History of retail subzero cooling

Kryotech and asetek were some of worlds first professional sub zero cooling unit builders.



Some time later a company called Maxpert in the Far East tried to build a clone, called the Eva, it was overpriced and not available in large quantities, so this company was doomed to fail, around the same time Kryotech stopped building their units and focused their resources more on industry machines. So only the Vapochill Classic from asetek was left. Based on a 12 volt compressor some people thought that this could be done better. So Chip-Con was born, later the name changed into nVENTIV.



Based on a 220 or 110 volt Danfoss compressor there first unit was a big hit as it was able to keep high end CPU’s at very low temperatures. For those craving even more cooling power they release the nVENTIV GT. Then one day out of the blue nVENTIV announced their bankruptcy, hardware enthusiasts were quite disappointed.

But today there is a new hope; I was really pleased to hear that a new company was picking up the nVENTIV pieces, ExtremeCoolingTechnologies or in short ECT is delivering the Mach II Standard and the Mach II GT and their new and improved CPU kits.

Main deference between the Standard and the GT version is the refrigerant, the GT uses R404a and the Standard use R134a. The performance of both is stunning -65°C at 0 watt for the GT and -40°C for the Standard.

The GT claims to hold -30°C at 200W load and we are looking forward to putting this to the test in our [M] lab;

The Mach II unit comes in black or you can buy an optional aluminum kit (which is also available in black).




If you want to learn more about Phase Change cooling, you can read up about it over here

Let’s take a closer look at the ECT Mach II GT ->

When DHL rang my bell I was greeted by a large box with the words “nVentiv” written al over them. Seems they bought up some remaining stock.



The unit came with 2 new boxed CPU kits which feature new mounting plates (compared the old ones). They look good and are made from stainless steel, they must be better then the plastic ones I was used to work with. So we have an AMD 64 kit and a P4 775 kit.



Our test hardware

The [M] cpu simulator (from 0 --- 625 watt!)

DT150 and 200 digital temp meter

AMD 4000+

DFI NF4 SLI

GSkill 3200 GH

Nvidia 6800 GT in SLI

Antec truepower 550 watt

Western Digital WD 360 raptor

Windows 2000/XP/2003

Let’s check out the detailed specifications ->

If you are one those people who throws away the manual and goes straight to business, you might want to reconsider your tactics. You will do well by reading the included manual as it will outline step by step what you need to do to get your CPU super cold.

I always test a Phase Change unit without the head attached to the CPU, usually this step is also this mentioned in the manual. This is a good way to learn and understand this kind off machines.

Be careful not to bend the hose when the unit is still working or powering off. Many broken hoses are the result of this type of action! You can not claim any warranty when this happens.

Make sure you have plenty of space and the right tools at hand so you can follow the manual which will guide you in the world of subzero.

Technical Specifications (taken from the old nVENTIV website)

The ECT Cooling System is capable of cooling a CPU with full load down to approximately -45 degrees. The low temperature makes it possible to gain additional CPU performance. The system is both advanced and simple at the same time. While allowing easy assembling, the basic technology behind the principles is very advanced. The Cooling System consists of several key elements (see below) and they all play their part in the cooling process. The most advanced component is the micro freezer. The micro freezer is what makes cooling of CPUs attractive because it insures extra performance with out compromising the stability. The 'engine' in the cooling process is the condensing unit. The condensing unit is located under the Enlight cabinet, making the ECT system easy to transport and much more stable when placed.


Condensing Unit
An ultra reliable and energy optimized vapour compressor is placed in the bottom case along with a fin and tube condenser, fans and system controls. The cold gaseous refrigerant that has been vaporized by the heat from the CPU is sucked into the aggregate, compressed and lead to the condenser where the heat is released to the surrounding ambient environment.

The Condensing unit consists of 3 main components:
• Compressor
• Condenser
• Capillary tube


Compressor
The compressor maintains the pressure gradient between the suction and condensing pressure necessary for the vapour compression refrigeration technology to function. The closed loop process basically requires two different pressures in addition to having two different boiling temperatures - one low temperature boiling process (evaporation) for the evaporator at app. -40 C, and one high temperature boiling process for the condensing process.

Condenser
The Condenser is a fin and tube heat exchanger where the absorbed heat from the gaseous refrigerant is released to the surroundings and in addition the gaseous refrigerant changes from gas to liquid.

Capillary Tube
The capillary tube connects the high-pressure condenser with the low-pressure evaporator and feeds the vaporizer with liquid refrigerant. The capillary tube can be thought of as the opposite pole to the compressor.

