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

i7-2600K 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..:)