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The Verdict

So I was already really impressed with the first two models of the Reserator (the Reserator 1 and Reserator 1 Plus). And although we can discuss whether you might or might not like the design of the Reserator 2. I must admit it's a good-looking and most of all first-class device. The overall cooling performance is uncomplicated and really good (for a passively water-cooled PC). If you are a sucker for silence like yours truly then you'll have to agree with me that this is one impressive kit for various reasons. Let's talk through some of them.

Sure, the Reserator 2 kit is not high up there at the same cooling level as a high-end cooling kit like the ones from Asetek for example. I mean, if we would massively overclock this system then the reserator will have many more issues getting rid of that heat due to the lacking fans. But quite frankly I honestly do not care as this is not the purpose of the product. All I care about is a stylish looking radiator and an inaudible environment. This stuff is made for striking looking guys like me.

None the less today we cooled down two expensive and warm components of hardware towards a more than acceptable heat level. A semi high-end Series 7 graphics card and a Extreme Edition CPU are dumping bulky amounts of heat into that water circuitry and the Reserator 2 is still capable of cooling down the components more than sufficiently. Spectacular, that's what this kit is. And guys let's be honest, come on, we all know this, beauty always comes at a price. This kit is not cheap. This kind of performance, design and lack of sound will have a toll on the price as it's up for sale at roughly 320 USD and surely that's a lot of money.

Then there is the installation part. Setup of the kit is relatively uncomplicated. Any average Joe can install a system similar to what I showed you today in about 1-2 hours of time (if you need to remove your mainboard). My recommendation of course is to take it slow, be relaxed and make sure there are no leaks. Double check everything and do not be afraid. Once you have everything setup (use our article as a guide, and please forgive my tasteless humor) you'll absolutely love this kit (and I do not mean that in a doggy versus leg kind of way).

Regarding the installation there was one thing I really disliked, that being the two quick-couplings connectors that are inserted into a "degassing" tube that you'll probably never even use. You need to remove the quick couplings from the tubing to fit them onto the regular in and outflow tubing and that's pure unadulterated hell as I was not able to remove it from the tight grip that tubing had on it. I had to cut away the tubing around the fittings to get the job done. Please Zalman, insert two extra quick-couplings, as that is not cool.

That aside the outcome of this review is a really exciting water-cooling kit pushing the temperatures of your hot gear within very safe operating limits without making any sound whatsoever.

This kit brings you everything you need including waterblocks, tubing, the reservoir with pump, coolant and of course all the other essentials and even non-essentials.

Overclockers might want to go for more cooling performance. In that case you'll be back to square one with active watercooling with the big ol' fans blowing over a radiator.

So if you are on the lookout for a relatively easy to install, safe to use, effective and most of all silent cooling solution then by all means do not hesitate. We really can recommend this kit. Although not cheap it is absolutely amazing to literally hear nothing as this kit is completely inaudible .

You will worship the complete and sheer silence that the  Reserator 2 offers, as well as the extraordinary design.  My compliments again go out to Zalman as they really did a nice job here. Very pleasing. My personal thanks go out to Zalman USA for supplying the Reserator 2.

BTW we spotted the Reserator for $299.00 already. You can click on that price to go to the shop directly.

Update December 5th, 2006 : despite earlier reports. The VGA waterblock will not fit onto the GeForce 8800 core !