Micro Freezer





The Micro freezer consists of the following elements:
• Polymeric housing system
• Insulation foam
• Evaporator and tubes
• Thermal probe

The Micro freezer is the single most important part of the cooling system - and ECT core technology. The Micro freezer hosts the evaporator (the cooling element) that cools the processor. The evaporator is located inside the Micro freezer and placed directly on the processor where the two surfaces meet each other. Heat is therefore removed directly from the surface of the CPU and transported to the condensing unit.


Features of the midi tower PC-case
• Built-in cooling unit
• Snap-on front bezel for quick installation
• Interchangeable M/B stakes for fast installation of various motherboard sizes
• Slide guides for quick FDD/HDD installation
• More drive bay options than others on the market (4 X 5,25 + 3 X 3,5)
• Easy access for faster service and maintenance
• Unique cover and chassis construction for easy and accurate assembly
• Meets CE and UL requirements

Cooling Performance
The ECT Mach GT is optimized for maintaining below -60C, and will remove up to 200W

Power Consumption
The Compressor consumes 130 watt when the CPU is running standard windows. Power Consumption rises with the CPU load up to app. 170W at full CPU workload and 200W at a fictive 150W CPU workload.

Noise Level
App. 35 db(A) at normal operation, 40dbA during start-up

Approvals
Certified with ISO 9001 and Environment 14001. (Elcold)
Meets CE requirements and specifications, UL approval pending

Refrigerant
Environmentally friendly R134a

Overall Dimensions: (W x H x D)
190 x 675 x 480mm (7.5" x 26.5" x 18.9") incl. PC Case
190 x 240 x 480mm (7.5" x 9.45" x 18.9") Cooling unit only

Weight (excluding hardware)
Cooling unit: 19 kilos
Top case: 8,0 kilos

Mach GT
Capable of removing 200W


Undisputed extreme performance
The Mach GT reaches temperatures around -65º C. This gives you the most extreme performance and stabile computer system available

Improved condensation prevention
With the implementation of heating wires inside the thermal bus, the Mach GT is now capable of handling a humidity of approximately 85% RH. This enables users to operate the Mach GT system in all environments.

Intelligent heat control system
The Chip-controller manages/controls the effect of the heating wires and elements to ensure optimal cooling capacity without risking condensation.

Lower noise operation
With the implementation of new fans, the Mach GT will have a noise level around 3-4 dB lower than before, at normal operation. In addition, the Mach GT is equipped with adjustable fan speed via Windows user interface, which will minimize the noise level even further (low Noise settings).

Highly improved start-up procedure
ECT has significantly reduced overall startup-time with 2-3 minutes, enabling the Mach GT to reach boot temperature (-33º C) degrees in about 3 minutes. This can be further improved by choosing a higher boot temperature in the user interface. The new control system will prevent the CPU from getting powered until the desired boot temperature is reached.

Windows based user interface
The Mach II comes with a new user interface which allows users to monitor as well as change a variety of system parameters. You can change/view settings for: fans, boot temperature, display text, errors, operation log and more…

State of the art SMD Chip-controller
The new Chip-controller has been specially developed for the Mach GT! It handles the entire system operations and performance. Furthermore, the new Chip-controller is programmable and can be upgraded with new firmware.

Online error reporting system
Generates error report which can be sent to ECT Support Department if necessary.

Internet upgradeable firmware and software
With new software, it is possible to add new features to the Chip-controller and user interface. When new software is available, this can be downloaded directly via our Website.

time for the installation ->

Assembly instructions for Athlon 64/FX: The official way

The rear cover:
1. Mount the heating element in the rear cover.
2. Place one line of seal string at the edge of the rear cover.
3. Insert screws in the 2 holes of the cover.

Position of the rear cover:
Make sure the rear cover has the correct position on the motherboard! The straight line edge of the rear cover should be placed towards the edge of the motherboard running in parallel. Confirm that the screws have placed through the mounting holes.

Cpu: Insert the CPU in the socket.

Prepare the mounting bracket:
1. Metal clip is pre-installed but should be checked for correct installation.
2. Place two layers of seal string around the edges of the mounting bracket.

Connecting cover and bracket:
Align the cover screws to fit the mounting bracket holes and tighten the screws until the kit has firm grip. Not to over tighten the screws! (If you do, the bracket will bend slightly!) Again check the mounting bracket for his correct position on the motherboard and CPU! The metal clip should not cover the CPU to much! The straight line edge of the bracket should be placed towards the edges of the motherboard running in parallel.

