i7-3930K CPU Swiftech Apogee HD

Welcome to my fifth i7-3930K series of CPU block tests, the Swiftech Apogee HD.   This is Swiftech’s successor to the Apogee XT Rev2 sporting the same premium prescribed pressure and minimal loose parts mounting system in an all new top with multiple port outlets and completely redesigned base.  This new model promises an increase in thermal performance, reduced restriction, lower cost, and black, white, or gold plated (Limited Edition) brass tops.

This sample was sponsored by Gabe from Swiftech, thanks!

Manufacturer Specifications

http://www.swiftech.com/ApogeeHD.aspx#tab1

Product Details:

ap.o.gee: The farthest or highest point; the apex; a final climactic stageThe Apogee™ HD is Swiftech’s new flagship CPU waterblock. Close to 18 months in the making, it was designed to surpass its predecessor the Apogee™ XT in all critical areas:

• Improved thermal performance with emphasis on Intel® and AMD® latest and upcoming processors: the HD is Socket LGA2011 (Intel®) and “Bulldozer” (AMD®) ready.
• Reduced flow restriction compared to the Apogee XT Rev2.
• Innovative features, with the introduction of the multi-port connectivity:   two more outlet ports have been added for dramatic flow rate improvements in multiple waterblock configurations and when used with the new MCRx20 Drive Rev3 radiators that now also include two additional inlet ports (3 total); read more about “Flow Parallelization” in the section below including examples and in-depth explanations.
• Improved thermal performance out of the box with the inclusion of high performance PK1 thermal compound
• Cosmetic appeal: the Apogee HD is now available in two colors, Classic black or Fashionable white to match high-end case offerings from NZXT™, Silverstone®, Thermaltake and many others.
• Reduced cost of ownership.

Features:

SUMMARY
Improved Performance	World’s best thermal performance based on our comparative testing, and 2ºC better than the Apogee™ XT Rev2.
Low To Moderate Flow Restriction	30% lower flow restriction than the Apogee™ XT Revision 2.
Exclusive Triple Outlet Port Design	Ability to parallelize the flow to the graphics, chipset and/or memory waterblocks to improve overall loop performance by dramatically increasing the flow rate where it matters most: in the radiator and CPU waterblock. This exclusive feature can be easily activated when the block is used in conjunction with the new MCRx20 Drive Rev3 radiators that now also include 3 inlet ports.   Another benefit of such setup is that it is now possible to use reduced tubing size for the devices installed in parallel without unduly taxing the pump, resulting in less clutter, and easier tube routing in cramped spaces.
Compression Fittings Compatibility Chart	Primary Inlet/Outlet Secondary Outlets Primary Intlet/Outlet Secondary Outlets With 3/4″ Tube OD fittings Max 3/8″ tube OD fittings With 5/8″ Tube OD fittings Max 1/2″ Tube OD fittings
Fine-tuned Retention Mechanism, with universal Desktop Processor Compatibility	Swiftech’s retention mechanism is widely recognized as the simplest and safest to use. It has been further enhanced with added attention to details and quality, such as hollowed thumb screws, and improved back-plate fabrication. Adjustable screws provide compatibility with all Intel Desktop Processors: Socket 1155, 1156, and 1366 (back-plate included) Socket 775 (not included, mailed free of charge upon request) Socket 2011 spring-screw kit is included! An elegant Multi-mount hold-down plate provides compatibility with all AMD Desktop processors:  sockets 754, 939, 940, AM2, AM3, 770, F, FM1, as well as legacy Intel Server socket 771 processors. The kit is not included with the Apogee HD, but supplied for free (shipping not included), upon request.
Available in Black or White	The Classic All Black will give any system the high-tech look you are looking for, or the fashionable white combined with the new MCW82, Bridges, and MCP35x pump top (also available in white) will allow you to build elegant and distinctive systems.
Shipped with High Performance Thermal Compound	The Apogee™ HD ships with PK1 thermal compound highly rated by enthusiast users and reviewers (and confirmed by in-house testing) for its excellent thermal performance and ease of application.
Lower Cost	More affordable than the Apogee™ XT and other top Performing Blocks on the market (the HD also includes 1/2″ fittings and clamps, whereas many of our competitors do not).

There is quite a bit of information there,  but the HD does enhance several things over the XT including thermal performance, reduced pressure drop, and reduced cost.  They also note the “Triple Outlet Port” feature which can be used to parallelize flow in more complex loops.  In addition they note that black or whilet POM material is and option, better PK1 compound is included, and cost has been reduced despite including barbs and clamps which all others do not.  In general the specifications include more information than any other block I’ve seen, perhaps a bit too much for your average user to absorb in one sitting, but still a good informative collection of information on what has changed over the previous XT.

i7-3930K CPU EK Supreme LTX

Welcome to my fourth i7-3930K series of CPU block tests, the EK Supreme LTX.   This is EK’s more budget friendly “Light XTreme” version of the Supreme HF.  So this is a lower cost option without a center nozzle plate, without the metal hold down plate, and without some of the premium accessories like back-plates.  After seeing the very favorable Supreme HF Plate #6 results on the 3930K, I was really interested to see how this lighter brother would do.

