethylene Glycol which is an ingredient in Anti-Freeze. As with any coolant keep a close eye on any green stuff starting to grow. The tubing is also UV sensitive and Thermaltake gives you 400cm which is a little over 13ft to work with.
[Page=Installation]
Installation
The instruction manual is done much better this time by Thermaltake. With its color pictures and step by step instructions, you shouldn't have any problems installing the hardware. What they missed or a few items that could be added, for instance the mylar and foam pad on the H-clip on the bottom of the motherboard should not be tightened to where it pinches the foam completely flat. There isn't a recommended tube length, especially for the dual external radiator but, keep in mind the longer your tubing is the lower your flowrate will be. However, in general it is better to make the tube long enough to prevent kinks. We'll go through the installation of the water block.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/doc0_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/doc0.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/doc1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/doc1.jpg)
Take note of the first picture above for those AMD K8 motherboard owners. There are two styles of board with two different install instructions. In the second picture I scanned the install of a BTX board. Thermaltake claims to be the first to support both ATX / BTX motherboards
To install the Big Water 745 you must first take out the motherboard. You'll then need to remove the retention frame from around the CPU socket. Using a small flat head screw driver pops up the white pegs and pinch the bottom ones lifting the retention frame off.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/retention_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/retention.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/retoff_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/retoff.jpg)
Move on to installing the bottom H-clip by peeling off the white tape from the mylar pad and placing it on the back of the chrome H-clip. In case you are wondering the mylar pad is an insulation to protect from short-circuits.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/bracketr_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/bracketr.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/mylar_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/mylar.jpg)
Now peel off the two sides of tape from the foam pad and placing it onto the mylar pad.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/foam_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/foam.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/hclipfoam_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/hclipfoam.jpg)
The next step is to place the insulated H-clip on the bottom of the motherboard lining up the holes. Once you place the H-clip it sticks rather well so try to get right the first time. One draw back is if you want to use the kit on a different motherboard it may be a pain to remove the H-clip. Now slide your screws up through the holes in the H-clip, the number depending on the motherboard. Place the washers provided then screw down the post until you see the foam underneath starting compress. Do not compress the foam completely flat.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/bakplate_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/bakplate.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/post_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/post.jpg)
[Page=Installation Continued]
Installation Continued
After you install the CPU, apply a thin layer of thermal paste provided with the kit or use your favorite brand. You will set the water block on the CPU and line up the H-clip with the screws, now called standoffs, until the H-clip sets in the groove on top of the water block. With the provided thumb nuts tighten each one down until the water block no longer moves freely.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/blockint_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/blockint.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/tubeint_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/tubeint.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wbpic1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wbpic1.jpg)
In the second picture above the 3/8" tubing is slid onto the quick connect after unscrewing the nut. Place the nut on the tubing and tighten it down snug. This is repeated for each quick connect in the loop from the radiators to the pump.
Having only set the kit up on the bench for testing I don't have photos for a case installation which would be different in everyone's situation. Some people prefer to measure and cut their hoses to leak test outside the case. This works fine except with this kit because of the external dual radiator. You would need to disconnect it to install which in turn would make leak testing questionable. Having used both kits from the Big Water to the Big Water 745 I'd say the quick connects are pretty reliable and can take a small amount of abuse.
Doing the install inside the case is easier and you can leak test the system without the motherboard running. To turn your system on manually read the article here (http://www.techpowerup.com/articles/other/22). The installation manual shows the install inside the case.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/diagram_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/diagram.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/doc3_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/doc3.jpg)
Again I think Thermaltake did a decent job on the manual, except for some broken English. The pictures and diagrams walk you through the entire install. Including mounting the single radiator on the back of the case. To using the included screws to mount the pump.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/doc4_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/doc4.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/doc5_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/doc5.jpg)
[Page=Performance]
Performance
<table border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" class="ramtable" width="450">
<tr align="center">
<th colspan="2" scope="row" style="font-size:larger;text-align:center">Test System
</tr>
<tr>
<th width="100" scope="row">CPU:</th>
<td scope="row">AMD Socket939 Dual Core Opteron 175</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Motherboard:</th>
<td scope="row">ASRock 939 Dual SATA2 BIOS 939DM21.50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Memory:</th>
<td scope="row">2x512MB OCZ PC4000 (TCCD) 2.5-3-3-8 </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th valign="top" scope="row">Video Card:</th>
<td valign="top" scope="row">ATI X800 XT PE</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th valign="top" scope="row">Harddisk:</th>
<td valign="top" scope="row">Seagate Barracuda SATA 80GB</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th valign="top" scope="row">Power Supply:</th>
<td valign="top" scope="row">Thermaltake TWV 500W</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th valign="top" scope="row">Software:</th>
<td valign="top" scope="row">Windows XP SP2, Catalyst 5.13</td>
</tr>
</table>
The tests were run with idle temps taken after 30 minutes at desktop. Load temps with an instance of Prime95 along with Systool (http://www.techpowerup.com/systool/) CPU stress test with both CPUs running at 100% and temps taken after 30 minutes. Ambient room temperature remained at 19.4°C (67f).
