MODTHEBOX.COM - Canada's Premier Case Modding Source - Reviews

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Once the Xice xpk CPU Heatsink has been centered over the CPU core, this next step of mounting the X-clip is where things get very risky and dangerous. The X-clip is balanced by a single steel spring and requires the user to exert force on the xpk in order to mount the two metal clips on either side of the P4 retention bracket. While all P4 CPU's are protected by a heat spreader, exposed CPU cores on the AMD platform are not so lucky. A consumer can easily crush the core of the CPU while attempting to mount this type of water block. Overall, I was really disappointed with this mounting mechanism and definitely feel that there is room for improvement that can safely guarantee that consumers will not be damaging their hardware while installing this product.

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For the purposes of this review, I decided to mount the Xice xgk GPU Heatsink on a Radeon 9700 Pro video card. The stock cooling fan was first removed and the GPU core was cleaned using a isopropyl alcohol wipe. The package includes a thin heat conducting film that must be placed on the GPU core prior to mounting the xgk. The Xice xgk is then placed on top of the GPU in order to mount the clipping mechanism. The clipping mechanism fits over the GPU base and uses two spacers to align itself with the fan mounting holes on the PCB of the video card. Once positioned properly, all that is required is to insert the appropriate mounting screws into each hole and secure it into place.

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The last step in the installation process is to cut the necessary lengths of the bundled tubing to size. Connecting the tubing to each compression nut fitting is a straightforward process and can be completed in less than 30 minutes. As a last minute precaution consumers will want to check each fitting before preparing the ExternalCool EC900/H for filling with the Anti Corrosive Protection Fluid.