THERMAL PERFORMANCE

The tests were done on 3 CPUs across 2 different Intel Haswell platforms:

1) LGA 1150: Intel Pentium G3258

This 2 core, 2 thread unlocked CPU has been very popular for the great performance to cost ratio it offers. Very few would actually put a waterblock on it- much less one that is more expensive than the CPU itself. But hey why not?

Motherboard: Gigabyte Z97N-Wifi
RAM: Adata XPG DDR3 1600Mhz (2x4gb)
CPU frequency: 4.7 GHz core at 1.4 Vcore

2) LGA 1150: Intel i7 4770k

This 4 core, 8 thread unlocked CPU is the current mainstream top CPU from Intel. The newer i7 4790k is based off the same platform and performs the same clock to clock, while perhaps running a bit cooler. If anything, the older 4770k would benefit more from a custom loop.

Motherboard: Asus ROG Maximus VI Formula
RAM: Corsair Dominator Platinum DDR3 1866 MHz (2x8gb)
CPU frequency: 4.7 GHz at 1.4 Vcore

3) LGA 2011-3: Intel i7 5960x

The behemoth 8 core, 16 thread unlocked CPU is the current enthusiast top CPU from Intel. Running at ~$999, it is one that benefits from a custom loop for sure.

Motherboard: Asus ROG Rampage V Extreme
RAM: Corsair Dominator Platinum DDR4 2666 MHz (4x4gb)
CPU frequency: 4.4 GHz at 1.3 Vcore

Testing methodology

Pump: Swiftech mcp35x2 set to 1.2 GPM
Controller: Aquacomputer Aquaero 6 XT
Radiator: HardwareLabs Black Ice Nemesis 480GTX with Noiseblocker NB-eLoop B12-3 fans at full speed
TIM: Gelid GC-Extreme

Everything required was placed inside the hotbox and the ambient temperature set to 25 ºC. TIM cure time was taken into consideration and 5 separate mounts/runs were done. For each run, a 90 minute Intel XTU stability test was performed. XTU is a stability test from HWBot that uses a custom preset of Prime 95 to ensure the load is uniform on each run. CPU core temperatures were measured using Aida64 and average core temperature was recorded at the end of each run. Loop temperatures were recorded using 2 inline and 1 stop plug type temperature sensor connected to the AQ6 and the average loop temperature was recorded at the end of each run. A delta T of CPU core and loop temperature was thus calculated for each run with an average delta T then obtained across all 5 runs. This way the cooling solution is taken out of the picture. The measurement cycle was done for both blocks in both orientations for a total of 4 cycles. An explanation of the orientations is provided here: http://www.xtremerigs.net/2014/08/27/cpu-block-rotation-definition/

Here’s the regular orientation shown for the EK Supremacy Evo:

and here’s how it is in the “goofy” orientation:

Note that the above pictures are for demo only and the thumb nuts were not fully tightened. Here are the thermal performance results:

Note: If you are viewing this on a mobile/tablet and the interactive charts do not show up properly then please check here- G3258, 4770k, 5960x

Now I must say that all the blocks don’t scale equally with flow rate. So keep that in mind since these results are at a set flow rate. But we do see that block orientation does have a noticeable effect and it isn’t even the same trend with the different blocks and sockets. The EK Supremacy Evo  consistently beat out the other blocks (trading places with the Heatkiller IV Pro full copper and getting slightly outperformed by its own full metal version) in this test. Perhaps it is due to the customized innards for each socket, but I did notice that I got an average-at-best mount with some of the other blocks with the 5960x in particular. I applaud EK for taking the time to give the end user the option to change around and optimize the block as per his/her application here. Note also that each review result can only be taken to fit that particular CPU being tested out and your results may well vary- especially with non soldered IHS on CPUs.