EK-Coolstream RAD XTX (360)

This is #12 in my series of triple radiators the EK-Coolstream RAD XTX (360).  We previously looked at the more value oriented XT model which uses brass tubes and a slimmer 47mm with only two barbs.  The XTX model I am looking at in this review turns performance up a notch by using copper tubes and a more premium 64mm thickness.  In addition it provides several additional port options as well as an air bleed screw port feature for even more luxury level features.

A special thanks to EK for providing the review sample:

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EK Specifications:

Product Description:

EK ultimate performance radiators are designed for extreme enthusiasts. These radiators are optimized for maximum heat dissipation even at lowest fan speeds. Choosing EK-CoolStream RAD XTX will give your watercooling system an upper hand you need to cool your hot hardware.

EK assured quality level and an optimal price-performance ratio make these EK-CoolStream RAD XTX radiators unique. The new radiators feature, besides their great design and high build quality, superb cooling performance.

The copper fins are optimized for both high- as well as low-speed fans therefore the new XTX radiator is an excellent all-around performer. The parallel flow cooling chambers reduce flow resistance to a minimum. Radiator shrouds are tapped with M3 threads on both sides to enable push-pull fan installation.

Radiator features G1/4 threaded ports on both sides of the radiator which enables various installation possibilites as well as stacking option. Bleed/fill/drain port, soldered to the bottom chamber, allows user a better overall handling and makes item more convenient.

Technical details: 
Material:
– Copper fins
– 90% copper tube (H90)
– Brass chambers
– Steel housing

Dimensions (LxWxH): 400x130x64mm
Weight: Approx. 1496g
FPI: 11
Fan installation: 12 x M3 threads on both sides each (for 3x120mm fan each)
Pressure tested: 1bar

Enclosed:
– 1x EK-CoolStream RAD XTX (360) radiator
– 12 x M3 x 30mm DIN965 screws
– 12 x M3 x 5mm DIN965 screws
– 3 x G1/4 plug with Allen key

Known compatible computer chassis that can house the radiator internally without any modification at all:

– SilverStone TJ11, TJ07
– Thermaltake Element V series
– Corsair Obsidian 800D
– Cooler Master HAF X (NVIDIA edition), HAF 932 series
– Case Labs Magnum M8, M(H)10, T(H)10 series
– Xilence Interceptor, Interceptor Pro
– LD PC-V8, PC-V8 Reversed

Installation Manual

http://www.ekwaterblocks.com/shop/EK-IM/EK-IM-3831109860229.pdf

Drawing with dimensions:

http://www.ekwaterblocks.com/shop/images/product_spec_sheet.jpg

The more important specs to note is the “90% Copper Tube” which has shown in previous testing to make a noticeable improvement over brass tube radiators of similar construction.  I’m not quite sure what the 90% portion means other than it must not be pure copper, but I suspect it’s to give the copper a bit more rigidity since pure copper is fairly soft. Also notice the 64mm thickness which makes this radiator a bit thicker than even your typical premium radiator which range from 54 to 61mm…this one tops the thickness charts.

EK-Coolstream RAD XT (360)

This is #11 in my series of triple radiators the EK-Coolstream RAD XT (360).  This is one of two of EK’s 120mm radiator line up which includes the more value friendly XT and premium XTX.  The two differ in thickness, materials, and features where the XT is constructed of brass tubes and 46mm thickness and the XTX is constructed of copper tubes and 64mm in thickness.   The XTX also includes more ports and a air bleed where the XT is more value oriented with the standard 2 ports.  Here we are looking at the more value oriented, slimmer 46mm, brass tube XT model from EK.

A special thanks to EK for providing the review sample:

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Specifications:

http://www.ekwaterblocks.com/index.php?page=radiators

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http://www.ekwaterblocks.com/shop/ek-coolstream-rad-xt-360.html

EK-CoolStream-RAD XT 120mm series

Finally EK is ready to offer you radiators designed for hardest enthusiasts. Radiator is optimized for maximum heat dispatching even at lowest fan speeds. Choosing EK-CoolStream RAD XT will give your watercooling system a boost you needed to cool your hot hardware.

Quality at EK level and an optimal price-performance ratio make these EK-CoolStream RAD XT radiators unique. The new radiators feature, besides their great design and high build quality, great cooling performance.
The copper fins are specially designed for Ultra-silent fans (with low Airflow). The parallel coolant channels reduce flow resistance to a minimum. On both sides of the radiator the M3 threads are integrated to allow fan installation on both sides and radiator mounting.

