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 Corsair iCUE Link XC7 RGB Elite ends up falling in the middle of the pack in this extremely tight list. It's also interesting to note that the two metal top blocks are not doing as well here, but this is because of the older design of those blocks compared to the others which have been optimized for the newer Intel socket.

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. Corsair sells the XC7 RGB Elite directly, and I chose the price of the stealth gray color version for this chart, although the white version currently costs the exact same for those curious and may well offer a brighter LED show too. The XC7 RGB Elite manages to retain its middle of the pack position here even with pricing accounted for, although the actual entries have shifted a lot and the differences are larger too.