Asetek is a Danish company specializing in liquid cooling solutions for both consumer gaming hardware and data center applications. Established in 2000, Asetek has become a leading original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for all-in-one (AIO) liquid coolers, shipping over 10 million units worldwide. The company’s technology focuses on maximizing performance, reducing noise, and improving energy efficiency in CPU and GPU cooling. More recently, Asetek has expanded into the SimSports market, offering immersive racing simulation hardware. The company’s liquid cooling solutions are utilized in high-end gaming PCs, esports tournament machines, and increasingly, in systems aiming for improved sustainability through reduced energy consumption.
Asetek’s Core Liquid Cooling Technology
Asetek’s liquid coolers are designed to deliver high thermal control for CPUs and GPUs, enabling sustained operation and overclocking capabilities. The company’s Generation 6 (Gen6) technology incorporates several key features. These include ease of installation via new retention mechanisms, braided sleeves for tubing, and customizable cap designs. ASUS Aura Sync RGB lighting and custom cap branding are available options for personalization. Coolers are available in HEX sizes ranging from 92mm to 360mm.
The technology centers around optimizing the interaction of components within an AIO liquid cooler. Recent advancements include a performance-engineered pump with a 3-phase motor for increased flow and quieter operation. Larger diameter rubber tubes, larger HEX tubes and tanks, and wider, smoother flow paths within the pump are implemented to reduce flow impedance. A newly designed square cold plate is optimized for both current AMD and Intel processors. HEX designs have been optimized to increase surface area while reducing airflow impedance. An optional Autonomous Speed Control feature allows the pump to automatically adjust its speed based on liquid temperature, balancing thermal and acoustic performance. These under-the-hood system enhancements contribute to quieter operation compared to previous generations.
Out-of-bounds temperature sensing is a safety feature incorporated into Asetek coolers. The cooler continuously monitors liquid temperature and automatically increases pump speed to address any temperature excursions, ensuring stable system operation during gameplay. Safety features are in place to ensure the liquid temperature remains within safe operating limits, preventing overheating.
Retention Ring Kits and Compatibility
Asetek offers both standard and premium retention ring kits to ensure compatibility with a wide range of CPU sockets. The standard kits support Intel LGA1200/115X, LGA20XX (square), and LGA20XX (narrow), as well as AMD TR4. The premium kits offer a higher quality finish, easier installation, and support for Intel LGA1700/LGA1200/115X, LGA20XX (square), and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets. The upgraded retention mechanism simplifies the installation process. The documentation specifies easy installation procedures for both Gen4 and Gen5/Gen6 AIOs built by Asetek.
Asetek’s History and Evolution
Asetek’s history spans over 20 years of innovation in thermal solutions. The company initially gained prominence as an OEM developer and producer of AIO liquid coolers for major PC and enthusiast gaming brands. Asetek went public in 2013. In 2019, the company underwent a rebranding to reflect its expanded vision while maintaining its core values. The same year, Asetek launched an Esports Academy, demonstrating a commitment to supporting competitive gaming.
A significant event in Asetek’s history was the release of the 645LT AIO cooler as a direct-to-consumer project, demonstrating appreciation for the small-form-factor (SFF) community. This project involved creating a community-focused product specifically addressing thermal management challenges in constrained spaces, incorporating feedback from SFF enthusiasts.
Expansion into SimSports
In 2021, Asetek expanded its product line into the SimSports gaming market, introducing products designed for immersive racing simulation experiences. This expansion leveraged Asetek’s mechatronic innovation expertise. The company has continued to develop its SimSports division, working on shifters, rigs, and expanding into console sim racing.
Recent Innovations and Partnerships (2023-2024)
Asetek has continued to innovate and forge strategic partnerships in recent years. In 2023-2024, Asetek collaborated with ASUS on the ROG RYUJIN III WB waterblock, initially showcased at Computex 2023 and officially launched in 2024. This collaboration provides a high-quality waterblock solution for custom PC builders.
New OEM partnerships were established with Lian Li, featuring Asetek-powered AIO coolers in the GALAHAD II LCD AIO, and TRYX, whose Gen8-powered AIO incorporates a curved AMOLED LCD panel for enhanced customization. HP also returned as a system integrator partner, integrating Asetek’s Gen7 v2 cooling technology and Turbulence-Channel cold plate technology into its OMEN 45L Gaming PC.
A significant breakthrough was achieved through a partnership with Fabric8Labs, utilizing Asetek’s AI simulation tools and Fabric8Labs’ 3D metal printing to create the AI-Optimized Cold Plate, designed to improve cooling efficiency and reliability. Asetek also received an Intel Better-Together Award in 2024 for a collaboration focused on developing an optimized liquid cooling system for the Core Ultra 285K CPU. This involved 18 months of joint research and fine-tuning of every detail.
Sustainability and Data Center Applications
Asetek’s technology extends beyond gaming and enthusiast applications. The company’s energy-saving technology has been implemented in data centers to significantly reduce energy consumption and even supply district heating networks. This has enabled data centers to reduce their carbon footprints. Asetek continues to research new pump designs, coldplate designs, fluid types, and radiator technologies to address complex thermal challenges and improve efficiency. The company’s legacy technology has enabled water cooling for energy savings in data centers, and has the potential for carbon-neutral heat recovery in hyperscale data centers.
Future Outlook
Asetek’s future plans involve continued innovation across its product lines. The company aims to develop the next generation of AIO coolers, breakthrough supercomputing solutions, and advanced sim racing setups. Asetek remains committed to delivering performance, precision, and passion to gamers and enthusiasts. From early innovations like VapoChill to powering supercomputers and developing SimSports gear, Asetek’s trajectory demonstrates a consistent focus on redefining performance technology.
Conclusion
Asetek has established itself as a leader in liquid cooling technology, serving both the consumer gaming market and the data center industry. Through continuous innovation, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to sustainability, Asetek continues to push the boundaries of thermal management. The company’s expansion into SimSports demonstrates its ability to leverage its core expertise in mechatronic innovation into new and exciting markets. Asetek’s dedication to performance, reliability, and quality positions it for continued success in the evolving landscape of thermal solutions.