The radiator has integrated G1/4″ threads, allowing installation of virtually all common fittings.

Please note: Over-tightening of the screws may damage the radiator. Always take care that the screws do not damage the radiator. Damages of the product because of improper use are not covered by the warranty!

Technical details:
Material:
– Copper fins
– Brass chambers
Dimensions (LxWxH): 398x123x47mm
Connection threads: G1/4″
Weight: Approx. 1350g
Fan installation: 12 x M3 threads on both sides each (for 3x120mm fan each)
Pressure tested: 1bar

Enclosed:
1x EK-CoolStream RAD XT (360) radiator
12x M3 x 30mm DIN965 screws
12x M3 x 35mm DIN965 screws

Important: The included screws may be too long for some applications. Always be sure to screw them in only so far that the radiator is not damaged.

Dimensional Drawing:

http://www.ekwaterblocks.com/shop/EK-PSS/EK-PSS-3831109860021.pdf

Installation Manual:

http://www.ekwaterblocks.com/shop/EK-IM/EK-IM-3831109860021.pdf

Of particular interest is the 47mm thickness being another one of the “In-between 30 and 60mm” thickness while retaining a more narrow 123mm width.  The tubes are your more value oriented brass material and the screws are smaller but common M3.

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

Danger Den Torture Rack LAN Party Rebuild & PDXLAN

I figured I’d post a quick little blog of what I’ve been doing the last week or so rebuilding my test bench and gaming.  I was invited  to PDXLAN this weekend and figure it was a good reason to do some remodeling on the torture rack I use regularly for my block testing.  The LAN space was technically 24″x30″ per seat, and my horizontally mounted 480 rad and pump setup was in need of reorganizing to be more LAN friendly.  With the “Compact/Clean/More Portable” idea in mind, I mounted two of my triple radiators vertically, and switched to the Monsoon D5 pump/reservoir.  I also spent some time cleaning up the various bits and installing new tubing/fluid.

I do have a few sponsors  including:

A very special thanks to Dennis and Jeremy from Danger Den for the M6 block, Monsoon Reservoir, and seat at PDXlan:

Paul from XSPC for the RX and EX 360:

Eddy, Niko, and Gregory from EK for the UV blue EKoolant:

And BoxGods & Performance PCs for the Monsoon Free Center Compression Fittings

I bought the torture rack and hardware myself.  While I’d never consider myself a case modder/builder of any sort, I was pretty happy with the result.   The rebuild went pretty smooth.  The M6 block mounted nicely, Monsoon fittings cleaned up the clamp look, the Monsoon reservoir green blended in nicely, and the EKoolant added some much needed color to the tubing.  The EKoolant is one of the newer less toxic food grade antifreeze coolants with both algae and corrosion blockers built in.  I thought the blue went well with the MSI motherboard.

The two triple XSPC radiators are way overkill, but I couldn’t help myself…I’ve always enjoyed seeking those single digit water/air deltas..:)

Here are a few quick snaps:

Yeah I know the 570 needs water…:)

Got a chance to try out the new Monsoon free center compression fittings which look really nice.  They held the tubing in place nice and solid when done and made for a really clean look.

After braving Friday 5:00pm Portland, OR rush hour traffic on the interstate, I found my way to the gaming Mecca..PDXLAN event #19.

Sorry for the quick snaps, I was focused on gaming and only broke the camera out for a brief intermission before my battery went south.

The LAN event was a blast! I had never been to one before, so it was a whole new experience.  What’s better than gaming online?  how about organized tournaments, prizes, give aways, and gaming with 500 other gaming enthusiasts that share the same passion.  While my system doesn’t even come close to some of the builds at the event and I’m average at best in gaming, I had an awesome time!

Finally had a chance to meet the great folks at Danger Den as well as a few people from the west coast that frequent the forums.  Everyone there was really welcoming and there was generally a very strong “Have fun and play” atmosphere.  The event also offered some sneak peaks at Gearbox’s new Borderlands 2 game trailer that was never seen before.  Lots of new technology demos of several products scattered around the many booths to drool over and play with.

It was the perfect testing vacation and I managed to get several days worth of much needed medicinal frag time…:)