LEPA AquaChanger 240mm Intel/AMD High Performance Liquid CPU Cooler, LPWAC240-HF

This thing actually surprises me!I see about a 10 degree difference in CPU temperature.This is however a statement that needs some more consideration.One of the main problems I ran into, is the mounting.It is rather difficult to properly mount the cooling (Radiator) assembly into a standard, even a HAF case.When I ordered it, I thought it would fit inside / top on my HAF. But, no, the design wavy top das not allow a flat mount, although there would be enough room to screw it to the top inside.I tried it on another case and I had similar problems with Memory in the way or back panel connector in the way.Basically, I have to redesign the case, perhaps even mount it on the outside, this would be the last resort.So far I have not come up with a decent solution....From a operational point of view, this thing is great. Previously, perhaps a few years ago I had a different brand fluid cooler system ordered, but found out that it would not work with LINUX.A few years later, I found this one and it seems to work just fine, even with linux. Possible the fact that the pump is actually driven with a PWM fan connection such as a System FAN (3 Pin).The two fans are driven by the CPU (4 Pin) connection and are PWM also.Simply, a closed loop is formed. The CPU temp sensor, signals a rise or fall in temperature. If it goes up the PWM sends a faster signal, the Pump goes faster and the fan's do the same. The other way is V.S.The experience I had with the other (few years ago) was such as, it would require driver for the pump and Mickey Mouse around with the bios to get it going.I am happy, except for the mounting issue, but this is not LEPA's fault. They provide something standard, either it fits your case or it doesn't.

Let me introduce you to the LEPA Aquachanger a 240mm liquid cooler that comes in at just $84. This is a CPU cooler that came out in november of 2014 and is Enermax's parent company, the LEPA Aquachanger 240 is the revision of the already popular Enermax Liqtech 240 which is also a AIO cpu liquid cooler.System Specs:Motherboard: MSI Z97s SLI PLUSCPU: i5 4670k @ 4.4ghz at 1.212VRAM: 8GB HyperX Fury 1600mhzGPU: Gigabyte GTX 970HDD: 1x120gb ssd, 1x1TB HDDPSU: Corsair GS800CASE: NZXT Phantom 410Box Contents: http://imgur.com/a/6T7Gh [1]The package contains all the standard mounting hardware and 2x 120mm included LEPA branded fans. And of course the cooler itself.Installation: http://imgur.com/a/H4nn9 [2]Installing the AquaChanger 240 is pretty easy and if you've ever installed a water cooler before then the AquaChanger 240 won't hold any surprises. In fact, I find the mounting system LEPA uses for this unit to be exceedingly well designed. It was very straightforward and simple to use for even a novice user.Appearance: http://imgur.com/a/H4nn9 [RES ignored duplicate link] [3]The LEPA AquaChanger isnt as flashy as some of the liquid coolers on the market, but it does feature a nice red LED to let you know the pump is working. The black tubes are not textured giving it a simple but clean look to any setup. The radiator is nothing special but it is usually out of sight in most rigs.Performancebefore we get to the benchmarks i should mention i have the cooler running in a pull config and the ambient air temperature is 72F. The case is the NZXT Phantom 410 with 2x 120mm front fans and one 120mm rear at max RPM from the fan controller. The thermal paste used was arctic silver 5. The CPU was then stress tested for aproximately 30 minutes using HeavyLoad v3.3. In conclusion the maximum recorded temperature was 63C, very impressive for a overclock of 4.4ghz. the idle temperatures were in the mid to low 30C range.Build QualityThe pump itself is made from what appears to be hard plastic and metal, the contact point itself is made entirely from a protruding copper base for good heat transfer. The tubes are very rigid and will not kink a all under any type of circumstance. The radiator felt very nice with fins that are as sturdy as a regular air cooler heatsink. Running your hand over the fins will not bend them. Overall we have to hand it to LEPA for a great radiator design.NOISEThe pump itself contains a ceramic bearing to reduce noise. I could not physically hear the pump running, even when benchmarking the CPU. the only indication of it working was a very small vibration. Which can only be felt when putting your hand directly on the pump itself. Overall you will never have to worry about the pump making any soundConclusionI have been using the cooler for about a week and have ran into no issues. The pump looks very nice and functions as well as the largely popular Noctua dh-14. For $84 you cant beat the price to performance ratio, this is a rock solid deal and a great offering from the LEPA brand.

EDIT to start of the review below: It turns out that the fan was rattling because I had put a120mm fan grill over the top of it. I never would have thought this to cause the rattle. I have put man fan grills on fans in my PC modding experience. Weird, removed it, and silent, although i do run the fan at full speed and it does make some good sound due to moving a lot of air. Changed to 5 stars, I love the damn thing.(Well I give this a 3 star review mainly because the included fan started to rattle within one week of being installed. It rattles pretty loud on start up and then smooths out after running for awhile. Pretty surprised that the fan has already started to make a noise. I made sure it is tightened down and that its not touching anything.)Other than that, it keeps my overclocked AMD FX-8320 cool under load. Processor is overclocked to a constant 4.2 ghz at 1.4125v and maxes out temperatures at 40c in Prime 95. I was hitting close to 60c with an aftermarket Zalman Heatsink and Fan.Keeps it cool for sure. It was easy to install and I used included thermal paste. I did make a video of the install that I plan on uploading to YouTube at some point. I run the fan at full speed all the time, so it isn't super quiet, but I wasn't going for a silent build, just a cool one. It still gets drowned out by my Sapphire R9 290 reference cooler when it is under load!I like the RED LED, looks cool with the rest of the inside of my case (photo included).(I need to contact LEPA about the fan issue, and I am hoping that they can just send me a replacement fan.) Edit: I did contact LEPA and they never responded just an FYI.