Specifications:

The install:

     We installed the AS-3000 onto a Soltek SL-NF4Pro-939 running 2 gigs of Crucial DDR 400 with an Athlon 64 3000+.  The build included High Power's Power Watcher 480 PSU, an ATI Radeon X700 Pro from Connect-3D, a WD 120 and a Lite-on 16x DVD-RW installed in an XION Gamer II case.  The AMD is slightly overclocked at 2034MHz 9x 226 HTT.

     The first step is always to layout the parts you will need and carefully measure the tubing.  Kingwin recommends leaving some extra length on the intake and output runs to make it possible to get to the fill screw without having to remove a block.  As always measure twice and cut once.  I shortened one run between the CPU and the GPU. 

     Here is the finished run ready for a wet test.  The fittings only needed to be hand tightened to the blocks.  I did break the gasket tool on my second attempt, a bummer but not a show stopper.

Filling the unit is easy with this simple syringe and some distilled water.

     With the main unit setting near the PC, I filled it up and ran it for several hours.  After topping the coolant off and tapping out the bubbles, I left the unit running overnight.  No leaks!

     Now to attach it to the X700.  I removed the stock fan and cleaned off the GPU.  Applied some new heat sink compound and clipped on the water block using the stock mounts.

The offset mounting cocks my block to the side but still gives good coverage.

     I installed the heat sensor onto the CPU block with some included 3M tape. The copper finish is smooth and clearly shows my fingerprints.

     The GPU water block installs using the same clip system as my OEM heat sink.  Notice the enclosure gives a little for a firm contact.  This is a socket 939 install so no bracket was needed behind the motherboard.  Pulling the MB is always a pain, so this was a nice surprise.

     This install will go into two of my 5.25" bays.  In the XION case these support tabs extend too far and wont allow the main unit to slide into place.  Rather than fight them, I bent them out completely.

Here you see the AquaStar installed. Notice the water flow window below the dial. Lets take a closer look at that panel.

     The display can be configured in 7 different colors or to cycle through them all.  The dial controls the internal fans, the color around the dial changes color to indicate the speed.  Here you see it red for full speed, the brightness of the fan lighting will also dim.  The display shows the speed of the case fan connected to the controller, the speed can also be manually set using the buttons to the right.  With the noise sensor in the center of my case I can see the internal dB of the PC at idle.  Looks like its time to install those AcoustiFan fans!  The temperature of the CPU block can also be monitored.  Several alarm states are available for the temperature and water level.  A visible pump status is shown as well.

     I idled in the BIOS to confirm the temperature shown was accurate.  Looks pretty close!  I would be more inclined to trust the AS-3000 than my BIOS readings I think.

Using the Soltek HWMonitor application, I double checked the temperatures under load..

     ..and idle.  Even with both PassMark's Burnin Test V4.0 and Sisoft Sandra 2005 SR1 pushing the system, it never really got hot enough to break 35 degrees. Not bad for an out of box water cooling Kit.

Conclusion:

     Kingwin's AquaStar AS-3000 is without a doubt the easiest water cooling kit install I have ever witnessed.  The install steps were clear and easy to follow.  Most of all there are no leaks, even with hand tightened connections.  For a first time water cooling experience, Kingwin has hit one out of the park.  This kit has everything you need and looks great too.  It is easy to recommend this kit to a first time water cooler and the kit could just as easily scale to fit any system need.