Arctic Silver 5 was used on all heatsinks and original Big Water, the Big Water 745 was tested with the thermal paste supplied with the kit. The stock AMD HSF with four heat pipes and Cooler Master Hyper6 with six heat pipes are the two air coolers in our test. We'll also be comparing the original Big Water (cl-w0005) against the Big Water 745 (cl-w0076).
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/stock_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/stock.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/hyper6_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/hyper6.jpg)
I added an ATI Radeon X800 XT PE to the loop of the Big Water 745 with a ViperFang Crossfire Water Block which is a Swiftech MCW6000 modified by ViperJohn (http://imageevent.com/marginjohn/viperjohn). The X800 XT PE has a 1.75V VCore and speeds are tested at 640/630 MHz using ATITool (http://www.techpowerup.com/atitool/) artifact scan to heat up the GPU.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/viperfang_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/viperfang.jpg)
Also added to the water loop was a Thermaltake T-type Water Temperature indicator. Installed it in the external dual radiator out to pump line. This will gives us an idea of the water temperature after being cooled by the radiators.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/indicator_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/indicator.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/ttype2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/ttype2.jpg)
Limitations of using the T-type indicator is even though it uses 3/8" quick connects the T itself is only 1/4" ID, which reduces the flow rate in the system a bit. If you don't need the temperature monitoring, do not install it, this will give you slightly better temperatures.
[Page=Performance Continued]
Performance Graphs
The system would not go higher than 246 MHz 11x2707 FSB for any of the coolers. The Dual core Opteron just wanted more voltage than the 1.55v the motherboard could supply which was higher than the default BIOS of 1.45v thanks to the voltmod here (http://www.techpowerup.com/articles/overclocking/voltmods/130). The memory was lowered to DDR333 and set to 2T command rate, with AMD Cool and Quiet disabled. All other settings used were BIOS defaults using BIOS 939dm21.50.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/graph1.gif http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/graph2.gif
At stock settings all the coolers post good numbers.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/graph3.gif http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/graph4.gif
Add 35 more Watts and they start to feel the heat. Below 50°C is acceptable for the stock cooler.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/graph5.gif http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/graph6.gif
Pushing 68 Watts above stock only the BW745 stays below 40°C. The stock cooler goes over 50°C with the Hyper6 next at 48°C. The Big Water at 46°C would make it hard for me to add a VGA card in the loop as we see with the graph below.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/graph7.gif
This graph represents the BW475 at stock FSB(HTT) and a VCore of 1.55V with the VGA card at stock speeds of 520/560 for idle and load using ATITool artifact scanning. The BW745 and GPU idle at 25.0°C but at load the GPU water block has to work with 32.0°C of coolant temperature. Even though the BW745 barely knows the GPU is in the loop, the previous Big Water would be handing off 46.0°C of coolant temperature to the GPU block.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/graph8.gif
Here we have the max load on the CPU and GPU with all three tests running. Again the BW745 maintains the same temperature to the CPU as it did without the GPU in the loop. Which means the radiators are doing their job well. We also have to remember that I did use the thermal paste supplied with the kit. After benching I applied some Arctic Silver 5 to the BW745 and CPU temps were down 4°C to 36°C, GPU temps down 2°C to 41.0°C under max. load. Taking that into account the BW745 was 16°C lower than the stock cooler and 10°C lower than the previous Big Water.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/graph9.gif
The water temperature readings from the indicator measure the coolant before it goes back into the liquid tank. The readings show temperatures to be barely above the ambient room temperature at idle and at max. load just 3°C above. The radiators are clearly working well.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/graph10.gif http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/graph11.gif
Understanding the industry standard for distance sound measurement is taken at 1m and this is what Thermaltake based its numbers on the pump rated at 16 dbA, it scored the lowest at 30 dbA from 60 cm where all sound tests were taken from for the sound test with all fans running at their highest RPM. The P400 from Thermaltake is a very quiet pump. The single radiator fan is the loudest and I can see why they added the speed adjustment. The dual radiator fans are the quietest of the fans tested and being external less noise is obviously better.
