Introduction - EK Supreme LT - EK Supreme Classic Copper Mod - EK Supreme HF - EK Supreme Full Nickel - Swiftech Apogee XT
Koolance CPU-360 - WaterCool HeatKiller 3.0 Nickel - Test Results - Conclusions
2010 CPU Water Blocks Round Up
By Daz May 29, 2010
Final Thoughts
This test was envisioned to research into two subjects. The first one was to look into cooling performance that should be expected for down to earth system with simple watercooling setup without any tweaking. Computer modding can be expensive hobby and not everybody can sink piles of cash into latest and greatest motherboards and CPUs. For this reason we decided to assemble our test bench out of more affordable components, rather then the most expensive ones.
Second, we wanted to see for ourselves how the latest CPU water blocks get staked up. From individual reviews it appears that every new block claims as the best, which was a confusing situation.
To be frank, our hopes to find the best block for us did not materialized. The ugly truth is that blocks are stacked so closely together, so it is simply impossible to point finger at any of them as clear winner or looser. This becomes apparent when test results shown at larger scale.
Any potential difference in block’s performance can be compensated or worsened with such thing as quality of block mount. We mounted each block up to 10 times in our test trying to get the best possible setup (including block orientation), and we registered that the difference between perfect mount and not-a-perfect mount is as large as 3c. Even after dozens of mount tries, it was not guaranteed that next will be the great. This test will make us to look more closely into Indigo Xtreme thermal interface kit, which may be a good remedy against mount variations.
Another observation is that in terms of fans speed the largest performance gain is achieved from ultra low speed to about 1500rpm rotation speed. This is good news for silent builders as fans get noticeably loud above 1600 rpm, but relatively silent build still can have good noise-to-performance ratio.
After all the choice of your next CPU block boils down to its price and your personal taste and design preferences.
Lab Notes:
Supreme LT -
Surprisingly it is still very well performing block at great price (below $50). The best bang on buck for a no frills system. Intel platform only.
Supreme Classic Copper top -
Essentially it is a fancy version of less expensive LT, also support AMD boards. Looks great installed, but not for records breaking.
Supreme HF and HF Copper(Nickel) –
Both outperformed all others by a split hair margin and won big in flow rate race. This is great choice for large loops with multiple GPU/Chipset blocks as HF has smallest taxation on other components. Blocks come with multiple impingement plates for tweaking, including blank plate for your own experimentation. Both still have mounting system which somewhat harder to install, but on other hand fits all competitive blocks in the test. Fits both Intel and AMD systems. Enthusiast’s best bet for performance and flexibility.
Swiftech XT -
This is the only block with highly restrictive pin matrix bottom. Competes well in a single CPU loop, but may not be the best choice for multi-block setup as lower flow rate will affect cooling performance of entire setup. Support only LGA1156 & LGA1366 out of the box. Has easy to use mounting system. Definite improvement from the older GTZ block. Quality control could be a concern.
Koolance CPU-360
This is very attractive variation of Heatkiller design with improved flow rate. This block came formally second in the test for high speed fans, but for some reason constantly performed worse on lower speed. Block fits both Intel and AMD platforms and has easy to use mounting system. With good flow rate this block will work well in multi-block setup. Solid choice for WC enthusiast.
Heatkiller 3.0
Few blocks beat this block by small margin, but it is far from being called for retirement. With top notch craftsmanship this is top choice for perfectionists. Probably the only block made in Europe. This block is equally good for single or multi-blocks setups. Each Heatkiller version first only specified CPU socket type and backplate is a separate option. Migration to different mounting style is possible with a migration kit.
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