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Asetek VapoChill was a refrigerated CPU cooler for enthusiasts: a compressor-driven vapor-phase system that could cool a processor below ambient temperature and, under some conditions, below freezing. It offered overclockers thermal headroom that ordinary air cooling of its era could not, but it also brought condensation risk, specialized installation, and compatibility limits. Today it is best understood as legacy hardware, not a practical modern replacement for mainstream cooling.
What was the Asetek VapoChill?
VapoChill was Asetek’s first product, designed by founder André Eriksen in 1999. It was a vapor-phase refrigeration system built to cool an enthusiast PC’s CPU. Rather than relying only on a heatsink to move heat into room air, it used a refrigeration loop to carry heat away from the processor.
Asetek’s heritage account describes sub-zero CPU temperatures and a maximum noise level of 35 dB for the original product context. These are historical product claims, not a current standardized comparison with modern coolers. A HardOCP review dated June 7, 2000, reproduced by Asetek, described the unit as a case module with a vapor-phase cooling unit and noted that its main component was a 12V DC compressor powered by the computer’s supply.
How did VapoChill phase-change cooling work?
The system circulated refrigerant through a sealed refrigeration loop. At the CPU, the refrigerant passed through a cold plate or evaporator. Heat from the processor caused the refrigerant to evaporate; the compressor then drove the refrigerant through the rest of the loop so it could release heat and return to the cold plate.
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- FAST HEAT DISSIPATION: Water cooling system with 160MM aluminum cooling row, 2 2000RPM fans, fast heat dissipation.
- FAST WATER FLOWS: Water cooling pump head 2 meters, pump flows 600L/H, fast water flows, voltage 100‑240V.
- G1/4 THREADED INTERFACE: Water cooled pc pump adopts G1/4 threaded interface, convenient to take over, easy to install.
- BOTTOM MOUNTING SLOTS: Water cooling pump is equipped with 2 mounting slots at the bottom, which can be mounted on other equipments with screws.
- PLEASE NOTE: Make sure the input of the module is 12V voltage, the current is more than 2A, more than 12V voltage are not available, non standard voltage adapter may burn damage to the pump and fan, hardware damage caused by over voltage use.
Because the system actively refrigerated the CPU rather than merely transferring heat to air or liquid near room temperature, the evaporator could run below ambient temperature. That was the source of VapoChill’s overclocking appeal—and also the reason condensation had to be managed.
What VapoChill versions were made?
- Original VapoChill: Asetek’s first product, introduced around the company’s early vapor-phase CPU-cooling period.
- Extreme and XE: Later VapoChill variants. Asetek describes later generations as using improved refrigerants, more powerful compressors, and smaller enclosures.
- VapoChill Lightspeed: A standalone external accessory, so it did not require a dedicated VapoChill case.
- VapoChill Case Cooler: Asetek’s prospectus records a 2003 version aimed at mission-critical and entry-level servers.
Asetek’s company history places its pioneering vapor-phase CPU cooling between 1997 and 2006. It records a new-generation VapoChill in 2002 and a strategic move toward factory-sealed water cooling in 2006.
Rank #2
- ✅ Product Name: Water Cooling Radiator; Size: 275 x 120 x 58 mm/ 10.8'' x 4.7'' x 2.28''(L*W*H).
- ✅ Made of pure aluminum fins with good heat dissipation.
- ✅ Using the black oxidation paint to increase the thermal efficiency.
- ✅ High speed fan configuration, 12V safe voltage with high security standards and ensure the safety of the fan.
- ✅ Applicable to computer CPU, industrial variable frequency drives, VGA water cooling ,laser head cooling, and air conditioning evaporator.
What performance did VapoChill achieve?
Published figures describe specific historical products and tests; they should not be treated as predictions for modern CPUs, motherboards, or overclocking results.
- Sub-zero temperatures: Asetek’s heritage page says VapoChill could take CPU temperatures below zero. Actual results depended on the system and conditions.
- 35 dB maximum noise: Asetek reports this figure for the original product context; it is not a like-for-like modern cooler benchmark.
- 2 GHz milestone: Asetek’s 2000 press material announced a VapoChill commercial-system milestone above 2 GHz. It was not a guarantee for every processor or system.
- Pentium 4 overclock: A 2002 HotHardware review reported a Pentium 4 2.8 GHz overclocked to 3.3 GHz in its test system.
Why did condensation make VapoChill difficult to use?
Any surface colder than the surrounding air can collect moisture when humid air reaches it. Since VapoChill’s evaporator could be below room temperature, moisture around the CPU socket and motherboard was a serious installation concern. DVHardware described condensation precautions as a significant part of setup.