[Page=Value & Conclusion]
Value & Conclusion
<table width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" id="result">
<tr><th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/dollar.gif</th>
<td>
The new Big Water 745 will be priced around $144 US dollars which is a great price for this kit.</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbup.gif</th>
<td>
Good price for performance
Good instruction manual
Kit includes everything needed
UV sensitive hose and coolant
Parts disassemble easily for cleaning
Dual radiators
400 cm of tubing included
Uses quick connects
Easy to mount water block
Quiet pump w/ 70,000hr (MTBF)
Performed well
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbdown.gif</th>
<td>
No fan speed control for dual radiator fans
Single radiator copper tubing is still 1/4"
Liquid tank a little to tall
Fan and Pump RPM cable too short
Little lite on the coolant
Sticky Foam pad a pain to remove
</td></tr>
<tr><th>9.1</th>
<td>First Thermaltake includes everything you need even if you own a BTX mobo. I found the 400 cm of tubing to be more than enough but thought the amount of coolant was a little low. Considering there was also the same amount in the previous kit, they upped everything else why not the coolant. The quick connects are still being used and make the install much easier. The instruction manual was done much better this time and a novice to water cooling should be able to complete the install without a hitch.<br/>
Thermaltake did make several improvements to the previous kit with the thumb screws and longer nuts on the standoffs on the water block and to the water block itself, increasing the tubing size to 3/8" ID, adding a larger pump, liquid tank and the addition of the dual radiator. I still would have liked to see the single radiator evolve to 3/8" with the rest of the kit and a speed control on the dual radiator fans. The pump runs extremely quiet and the liquid tank may be a tight fit in some cases.<br/>
Now the improvements have placed the Big Water into a new class of water cooling, it's no longer an entry level cooler. It also allows for more choices for addons in a 3/8" tubing world than 1/4". I wouldn't place the new Big Water in the top tier but if the price holds true the Big Water would certainly be a good choice.<br />
The Big Water 745 will hit retailer shelves around February.
</td></tr>
<tr><th></th><td>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/recommended.gif
</table>
Introduction
I would like to thank Thermaltake (http://www.thermaltake.com/) for providing us the review kit.
We are going to take a look at a new Water Cooling Kit from Thermaltake. They have been producing products for computer enthusiast since 1999. This new kit named the Big Water 745 is a revised version of the Big Water produced earlier by Thermaltake. Some knocks on the previous Big Water was that it was to small with its 1/4" ID tubing, to the smaller pump housed in the reservoir and just toward kits in general. Its performance was slightly better than a really good air cooler. Mainly for those new to water-cooling the first Big Water was a great kit to get your feet wet. I used the Big Water myself to cool my Dothan processor with great results.
The new Big Water 745 now sports 3/8" ID tubing along with a larger pump and liquid tank. The kit also includes two radiators with the original Big Water single rad design still being used and with the additional dual 120mm external radiator. From the larger tubing size to a small change in the design of the copper waterblock this kit looks to be a great addition to the Thermaltake product line.
Features:
World 1st liquid cooling system supports ATX / BTX motherboard
Application for Intel P4 LGA775-Intel BTX platform and all AMD K8 series.
Breakthrough design Radiator<br/>
1. Exclusive 240mm Radiator: High performance radiator with dual 120mm silent fan(1300 rpm) to improve thermal dissipation.
