Comdex 2002 - New Meaning To The 'Cold Show'

ThermalTake

Our journey began with the largest non-OEM cooling company, ThermalTake. We took a look at ThermalTake’s Xaser II case several months ago and we were pleased with its variation of the Chenming server tower design. ThermalTake was very excited to show us their new case, the Xaser III, which came with several advantages over the Xaser II case. Most noticeable was the evolved LCD display on the top of the case which also provided control for up to four individual fans.

Even more interesting was the replacement of the lock, which we had several issues with when we reviewed the case. The lock now provides three levels of security; the first being the ability to lock just the case door, the next level locking off the entire front panel, and then the third level locking both. We liked that the entire front panel on hinges so the filters on the two intakes can be changed without removing any internal components.

Two more "new" products ThermalTake had to show off included their new SubZero4G peltier cooler. The idea of peltier cooling is hardly new, but the problems plaguing peltiers today revolve around their generation of condensation. ThermalTake, with the help of ActiveCool solved this problem by using a PCI adaptor to control the partier’s degree of cooling based on the dew point in that particular condition. ActiveCool boasts the new 4G peltier is capable of cooling both K7 and K8 processors down to 26C while operating around 28dBA.

The PCI card has an onboard microprocessor and thermometers to detect miniscule changes in atmosphere pressure, temperature, and humidity. This way, the PCI card never lets the peltier get below the dew point of the particular environment and no condensation is created. We are slightly wary of this technology, but if it proves to be stable and reliable, ActiveCool/ThermalTake might be taking a step in a relatively inexpensive cooling.

ThermalTake’s second new technology demonstration was their Aquarius II water cooling kit. Unfortunately, ThermalTake was not running the unit on a functional PC, but we were able to get a quick picture of the unit while it was in demonstration mode.

While ThermalTake still can not compare itself on the level of quality with a company like Swiftech, they are doing a fair amount of research which could put themselves in interesting new places. Their marketing campaign has already done great things for them; once we are able to obtain some of these new cases and active cooling designs we will thoroughly put them to the test and see if they are in fact worth the hype.