This sample was sponsored by EK waterblocks, thanks!

Specifications

http://www.ekwaterblocks.com/shop/ek-supreme-ltx-en-nickel.html

Quick Overview

EK-Supreme LTX (LTX stands for Light XTreme) is a universal Intel socket CPU waterblock for the advanced enthusiast users. It has been designed to lower the production costs yet still offer the EK quality branded CPU waterblock at the best price.

Product Description

EK-Supreme LTX is the direct successor of successful EK-Supreme LT which debuted in 2007.
It’s main improvements are:
– better flow: due to improved channel depth design up to 10% higher flow compared to EK-Supreme LT
– better cooling performance

The EK-Supreme LTX cooling engine uses fin design. The water (coolant) accelerates through 46 very thin channels which provide extreme cooling surface area. Very thin copper base bottom wall even further improves cooling performance.

The base plate is made of electroless nickel plated (EN) electrolytic copper lapped and polished to +/- 0.0007mm flatness. The top is made of quality cast acrylic material.

CPU socket compatibility:
– Intel LGA-775
– Intel LGA-1366
– Intel LGA-1155/1156
– Intel LGA 2011

Enclosed in the box:
– EK-Supreme LTX series water block
– Classic CPU mounting mechanism

Please note:
– Due to superior nickel plating method and corrosion resistance, the waterblock may loose brightness over time and become of a bit duller tone.

I got this sample a bit over a month ago now and it does come with some LGA2011 hardware.  The specs also note how the LTX is an improvement in both flow and cooling over the LTX.  The one obvious difference I noticed in addition to the block is the lack of a back-plate for 775/1366/1155 systems, but that’s of no consequence to LGA2011 since you don’t use one anyhow.

i7-3930K CPU EK Supreme HF Plate 6

Welcome to my third i7-3930K series of CPU block tests, the EK Supreme HF Plate#6 Copper/Plexi.   I had previously reviewed and tested this block using the older P3 (Double slot nozzle) with my 2600K, however since that time EK has released a new and improved P6 nozzle plate which is a larger single slot nozzle.  Using the p3 nozzle the Supreme HF P3 did well on the 2600K but a little behind thermally than other top blocks.  Now that I had my new much larger 3930K system up and running I was looking forward to giving it a retest with the new nozzle plate.

EK sent me the new P6 plate recently and I have the old June P3 packaging, so this review is more of a P6/3930K test update rather than a full review.  I did however save a bunch of my old review photos and will share with notes indicating what has changed since then.

This sample was sponsored by EK waterblocks, thanks!

Specifications

http://www.ekwaterblocks.com/shop/blocks/cpu-blocks/ek-supreme-hf.html

Product Description

EK-Supreme HF (HF stands for High Flow; revised version) is a universal CPU socket waterblock designed for the most hardcore enthusiast users.

EK-Supreme HF is a direct successor of the world renown EK-Supreme waterblock launched in 2007.
It’s main improvements are:
– better flow: due to improved design up to 70% higher flow compared to EK-Supreme
– better cooling performance: up to 4°C lower CPU temperatures

The EK-Supreme HF’s cooling engine uses fin design. The water (coolant) accelerates through thin jet plate’s channels and turbolently continues it’s path through 49 very thin channels which provide extreme cooling surface area. Very thin copper base bottom wall even further improves cooling performance.

The waterblock is already equipped with best performing jet #6.

The base plate is made of electrolytic copper lapped and polished to +/- 0.0007mm flatness. The top is made of quality cast acrylic material. Mounting plate is made of black painted steel.

CPU socket compatibility:
– Intel LGA-775
– Intel LGA-1366
– Intel LGA-1155/1156
– Intel LGA-2011
– AMD Sockets: 939, 754, 940
– AMD Sockets: AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+

Enclosed in the box:
– EK-Supreme HF series water block
– EK-CPU Easy Mount HF mounting mechanism with LGA-2011 add-on
– Universal Intel LGA mounting plate (preinstalled)
– Additional universal AMD Socket mounting plate
– Universal CPU retention backplate
– TIM / thermal grease: Arctic Cooling MX-4 (1.6g)

Please note:
– With introduction of new easy mount mechanism, additional jet plates were removed from box. Despite this EKWB made sure the best performing jet plate is being preinstalled.