2. Remarkable 120mm Radiator: High performance radiator with a 120mm silent VR fan(1300 ~ 2400rpm).
3. Triple fans and dual radiators ushers in the next generation cooling capability.
Superb liquid pump with 400 L/hr:<br/>
1. Silent and powerful P400 pump provides superb reliability.
2. The pedestal can be secured onto the case by screws.
3. The ceramic bearings significantly extend the life expectancy of the pump.
4. Thoughtful inlet and outlet design prevents air blocks from water flow.
Exceptional Liquid Tank:<br/>
1. High capacity liquid tank capable of holding 350c.c of liquid for continuous usage.
2. Easy to refill.
Second-to-none Copper Water Block<br/>
1. With the LED acrylic covering illuminates the CPU
2. Increased number of water channel within the water block greatly enhances the thermal efficiency.
Durable 3/8" Tube:<br/>
1. Special material to prevent wear & tare from being clogged up from over bending.
2. User friendly installation, tool-less connector design.
Specification
<table border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="resulttable">
<tr>
<th colspan="2">Water Block</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Dimensions</th>
<td>78(L) x 60(W) x 23.5(H) mm</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Material</th>
<td>Copper & Acrylic</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Connector</th>
<td>3 pin</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>LED</th>
<td>Blue LED</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th colspan="2">Pump </th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Dimensions</th>
<td>75(L) x 70(W) x 75(H) mm</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Bearing</th>
<td>Ceramic bearing</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Maximum Capacity</th>
<td>400 L/ hr</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Rated Voltage</th>
<td>DC 12v</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Connector</th>
<td>4 pin</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>LED</th>
<td>Blue LED</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Noise</th>
<td>16 dBA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Life time </th>
<td>70000 hr (MTBF)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th colspan="2">240mm Radiator </th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Dimensions</th>
<td>272(L) x 120(W) x 35(H) mm</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Material</th>
<td>Aluminium</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Fan Dimension</th>
<td>120(L) x 120(W) x 35(H) mm</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Fan Speed</th>
<td>1300 RPM</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Max Air Flow</th>
<td>54.4 CFM</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Noise</th>
<td>26 dBA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Fan Connector </th>
<td>4 pin</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th colspan="2">120mm Radiator</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Dimensions</th>
<td>166(L) x 122(W) x 35(H) mm</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Material</th>
<td>Aluminium</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Fan Dimension</th>
<td>120(L) x 120(W) x 35(H) mm</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Fan Speed</th>
<td>1300 ~ 2400 RPM</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Max. Air Flow</th>
<td>38.6 CFM ~ 93.7 CFM</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Noise</th>
<td>16 ~ 30 dBA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Fan Connector</th>
<td>4 pin</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th colspan="2">Liquid Tank </th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Dimensions</th>
<td>86(L) x 66(W) x 110(H) mm</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Capacity</th>
<td>350c.c</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Quick Install Connector </th>
<td>For 9.5 ID(3/8") tube</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th colspan="2">Tube </th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Dimensions</th>
<td>9.5 ID(3/8") tube</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Material</th>
<td>Green UV</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th colspan="2">Coolant </th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Capacity</th>
<td>500c.c</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>Major Material Ingredient </th>
<td>Ethylene Glycol</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th colspan="2">Application </th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>CPU</th>
<td>AMD all K8 series<br />
Intel LGA775<br />
Intel BTX platform</td>
</tr>
</table>
[Page=Packaging & Contents]
Packaging
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/boxfront_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/boxfront.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/boxback_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/boxback.jpg)
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/boxsd1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/boxsd1.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/boxsd2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/boxsd2.jpg)
Thermaltake packages the kit in a box measuring 444.5(L) x 215.9(W) x 304.8(H)mm and the shipping weight comes in just under 4 kg. The front of the box shows the assembled kit with the back displaying individual pictures of each component. The sides display specifications and kit features.
Box contents:
Copper water block w/ blue LED acrylic top
P400 pump & Liquid tank
24cm Radiator w/ Dual 120mm fans
12cm Radiator w/ 120mm fan
Foot stands and screws
Tubing 3/8"(9.5mm) ID UV sensitive 400cm
Coolant UV sensitive 500c.c.
Clips ATX & BTX motherboard
PCI bracket - Fan speed controller
Thermal compound
Screws for pump and radiator
Instruction manual
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pumppak_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pumppak.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pakraddual_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pakraddual.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/assesr_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/assesr.jpg)
The components are well protected in their cut-out Styrofoam padded slots. The pump, reservoir, single radiator and water block also have a plastic cover to help keep them safe. The accessories are packaged in the white box. All in all Thermaltake does a great job in packaging the kit.
[Page=Reservoir]
Reservoir
First lets look at the pump and reservoir that Thermaltake has provided with the Big Water 745. The P400 is an in-line pump and from the specifications we see the pump is rated for 400 L/hr, which is roughly 106 G/hr. This far more than the previous Big water at 90 L/hr and slightly more than the average kit. Thermaltake doesn't mention the PSI output. The P400 provides 2.10 m of lift using 10.8 Watts of power.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pumpres_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pumpres.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pumpres1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pumpres1.jpg)
Above we have the P400 connected to the reservoir or as Thermaltake calls it the liquid tank. The liquid tank is a little taller than I would have liked it to be, standing at 110 mm it may be a little cramped in some cases. But holding 350 cc of coolant it more than doubles the amount of coolant compared to the previous Big Water. Also on both sides of the liquid tank we have high and low water marks.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/resclose_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/resclose.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pumpres2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pumpres2.jpg)
Here we can see the how the P400 mounts to the liquid tank. The intake fitting of the P400 fits like a glove with the liquid tank. Thermaltake has fitted the liquid tank with dual o-rings to prevent leaks. The liquid tank is made of a hard plastic tinted a dark color.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/restop_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/restop.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/bottomr_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/bottomr.jpg)
The top of the liquid tank is where we have the quick connect and the see through cap for refilling. The quick connect is for return water flow and the liquid tank with the cap on top makes for easy filling or refilling. This is a big improvement from the earlier Big Water and easier than most kits. Both the P400 and liquid tank have rubber pads on the bottom.