Sealing off the screws:
Always remember to seal off the 2 screws on the mounting bracket with a bit of seal string to prevent any gab! Causing air entering the hermetic sealed chamber (when correct mounted)

Applying the micro freezer:
Place one layer seal string around the edge of the micro freezer. Apply thermal compound onto the CPU. Place the micro freezer onto the metal clip and tighten the 2 screws and turn them until you feel that they are in the bottom of the threaded brass stands. It is a good idea to tighten them almost simultaneously. Finally place some seal string on the tops of the 2 screws, to seal them off entirely.

More info:

All official downloads included the manual.

A good installation guide by The Dude @ XtremeResources


Assembly instructions for Athlon 64/FX: the [M] way

We are not called MADshrimps for nothing. Our installation guide is for those readers who changes CPU more often.

For a practical example, let’s mount the S775 kit on a motherboard; in the pictures below you see the kit without seal string or CPU, but as you might have figured, those are needed to finish the complete installation.


CLICK to zoom

The installation is really as there you only need to tighten 4 screws (2 for AMD S754/939/940). You then place the motherboard with the CPU kit in a case. We have used the ECT uppercase but as there is a nice aluminum parts kit for the cooling unit you can use a flashy aluminum case instead.

Now we mount the evaporator head on the CPU kit, remember to be careful again with the hose. This is delicate piece of the unit! Fitting the head is done by screwing tight 2 screws; make sure not to overturn them, afterwards cover the tops with seal string to prevent condensation.

This far we have followed the official installation instructions; it’s time to show you the [M] way. If you change your CPU often and you don’t want to peal off the seal string every time a work-a-round has to be found. Instead of the seal string I use a thin layer of foam. I don’t want to take al the credits for this, first time I saw this was during a visit at Epox Europe. Mister AP.Versteeg was using this method because he was changing motherboard and CPU’s as often as me. So the credits for this installation “trick” go to him for sure! Do remember though that this is not for 24/7 use

Now here’s my input, instead of screwing the 2 screws from the rear cover in the bracket, I found a new way. As an A64 kit is always used on 754/939 or 940 socket the motherboard holes are always in the same location (this applies to S775 and S478 as well).
Why not make a more permanent solution? Like fitting the bracket sealed tight to the micro freezer head.

Pictures can say more than words, so here’s the Mach II with P4 kit installed:




How does this work when mounted in an operational system? In the photo’s below you see an Athlon 4000+ all ready to go. Changing the CPU only takes like 2 minutes now, because the hole in my back plate is cut very rough I need to be careful with the sharp edges. Next on my TO DO list is using a dremel to remove those



Using one PSU for powering the Mach GT we can test the unit without using the motherboard and the other hardware.


Time 2 hit the switch

What can this baby do? The GT display sensor is mounted on the outlet, so we placed a k-sensor on the evaporator head. This is done on the side because we want to keep making good contact with the CPU.

At startup the display reads 17°C, it takes roughly 40 seconds to reach 0°C and after 2 minutes the unit is running cold enough to boot the system. Just for kicks I let it running without load and the display went all the way to -71°C, quite impressive! The evaporator heads is at -55°C at this point.




Let’s take the fast and furious for a ride on the next page ->

[M] CPU simulator test

While it’s fun to put a CPU under this massive cooling beast, we wanted to see just how much Watt of heat the ECT Mach GT can dissipate. In order to do this we build our very own MAD CPU simulator.



This device can generate up to 625Watt of heat, much more than any current CPU can deliver. We received the sane advice of E.C.T. to not push more then 250Watt through the GT, so we happily complied.

The GT performs best at ~180Watt load, while anything over 250Watt might cause damage to it.

Two temperature sensors were attached to the GT, #1 to the micro-freezer’s head and the #2 to the CPU simulator.

The first charts displays the temperature seen on the E.C.T. Mach2 GT display:



Our second chart combines the 3 temperature read-outs:

Sensor #1 = head

Sensor #2 = heater

LCD GT display = display

If we did not cool the CPU simulator it would have burned to the ground, at 225Watt the temperature was at 70°C and being cooled by phase-change!





[M] Real Hardware Test

AMD 4000+

DFI NF4 SLI

GSkill 3200 GH

Nvidia 6800 GT in SLI

Antec truepower 550 watt

Western Digital WD 360 raptor

Windows 2000/XP/2003

We were only interested in:

HOW FAST WILL THIS CPU GO WITH THIS COOLING ?

If you are not sure how to overclock AMD CPU’s you should take a look at this howto : A64 OC explained, if you have questions about the ECT, you can find support at their forums: Extreme Cooling Technologies

To test stability the small application Memtest can be quite useful, DFI even integrated it in their BIOS (using version 414 here).

It helps you find the limit of your CPU, motherboard and memory capabilities, fine tuning is done afterwards in Windows running several game benchmarks and testing stability.

