Original Review : http://www.overclock3d.net/reviews.php?/cases_cooling/waterblock_shootout/1
XSPC Delta V3 CPU Waterblock Review
In the very recent past AMD and Intel have been vocal about upcoming families of multiple core CPU's which will take processors into an area that we have never seen before. With Intel's current Q6600/ QX quad-core range and AMD's Phenom native quad-core processors, eight and sixteen cored processors will no doubt follow as the process is perfected and applications demand it.
It is a well known fact that water-cooling is really beginning to become a viable mainstream alternative to traditional air-cooling measures. No longer is water-cooling purely the domain of the hardcore overclockers, but ever increasingly it is beginning to make its way into more and more people's homes.
With the advent of quad-core processors and the successful saturation of the market with dual-core processors as well, a need has arisen for cooling methods to tame these multi-cored beasts. So how do we look towards cooling these processors more efficiently...With water-cooling of course! Today I have been given the opportunity to review the new Swiftech Apogee GTZ, XSPC Delta V3 and Aqua Compter Cuplex HD water blocks which all promise the highest cooling performance. It will be interesting to see which block emerges as the winner of a no-holds barred water block shootout. Can they tame the Quad-cored beast? Specifications The specifications for each water block were taken directly from each manufacturers' product page. XSPC Delta V3 CPU Acetal
- Designed for Quad and Dual Core CPU's
- High Performance Copper Base With Over 1600 Copper Pins
- Pins Precision cut to 0.4x0.4x4.2mm
- 26mm Stepped Base
- CNC Cut Acetal Top
- G1/4" Threads
- Universal Mounting Plate
- Supports Sockets A/462, 478, 604/603, 701
754/939/940, AM2 and LGA775 Swiftech Apogee GTZ Water Block
Block Base Dimensions: 50mm x 50mm x 7.2mm (2.0” x 2.0” x 0.3”)
Height (including barbs):37.2mm (1.5”)
Port Threading: Standard G 1/4"
Barb Size: Chrome Plated 1/2" & 3/8” bards provided
Net Weight: 239g
Top Material: CNC machine Delrin
Base Material: CNC machine C110 copper mirror finished Aqua Computer Cuplex HD Thread Size: 1/4"
Mounting Type: 478 and 775
Flow Rating: High
Base Material: Copper
Top Material: Plated Aluminum Let's head over the page to check out the review candidates packaging and contents... XSPC Delta V3 Acetal
The XSPC was the biggest surprise of the bunch as far as I'm concerned. The XSPC comes with so much potential cooling performance for such a cheap price - currently available from WaterCooling UK at ￡34.99 inc. VAT. The XSPC Delta V3, as with previous versions, provides universal compatibility for both AMD and Intel users. However, the mounting plate may cause some compatibility issues with certain chipset cooling solutions. Rob @ WaterCooling UK has told me that they have some alternative mounting plates currently being made to address this issue. The Acetal top of the XSPC Delta V3 makes a nice change from the chrome finish on earlier versions of this waterblock, and the screw-apart base also makes cleaning very easy. It certainly looks like XSPC have done their homework in addressing the short comings of previous versions of the Delta waterblock range, and it's finally paying dividends. The Good + Price + Performance + Looks - the Acetal top increases the visual appeal + Universal compatibility The Mediocre * Universal backplate may cause compatibility issues with some chipset cooling solutions The Bad - Nothing to report. Overclock3D would like to thank Aqua Computer, Swiftech and WaterCooling UK for supplying today's review samples.
