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 a lot and thus can not be ignored. In order to quantify relative performance for a CPU block thus, 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 thus 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 higher than average flow restriction and middling thermal performance combined lead to a mediocre showing here for the Eisblock XPX 1U, but overall, the gaps between this block and the original Eisblock XPX are within margin of error.

Performance per Dollar

Prices are taken from Performance PCs 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 a manufacturer's web shop. 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. Despite all this, the Eisblock XPX 1U fares better here than in the relative performance chart above. This shows that the block is priced lower than most of the rest, and the use of less expensive acetal for the top as well as the lack of such consumer features as integrated RGB lighting no doubt contribute to this.