Best low flow CPU waterblock available?

[Sc0ttFern]

I am currently looking for a different CPU block for my conroe setup. Currently I have a Swiftech STORM block with a Koolance PC3-720 case watercooling setup. We all know that Koolance pumps are low flow and I want to get the most efficient block I can for my conroe setup.

Is there any consensus about what is the best CPU low-flow block out there?

 

[N H O]

why not juss get another pump? oh btw the swiftech mcw6000/6002 cools very well with low flow

 

[Sc0ttFern]

I can't get another pump because Koolance uses submersiable pumps.

 

[N H O]

an eheim pump would work but im not sure if it would fit in the koolance set up

 

[danks]

i believe koolance actually offers their 1kw pump/res now as a drop in upgrade for the pc3-720's.

 

[lozaning]

hows about the koolance cpu blocks

 

[Bbq]

Try the Alphacool Nexxos XP Lite.

 

[Sc0ttFern]

I can't find that block online and the review didn't say much about it?

 

[N H O]

I can't find that block online and the review didn't say much about it?

you will have to search forums for it, it is a discontinued product, the mcw6000/6002 that is

 

[Bbq]

Nexxos: http://www.frozencpu.com/scan/se=Water Cooling/se=1::4 ID CPU Water Blocks/mp=menu_search.html

Try the Lite. It's the same thing, but with a delrin top and cheaper.

 

[Sc0ttFern]

Is this really the premier block for low flow pumps?

 

[N H O]

yes the nexxxos seems to be

 

[Sc0ttFern]

I just question it because I haven't seen widespread acceptance as one of the best low flow blocks and I have yet to find any reviews on it.

 

[Sc0ttFern]

The Nexxos block is 1/4" and I want to run a 3/8" block.

 

[Erasmus354]

NO the Nexxxos is NOT a low flow block.

Just because blocks are used in small diameter tubing systems doesn't mean they are the best blocks to choose for low flow. The Nexxxos XP and similar designs (Cuplex XT, Storm) while definitely great performing blocks are very restrictive. These blocks are still able to provide decent-good temperatures at low flow, but there are better options in my opinion.

If you have a weak pump you probably want to chose a block which has good cooling and low restriction, ala Swiftech MCW6000/6002, Apogee, or Koolance/Innovatek blocks. This will allow other components in the loop to recieve higher flow, which is better all around for cooling. My personal recommendation goes to the Swiftech 6000 series blocks.

 

[Marci]

Swiftech 6000 series or Apogee gets my vote too...

 

[Sc0ttFern]

Any idea if any U.S. resellers have the MCW6000 not the MCW6002 block. I need that with the S775 brackets?

 

[N H O]

you will have to search forums for it, it is a discontinued product, the mcw6000/6002 that is

^^^

 

[Rocky Mountain High]

Here is a recent (April 6th, 2006) chart of several CPU waterblocks that plots thermal performance versus flow rate:

http://www.systemcooling.com/aqua_computer_xt-05.html

The Storm and the MP-05 SP (N03) have tested very well. The Cooltechnica website touts a new "Limited Edition (LE)" version of its MP-05 that has a larger number of cooling pins. While the LE has not appeared in any reviews yet, the speculation is that it may beat the Storm.

 

[N H O]

this is the only place that ive found selilng it:

http://www.bestbyteinc.com/Cooling_...eon_socket_603_x_604/Page_2/LIQ-SWI-W60X.html

juss have to buy the 775 mounting hardware from swiftech and you are set

 

[Erasmus354]

Here is a recent (April 6th, 2006) chart of several CPU waterblocks that plots thermal performance versus flow rate:

http://www.systemcooling.com/aqua_computer_xt-05.html

The Storm and the MP-05 SP (N03) have tested very well. The Cooltechnica website touts a new "Limited Edition (LE)" version of its MP-05 that has a larger number of cooling pins. While the LE has not appeared in any reviews yet, the speculation is that it may beat the Storm.

Not exactly relevant to this discussion. All of the blocks you have pointed out are more high flow blocks. They have very high restriction, and show good performance increase with increased flow.

When chosing a low flow waterblock you need to take into consideration that every element of cooling relies upon water flow. If you increase the waterflow through the radiator you increase the amount of heat it can dissipate. If you increase the flow through a waterblock you increase the heat it can dissipate. Therefore in long loops, and loops with weak pumps, it is important to chose components that aren't too restrictive to flow. Because every extra bit of flow you lose hurts your cooling in more places than one.

 

[Peterson]

Best low flow block?

That's like asking, "what's the slwest new car I can buy?"

I mean, sure it will work, but what's the point?

 

[Sc0ttFern]

Here is a recent (April 6th, 2006) chart of several CPU waterblocks that plots thermal performance versus flow rate:

http://www.systemcooling.com/aqua_computer_xt-05.html

The Storm and the MP-05 SP (N03) have tested very well. The Cooltechnica website touts a new "Limited Edition (LE)" version of its MP-05 that has a larger number of cooling pins. While the LE has not appeared in any reviews yet, the speculation is that it may beat the Storm.

That website says its a high flow block?? This blocks seems to compete with the STORM in high flow pump setups? I am skeptical if it can rival the MCW6000 on my low flow setup?

 

[Sc0ttFern]

Best low flow block?

That's like asking, "what's the slwest new car I can buy?"

I mean, sure it will work, but what's the point?

Well obviously you missed the point here. I am asking which waterblock performs the most efficient in a low flow pump situation. Obviously there is a clear winner here and I think it is still the MCW6000.

 

[phide]

That website says its a high flow block?? This blocks seems to compete with the STORM in high flow pump setups? I am skeptical if it can rival the MCW6000 on my low flow setup?

