i7-2600K CPU EK Supreme HF Copper/Plexi

Welcome to my sixth in a series of CPU block tests I’ll be working on for the new i7-2600K processor, the EK Supreme HF.  This is EK’s flagship water-block sporting an acrylic/plexi top, copper bottom, and their new “Easy Mount” system.  This particular block is the “Copper Plexi” flavor, but the block also comes in full copper or copper acetal flavors.  You can even get the block in blue or green plexi colors if that’s what you want…so plenty of top options to choose from. I was very anxious to get my hands on this block considering the EK Supreme V1 was the thermal winner in my previous Q6600 CPU testing roundup and this newer HF model is the further refined successor to the original.

This sample was sponsored by Eddy from EK waterblocks, thanks!!

Before getting started, how about a picture of the block installed and ready for action!

Packaging & Accessories

I’m no different from anyone else in enjoying a good box opening to see what goodies lie within. I also have had my share of products damaged during shipping over the years, so I consider packaging protection very important.  Nothing worse than having to submit an RMA ticket because the UPS man tossed your precious package around more than it could handle.

The block comes in a larger than average box in a sleeve with flashy black/orange/gray graphics.  It does give a nice presentation and good first impression.

Upon removing the box sleeve and opening the inner box, you first see the hardware packet, AMD hold down, and user guide.

I read through the user guide and found it to be a good basics guide that should be adequate for your average user.  Below you can see a sample of page 1, it comes printed in black and white and a double-sided letter sized paper.  I thought the content was good, but not quite as nice as a few color manuals I’ve seen on other blocks.  You can also download and print the manual if you want a better copy or loose the original

Digging further into the box, you come to the block nestled and nicely sandwiched between two layers of foam as well as being individually wrapped in a sealed tamper proof plastic bag next to a tube of MX-4 mini tube of compound.

I think this was the first block to incorporate a tamper seal on the block packaging which ensures the block you received has not been tampered with.  This is a nice clever touch…I like that.  In this world of RMA happy consumers, this is one way to ensure a new product.  Very good!!

After all the unwrapping of individual packets, this is the collection of parts you get plus the user manual previously noted:

Short of barbs, you get a very complete package for both AMD and Intel users.  The only part I couldn’t make sense of myself were the metal washers in the lower right.  These were not explained in the user’s guide, so I went on the assumption that they go below the springs to prevent scratching of the black hold down.  They worked well under that assumption

Overall an excellent complete package short of barbs and the packaging protection was also extremely well done.

i7-2600K CPU Swiftech Apogee XT

Welcome to my third in a series of CPU block tests I’ll be working on for the new i7-2600K processor.  This is Swiftech’s flagship water-block the Apogee XT in revision 1 format.  Swiftech is now also shipping a revision 2 which is essentially the same block with less restriction and the same thermal performance.  So while this isn’t the latest revision it should be equal in terms of thermal performance and essentially the same block other than restriction.  I tested the Apogee GTZ in my Q6600 roundup and was looking forward to getting my hands on the latest design.

This sample I purchased myself from one of my favorite water cooling shops, sidewinder computers.  While perusing sidewinder, I noticed they had the XT rev 1 on sale for $20 off normal, so I couldn’t resist and wanted to see how it would do on my new i7 2600K since there is so little testing on these latest cores.  If you haven’t already shopped there, I would highly recommend it…one of the very best shops in all of water cooling to order from stateside.

I personally chose the Apogee XT because of my previous experience with the Apogee GTZ and it’s inherited modern mounting system.  With the smaller i7 2600K core, I had hopes that the more controlled mounting system on the XT would provide some performance/consistency benefit.  The XT in other reviews also performed pretty well, and I liked the looks of it…so I wanted to see one for myself.

Highlights

• Easy Mount System ( Tool free and no loose parts!)
• Complete Intel Package (Includes back-plates, barbs, clamps, TIM, manual)
• All metal construction (brass top, copper base, steel hold downs and back-plates)
• Hold Downs and back plates for Intel (1155,1156,1366)
• G 1/4 BSP threading Alternate inlet option provide large compression compatibility
• Plating to prevent brass oxidation (Base copper is bare)
• Bowed Base

Packaging & Contents

It comes in a plain black box with a white printed sticker of which my sample was hard to read due to handling and storage of the blocks having worn the light print over time.

Opening the box reveals the user guide and 1155/1156 hold down above the block. Clamps and TIM on the right, and barbs in back.  The block mounting system itself is actually serving dual purpose here to protect the block which is unique and clever.

Package Contents, barbs and clamps included..

The package includes pretty much everything you need for Intel 1155,1156, & 1366 users planning 1/2″ barb systems, but lacking pieces for 775, AMD, or 3/8″ barb users.

• 775 users will need to contact Swiftech for a free 775 back plate.
• AMD users will have to order the AMD kit separately for compatibility.

There is an installation guide provided that is also available via web PDF download. Swiftech provides the installation guides for the XT you can view prior or later and print (IN COLOR) if you so desire: http://www.swiftech.com/apogeext.aspx#tab4

The intel installation guide is under the “Documentation” heading near the bottom of the page and the same as the black/white version included in the package. It’s a fairly simple 4 step guide that should be enough to get most people going, but it’s not extremely detailed.  For example, there isn’t any mention of the center vs alternate inlet plate, which backplate is which, etc.

Black and white double sided letter sized user guide

The package also does come with Artic Ceramique TIM compound, but I would suggest something better such as MX-2 for an extra boost in performance.

Unwrapped

Overall the packaging was good for me and all 1155/1156/1366 users, but absent of all that’s needed for AMD and 775 users (will need to order/request separately).  The user’s manual was also a bit limited, but a good place to start and more than I would read anyhow having installed blocks before.  Swiftech is generally very generous in their packaging accessories, and that’s consistent here as well.  Many blocks do not come with a back plate, let alone a set of nice metal barbs and clamps, so I was very pleased with the package as an 1155 user.  Really the only thing I didn’t use was the 1366 bracket and TIM tube..the rest was put to good use..:)