Rank #3
- 【Better Heat Dissipation】The CPU cooler comes with a dual-tower heatsink and two 120mm PWM fans to ensure excellent heat dissipation from the CPU.
- 【Aesthetic Appeal】A blackout cooler can blend seamlessly into the design of many computer cases, especially those with black or dark-colored interiors.
- 【157mm Height】The dual-tower CPU air cooler can fit most tower cases due to a 157mm height in total.
- 【RAM Compatibility】The CPU air cooler gives 40mm clearance for standard RAM and a maximum of 63mm height with the cut-out fin.
- 【6 Heat Pipes】Six Ф6mm copper heat pipes can efficiently absorb heat from the CPU and transfer it to the heatsink.
Insulation and careful moisture prevention around the socket and nearby motherboard components were therefore essential, not optional accessories. This made installation more demanding than fitting an ordinary air cooler. The exact preparation depended on the hardware and setup; the historical reviews do not establish one universal procedure that is safe for every board.
How did VapoChill compare with other cooling approaches?
The main distinction is that VapoChill refrigerated the CPU below ambient, while ordinary air cooling and mainstream liquid cooling generally operate without that sub-ambient target. The following is a qualitative comparison, not a current performance benchmark.
Rank #4
- ★ Product Name: Water Cooling Radiator; Outer Size: 155 x 120 x 27mm / 6.10'' x 4.72'' x 1.06''(L*W*H), Weight: 440g.
- ★ Fan Installation Size: 120x120(with fan); Tube Quantity: 12; Rated Voltage: DC12V.
- ★ Efficiently pulling heat away from cycling coolant thus achieving maximum heat dissipation at both low and high airflow operation.
- ★ Made of pure aluminum fins with good heat dissipation, Using the black oxidation paint to increase the thermal efficiency.
- ★ Applicable to computer CPU, industrial variable frequency drives, VGA water cooling ,laser head cooling, and air conditioning evaporator.
| Cooling approach | Temperature and overclocking | Practical trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| VapoChill vapor phase | Historical advantage: sub-ambient cooling and documented period overclocking results. Modern comparative benchmark: not stated. | Condensation precautions, specialized installation, age and compatibility concerns. |
| Air cooling | Does not provide VapoChill’s refrigeration-based sub-ambient cooling. Direct overclocking comparison: not stated. | Modern options generally have broader compatibility and availability than this legacy system; model-specific differences vary. |
| AIO liquid cooling | Direct temperature and overclocking comparison with VapoChill: not stated. | Modern solutions generally fare better on compatibility, support, and availability; no current comparative benchmark was established. |
| Custom liquid loop | Direct temperature and overclocking comparison with VapoChill: not stated. | Modern solutions generally fare better on compatibility, support, and availability; no current comparative benchmark was established. |
VapoChill’s historical edge was cooling below ambient, not a proven advantage across every measure. Noise, power draw, physical size, serviceability, and modern platform performance cannot be fairly ranked from the documented figures above.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you still buy a VapoChill?
Asetek’s current heritage information presents VapoChill as legacy technology and describes the company’s later move toward sealed liquid cooling. It does not establish current retail stock, warranty coverage, official service, or a replacement-parts catalog. Treat a VapoChill listing as vintage or used equipment, and do not assume it is operational or supported.
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- Cool for R7 | i7: Four heat pipes and a copper base ensure optimal cooling performance for AMD R7 and Intel i7.
- Quiet Cooling Fan: SickleFlow 120 Edge with Dynamic PWM control (690–2,500 RPM), designed for low noise and peak cooling performance.
- Simplify Brackets: Redesigned brackets simplify installation on AM5 and LGA 1851|1700 platforms.
- Versatile Compatibility: 152mm tall design offers performance with wide chassis compatibility.
- Easy Installation: Easy to install with included thermal paste for hassle-free setup and optimal cooling performance.
If considering one, verify the specific unit rather than relying on the product name or seller description:
- Ask for clear photos of the compressor, evaporator, insulation, enclosure, and included socket hardware.
- Confirm compressor operation and refrigerant condition; a unit that powers on is not necessarily cooling correctly.
- Check that mounting hardware fits the intended motherboard socket and that any required parts are included.
- Understand the return terms before purchase, especially if the seller cannot demonstrate operation.
Even a functioning unit may be unsuitable for a newer platform, and condition cannot be inferred from historical product specifications.
Who should consider VapoChill now?
VapoChill is most relevant to collectors, restoration projects, or experienced overclockers who specifically want period hardware and understand refrigeration and condensation risks. For a normal modern PC build, its age, specialist setup, uncertain support, and socket compatibility make it a poor default choice compared with currently supported cooling products.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
