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The base of the unit is round and it has a dome on top. Connected at an angle to the top of the dome is a tube with three additional perpendicular tubes branching out of it. Both the domed base and all the tubes are made of nickel plated copper. The three perpendicular tubes are covered by 54 wavy aluminum fins.</p> <p align="center"><a href="atruereview/asetek_vapchill_micro/04.jpg"><img src="atruereview/asetek_vapchill_micro/04th.jpg" width="208" height="250" border="0" alt="asetek VapoChill Micro Ultra Low Noise CPU Cooler"></a><br> <font size="-1">Click on image for larger picture</font> </p> <p>The VapoChill Micro uses asetek's patented vapor chamber technology (very similar to how heatpipes work), which asetek proclaims is "- by definition - the most effective CPU cooling solution in the mainstream market." When the liquid inside the dome gets heated by the CPU, it turns into vapor and floats upward into the three branching tubes. While in these tubes, that are connected to fins which in turn are cooled by a fan, the vapor cools down and becomes a liquid again. Gravity then pulls this cooled liquid down to the dome base where it can then be heated again; thus, renewing the cycle. While this is exactly how heatpipe heatsinks work, the VapoChill Micro has an advantage because the internal liquid is directly in contact with the base. Furthermore, the tubes in use are substantially bigger than heatpipes, allowing the vapor and liquids to flow more freely.</p> <p align="center"><a href="atruereview/asetek_vapchill_micro/11.jpg"><img src="atruereview/asetek_vapchill_micro/11th.jpg" width="152" height="250" border="0" alt="asetek VapoChill Micro Ultra Low Noise CPU Cooler"></a><br> <font size="-1">Click on image for larger picture</font> </p> <p>Covering the multitude of thin fins is a plastic fan duct. In my opinion, this duct is pretty flimsy. It is clipped loosely onto the VapoChill micro and is made of plastic that is barely thicker than the blister package the cooler came in. It does however satisfy its purpose of being very lightweight. The fan duct is designed to hold the included fan at an angle against the fins rather than directly in parallel.</p> <p align="center"><a href="atruereview/asetek_vapchill_micro/05.jpg"><img src="atruereview/asetek_vapchill_micro/05th.jpg" width="250" height="179" border="0" alt="asetek VapoChill Micro Ultra Low Noise CPU Cooler"></a><br> <font size="-1">Click on image for larger picture</font> </p> <p>The base of the VapoChill Micro is covered by a plastic cap which protects the bottom of the base. This base is dotted with pre-applied heatsink compound. The bottom of the base is bare copper and has a very smooth finish even though it is not mirror shiny.</p> <p align="center"><a href="atruereview/asetek_vapchill_micro/07.jpg"><img src="atruereview/asetek_vapchill_micro/07th.jpg" width="250" height="256" border="0" alt="asetek VapoChill Micro Ultra Low Noise CPU Cooler"></a><br> <font size="-1">Click on image for larger picture</font> </p> <p>Up until now, everything I have mentioned applies to all three VapoChill Micro models. The only thing that makes each model different from each other is the fan it comes with. The Ultra Low Noise model which I am reviewing comes with a special ultra low noise 92mm fan. Design wise, this fan features vented sides which allow it to bring in air from both the top and sides. This also reduces noise because air does not collide with the fan frame. In addition to the special fan, the Ultra Low Noise model also comes with a fan speed controller which is integrated into an expansion slot cover.</p> <p align="center"><a href="atruereview/asetek_vapchill_micro/12.jpg"><img src="atruereview/asetek_vapchill_micro/12th.jpg" width="250" height="215" border="0" alt="asetek VapoChill Micro Ultra Low Noise CPU Cooler"></a><br> <font size="-1">Click on image for larger picture</font> </p> <p>Though the VapoChill Micro is able to support all the latest CPU types, including P4 (S478), P4 (LGA775), and K8 (S754, 939, 940), only one CPU type mounting clip set is included per cooler. This means if you buy a VapoChill Micro for P4 (S478) and you want to later use it on a P4 (LGA775) or K8 system, you need to additionally buy those mounting clips sets. The good news is that all the CPU mounting clip sets are designed so you can install the VapoChill Micro without removing the motherboard from the case.</p> <p align="center"><a href="atruereview/asetek_vapchill_micro/09.jpg"><img src="atruereview/asetek_vapchill_micro/09th.jpg" width="250" height="152" border="0" alt="asetek VapoChill Micro Ultra Low Noise CPU Cooler"></a><br> <font size="-1">Click on image for larger picture</font> </p> <p>There is very good clearance from the tubes and fins to the base giving the VapoChill Micro great compatibility with just about any motherboard for there is no need for a large amount of clearance around the CPU. However, its overall height (139mm) presents possible incompatibilities with certain cases. I would estimate that any case that cannot accommodate at least a 92mm rear exhaust fan would not be able to fit this cooler. For a cooler of its size, the VapoChill Micro is very light at 355g (including the fan).</p> <table width="100%" border="0"> <tr> <td width="47%"><a href="atruereview/asetek_vapchill_micro/index.php"></a> <a href="asetek_vapchill_micro/index.php">Previous (Introduction & Features)</a></td> <td width="53%"><div align="right"><a href="atruereview/asetek_vapchill_micro/heatsink2.php"></a> <a href="asetek_vapchill_micro/heatsink2.php">Next (Performance & Conclusion)</a></div></td> </tr> </p> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div> <div id="footer" class="clr"> <div class="rk-1"> <div class="rk-2"> <div id="the-footer">  </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </body> </html>