The second very noticeable feature is that the Antarctica doesn't have the regular input and output headers. It has one input and two output connections which are push in fittings for the hose. The water enters in the middle hole right over the center of the core (the hottest spot) then exits evenly out both sides. This insures that there is a very even flow of water over the chip starting from the hottest spot in the middle then going to both the left and right sides of the chip to exit. Hardcore overclockers will like this feature because it will eliminate any "hot spots" their CPU may have from traditional coolers and allow their overclock to run cooler.
If you look at the picture below, the hole where the water enters the block has a rectangular output. This allows the water to go into the block in a more turbulent fashion to extract more heat. The output holes are then regular circles.

(Block back, click to enlarge)

The "perfect" water cooling solution would be to have the water run directly over the chip, but since water and electronics don't mix well that can't be done. So when you're buying a water block you don't want it to have a really thick base or the CPU will not be cooled as well as it could be. I measured the base of the Antarctica and it measures 3mm thick and is made entirely of copper. When the top is removed the top surface of the copper base has "fins" which increase the surface area and helps to conduct the CPU's heat off the base. Like I mentioned, since the base is manufactured out of copper it offers very high conductivity of heat away from the CPU core..which is a good thing!
To users who are new to the quick connect fittings and may be worried about the water hose slipping out, you don't need to worry, once the hose is pushed all the way it will not come out. The ring at the top of the fitting must be depressed to remove the hose. The same goes for the Y fitting, it has an extremely tight fit so you don't need to worry about any leaks.

(Base)

 
(a couple shots with the top removed, click to enlarge)

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