The AMD 4000+ Clawhammer normally runs at 2400Mhz, let’s see if we can push it to the 3Ghz limit, we start of with small steps.

GSkill 3200 GH 2 times 512 MB 2-2-2-5

---

----------200 * 12 = 2400 MHz----------220 * 12 = 2640----------

---

----------240 * 12 = 2880 MHz----------260 * 12 = 3120----------
Now we have to make smaller steps

---

----------263 * 12 = 3156 MHz----------265 * 12 = 3180----------
The max of 265 MHz results in errors.

---

Changing back to bios version 310-2 gave better results. But old Winbond BH-5 still takes the crown when it comes down to maximum speed with low timings in Memtest.

With CL2-3-2-5 settings it’s slower compared to the CL2-2-2-5 settings, so a nice picture but not workable for me


----------265 * 12 = 3180 MHz----------274 * 12 = 3288----------

---

In order to get the maximum scores when benchmarking you need to switch around with Operating Systems, to facilitate life a nice multi-boot setup will come in handy



Next step in stress testing the cooling unit is by using a small application called “PIFAST” this tool will stress your CPU while it calculates… φ

When your CPU is on the edge of stability, then any error will be visibly quickly in PIFAST as it will start displaying errors.

---

PIFAST


----------200 * 12 = 2400 MHz----------266 * 12 = 3192----------
---------49.47 seconds------------37.23 seconds----------

The GT LCD display showed -54°C. These results in PIFAST were not achievable with mere air cooling, or even water cooling.

---

SUPERPI 1M

SuperPI is similar to PiFast, let’s see how our overclocked 4000+ handles it


----------200 * 12 = 2400 MHz----------266 * 12 = 3192----------
---------34.562 seconds------------25.984 seconds----------

---

SUPERPI 32M


----------200 * 12 = 2400 MHz----------264 * 12 = 3169----------
---------40 min 45 sec------------32 min 50 sec----------


let's see if the extra CPU power gives us a boost in games and 3D benchmarks ->

Just like the original Mach 2 there is a software control center for the unit, E.C.T. ships their version with the unit, you can also download it here.




When you have the money to buy a €699 CPU then shelling out a bit more for the ideal cooling solution won’t be too exaggerated (hell, you are already paying the price of a complete budget system, just for the CPU). What better way is there to stress test your overclocked system then to run some games on it?

In our last 3ghz Athlon overclocking endeavor we used an Athlon FX-53 which also comes clock at 2.4Ghz by default. We paired it up with an ATI X800XT Platinum, but in the end it turned out that the 3ghz A64 was too powerful for the video card and the whole system was GPU limited.



This time around we have access to a wonderful new technology called SLI (or Crossfire for the ATI fans out there). So in go the nVidia 6800GT’s and let’s see if they cope with 3000+Mhz of A64 power!

The tests at 2400 and 3120Mhz are done with nVidia’s 71.89 driver. The Core of the 6800GT’s was set to 385Mhz, the memory to 1060Mhz. All settings were kept to default, no BIOS tweaks, no OS tweaks, and all “stock” runs… software wise.

The “max overclock” setting is obtained after spending a few afternoons finding the best BIOS settings and memory tweaks, let’s hope it pays off.

We begin with the well known Futuremark 3DMark series:





Comparison links for the highest scores “Maximum Overclock”: 3DMark2001SE / 3DMark03 / 3DMark05

Some Aquamark action next


Online Comparison link

And finally we did manage to sneek in an actual game benchmark ;-) -> FarCry




Conclusive thoughts

As you can see from the results obtained, the ECT Mach II GT is the most powerful retail cooling solution available for your CPU. The only time that 4000+ saw higher clock speeds was under Dry Ice which does not last very long.

With the ECT GT you can keep on gaming at blindly fast speeds, removing the CPU as a possible bottleneck of your system. Do remember that to enjoy the best gaming experience out there you need to invest heavily into your graphic card(s).

There is only one word with sums up the entire unit and that’s: COOL

If you want to give the GT a spin and looking for a place to buy, read on:

Living in Western Europe?

OC-Shop
Xtreme Computer Systems

Living in other parts of the world?

ECT’s Reseller list



This article was not possible without the help of some great sponsors and friends

KLavs from

Provided: The Mach II GT

Cindy from

Provided: G.Skill DDR600 Memory

and

Mafalda from

Provided: Antec TruePower 2.0 550 watt

And now the all important verdict of my daughter Emma:

On the scale of: retarded - normal - special - insane – mad

What was her vote?



MAD it is !

Thank you dear

Questions/Comments: forum thread