Thermal Performance

Test System

Test Methodology

A Swiftech MCP35x2 pump, an Aquaero 6 XT controller, and a Black Ice Nemesis GTX 480 radiator with Noiseblocker NB-eLoop B12-3 fans complete the loop. The GPU is not placed in the loop to make the only source of heat the CPU and, thus, the CPU block itself. Average flow rate is set to 1 GPM and calibrated in-line temperature sensors are used to measure the coolant's temperature.

Everything required is placed inside a hotbox, and the ambient temperature is set to 25 °C. Thermal paste cure time is taken into account and three separate mounts/runs are done for statistical accuracy and to remove chances of any mounting-related anomalies. For each run, a 30 min AIDA64 load test is used, and CPU core temperatures are measured using the same, with the average core temperature recorded at the end of each run. A delta T of CPU core and loop temperature is thus calculated for each run, with an average delta T that is then obtained across all three runs. This way, the cooling solution is taken out of the picture.

Test Results

This is the first of several CPU block reviews with my new thermal test setup, which is also why you are seeing fewer blocks here than in the previous review. I chose recently released blocks I had here, as well as a representation each for Aqua Computer, Watercool, and XSPC. As and when more CPU blocks are reviewed, the new database will be added to accordingly. Note also that metal top blocks have generally performed slightly better than the non-metal top blocks in my hotbox with active ventilation, and this trend continues here with the Bitspower Premium Summit M, as well as the other two metal top blocks besting the rest, but not by much. As it stands now, the Premium Summit M outperforms the others, which is a pleasant change from seeing Bitspower blocks generally lacking in thermal performance in the past.