The Installation:

As I mentioned earlier, we will be using the same hardware setup as in the Freezone review:

     Sharp readers will notice the eliminator has been installed into a Black NZXT Apollo as opposed to the Silver used earlier!  The rest of the build is identical down to the addition of the Antec power supply.  CoolIT has provided a fantastic installation video on their site here.

     As with our Freezone, the Eliminator required us to use the "Gigabyte Method."  This install method is the result of the DFI back plate just not reaching the provided screws.  The solution is to install the mounting standoffs by threading the screws into the motherboard from the back using the provided screws and washers.  This allows you to attach the front brackets using two additional screws to the top of the standoffs as seen at the bottom of the picture here.  Un fortunately removing the motherboard is also required for this type of installation.  CoolIT ships the water block with heat sink paste installed so a clean CPU is essential to insure the proper contact with the CPU.

     CoolIT recommends installing the water block first.  This makes sense as it is easier and helps protect the CPU from surface damage.  Our Apollo was just large enough we couldn't find a place to safely set the unit during the CPU install, so we opted for the opposite.  This confirms my initial thoughts that the tubing is shorter on the Eliminator and may require an extra set of hands to install in some cases!  Fortunately the Apollo case gave us enough room to get to the CPU mounting.

Here is a closer look at the AMD installation for the water block.

     With the installation complete we have pretty good clearance around the unit.  Notice the nice new location for the fan control.  The Antec power supply should also help the Eliminator keep the surrounding components cool in the absence of a top case fan.  As before the DFI Karajan Audio Module was removed, though it may have fit with some coaxing due to the smaller heat sink design.