[Page=Pump]
Pump
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pump1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pump1.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pump2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pump2.jpg)
The P400 housing is made of a hard plastic and sets on a removable pedestal, which comes with mounting screws. Because of the way it mounts to the liquid tank you can turn it 90 degrees and mount it.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pump3_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pump3.jpg)
The back of the P400 provides cooling vents for the motor housed inside. Thermaltake doesn't mention if the motor is brush-less. The rated voltage is DC 12 V, 900 mA max. current with a sleeved 4-pin connector.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pump4_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pump4.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pumpint1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pumpint1.jpg)
The best design of the P400 or what I like the best is how easy it is to open and clean. The outside housing cover is held on with plastic clips and after removing the intake fitting the cover is easily removed. We can see the heart of the P400 after only removing two screws and twisting the top of the pump cover free of the molded slide lock, which we can see in the picture below in the red square.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pumpint_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pumpint.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pumplock_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/pumplock.jpg)
The P400 runs on ceramic bearings and has a Lifetime rating of 70,000 hours (MTBF) which is a good 20,000 hours higher than most pumps in its class. The noise level is rated at 16 dBA and a blue LED is on the top backside of the P400. At 16 dBA the P400 is hardly audible.
[Page=Radiators]
Radiators
The Big Water 745 comes with a 240 mm external radiator along with the 120 mm radiator. The dual 120 mm rad is external only, but with the single 120 mm it can be installed inside the case or outside. The external 240 mm radiator is exclusive to the Big Water 745 in the fact that it comes with stands to mount the radiator.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/raddualf1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/raddualf1.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/raddualf2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/raddualf2.jpg)
Both the front side and back have nice chrome cover grills. The sleeved 4-pin power connector cable that supplies power to the dual 120 mm fans stretches 45" (114.3 cm) which is more than enough.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/raddualb2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/raddualb2.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/raddualb1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/raddualb1.jpg)
The dual 120mm is a nice addition to the Big Water 745 kit. Something I noticed about the dual rad is it has the same slot for mounting as the single rad which if one didn't like the stands you can mount it in a different way. Perhaps adjustable stands so you could mount it on top of the case with clearance underneath. I for one will need to make room for it. On another note I noticed the dual rad doesn't have the fan speed adjustment as the single rad does. Not a show stopper nor hard to rig one up.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/srad1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/srad1.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/sradbak_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/sradbak.jpg)
The single radiator is a carry over from the previous Big Water and can be easily installed inside the case or outside. Seeing how the dual rad is already outside the case I would think it would be easier to mount it outside as well. Use a little less tubing and not as tight of a bend.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/srad3_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/srad3.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/raddual1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/raddual1.jpg)
The radiators themselves are in a black metal housing and come apart fairly easily and a blast from a can of air can help blow out any dust buildup in the fins.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/raddual_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/raddual.jpg)
Note that the back cover of the dual radiator has the slots for the quick connectors so if you don't like the tubing in the front you can flip the rad and connect the tubing from the back.
[Page=Radiator Cores]
Radiator Cores
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/corer2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/corer2.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/core3_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/core3.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/srad2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/srad2.jpg)
The cores of the single radiator above and the dual radiator below are made with copper tubing inside aluminum fins measuring 25.4mm (1") thick. Both cores are just like condenser units used in most air conditioners. With the aluminum fins tightly packed but air flows through freely. The single rad came with a few blemishes on the fins but this shouldn't affect overall performance, it does however have smaller tubing running through the aluminum fins as does the dual radiator with 3/8" tubing and the 1/4" tubing for the single radiator more than likely a carry over from the previous Big Water.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/dualcore_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/dualcore.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/dualcore1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/dualcore1.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/dualcore2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/dualcore2.jpg)
If you look at the back of quick connects in the middle picture above you can see the o-ring used on each quick connect to seal against the fitting.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/radstands_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/radstands.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/stand_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/stand.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/stand2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/stand2.jpg)
The stands are made of a metal alloy and are installed by removing the screw from the bottom outside corner. Set the stands in place and use the screws provided with the accessories. Looking at the dual radiator at first reminded me of a space heater, however I thought about all the dual rads I've seen mounted on top of cases with make shift mounts or even in card board boxes, the stands started looking a little better
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/plate_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/plate.jpg)
Here we have the slot covers for the hoses exiting and returning, along with the fan speed adjustment for the single radiator fan. I would have liked to have seen the dual radiator fans with a speed control.
