Antec Kuhler H20 920 CPU Water Cooler Review

When it comes to computers, one of the biggest ways to increase performance is through overclocking. Overclocking however generates a lot of heat. And the CPU needs a good cooler. The best way to cool is through water cooling. Up for review today is the Antec Kuhler H20 920 CPU water cooler.

The Antec Kuhler H2O 920 works like a car radiator. There is a radiator that feeds water to the CPU. The water cools the CPU. This water that was heated by the CPU then goes back to the radiator. Dual fans, one on each side of the radiator, pushes and pulls air access the fins. This in turn cools the water back down. This endless cycle cools the CPU, just like a similar system cools the engine of a car.

Features and specs include:

-CPU Socket Compatibility:

- Intel LGA 2011/ 775 / 1155 / 1156 / 1366

- AMD AM2 / AM3 / AM2+ / AM3+

-Included software provides essential tools to control and monitor the KÜHLER H₂O 920

-Non-corrugated easy-bend tubes for maximum flexibility in radiator positioning

-Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) radiator fans generate the quietest high performance cooling

-Customizable RGB LED creates brilliant illumination

-Cooling Liquid - Safe, environmentally-friendly, anti-corrosive

-Fan Speed: 700 - 2400 RPM (PWM controlled)

-Tubing Length: 13.0" / 330 mm

-Radiator Dimensions:

- 5.6" (H) x 4.7" (W) x 1.9" (D) /

- 151 mm (H) x 120 mm (W) x 49 mm (D)

-Fan Dimensions:

- 4.7" x 1.0" / 120 mm x 25 mm

-Air Flow: - 110.0 CFM

-Noise Level: - 43 dBA

-Cold Plate + Pump Height: - 1.1" / 29 mm

-Net weight:- 2.4 lbs / 1.1 kg

-Gross weight:- 3.5 lbs / 1.6 kg

-AQ3 - Antec Quality 3 year limited warranty on parts and labor

The cooler came in an attractive box that included photos and info on the product. It came well packaged and protected. The quality of the components used were good, as well as the fit and finish. It also included simple to read instructions to help with the installation, as well as the software CD.

I really likes the design, features, and ease of use of the Kuhler H2O 920. Water cooling can sound a bit intimidating. But the Kuhler H2O 920 is easy to use and truly maintenance free. It was easy to install, and a fully sealed system. There is no need to check the fluid levels and worry about the fluids being low, or leaking. The product was well put together, and thanks to the quality of the connections, there were no leaks.

The included CD software was also very easy to use, and beneficial. It helps you monitor the CPU temperature, but it does more than that. There is also fan control, with multiple settings. The faster the fans, the more it helps to cool the coolant. The increased fan speed also increases sound levels. So there are different settings of silent, custom, and extreme, based on the current cooling needs of your system.

Performance of the Antec Kuhler H2O 920 CPU cooler was stellar. I love the software, that lets you customize the performance. I usually used the silent setting, but there is extreme that while loud does keep things cooler. And for somewhere in the middle, you can adjust the fan speeds for a custom setting. The pump only runs at full speed. It was comforting knowing I did not have to worry about CPU cooling when overclocking. And the Antec Kuhler H2O 920 really did keep things cool. At idle with basic loads such as web surfing in the silent setting, temps were only 33 degrees. And when at max loads it only went to 52 degrees. I really like this cooler!

I was impressed with the whole package that Antec gives in the Kuhler H2O 920. You get a great product with software that supports it well. The product was also built very well for years of use, and is a worthwhile investment with an MSPR of only $110. While there are cheaper solutions, such as the Kuhler H2O 620, the 920 gives you better features like the software to monitor and fully control the cooler. Based on its design, features, quality, and performance, the Antec Kuhler H2O 920 has earned our Editor's Choice Award. For more info and complete specs, check out their website at www.antec.com.