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

Yes, I know the i9-9900K alone isn't enough these days, and I have heard the feedback about using AIDA64 on its own for the stress testing given the smaller margins between entries here. I am almost done revamping CPU block testing—just waiting for available AMD CPU stock for purchase! I will re-test this block when that happens, but in the meantime, we go through the process with the older setup, which also helps validate results after a move across continents. 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 with the Bitspower Summit M Silver Metal, as well as the other metal top blocks besting the rest, aside from the Optimus Foundation, which is an acrylic block that still does a great job.