Posts Tagged ‘XT’

EK-Coolstream RAD XT (360)

Posted: April 16, 2012 in Radiators
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This is #11 in my series of triple radiators the EK-Coolstream RAD XT (360).  This is one of two of EK’s 120mm radiator line up which includes the more value friendly XT and premium XTX.  The two differ in thickness, materials, and features where the XT is constructed of brass tubes and 46mm thickness and the XTX is constructed of copper tubes and 64mm in thickness.   The XTX also includes more ports and a air bleed where the XT is more value oriented with the standard 2 ports.  Here we are looking at the more value oriented, slimmer 46mm, brass tube XT model from EK.

A special thanks to EK for providing the review sample:

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Specifications:

http://www.ekwaterblocks.com/index.php?page=radiators

&

http://www.ekwaterblocks.com/shop/ek-coolstream-rad-xt-360.html

EK-CoolStream-RAD XT 120mm series

Finally EK is ready to offer you radiators designed for hardest enthusiasts. Radiator is optimized for maximum heat dispatching even at lowest fan speeds. Choosing EK-CoolStream RAD XT will give your watercooling system a boost you needed to cool your hot hardware.

Quality at EK level and an optimal price-performance ratio make these EK-CoolStream RAD XT radiators unique. The new radiators feature, besides their great design and high build quality, great cooling performance.
The copper fins are specially designed for Ultra-silent fans (with low Airflow). The parallel coolant channels reduce flow resistance to a minimum. On both sides of the radiator the M3 threads are integrated to allow fan installation on both sides and radiator mounting.

The radiator has integrated G1/4″ threads, allowing installation of virtually all common fittings.

Please note: Over-tightening of the screws may damage the radiator. Always take care that the screws do not damage the radiator. Damages of the product because of improper use are not covered by the warranty!

Technical details:
Material:
- Copper fins
- Brass chambers
Dimensions (LxWxH): 398x123x47mm
Connection threads: G1/4″
Weight: Approx. 1350g
Fan installation: 12 x M3 threads on both sides each (for 3x120mm fan each)
Pressure tested: 1bar

Enclosed:
1x EK-CoolStream RAD XT (360) radiator
12x M3 x 30mm DIN965 screws
12x M3 x 35mm DIN965 screws

Important: The included screws may be too long for some applications. Always be sure to screw them in only so far that the radiator is not damaged.

Dimensional Drawing:

http://www.ekwaterblocks.com/shop/EK-PSS/EK-PSS-3831109860021.pdf

Installation Manual:

http://www.ekwaterblocks.com/shop/EK-IM/EK-IM-3831109860021.pdf

Of particular interest is the 47mm thickness being another one of the “In-between 30 and 60mm” thickness while retaining a more narrow 123mm width.  The tubes are your more value oriented brass material and the screws are smaller but common M3.

Aquacomputer aquastream XT ultra

Posted: October 13, 2011 in Pumps, Uncategorized
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Here we have another “Smart” pump for water cooling, and one that is built by Eheim and Aquacomputers, the aquastream XT. Not only does it pump, it’s the only pump capable of being manually or automatically controlled via software, monitor’s water temperature, and it can also control the speed of one 5W fan channel (or a poweradjust 2 for 25w).  While there are a few smart pumps that can control pump speed, this is the only one I’m aware of that incorporates a full software suite and control of so much.

A special thanks goes out to Shoggy of Aqua Computers for sponsoring this pump!

He included it as part of the Aquareo 5 package I’ll be reviewing soon following the pump in flow meter.

Packaging

Who doesn’t like un-boxing new products?  Perhaps it’s growing up celebrating Christmas, but to this day I still enjoy this and perhaps why I still like doing these reviews.  Besides the normal surprise element, I think it’s also important that products are packaged well and accessories can make a difference.    The Aquastream XT ultra comes in a nice 6″ x 6″ x 5″ color printed box with various bits printed on the exterior.

Below are the specs printed on the box:

The specs check out well, and I would take note of the “automatic frequency adjustment”, this is a rather unique feature of this pump that causes the pump to restart on occasion as it’s testing the restriction level and tuning the pump.  This is intended to ensure the pump operates at the best operating point which should ensure the pump can’t overheat and also turns up the speed when restriction is present.

And there are multiple versions of the pump, and those differences are fairly well outlined below.  The model I’m reviewing here is the higher end “Ultra” flavor.

The bottom five features are what really makes this pump interesting for me, since it does much more than pump.  These features basically makes it an advance fan controller.  You can hook up a flow meter, fans, external temperature sensor, and monitor/control it all including the internal water temp sensor using software.  That’s considerably more “Smart” that pretty much any other pump I’ve used.

Upon opening the box presents:

Pulling out the soft foam casing reveals the pump:

I’m impressed by the foam protection here, that’s probably the best protection I’ve seen on any pump reviewed before.

Pulling it all out gives the following contents:

The USB cable on the upper left, the RPM monitor cable upper right, PSU jumper lower right, and aeration jumper lower left.

There were several bits of paper, most of which are written in other languages, but there is an English manual that’s fairly detailed and nicely done.

So that’s the package, but before going too far you should know that you need this accessory.  It’s a shame it’s not part of the pump box package as you pretty much need this for standard water cooling use where G1/4 is the standard.  This adapter kit is necessary to convert the larger inlet and smaller outlet ports to standard g1/4 water cooling fitting size.  AC sent me one, but don’t forget it; it’s a must-have extra.