The radiators are made simple and look rather well in black with chrome grill covers. The dual radiator fans generate up 54.4 cfm at 1300 RPM and the single radiator with the adjustable fan speed generates 38.6 ~ 93.7 cfm at 1300 ~ 2400 RPM.
[Page=Water Block]
Water Block
Usually the first thing that catches the eye of a water cooler is the water block. Thermaltake has made a few changes to its water block but the overall look is the same.
A copper block with an acrylic top and of course the larger quick connects. The copper block is where the changes have been made. The original Big Water water block was square on the bottom, however the new design has a round base.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wb1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wb1.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wb1r_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wb1r.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wb2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wb2.jpg)
The machined bottom is smooth but not polished. Even though it's not polished like most would like to see, it shouldn't degrade the overall performance of the water block.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wb4_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wb4.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wb5_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wb5.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wb6_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wb6.jpg)
The added channels to the copper block will have more of an effect on performance. The acrylic top is sealed to the copper block with an o-ring. As with the original Big Water, Thermaltake keeps the small UV light in the acrylic side of the block. Which gives it some added bling, you can see the UV sensitive tubing in the first picture below.
Please note that unscrewing the plexi top voids your warranty. If you do not properly screw back the top, there is the risk of leak - Thermaltake will not take any liability for that.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wblight1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wblight1.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wblight3_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wblight3.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wblight5_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wblight5.jpg)
The size of the water block is 78(L) x 60(W) x 23.5(H) mm which is just shy of an inch thick from the top of the acrylic top to the bottom of the copper block. Thermaltake doesn't give us a weight for the redesigned water block, but the original Big Water waterblock came in at 453 g. I would expect them to be somewhat close in weight with the new design being lighter with less copper. Nothing fancy but again Thermaltake has made it easy to take apart and clean with just four screws to remove and separate the block.
[Page=Tubing-Coolant-Clips]
Tubing-Coolant-Clips
Thermaltake prides itself with being the first to provide a water kit that supports both ATX and BTX motherboards. Something you'll also notice is it makes no mention of Socket 478 motherboards. The H-clips for the ATX motherboards also come with a foam insulator and a mylar insulator with adhesive.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/bracketr_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/bracketr.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/btxclip_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/btxclip.jpg)
The BTX clip is mounted using a case stand that allows it to be mounted at the end of the motherboard. Where the new BTX motherboards will have their CPU socket.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/tubing_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/tubing.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/coolant_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/coolant.jpg)
The kit also provides you with 500 cc of UV sensitive coolant. The coolant uses Ethylene Glycol which is an ingredient in Anti-Freeze. As with any coolant keep a close eye on any green stuff starting to grow. The tubing is also UV sensitive and Thermaltake gives you 400cm which is a little over 13ft to work with.
[Page=Installation]
Installation
The instruction manual is done much better this time by Thermaltake. With its color pictures and step by step instructions, you shouldn't have any problems installing the hardware. What they missed or a few items that could be added, for instance the mylar and foam pad on the H-clip on the bottom of the motherboard should not be tightened to where it pinches the foam completely flat. There isn't a recommended tube length, especially for the dual external radiator but, keep in mind the longer your tubing is the lower your flowrate will be. However, in general it is better to make the tube long enough to prevent kinks. We'll go through the installation of the water block.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/doc0_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/doc0.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/doc1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/doc1.jpg)
Take note of the first picture above for those AMD K8 motherboard owners. There are two styles of board with two different install instructions. In the second picture I scanned the install of a BTX board. Thermaltake claims to be the first to support both ATX / BTX motherboards
To install the Big Water 745 you must first take out the motherboard. You'll then need to remove the retention frame from around the CPU socket. Using a small flat head screw driver pops up the white pegs and pinch the bottom ones lifting the retention frame off.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/retention_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/retention.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/retoff_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/retoff.jpg)
Move on to installing the bottom H-clip by peeling off the white tape from the mylar pad and placing it on the back of the chrome H-clip. In case you are wondering the mylar pad is an insulation to protect from short-circuits.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/bracketr_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/bracketr.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/mylar_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/mylar.jpg)
Now peel off the two sides of tape from the foam pad and placing it onto the mylar pad.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/foam_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/foam.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/hclipfoam_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/hclipfoam.jpg)
The next step is to place the insulated H-clip on the bottom of the motherboard lining up the holes. Once you place the H-clip it sticks rather well so try to get right the first time. One draw back is if you want to use the kit on a different motherboard it may be a pain to remove the H-clip. Now slide your screws up through the holes in the H-clip, the number depending on the motherboard. Place the washers provided then screw down the post until you see the foam underneath starting compress. Do not compress the foam completely flat.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/bakplate_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/bakplate.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/post_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/post.jpg)
[Page=Installation Continued]
Installation Continued
After you install the CPU, apply a thin layer of thermal paste provided with the kit or use your favorite brand. You will set the water block on the CPU and line up the H-clip with the screws, now called standoffs, until the H-clip sets in the groove on top of the water block. With the provided thumb nuts tighten each one down until the water block no longer moves freely.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/blockint_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/blockint.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/tubeint_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/tubeint.jpg)http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wbpic1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/wbpic1.jpg)
In the second picture above the 3/8" tubing is slid onto the quick connect after unscrewing the nut. Place the nut on the tubing and tighten it down snug. This is repeated for each quick connect in the loop from the radiators to the pump.