I have highlighted the LGA specs since it does note something about an “LGA2011 add-on”.  My package was from June 2011, so I did not have this included at the time, but as of November 2011 new packages have the 2011 hardware.

http://www.ekwaterblocks.com/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=112&cntnt01returnid=17

i7-3930K DT 5Noz CPU Block Review

Welcome to my review of the all new DT 5NOZ CPU waterblock.  This is the first block tested on my brand new i7-3930K platform. Some of the veteran water coolers may recall Detroit Thermo pioneering the D5 pump top DT produced a while back which was the first D5 pump top that actually outperformed the factory top.  DT is now producing an all new CPU block that is quite a bit different from the norm regarding it’s nozzle.  While most of the current top blocks are utilizing a single slot nozzle over a bed of microchannels, the 5Noz is different.  Erik from DT asked that I keep the internals private in this review so I’m going to have to leave you with external photos only.  If you really want to see the internal nozzle, you will have to buy one.

I would like to give special thanks to Erik from http://www.dtwaterblocks.com/  for the preview sample.  The sample I received was more of a preview sample which doesn’t include the more current version replaces the standard M4 nuts with large thumb-nuts as most have requested.

DETROIT AC’s PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENT

Xtremesystems’s announcement

DT 5Noz waterblock

Hello, let me present my new waterblock. I call it the 5Noz, as there is an unique nozzle inside the block with 5 openings.Martin was good enough to take these excellent pictures for me, thank you Martin!

I machine this block myself on my CNC.

I use copolymer acetal for the top and the spider. With each, I flycut the top with a slow speed and fast feed which gives it checkering like a gun grip. Because it’s a circular cutter, the pattern changes over the top and spider, very coarse near the center and fine near the edges. G 1/4 ports, of course, spaced very widely apart, so I don’t think there will be any fitting issues. There is a spotface at each fitting for proper O-ring sealing (can’t seal on the textured surface). Internally, the top has a couple of horseshoe shaped features that poke-yoke the nozzle so you can only install it in the correct orientation. The O-ring is kept round, which means super short cycle time for me to machine, but it’s also not fiddly to deal with, easy to reinstall if you need to.

The top and spider are also available in white acetal, I have parts finished but no good pictures yet.

The spider is removable and is available in Intel pattern, AMD pattern shortly, and this could be replaced for future socket designs. The spider has a pocket that the springs go down into. This hides the springs a little bit, but also the thickness of the material underneath the springs will allow a metal spider to be used instead of acetal.

The base is 110 alloy copper, 44 microchannels are machined in two steps 0.020 inches and then 0.012 inches. The base contact surface is machined flat and smooth, and is not polished. M4 female threads are in the base, which means that during disassembly for cleaning you only deal with metal threads, so less likely to strip something. The M4 stainless steel cap screws use the full head, so the hex wrench is a nice big 3mm size, less likely to be rounded out.

The nozzle is machined from 360 alloy brass and allows a unique flow path through this block. The nozzle is one of the best looking parts of this block, I wish I could share it, but it’s good and it’ll likely be…adopted…:rolleyes: The nozzle allows a flow path that contacts more fin leading edges, parallel flow paths, and provides a lower pressure drop. The base is bowed by the nozzle. One side of the nozzle is flat, and the base contact face of the nozzle is machined into a convex surface. Close tolerances must be held on the base, top and nozzle to get the bow to the 0.005 inches it’s designed for. To do this, I have to match the parts as they are built, as there are a few thou’ that parts when combined can drift. This means that it will be possible to custom assemble to any amount of bow. I think 0.005 bow is about right, but but I also think bigger IHS processors might do better with less bow, and smaller might do better with more :shrug: In any case, any amount of bow within reason can be specified.

The backplate is machined from 6061-T6 aluminum, and has machined chamfers to accept the heads of flathead M4 screws. This keeps the backplate and screws from slipping around when installing it to the mobo. There is a chamfer for LGA775, one for 115x, and one for 1366/2011. LGA2011 hardware is included, all hardware is stainless steel except for the springs which are zinc coated steel.

I’ve tested the 5Noz and the Koolance CPU-370 in my test loop.

D5 Pump with DT top, setting 5, 12V
Single 120mm radiator
Single Yate Loon D12SM-12 fan, 12V
Q6600 die simulator (copper block machined to Q6600 die sizes, Q6600 IHS soldered to these die)
200W applied to cartridge heaters in the die simulator

5Noz => 31.9C temperature delta between die simulator thermocouple and air entering the radiator
CPU-370 => 33.4C delta

5Noz => 2.55 GPM
CPU-370 => 1.27 GPM

Samples are with a few excellent, non-biased reviewers. Hopefully you can get some independent reviews of this block shortly.