Specifications, Availability and Pricing

Starting with the head unit of the Performer we receive a 220mA pump and transfer plate combination unit that is round and thin. The black plastic housing holds the pump near the top as the coolant is passed under it, through a Skived, copper heat plate. Skiving is basically taking a block and cutting super thin fins and grooves in it that allows the coolant to absorb the heat from the CPU under the plate. This plate uses ten screws to mount the plate to the head unit with very even pressure leaving the mating surface very flat. Out of the head unit, there are two 90 degree fittings used with a 12"� length of black rubber tubing attaching the head unit to the radiator. One other major bonus is the addition of a locking ring to the mounting hardware. So now the top plate doesn't flop around like a dead fish, it sits there locked and in place, ready to have the mounting screws put into place.

The radiator looks like it hasn't undergone much of a change from the other units I have previously tested. It is still an aluminum core that allows the heated coolant to be run through it. The black, 25mm thick radiator will accept any 120mm fan on its standard mounting holes, but Thermaltake equips this kit with a pair of PLA12025S12HH-LV fans and a Y-adapter to connect them easily to the CPU fan header on your motherboard. These fans are proven choices for Thermaltake, as they were used on some of their air coolers previously and can deliver 81 CFM of airflow with a rated noise level of 27.3 dBA at 2000 RPM. These PWM powered fans should suffice nicely with the tightly finned radiator.

As of this moment I can easily buy the Water 2.0 Performer direct from Thermaltake for $79.99 plus another $12 to get the unit to my door via UPS Ground. I thought I would look around to see if I could better this deal, as any money saved is a bonus in my book. What I am finding is that Newegg is the only other current listing and they too are asking $79.99, but are offering free shipping on their units. Even though currently supplies are limited to only a few locations in the US, with a bit of time, the Water2.0 Performer will be available anywhere you can find Thermaltake products.

To be blunt it has been quite some time since I tested an AIO cooler, but from what I remember then, I don't have great expectations out of the box for this cooler. However, it has been redesigned, the fat was trimmed and hopefully we have a leaner and meaner AIO liquid cooler in these new Thermaltake units.