Having only set the kit up on the bench for testing I don't have photos for a case installation which would be different in everyone's situation. Some people prefer to measure and cut their hoses to leak test outside the case. This works fine except with this kit because of the external dual radiator. You would need to disconnect it to install which in turn would make leak testing questionable. Having used both kits from the Big Water to the Big Water 745 I'd say the quick connects are pretty reliable and can take a small amount of abuse.
Doing the install inside the case is easier and you can leak test the system without the motherboard running. To turn your system on manually read the article here (http://www.techpowerup.com/articles/other/22). The installation manual shows the install inside the case.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/diagram_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/diagram.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/doc3_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/doc3.jpg)
Again I think Thermaltake did a decent job on the manual, except for some broken English. The pictures and diagrams walk you through the entire install. Including mounting the single radiator on the back of the case. To using the included screws to mount the pump.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/doc4_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/doc4.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/doc5_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/doc5.jpg)
[Page=Performance]
Performance
<table border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" class="ramtable" width="450">
<tr align="center">
<th colspan="2" scope="row" style="font-size:larger;text-align:center">Test System
</tr>
<tr>
<th width="100" scope="row">CPU:</th>
<td scope="row">AMD Socket939 Dual Core Opteron 175</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Motherboard:</th>
<td scope="row">ASRock 939 Dual SATA2 BIOS 939DM21.50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Memory:</th>
<td scope="row">2x512MB OCZ PC4000 (TCCD) 2.5-3-3-8 </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th valign="top" scope="row">Video Card:</th>
<td valign="top" scope="row">ATI X800 XT PE</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th valign="top" scope="row">Harddisk:</th>
<td valign="top" scope="row">Seagate Barracuda SATA 80GB</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th valign="top" scope="row">Power Supply:</th>
<td valign="top" scope="row">Thermaltake TWV 500W</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th valign="top" scope="row">Software:</th>
<td valign="top" scope="row">Windows XP SP2, Catalyst 5.13</td>
</tr>
</table>
The tests were run with idle temps taken after 30 minutes at desktop. Load temps with an instance of Prime95 along with Systool (http://www.techpowerup.com/systool/) CPU stress test with both CPUs running at 100% and temps taken after 30 minutes. Ambient room temperature remained at 19.4°C (67f).
Arctic Silver 5 was used on all heatsinks and original Big Water, the Big Water 745 was tested with the thermal paste supplied with the kit. The stock AMD HSF with four heat pipes and Cooler Master Hyper6 with six heat pipes are the two air coolers in our test. We'll also be comparing the original Big Water (cl-w0005) against the Big Water 745 (cl-w0076).
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/stock_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/stock.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/hyper6_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/hyper6.jpg)
I added an ATI Radeon X800 XT PE to the loop of the Big Water 745 with a ViperFang Crossfire Water Block which is a Swiftech MCW6000 modified by ViperJohn (http://imageevent.com/marginjohn/viperjohn). The X800 XT PE has a 1.75V VCore and speeds are tested at 640/630 MHz using ATITool (http://www.techpowerup.com/atitool/) artifact scan to heat up the GPU.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/viperfang_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/viperfang.jpg)
Also added to the water loop was a Thermaltake T-type Water Temperature indicator. Installed it in the external dual radiator out to pump line. This will gives us an idea of the water temperature after being cooled by the radiators.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/indicator_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/indicator.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/ttype2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/ttype2.jpg)
Limitations of using the T-type indicator is even though it uses 3/8" quick connects the T itself is only 1/4" ID, which reduces the flow rate in the system a bit. If you don't need the temperature monitoring, do not install it, this will give you slightly better temperatures.
