Akasa Venom R20 RGB WaterCooler
Review by: Jennifer Griffiths
Video & Testing by: Philip Griffiths
Introduction :
When I first looked at the Venom in its box I noted that they made it stand out with their use of colours even on a black box. You see the cooler lit up on a motherboard showcasing its RGB abilities. At first, I thought they had clearly stated everything I would need to know before I unboxed it. Joy of joys! However, when I unboxed it I found myself scratching my head so to speak. On the box front it said Liquid cooling kit for custom fan choice. I automatically assumed that fans were included. I was wrong. Most cooling kits come with at least a basic fan. This one had, well, nothing. So, when I went to install it, I was glad I had stock fans, or otherwise I would have had to wait on a fan to be delivered. This may or may not be a bother to some as there are people that like to order fans separately and tweak about with well, everything. Others though, it would be off putting for, especially if the build was needed NOW! You will also have a hard time finding out what size fans you need on the packaging. It is in very small print on the back under Specification in many languages. In my opinion this should be on the front of the box clearly marked.
Manufacturer statement:
The Akasa R20 features a high precision CNC U-Shaped micro fin, oxygen free copper base for high efficiency heat transfer. Couple that with a low noise 4-pole pump, the R20 really offers a truly great all round performance and experience.
About Akasa:
Established in 1997, Akasa has become a leading global supplier that designs and manufactures small form factor fanless chassis, thermal and hardware peripheral solutions - including coolers, fans, card readers, hubs and cables - for PC and specialist applications. Akasa have an extensive design and development capability worldwide to ensure when new advance technology arrives, Akasa have the products and expertise to make it work for our customers. We never compromise product quality and all our products are manufactured under strict quality control standards.
Packaging:
The packaging is attractive and stands out. The use of colours make this product look the part and make the product appealing for both purchase and product placement in retail stores. The information provided could be clearer and better placed in some areas. *No fans included not mentioned and radiator size hard to find in small writing on the back* But, for the most part, it has been done to a nice standard.
Specs:
Socket type: Intel LGA775, LGA115X, LGA1366, LGA2011, LGA2066
AMD Socket AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+, AM4, FM1, FM2 & FM2+
Radiator dimensions: 272 x 120 x 27mm
Pump input voltage: DC 12V
Tube length: 320mm
Tube diameter: ∅ 12mm
Fan Size: 2 fan slots (120mm)
Connector: Pump: 3-pin
LED: 4-pin RGB connector
Product code: AK-LC4002HS03
Supports most if not all Motherboard RGB controlers and RGB software
Unboxing:
Inside the packaging there is the cooler, assembled. You have the mounting kit which supports all modern-day CPUs. It includes instruction manual and thermal compound.
Installation:
Easy installation, clear instructions, not as complicated as some. The RGB lights will only work if you connect it to an RGB motherboard or buy an additional RGB/LED Controller Panel. The RGB lights were able to be controlled through a Gigabyte Fusion Compatible Motherboard via the BIOS. The software that you download for the Gigabyte board worked with the RGB lights of the watercooler. RGB software on most motherboard should work with the Watercooler.
Testing:
Our Testing System for the review:
· Motherboard: Gigabyte Z370XP SLI
· CPU: Intel Core i5 8600K @ 3.6GHz
· Cooler: Akasa Watercooler Venom R20 RGB
· Memory: ADATA 8GB DDR4 2400 AX4U240038G16 and HyperX HX424C15FB/4
· Card: Onboard Video
· Case: Open-Sided testing case
· Power Supply: Cooler Master G750M 750W
· OS: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional 64 Bit
Test results are:
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Temperature @ 20 min idle, CPU non-overclocked – 36 degrees C
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Temperature @ 20 min idle, CPU overclocked to 4.5 Ghz – 40 degrees C
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Temperature @ 20 min 100% CPU Utilization – unoverclocked – 53 degrees C
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Temperature @ 20 min 100% CPU Utilization – Overclocked – 57 degrees C
Surprisingly the temperatures were identical to the Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML 240L that we normaly use for testing.
We double checked the numbers for accuracy.
Pricing:
This Product is Avalable at Target Componants for just over £62 inc Vat
The RRP is £83.94 Inc Vat
That is a good £20 profit on the buy price and the Recomended selling price. Do remember though this does not come with Fans. but would Team up well with the RGB Akasa fans we reviewed before.
Suppliers:
Target Componants
Spire and Northamber also sell Akasa products but have no R20 in stock
Conclusion:
The Conclusion:
The new Venom R20 from Akasa is priced similar to other products on the market. But this one, unfortunately does not come with fans. However, you get a good build quality for your money, quiet pump, (including RGB lighting) and an easy to install secure mounting system. If you were installing it with the new Vegas fans, it would be very eye catching. The results are very good cooling performance and can compete against other coolers on the market at the same price level.
Stand out point:
What stands out most has to be the RGB lighting.
Pros:
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Price
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Cooling performance
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Easy-ish to install
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Feels secure once installed
Cons:
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No fans
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Lack of clear information on the packaging
Mentionable But Nothing To Cry About: -
On the box, the size of the radiator is really hard to find and in small print.
Scores:
Packaging: 4
Installation: 4
Performance/Overclocking: 5
Value For Money: 3 (because you would have to buy fans)
They got a Gold Award
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