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Product:
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PolarFLO Universal SF Water Blocks |
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Price:
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CPU WB $105 (CAN) / $80 (U.S), VGA/CS WB $65 (CAN) / $49 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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PolarFLO
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Author:
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Hi-TEK
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Date:
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December 17th, 2003
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Rating:
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MODTHEBOX would like to thank Stephen from PolarFLO
for sending the PolarFLO Universal SF Water Blocks for review.
Introduction:
The water cooling market is saturated with a wide variety of unique products that cater to the computer
enthusiast crowd in the form of complete kits and separate components. There are already several
established manufacturers already excelling in this field such as Swiftech, Danger Den, Innovatek, Asetek,
Koolance, and D-TEK. When designing a home brewed water cooling system, consumers often face difficult
challenges in determining the right amount of components that will provide the best performance. Part
of the solution is in the amount of research involved to find out which components perform best in their
category. While the established manufacturers offer a level of assurance to match their reputation, it
is always refreshing to see new and improved designs developed from new up and coming companies. The
Horse of Iron based out of Bozeman, MT is a family-owned and operated precision machine shop. The new
company has recently entered the water cooling market with the release of a new series of high
performance water blocks marketed under the name of PolarFLO. Today in the MTB Labs, we will be evaluating
the two products from the PolarFLO Universal SF Water Block series designed to work on both AMD and Intel
platforms.
Specifications:
The PolarFLO Universal SF series of water blocks was developed to meet the needs of extreme PC users.
All products are manufactured using state of the art equipment and many years of manufacturing experience.
The common goal is to achieve a product line that provides excellent performance at a reasonable price.
Here are some of the specifications taken directly from the PolarFLO website:
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PolarFLO Universal CPU Water Block SF - Key Specifications: |
| PolarFLO Universal CPU Water Block SF: Manufactured by Horse of Iron/PolarFLO |
| Dimensions: 3.25" (L) x 2.60" (W) x 2.43" (H) w/barbs 1.13" w/o barbs |
| Weight: 10.9oz |
| Material: Anodized or Plated 6061-T6 Aluminum top and flat and super finished 110 Copper base |
| 1 centered water inlet and 2 offset water outlets for maximum flow velocity |
| Universally compatible with the AMD or Intel platform |
| Customizable fittings (combine 1/2" and 3/8" fittings) |
| Rubber O-ring for leak prevention |
| Incredible cooling performance and high flow design |
| Special Features: Sealed hose barbs and mounting hardware |
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PolarFLO Univ. VGA/CS Water Block - Key Specifications: |
| PolarFLO Univ. VGA/CS Water Block: Manufactured by Horse of Iron/PolarFLO |
| Hose connector size: 1/2" or 3/8" ID |
| Hose connector orientation (vertical and/or horizontal) |
| Material: Anodized or Plated 6061-T6 Aluminum top and flat and super finished 110 Copper base |
| Mounting Plate Type: GF4 or Radeon/VGA/Chipset |
| Universally compatible with the AMD or Intel platform |
| Rubber O-ring for leak prevention |
| Special Features: Sealed hose barbs and mounting hardware |
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The PolarFLO Universal SF Water Blocks shipped in a standard corrugated cardboard box with just one
shipping label on the front the package. Inside the box revealed an assortment of smaller packaged
components which including the following:
PolarFLO Universal CPU Water Block SF
- 4 x Mounting screws
- 4 x Washers
- 4 x Thumb nuts
- 5 x Hose clamps
- 1 x Y-hose splitter
PolarFLO Univ. VGA/CS Water Block
- 2 x Mounting screws
- 2 x Washers
- 2 x Thumb nuts
- 4 x Hose clamps
- 1 x Y-hose splitter
- 1 x Radeon/VGA/Chipset mounting plate
PolarFLO AMD Clip Kit
- 1 x PolarFLO AMD Clip
- 4 x Protective Nylon Washers
- 4 x Mounting Screws
PolarFLO Aluminum 60mm to 80mm Fan Adapter
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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During my initial examination, I noticed that none of the packaged items included any installation
instructions or reference diagrams. While this doesn't pose a problem for more experienced users, novice
users might need a little hand holding to make sure that the installation process of these items is
done correctly. If you look hard enough on the PolarFLO website there seems to be various pieces of
documentation scattered between the site itself, a few review websites and links to several online
forums. One change that needs to be done is to centralize all this information on the main website
itself to simplify the process of searching for the material.
Included with the CPU and VGA water blocks were an add-on PolarFLO AMD Clip Kit. This kit is designed
specifically for AMD motherboards which don't utilize the four mounting holes around the CPU socket.
The main mounting bracket uses the 3-lugs on either side of the CPU socket to secure the clip base.
Four screws are then used to secure the water block to the mounting bracket. Consumers should note that
the PolarFLO AMD Clip Kit can be purchased separately for an additional $10 from the PolarFLO website.
To demonstrate their expertise in CNC techniques, the Horse of Iron also included one of their custom
made aluminum 60mm to 80mm fan adapters. This adapter is perfect for those individuals looking to
increase the size and air flow of a heatsink fan from 60mm to 80mm.
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