No; the block doesn't really compete with the Storm. It may come very close when looking at C/W vs. Flow charts, but the problem is that the MP-05 LE is certainly a massively restrictive block and the system flowrate will suffer as a result.

MCW6000, without question, has the one of the flattest curves of any commercial block and is the ideal choice for a low flow system.

 

[N H O]

OP, dont know if you saw the link i posted.....

http://www.hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1029711990&postcount=20

 

[Pooky]

The NexXxos XP will run fine with a weak pump, and it gets good results with one too.

Check the Pro Cooling graph: http://www.procooling.com/index.php?func=articles&disp=131 (mark the Alphacool block and any of the Swiftech ones and they're in the same range for low flow).

The NexXxos XP is not a 1/4" block... It has G 1/4" threads and that simply means you can screw any sized barb/fitting type with a G1/4" thread into it. All of the new Danger Den stuff is G1/4" too, so if you use barbs, buy 2 of their 3/8" Perfectseal barbs and you're set.

I run the XP Lite with a pump based on the Eheim 1046 that has the same head rating as the 1048 (the Innovatek HPPS) and judging from how stable the computer is (with an Innovatek full card cooler on my x1800), they're cooling much better than my air cooling (stock AMD64 HSF and a Zalman VF900).

 

[Sc0ttFern]

OP, dont know if you saw the link i posted.....

http://www.hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1029711990&postcount=20

Thank you so much!! You seriously helped me decide to buy this block. HOWEVER, I did buy it from a canadian company called BigFootComputers because they offered to ship it with the S775 adapter. I paid $59 shipped from Canada, so your link helped me decide to use them because it was only $18 more and it saved me the hassle of trying to hunt down a S775 bracket.

I should have it in 3-5 days.

 

[N H O]

no problem man, post pics. lotsa pics!

 

[Rocky Mountain High]

With a pump generating sufficient pressure, the Storm and MP-05 are the ones to beat in low-flow (0.5 gpm) environments.

I believe that you are asking for a low-restriction water block. Do consider the Asetek Antartica, which has a very low pressure differential at 0.5 gpm per the following chart:

http://www.systemcooling.com/aqua_computer_xt-04.html

Yet it outperforms the Swiftech MCW6002-64 at the 0.5 gpm flow rate:

http://www.systemcooling.com/aqua_computer_xt-05.html

 

[Sc0ttFern]

Yet it outperforms the Swiftech MCW6002-64 at the 0.5 gpm flow rate:

http://www.systemcooling.com/aqua_computer_xt-05.html

I did not buy the 6002 but the MCW6000. I know the differences are:

"The major difference between this block and the MCW6000-A previously tested is (i) the use of 1/2" barbs and (ii) the use of a tapered inlet to reduce the ID of the central barb to 0.27" and increase water velocity."

and

"Of more interest is the fact that performance of the MCW6000 is better than the 6002 at flow rates of 1.5GPM and above. In fact, with my system running wide open the MCW6000 at 2.23 GPM still performs better than the MCW6002 at 2.67GPM."

That was taken from ProCooling.com

I am satisfied with my purchase of the MCW6000-775.

 

[N H O]

yay, we have the same blocks

 

[MakubexGB]

The mcw6000/6002 is definitely the best choice. Try finding it in eBay.

 

[Sc0ttFern]

The mcw6000/6002 is definitely the best choice. Try finding it in eBay.

Already found it and ordered it. Looks like I am going to have a STORM block up for sale soon!

 

[Rocky Mountain High]

Not exactly relevant to this discussion. All of the blocks you have pointed out are more high flow blocks. They have very high restriction, and show good performance increase with increased flow.

When chosing a low flow waterblock you need to take into consideration that every element of cooling relies upon water flow. If you increase the waterflow through the radiator you increase the amount of heat it can dissipate. If you increase the flow through a waterblock you increase the heat it can dissipate. Therefore in long loops, and loops with weak pumps, it is important to chose components that aren't too restrictive to flow. Because every extra bit of flow you lose hurts your cooling in more places than one.

I have 3 questions:

(1) The charts indicate that the Storm at 0.75 gpm is still better than the MCW6000A at 2.0 gpm. Do we expect most systems discussed in this forum to have a flow rate from 0.75 to 2.0 gpm?

(2) We know that water block performance is sensitive to the coolant flow rate. Is radiator performance in a cooling loop as sensitive to the flow rate?

(3) What flow rate monitoring devices do you recommend?

Thanks!

 

[phide]

(1) The charts indicate that the Storm at 0.75 gpm is still better than the MCW6000A at 2.0 gpm. Do we expect most systems discussed in this forum to have a flow rate from 0.75 to 2.0 gpm?

Generally, yes. You're also correct about the Storm besting the 6000 at nearly all flowrates. However, you also need to factor in the pressure drop of each block. Assume that, at low flowrates, head pressure has also been reduced. Therefore, you want a block that has the least impact on the overall system flowrate. The Storm is a relatively high restriction block.

(2) We know that water block performance is sensitive to the coolant flow rate. Is radiator performance in a cooling loop as sensitive to the flow rate?

Yes. The higher the flowrate, the higher velocity in the tube walls. Reynolds number increases, flow is more turbulant, the boundary layer is reduced; dissipation increases.

(3) What flow rate monitoring devices do you recommend?

Swissflow makes an in-line digital flowmeter called the SF800 that is not highly restrictive and can be used with CrystalFontz panels fairly easily. It can probably also be used with Matrix Orbital-type panels. I think you can buy these direct from Swissflow, but it's generally easier to get in on a group buy which are organized from time to time.

 

[Rocky Mountain High]

Thanks, phide!

It looks like the flow rate and heat dissipation issues in a radiator are similar to those in a water block. Do let us know if you get wind of any group buys for flow meters such as the Swissflow SF800.