Phanteks Glacier C399A Threadripper Waterblock Review @ [H]

FrgMstr

FrgMstr

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Phanteks Glacier C399A Threadripper Waterblock Review

The Phanteks Glacier C399A is a custom-designed water cooling block built specifically for AMD's new Threadripper processors. It has great looks, Frag-Harder Disco Lights, is built like a tank, and seems to be just what the doctor ordered when it comes to cooling overclocked Threadripper CPUs.
 
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Great review! Nice to see you guys taking the time to do proper reviews of Threadripper blocks!
 
Great presentation (images, videos and writing). I just have not seen it better than this anywhere else. Straight to the most critical, most relevant points and conclusions with good sampling of other products.

I am wondering, due to the larger die area - that a better spreading TIM and easier to apply, will give the best consistent outcome? For me I like the spreading with the finger (for those worrying about skin oils - clean you figure with isopropyl alcohol first) and a small dab in the middle. Just that some TIMs that is not possible or does not work well. Maybe I will experiment with heating up the harder TIM brands and see if it will spread easier with a tool. Anyways great point, pointing out the larger die processors can have very inconsistent temperatures due to the TIM application.
 
noko said:
Great presentation (images, videos and writing). I just have not seen it better than this anywhere else. Straight to the most critical, most relevant points and conclusions with good sampling of other products.

I am wondering, due to the larger die area - that a better spreading TIM and easier to apply, will give the best consistent outcome? For me I like the spreading with the finger (for those worrying about skin oils - clean you figure with isopropyl alcohol first) and a small dab in the middle. Just that some TIMs that is not possible or does not work well. Maybe I will experiment with heating up the harder TIM brands and see if it will spread easier with a tool. Anyways great point, pointing out the larger die processors can have very inconsistent temperatures due to the TIM application.
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Yes, you certainly can warm up the TIM to get it to spread easier. I have gotten good at applying our TIM for Threadripper, but the hold-down pressure and application method do matter. You just have so much more surface area to worry about getting covered properly.
 
Nice, looks like a killer block.

It's a shame that the EK is still the best looking TR4 block, or rather, the only one that comes in a matte black finish. My entire system is built around a matte black theme...
 
KazeoHin said:
Nice, looks like a killer block.

It's a shame that the EK is still the best looking TR4 block, or rather, the only one that comes in a matte black finish. My entire system is built around a matte black theme...
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Yeah, if you are going for a subdued appearance, the best thing I can suggest is a rattle can of matte black. ;)
 
Ies said:
You guys need to fine tune your Tim spreading techniques. What a mess.
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It is a huge surface area and you definitely do not want to have dry spots in there. Plus with that particular TIM, like Kyle mentions it is a bit thicker, then a huge mating surface, makes it less simple to apply when compared to smaller surfaces.

That being said, with these blocks having such a mirrored and flat surface, I wonder if a paper thin spread on the cpu would possibly be better. A less is more scenario?
(Close to what you ended up doing in the review, but even thinner if possible?)
 
Dekar12 said:
That being said, with these blocks having such a mirrored and flat surface, I wonder if a paper thin spread on the cpu would possibly be better. A less is more scenario?
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Read the review, that is exactly what we did. Finger spread then thinned it WAY out using a spatula.
 
Dekar12 said:
It is a huge surface area and you definitely do not want to have dry spots in there. Plus with that particular TIM, like Kyle mentions it is a bit thicker, then a huge mating surface, makes it less simple to apply when compared to smaller surfaces.
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While I am not sure, I doubt he has much experience with Threadripper. It is a totally different animal when it comes to working with TIMs. I would guess I have well in excess of 100 mounts. I have tried it every way in the book. If you use a much thinner TIM, it is a lot easier, but we wanted to use one that was on the upper end of thermal rating, and that means it is going to be very thick, at least in my experience.
 
Dekar12 said:
In all honesty though, I am surprised the resources some of these companies are putting in on what I see as a pretty niche market for the TR4 socket.
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I think that a higher percentage of them will be water cooled than other chips making them a larger market than some other higher selling cpus for water blocks.
The aio has taken over the market for lower end cpu water cooling.
 
Kyle you might want to talk to Koolance, I have their new threadripper block now, though my TR bench isn't up yet so I'll have to test the Intel version first before starting the new bench in jan.
 
stren said:
Kyle you might want to talk to Koolance, I have their new threadripper block now, though my TR bench isn't up yet so I'll have to test the Intel version first before starting the new bench in jan.
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The last time I talked to my guy over there, I remember him telling me he did not think they were going to build one for retail. You got a link? Part number? Pics?
 
stren said:
Kyle you might want to talk to Koolance, I have their new threadripper block now, though my TR bench isn't up yet so I'll have to test the Intel version first before starting the new bench in jan.
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Got the Koolance block on the way! And no, it is not on their website. So how did you get hold of yours?? "Favors?"
 
Sorry for no reply - was away on vacation. I got mine because they usually ask me to review their blocks before they get announced (extremerigs.net). No doubt you don't need pics anymore as you have it, but they are on the website along withe some data based from testing the intel version on 5820k.
 
Yeah definitely Test out some Blocks. Should Send me some, Id like to go over and Review and try out a few more. The Supremacy Block definitely Passes though, from what I see. But we know there is probably better blocks out there.
 
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