CoolIT Domino A.L.C. System - CoolIT Domino A.L.C. Testing

Testing the Domino A.L.C.

It's unfortunate that we don't have much heatsink data when using the AMD Phenom X4 9950 BE, but I still thought this was perhaps the best CPU to use as it is currently the hottest running CPU we have here at BCCHardware.  If the Domino A.L.C. can keep this CPU cool and stable when overclocking, it's because it's a high-performance cooling solution.  Also the CPU HSF that comes with the 9950 BE is actually pretty decent as it includes a lot of micro fins, a copper base and four heatpipes.

 
Stock AMD HSF

I've included a few screenshots of CoreTemp 0.99.3 as well as CPU-Z in order to show CPU speed, voltage and CPU Temperature.  At the end of these pictures is a chart that shows all ranges of performance on the Domino A.L.C. as well as the stock cooler.

Domino - Medium

Stock HSF - O/C Load

Domino - Medium - O/C Load

While there is quite a bit of a difference in Domino A.L.C. performance between medium and high settings at idle and load at stock speeds, the line becomes tighter when overclocked running full load.  This is because the Domino speeds up the fan at the medium setting and it was running close to 2500 RPM at medium during our testing.  Please click the chart below for all the details.

When the Domino A.L.C. is running at slow speed, the stock HSF performs 1°C when running at stock speed idle.  That is the only time the stock cooler wins anything.  With the Domino at medium, it is about as loud as the stock cooler - until the system is overclocked and the coolant heats up - then it is slightly louder, but it absolutely destroys the performance of the stock cooler.  At medium, it beats stock cooling performance by 3°C at idle, 13°C under load at stock speeds and 12°C when overclocked running full load.  At high, the Domino increases the difference to 6°C, 16°C and 14°C respectively.  The Domino actually allowed us to run slightly faster with a slightly higher VCore and still pass Prime95's torture test.

Final Thoughts:

The CoolIT Domino A.L.C. system is a unique piece of hardware.  It is a compact Liquid Cooling System that doesn't just stop at being small.  It is big on features and performance while still keeping a very low price.  In order to get this kind of performance and features from another Liquid Cooling System, you'd have to spend almost twice as much.  Installation is quite simple, but still requires motherboard removal for every platform.  The different performance levels are also a nice addition to the system and the display clearly shows information regarding fan speed, pump speed, coolant temperature and which performance mode is selected.  All of this runs from a simple 3-pin fan connector that can be plugged into your motherboard.  This keeps installation simple and the cable clutter to a minimum.

I have a couple of minor complaints regarding this system though.  CoolIT has not included an AMD backplate and this can cause issues on some boards with non-standard or no backplates.  If they included such a backplate, I would have scored the "Accessories" as a 10.  The other minor thing is that to change performance modes, you have to take the side off your case and press the button.  I understand why they didn't put this on an external switch, but keep this in mind if you plan on switching modes often.  With that being said, I believe many users will simply select the "Medium" setting for a balance of performance and noise.  This setting offered the best noise:performance ratio on the Phenom X4 9950 BE and it should offer the relative performance on other systems as well.

Pros:

• Very affordable Liquid Cooling solution.
• Very quiet at "Low" and "Medium".
• Good performance for such a small kit.
• Excellent Warranty (2 Years).
• Solid construction.
• Multiple performance modes.
• Plugs into a 3-pin motherboard fan header.
• Nice display shows relevant information.
• Audio and visual alarm if fan fails.
  

Cons:

• No AMD backplate.
• Must remove side panel to switch modes.
  

I can easily recommend this kit to anyone looking to get into liquid cooling.  With a price of $80, it's hard not to take the plunge with the Domino A.L.C.  It earns our "Top Pick" award.

I'd like to thank CoolIT Systems for firing the Domino A.L.C. our way for a review.  If you have any questions, please feel free to post them in the forum at the "Comments" link below.