Innovatek InnovaCool Rev 3 Waterblock
Materials: Copper Base/Internals and Anodized Aluminum Jacket
Dimensions: 50×50x32 mm
Weight: 312g
Being quite used to working with monstrosities of heatsinks, the first impression the waterblock made was quite weak. It was surprising to see how small the actual block was despite its mass. Although Innovatek does not follow the current trend of labyrinth type waterblocks, the design is interesting nonetheless and allows for a large amount of surface area in a compact footprint. Basically the InnovaCool block is a collection of stacked copper plates, most likely made from a single copper slug, encased within an aluminum jacket.
Although I cannot say that I know how the copper base is bonded to the aluminum jacket, the Innovatek offers this explanation: “[the copper core] is permanently welded to the aluminum housing using a special thermal process, which in turn guarantees absolute security against leaks.” My guess is that either the base was cooled so that it contracted, allowing it to fit inside the cavity, but when it returns of room temperature, it expands to normal size, creating a tight seal.
Like the much praised clipping mechanism that comes with the Socket A version of this waterblock, the Pentium 4 version follows suit. The clip is made from strong aluminum and sits atop of block, holding it firmly into place. Because it uses the HSRM included on practically all motherboards supporting the m478 form factor, installation is quite a breeze. Simply place the clip atop on waterblock, make sure that the hooks latch into the HSRM and clamp the arms. Installation takes only seconds yet leaves a secure and unyielding hold.
An important caveat to the waterblock and clipping mechanism is that they cannot be used with TEC devices because the overall block size is too small and the clip cannot accommodate the extra space used for the cold plate and TEC.
Eheim 1048
Output: 600l/hr
Head: 1.5m
Power Consumption: 10W
Dimensions: 147×75 x118mm
The typical Innovatek set comes with the Eheim 1046 that pushes seventy six gallons per hour, about half the output of the 1048. Scott from HighSpeedPC mentioned to me that the extra output from the 1048 is wasted in the Innovatek setup and would only be beneficial if extra pieces are added into the cooling loop or if larger tubing is used in conjunction with larger fittings. Without any other pieces in the cooling loop, the 1046 is a good pump for this kit. If there is a possibility of adding more components, go for the 1048. Both pumps are excellently built, extremely flexible in terms of usage, and have a robust history of reliability. They can either be run inline or submerged and the pump base can be attached to any of the sides (except for the top); both run whisper quite and very cool.
To get the best of both worlds, Innovatek has designed a small reservoir that attaches directly to the intake hole on the front of the Eheim pump. Not only is the hybrid reservoir slight, as opposed to a full fledged external reservoir, it does the job of bleeding the system of any air just as well and allows the system to be refilled quickly. The reservoir is made from a large piece of aluminum with the intake fitting screwed directly into the side and a yellow plastic cap fitted with an o ring at the top for filling. The tank also has a hole bored into one side with two o rings that fits snugly onto the intake of the Ehiem pump for a secure, leak-free connection. Despite the bulky appearance, the inner cavity is quite small.
