Thermaltake recently released a whole new line of HTPC cases, including the Mozart, recently reviewed at Bigbruin.com. The Thermaltake name is well respected n the field of more mainstream computer cases and cooling devices, and with a new line of HTPC cases they decided they needed a complimentary line of HTPC coolers.
Some may be wondering what would make an HTPC require different cooling than a desktop case, and I can think of three things off the top of my head... respectable cooling, extremely low noise output, and home theater styling. You obviously want good cooling and low noise on any system, but HTPC users might be more sensitive to dealing with noise and heat than a PC gamer, for example.
The Thermaltake Rhythm HTPC Liquid Cooling System is one of the new coolers intended for use with an HTPC, and it can be seen in the promotional image above. Designed to perhaps look like a DVD player (when arranged horizontally) it has the style part covered. And with dual 120mm fans blowing across a 18 pass copper radiator, it may just have the cooling and noise portions covered, as well.
Before jumping into the heart of the review, let's take a look at some of the published data on the Rhythm HTPC Liquid Cooling System.
Features and Specifications (provided by Thermaltake):
Features:
» Extended Aluminum Radiator : Increase surface area to allow high heat dissipation
» Pure Copper CPU Waterblock : Maximizes heat conductivity from heat source.
» 12V DC Liquid Pump : 84L /hr flow rate
» Pump provides intense yet quiet and smooth liquid circulation.
» Two 1400 RPM Ultra-Quiet 120mm fans
» Stereo style foot stands
» Use the pedestal for different system orientation
» Liquid inlet and outlet plus exhaust and refill port in the back panel
» Opening on the top for better ventilation
» Attractive lighting when system is on
Specifications:
» Model: P/N:CL-W0042
» Modernly Stylish: Home Theater DVD Appearance
» Material: All Aluminum
» Dimension: 430mm(W) x 271mm(D) x 75.7 mm(H)
» CPU Waterblock: All Copper designed Waterblock
» Clips:
» Enhanced Universal Clip for Intel P4 LGA 775, P4 Socket 478, AMD K8, AMD K7
» User Friendly Installation
» Pumps: Powerful 12V DC Liquid Pump with 84 L/hr flow rate
» Cooling System: Dual 1400 RPM Ultra-Quiet 120 mm Fans(16dB)
» Quick Disconnect Coupling: Automatic non-spill valves, robust material, one-hand operation
» Maintenance free for liquid refilling: 10,000 hours
Packaging:
The Thermaltake Rhythm is sold in the box shown below. As with all Thermaltake items, the packaging is very attractive and does well to show off the product. The large box provides ample surface area to cover just about anything you might need to know, and the back is jam packed with features, specifications, and tips on use.
 
Inside the box you can see that everything is well arranged, and protected in a frame of forgiving foam. If this wasn't enough to ensure safe delivery, the review sample actually shipped in an even larger outer box packed with foam peanuts. Due to the incredible size and weight of the package, at first I couldn't imagine what they had sent me.
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