Introduction

BigWater 780e (CL-W0169) is a liquid cooling solution from Thermaltake that goes into three 5.25” bays from your case and is compatible with NVIDIA’s ESA technology, which allows you to monitor the system if you have an ESA-compatible PC. The main building block comes with the water tank, water pump, radiator and a 120 mm fan already assembled. All you need to do is to install the copper CPU block that comes with the product on top of your CPU, install (and cut) the hoses and pour the coolant liquid (which also come with the product) inside the water tank. Let’s take a look at this cooling solution from Thermaltake.

As you can see in Figure 1, the hoses and the coolant liquid are lime green and thus reagent to UV light.

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Figure 1: Parts that come with Thermaltake BigWater 780e.

In Figure 2, you can see BigWater 780e. As explained, it comes with all main parts (water tank, water pump, radiator, 120 mm fan and ESA circuitry) already assembled. Other similar cooling solutions in the BigWater series like BigWater 760i and the forthcoming BigWater 770 use only two 5.25” bays.

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Figure 2: BigWater 780e.

BigWater 780e has two flow indicators, one located on its front panel and another attached to the hose where the coolant liquid enters the unit, see in Figure 3. On this picture you can also see the flow sensor (black wire near the red part) used by the ESA circuit to monitor the water flow.

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Figure 3: Flow indicator.

On Figures 4 and 5 you can have a better look at BigWater 780e. In Figure 4, you can see a wire coming out of the water tank; this wire is connected a sensor that tells you through ESA technology when you need to add more coolant liquid to the system.

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Figure 4: BigWater 780e, top view.

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Figure 5: BigWater 780e, bottom view.

CPU Block

On Figures 6 and 7 you can see the CPU block, which is copper-made.

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Figure 6: CPU block.

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Figure 7: CPU block.

In Figure 8, you can see the CPU clips, cables, connectors and screws that come with the product. BigWater 780e is compatible with both Intel and AMD CPUs.

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Figure 8: Clips, cables, connectors and screws that come with BigWater 780e.

Main Specifications

BigWater 780e main features include:

• Application: Sockets 775, AM2, AM2+, 754, 939 and 940.
• Dimensions:  5 3/64” x 5 55/64” x 9 53/64” (12.8 cm x 14.9 cm x 24.95 cm) (H x W x D).
• Weight: 3.8 lbs (1.74 Kg)
• CPU block: Copper
• Pump capacity: 132 gal/h (500 L/h)
• Pump noise level: 10-16 dBA
• Radiator: 1 7/64” x 4 23/32” x 6 1/32” (2.8 cm x 12 cm x 15.3 cm) (H x W x D)
• Fan: 120 mm
• Fan speed: 1,600-2,400 rpm
• Fan noise level: 10-20 dB
• Water tank capacity: 17.9 fl oz (530 ml)
• Hose: 3/8” (0.95 cm)
• Coolant: Propylene Glycol (33.8 fl oz, 1 L)
• More Information: http://www.thermaltakeusa.com
• MSRP in the US: USD 280.00

Conclusions

Thermaltake BigWater 780e seems to be a good liquid cooling solution featuring ESA technology, which will allow you to monitor and control the system from Windows.

The main problem with this product is that it can’t be found on the market, even though it was “launched” at the beginning of this year. For some reason ESA-based products are delaying a lot to reach the market and rumor is that NVIDIA is making some minor changes to the specification.

Whether this product will be a “vaporware” or not only time will tell.

BigWater 780e will arrive on the market with a USD 280 price tag. That is a big price difference from its little brother, BigWater 760i, which has a MRSP of USD 190. For the average user looking for a good cost/benefit ratio 760i seems to be a better pick.