If you’ve been following the CPU world’s climb over the 4 GHz mountain, then you’re probably well aware of the challenges of cooling off that achievement. Thermaltake heard the screams of those cooling fans and has risen to the challenge, unveiling several new products at COMPUTEX 2014, to take on that challenge. Today, we get a chance to test their latest all in one solution called the Water 3.0 Ultimate, which is based on a 360mm radiator design, with triple 120mm fans. It promises to “exceed user expectations…with superior CPU protection.” But does it have the ability to cool without raising a raucous, or is it all just wind? Let’s find out!
Features and Specifications
 
The Water 3.0 Ultimate is an LCS, or liquid cooling system meaning it is a fully closed and integrated loop. Users have to make sure they have a computer case that supports a triple 120mm radiator. Medium or full towers with a space up top for the 360mm radiator (such as the NZXT H440, and of course Thermaltake’s own Urban T81) are our recommended choices.
Here are the rest of the details you will need to make a proper fit:
- Full sized 3 x 120mm (360mm) radiator
- Includes 3 x 120mm Triple Curve Thermaltake fans
- Copper base plate and water block
- Prefilled and low maintence
- Radiator supports up to six 120mm fans
- Easy to install LCS
- Compatible with Intel: LGA 2011, LGA 1366, LGA 1150, LGA 1155, and LGA 1156
- Compatible with AMD: FM2, FM1, AM3, AM3+, AM2, and AM2+
The fan specs are important in case you want to use them, or want to use higher performance fans. However, if you do want to replace them, you should match up the specs of the stock fans or exceed them. The included Thermaltake Triple Curve fans are rated 1000 to 2000 RPM, move a max 99 cubic feet of air per minute, create up to 20 dBA noise, and get power via a 4pin connector. This means the fans are PWM capable running automatically controlled by the motherboard BIOS, or motherboard software.
The last specification is the price. At an astonishing $139.99 US, the Water 3.0 Ultimate is one of the most competitively priced All-In-One liquid cooling systems on the market. Even when compared to higher end 240mm/280mm systems on the market. Thermaltake definitely came in at at “fighting price” with the Water 3.0 Ultimate.
What’s in the Box?
 
The contents are essential for proper installation. The bundle includes a very helpful detailed manual, three 120mm Triple Curve fans, 360mm compatible radiator, and nuts and bolts to secure the preattached CPU block.
All of the bagged accessories are black which blends well with most motherboards. One item missing from our package is a newly included 3-to-1 fan Y-splitter. Most every motherboard has more than enough mV power through a single fan header so this is a really good wire managing feature.
Let’s continue on with the closer look at the hardware!