The copper base measures roughly 64x58x10mm.  At a glance it doesn’t appear sufficiently lapped due to the marks left over from the milling process.  On closer inspection we see that the lap job more than adequate.

Radiator

The Black Ice radiator is of good size, measuring 157x133x25mm.  It has mounting holes on each side to accept a 120mm fan on one or even both sides if you so choose.  It is constructed around a copper core that is painted jet black.  A high density fin count insures good heat exchange.  Its fittings are the same ½” OD push type we saw on the water block.  Shown below is what a 120mm fan (not included in the kit) looks like mounted on top.  Radiators always require a special consideration of the space you will need in the case that you wish to install it in. 

Pump

The Asetek WaterChill Hydor L20 pump is compact which makes itself very attractive to most folks.  You can get a good idea of how compact the unit is simply by looking at the ½” OD push type fittings on its top and side.  Don’t be fooled into thinking that its performance is in correlation to its size; this baby moves approximately 185 gallons per hour (700 lph) and is powered by a standard wall plug.  As with any H2O pump, we would strongly encourage you to use it in conjunction with a relay of some type that would automatically power up the pump when you turn your computer on.  Otherwise you need to plug in your pump and then power on your machine.  All it takes is for you to forget to plug your pump in once if you don’t have a relay to experience disaster.  One other physical item about the pump is that it comes with four suction cup feet to secure it when the time comes to put it in use.

I’m getting ahead of myself a bit here but this is what I see as a pretty big problem with the Asetek KT03-L20 kit.  The instruction manual tells you to fill the system by submerging the pump in a container of water.  Plugging the pump in so that it draw water from the container it is in.  Upon the system being filled, connect your ½” OD tube to the pump inlet with the pump running.  This is because the kit in its stock form, does not include a reservoir to help you bleed the system prior to use. 

Normally this wouldn't be a big deal as water cooler kit pumps are generally aquarium pumps insulated against being submerged in water.  However...  Here comes the dig.  On the L20 pump's power cord, we found a warning label saying “Always disconnect all electrical equipment before putting your hands into the water.”  It is sort of difficult to connect a hose in a submerged pump that is running if you are warned to first disconnect all electrical equipment.  The pic in the manual, partially visible below shows them doing what the warning label specifically warns against.  Personally, I think you might be fine following the manual here but given the warning label and a submerged electrical device that is plugged in and running; I was not going to find out first hand whether to believe the warning label or not.  I’m guessing that the warning label is there so if a unit malfunctions, Asetek can say “you didn’t heed the warning so we are not liable for any injuries stemming from a faulty pump.”  This is deserving of a big boo, hiss and double raspberry being directed to Asetek.

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