Performance Summary

With CPU waterblocks, both thermal performance and liquid-flow restriction are important metrics. Unlike radiators where component liquid-flow restriction is not as big a factor in the loop's overall flow rate, CPU block choice will impact average flow rate significantly, and thus cannot be ignored. In order to quantify relative performance for a CPU block, a normalized percentage-based data set was created, with 70% weighting given to thermal performance and 30% weighting given to liquid-flow restriction. The data set created was then plotted, with the subject of this review at 100%.


Let's clarify that the metric for a quantitative performance summary is based on my own thoughts, as there is no universally accepted standard. As it stands, the average flow restriction ends up being a larger differential than the relatively better thermal performance was, so much so that the Alphacool Core 1 LT once again finds itself favorably placed in this tight list, and right next to the more expensive Core 1 from last year!

Performance per Dollar

Prices are taken from the manufacturer's web shop for customers in the USA when available, with all numbers reported in USD. For products not available there, the most obvious retail source is chosen, such as from a major distributor carrying the various brands. For products no longer available, the last available reasonable price point is considered.


We must note right away that aesthetics and build quality do not necessarily translate directly here, especially with intricate metal tops, RGB lighting, and integrated displays that add to the cost, but are not quantifiable as a performance metric. With the Alphacool Core 1 LT, I only have the pricing info from Alphacool in Euros (inc. VAT), so I approximated what the Aurora Acrylic version would cost in USD based on history. Note also that the Black version will cost slightly less, so that would fare even better in this chart. Here is where the Core 1 LT really differentiates itself from the Core 1, telling us right away this costs a decent chunk less and thus offers better value for money purely from the quantifiable metrics used here. Of course when we go beyond Alphacool, the Bykski CPU-XPR-C-I continues to amaze.