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astek WaterChill 12volt Pump Review
Author: Dennis Garcia
Published: Saturday, August 13, 2005
Conclusion
This is the first pump we have reviewed here at Ninjalane and despite how simple the device may seem the features that asetek added give this product a very unique and innovative spin. The new asetek pump is a 12v version of the SACEM SL35 with a few added features like an integrated reservoir, pump control module, USB interface and corresponding control panel software.
Overall the pump was very easy to use and install though filling the reservoir was a little difficult. The fill port is not only small but also located between the supply lines. Due to the reduced clearance an off the shelf funnel was out of the question. In the end a small paper cup (creased in the middle) did allow us to get between the hoses and fill the system. This process was a little slow going at first but eventually worked out.
The pump control software installed without any problem and worked great however after the novelty wore off it became a little cumbersome to use. The software allows you to configure a series of profiles based on current settings. Making a profile was easy but getting back to that profile was not. It was not long after this we discovered or efforts created 5 extra profiles and had no idea which one did what.
We were also a little disappointed in how the pump control panel software was really designed for display purposes only with no "reactive" properties. For instance if probe one goes above 50C it might be nice to have it increase the fan speed to the radiator, etc. etc... It also seemed strange how all this effort was put into having thermal probes but not a singe one reports on water temperature or even flow/pressure thru the pump. Of course these features are not require for the basic operation but would have been nice to have. Despite these the control panel was fun to play with and see how each of the sliders changed how the system operated.
We were also a little disappointed in how the pump control panel software was really designed for display purposes only with no "reactive" properties. For instance if probe one goes above 50C it might be nice to have it increase the fan speed to the radiator, etc. etc... It also seemed strange how all this effort was put into having thermal probes but not a singe one reports on water temperature or even flow/pressure thru the pump. Of course these features are not require for the basic operation but would have been nice to have. Despite these the control panel was fun to play with and see how each of the sliders changed how the system operated.
Now for the ever popular list of Good things and Bad things.
The Good Things
Available in many colors, ours fits perfectly with the DFI LanParty series
Controllable accessory ports (pump, fan)
USB interface
12v, runs off your power supply
Only pump on the market with these features
Controllable accessory ports (pump, fan)
USB interface
12v, runs off your power supply
Only pump on the market with these features
The Bad Things
Rather large pump once assembled
Control panel software is not "reactive" to system changes
No water temperature or flow monitoring
Control panel software is not "reactive" to system changes
No water temperature or flow monitoring
Ninjalane Rating
I would like to thank asetek for helping to make this review possible.
