Monday, October 07, 2002

Prometeia® vs Vapochill®

One of the principal differences between the two products in question is the type of compressors they use, and their electrical characteristics.

The Vapochill® compressor is smaller and most probably less powerful since it is powered by the computer own PSU but Asetek are pretending that this is a better solution and they are affirming that by using a tiny compressor they can get a substantially better design.

However, it doesn't necessarily mean to us that their system is as powerful and as efficient as the Prometeia system, isn't it? Frankly, I just can't see how a smaller compressor powered by a much limited power source could be as efficient as a larger compressor powered by a much powerful power source.

However, I must admit that since I reviewed no Vapochill® cooling system, I have no way to know if Asetek's assertions are only hype of facts.

In our humble opinion, the only interest of the Vapochill® 12VDC compressor are:

1: There are no risks of getting electrical shock when tweaking the system since the highest voltage is +12V.

2: The units are useable world wide independent of wall outlet.

On the other hand, the Prometeia® system and its full size compressor, is capable of cooling its head (the "Microfreezer") down to a frosty -45 to -48 degrees centigrade at CPU idle and at around -30 at full load. As a consequence, the Prometeia® system is capable of lowering the CPU temperature way down below freezing 0 degrees Celsius.

The other chief point of difference between the two systems is weight. Since the Prometeia system uses a more beefy compressor, and is much heavier as a result: the Prometeia weighs-in at 27Kg, while the Vapochill® unit weighs 18Kg.

How it works.

The cooling unit itself is composed of three parts: the compressor, the condenser, and the tubing.

Essentially, the refrigerant is rendered into a gaseous state by its contact with the heat of the CPU. It is then channeled by the tubing to the compressor, which shuttles the now compressed gas towards the condenser, where the heat is extracted.

The entire procedure takes place in a closed loop system, an requires a refrigerant that will change phases from a liquid to gaseous state at known temperatures. At -40 degrees Celsius, the Prometeia's refrigerant is a liquid, and evaporates into a gas at the higher temperatures generated around the "Microfreezer" head which is in contact with the CPU itself. The evaporated gas carries the heat away, is compressed, and cooled back into a liquid, where upon it is ready to settle over the head again, and resume the process.

Next: Installation.

Prometeia