Impression of the packaging was very good although I think the adapter kit should be a standard part of the package.  The pump was extremely well protected and the overall presentation was done fairly well.  The user manual was also done well and a welcome and somewhat necessary addition since this pump does soo much more than just pump.

i7-2600K CPU Swiftech Apogee XT (Revision 2) Upgrade

Posted: May 16, 2011 in Blocks
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Continuing the i7 – 2600K based CPU block testing is the latest offering from Swiftech, the Apogee XT Rev 2. This is actually more of a revision 2 upgrade review rather than a complete review since the block itself is only a minor update and retains all of the Revision 1 external features and mounting mechanism. This is good because the XT exterior is arguable one of my own personal favorites visually, and the mounting mechanism is without a doubt the easiest to use on the market.  This upgrade review is my fifth in my series of i7 2600K CPU block reviews.

While I purchased the original XT rev 1 block myself, Swiftech offered to sponsor sending me the upgrade XT rev2 housing that is now available for existing XT revision 1 users.  Also any users purchasing an XT rev2 block would also be receiving this housing upgrade as part of a complete block package. A special thanks to Gabe from Swiftech for sponsoring this testing XT Rev2 update!

Packaging Photos & Information

My package arrived very quickly direct from Swiftech in your typical box in a box with ample protection.  Since this was just a housing upgrade, the box is fairly small:

Upon opening the box, you are greeted with the housing wrapped in packing paper surrounded by layers of white foam.  In addition to the housing was an allen wrench and new housing screws contained in a plastic bag.  Finally at the back is a bill of materials with an assembly parts diagram that serves as your instructions.

I believe my package is unique and also included the chrome inlet plate insert.  I think normally the housing package only includes the gunmetal gray portion and screws, but mine came as shown below.  From the exterior, the Rev 2 is identical to the Rev 1.

However, when you flip the block over, that’s when you see the change.  The internal ceiling to the copper pins is now tapered down reducing the restriction and increasing flow.

To better show the difference between XT revision 1, and XT revision 2, I’m including the following side by side photo.  Same exact top except for those tapered sides, which per Swiftech reduces restriction while retaining the same performance.  Swiftech has always been very forthcoming in providing real testing information and data with their products, many times at or even before product launches.

So, that’s the change.  If you want detail on the rest of the block, please visit my Apogee XT revision 1 test here.  This review is intended to be a supplement to that original review by simply showing you the above and my testing results.

i7-2600K CPU Swiftech Apogee XT

Posted: May 2, 2011 in Blocks
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Welcome to my third in a series of CPU block tests I’ll be working on for the new i7-2600K processor.  This is Swiftech’s flagship water-block the Apogee XT in revision 1 format.  Swiftech is now also shipping a revision 2 which is essentially the same block with less restriction and the same thermal performance.  So while this isn’t the latest revision it should be equal in terms of thermal performance and essentially the same block other than restriction.  I tested the Apogee GTZ in my Q6600 roundup and was looking forward to getting my hands on the latest design.

This sample I purchased myself from one of my favorite water cooling shops, sidewinder computers.  While perusing sidewinder, I noticed they had the XT rev 1 on sale for $20 off normal, so I couldn’t resist and wanted to see how it would do on my new i7 2600K since there is so little testing on these latest cores.  If you haven’t already shopped there, I would highly recommend it…one of the very best shops in all of water cooling to order from stateside.

I personally chose the Apogee XT because of my previous experience with the Apogee GTZ and it’s inherited modern mounting system.  With the smaller i7 2600K core, I had hopes that the more controlled mounting system on the XT would provide some performance/consistency benefit.  The XT in other reviews also performed pretty well, and I liked the looks of it…so I wanted to see one for myself.

Highlights

  • Easy Mount System ( Tool free and no loose parts!)
  • Complete Intel Package (Includes back-plates, barbs, clamps, TIM, manual)
  • All metal construction (brass top, copper base, steel hold downs and back-plates)
  • Hold Downs and back plates for Intel (1155,1156,1366)
  • G 1/4 BSP threading Alternate inlet option provide large compression compatibility
  • Plating to prevent brass oxidation (Base copper is bare)
  • Bowed Base

Packaging & Contents

It comes in a plain black box with a white printed sticker of which my sample was hard to read due to handling and storage of the blocks having worn the light print over time.

Opening the box reveals the user guide and 1155/1156 hold down above the block. Clamps and TIM on the right, and barbs in back.  The block mounting system itself is actually serving dual purpose here to protect the block which is unique and clever.

Package Contents, barbs and clamps included..

The package includes pretty much everything you need for Intel 1155,1156, & 1366 users planning 1/2″ barb systems, but lacking pieces for 775, AMD, or 3/8″ barb users.

  • 775 users will need to contact Swiftech for a free 775 back plate.
  • AMD users will have to order the AMD kit separately for compatibility.

There is an installation guide provided that is also available via web PDF download. Swiftech provides the installation guides for the XT you can view prior or later and print (IN COLOR) if you so desire: http://www.swiftech.com/apogeext.aspx#tab4

The intel installation guide is under the “Documentation” heading near the bottom of the page and the same as the black/white version included in the package. It’s a fairly simple 4 step guide that should be enough to get most people going, but it’s not extremely detailed.  For example, there isn’t any mention of the center vs alternate inlet plate, which backplate is which, etc.

Black and white double sided letter sized user guide

The package also does come with Artic Ceramique TIM compound, but I would suggest something better such as MX-2 for an extra boost in performance.

Unwrapped

Overall the packaging was good for me and all 1155/1156/1366 users, but absent of all that’s needed for AMD and 775 users (will need to order/request separately).  The user’s manual was also a bit limited, but a good place to start and more than I would read anyhow having installed blocks before.  Swiftech is generally very generous in their packaging accessories, and that’s consistent here as well.  Many blocks do not come with a back plate, let alone a set of nice metal barbs and clamps, so I was very pleased with the package as an 1155 user.  Really the only thing I didn’t use was the 1366 bracket and TIM tube..the rest was put to good use..:)