Performance Summary

With GPU waterblocks, both thermal performance (core and VRM) and liquid flow restriction are important metrics. Unlike some custom-loop components, such as radiators where the component's liquid flow restriction is not as big a factor in the loop's overall flow rate, the GPU block choice will impact average flow rate a lot and can thus not be ignored. In order to quantify relative performance for a GPU block thus, a normalized percentage-based data set was created, with 60% weightage given to thermal performance for the GPU core, 20% weightage given for the thermal performance of the GPU VRMs, and 20% weightage given to liquid flow restriction. The data set created was thus plotted with the subject of this review at 100%.


Let's clarify here 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 overall relative performance of the CORSAIR XG7 is very good as it comes in pretty much at the top with only the Aquacomputer Kryographics with the actively cooled backplate better by enough to not be within error margins. The same could be said about the other side of things too, however, which again shows how stacked the field is, and yet how much there is in common when it comes to the final numbers.

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. The Hydro X Series XG7 GPU water block is a prime example of charts not telling the whole story because it is effectively a new product compared to the others that are 2-3 years older. But this is why we put all our thoughts on the final page rather than making a decision off a single graph.