[Page=Performance Continued]
Performance Graphs
The system would not go higher than 246 MHz 11x2707 FSB for any of the coolers. The Dual core Opteron just wanted more voltage than the 1.55v the motherboard could supply which was higher than the default BIOS of 1.45v thanks to the voltmod here (http://www.techpowerup.com/articles/overclocking/voltmods/130). The memory was lowered to DDR333 and set to 2T command rate, with AMD Cool and Quiet disabled. All other settings used were BIOS defaults using BIOS 939dm21.50.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/graph1.gif http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/graph2.gif
At stock settings all the coolers post good numbers.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/graph3.gif http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/graph4.gif
Add 35 more Watts and they start to feel the heat. Below 50°C is acceptable for the stock cooler.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/graph5.gif http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/graph6.gif
Pushing 68 Watts above stock only the BW745 stays below 40°C. The stock cooler goes over 50°C with the Hyper6 next at 48°C. The Big Water at 46°C would make it hard for me to add a VGA card in the loop as we see with the graph below.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/graph7.gif
This graph represents the BW475 at stock FSB(HTT) and a VCore of 1.55V with the VGA card at stock speeds of 520/560 for idle and load using ATITool artifact scanning. The BW745 and GPU idle at 25.0°C but at load the GPU water block has to work with 32.0°C of coolant temperature. Even though the BW745 barely knows the GPU is in the loop, the previous Big Water would be handing off 46.0°C of coolant temperature to the GPU block.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/graph8.gif
Here we have the max load on the CPU and GPU with all three tests running. Again the BW745 maintains the same temperature to the CPU as it did without the GPU in the loop. Which means the radiators are doing their job well. We also have to remember that I did use the thermal paste supplied with the kit. After benching I applied some Arctic Silver 5 to the BW745 and CPU temps were down 4°C to 36°C, GPU temps down 2°C to 41.0°C under max. load. Taking that into account the BW745 was 16°C lower than the stock cooler and 10°C lower than the previous Big Water.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/graph9.gif
The water temperature readings from the indicator measure the coolant before it goes back into the liquid tank. The readings show temperatures to be barely above the ambient room temperature at idle and at max. load just 3°C above. The radiators are clearly working well.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/graph10.gif http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/BW745/images/graph11.gif
Understanding the industry standard for distance sound measurement is taken at 1m and this is what Thermaltake based its numbers on the pump rated at 16 dbA, it scored the lowest at 30 dbA from 60 cm where all sound tests were taken from for the sound test with all fans running at their highest RPM. The P400 from Thermaltake is a very quiet pump. The single radiator fan is the loudest and I can see why they added the speed adjustment. The dual radiator fans are the quietest of the fans tested and being external less noise is obviously better.
[Page=Value & Conclusion]
Value & Conclusion
<table width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" id="result">
<tr><th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/dollar.gif</th>
<td>
The new Big Water 745 will be priced around $144 US dollars which is a great price for this kit.</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbup.gif</th>
<td>
Good price for performance
Good instruction manual
Kit includes everything needed
UV sensitive hose and coolant
Parts disassemble easily for cleaning
Dual radiators
400 cm of tubing included
Uses quick connects
Easy to mount water block
Quiet pump w/ 70,000hr (MTBF)
Performed well
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbdown.gif</th>
<td>
No fan speed control for dual radiator fans
Single radiator copper tubing is still 1/4"
Liquid tank a little to tall
Fan and Pump RPM cable too short
Little lite on the coolant
Sticky Foam pad a pain to remove
</td></tr>
<tr><th>9.1</th>
<td>First Thermaltake includes everything you need even if you own a BTX mobo. I found the 400 cm of tubing to be more than enough but thought the amount of coolant was a little low. Considering there was also the same amount in the previous kit, they upped everything else why not the coolant. The quick connects are still being used and make the install much easier. The instruction manual was done much better this time and a novice to water cooling should be able to complete the install without a hitch.<br/>
Thermaltake did make several improvements to the previous kit with the thumb screws and longer nuts on the standoffs on the water block and to the water block itself, increasing the tubing size to 3/8" ID, adding a larger pump, liquid tank and the addition of the dual radiator. I still would have liked to see the single radiator evolve to 3/8" with the rest of the kit and a speed control on the dual radiator fans. The pump runs extremely quiet and the liquid tank may be a tight fit in some cases.<br/>
Now the improvements have placed the Big Water into a new class of water cooling, it's no longer an entry level cooler. It also allows for more choices for addons in a 3/8" tubing world than 1/4". I wouldn't place the new Big Water in the top tier but if the price holds true the Big Water would certainly be a good choice.<br />
The Big Water 745 will hit retailer shelves around February.
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