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Product:
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H2O-8500AV Liquid Cooling Kit |
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Price:
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$390 (CAN) / $257 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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Swiftech
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Author:
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BigDaddy
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Date:
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January 24th, 2003
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Rating:
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The CPU water block is Swiftech’s MWC5000-A and measures in at 2.5" (L) x 2.5" (W) x 1.5" (H). This block is Swiftech’s latest
flagship water block boasting the best performance to date. The block is constructed from CNC machined aluminium and treated
with an anti-corrosion anodizing agent. The immediate benefits to the anodized housing are twofold:
(1) The blue housing gives the block a fantastic look. While water cooling isn’t strictly about aesthetics, let’s face it, user’s
do like to show it off, and a block like this would look great behind a window, and
(2) Since the aluminium is anodized, it will minimize, if not eliminate, the possibility of corrosion due to the presence of
aluminium and cooper within the block’s construction.
The base plate of the unit is 0.5" CNC milled copper. The submersed side of the plate incorporates Swiftech’s latest design concept,
the Diamond Pin Matrix. I did not open the block up prior to review, the Swiftech web site has some pictures of the plate. Essentially,
the submersed side has rows of diamond-shaped fins on it, similar to a conventional heatsink. The premise is that the pins create
additional surface area for increased thermal dissipation, while also creating flow turbulence within the block for augmented thermal
transfer between the coolant and the copper plate.
Finally, the unit features 1/2" quick connect fittings. The fittings are positioned at 45 degree angles to the housing. The effect is
that unlike traditional designs, which have tubing running perpendicular to the block, the angled tubing is less likely to kink.
This relieves the user from some concerns about degraded flow rates due to kinks or having to purchase elbow fittings for tube routing.
The quick connects are extremely easy to use, and provide a much cleaner look to the block compared to bulky compression nuts or
clamps. The positioning of the fittings is designed for the water to travel from one corner of the block, through the center, and then
out the opposite corner.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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A welcome feature on the block is the clipping mechanism. The eyelet on the clip secures the block to the socket using all three
socket lugs. Given the weight of the block, which looks deceptively lighter than it is, this is a welcome feature. As well, the
block can be installed without the need to install mounting hardware on the reverse side of the socket. The retention brackets
are spring-mounted to the block housing. By turning the screw counter-clockwise, the user effectively increases tension on the
spring, tightening the bracket in place.
The only draw back to this design is that, unlike the MWC5000-P block, the design of the retention brackets negates the possibility
of a future upgrade to a TEC unit. The main problem lies in the fact that the space between the brackets and the housing can not be
easily filled with closed-cell Neoprene to prevent condensation. While this will only be of concern to a very small percentage of
users, it is something for AMD owners who may be thinking about pelt upgrades to take into consideration.
Finally, the contact area of the water block is protected during shipping with a single piece of Styrofoam taped to either side of
the retention brackets.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The underside of the water block shows how the contact area is mated to the housing. Ten hex key screws secure the plate to the
housing, ensuring a watertight connection. The documentation for the water block warns users to mount the block correctly, and an
indicator is supposed to show which way the block should be oriented in the socket. However, there is no indicator on the block,
and since the contact area is equidistant to each side of the extreme edge of the block, I can’t see how the block’s orientation
would affect overall performance. The contact area is lapped to 3/10 of 1/1000" and mirror polished according to Swiftech. While
the contact area is extremely flat, the unit provided for review did have very fine machine marks and had a less-than-mirror finish
to it.
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