Thermal Performance

Test System

Test Methodology

A Xylem D5 pump, Aquaero 6 XT controller, and an EK-Quantum Surface X360M radiator with Phanteks T30-120 fans help complete the loop. The CPU is not placed in the loop to make the only source of heat the GPU core/VRM/VRAM, thus limiting testing to the GPU 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 an environmental chamber with the ambient temperature 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 60 minute loop of 3DMark Time Spy Extreme was done, and temperatures were monitored until a steady state was reached, after which they were recorded. Omega NTC type thermistors were used to measure the temperatures of the nearest VRAM and VRM modules from the top. A delta T of GPU core/VRM/VRAM and loop temperatures was thus calculated for each run, and the average delta T that was then obtained across all three runs. This way, the ambient temperature is taken out of the picture.

Test Results

Every entry here, except for the CORSAIR iCUE Link XG3, comes with a backplate included. I do not have any active backplates this time, although some use higher performance thermal pads throughout whereas this block depends on the fan for VRM cooling in the first place. It does so by blowing the fan outward on either side of the cold plate section with enough airflow to keep them running plenty fine on this card. Now keep in mind that the exact results will depend on your specific GPU and the VRMs chosen in addition to the fan speed itself, but overall I am satisfied that the fan will keep the card running cool enough where it matters without sounding like a small hurricane in your PC case. The GPU cooling performance is even more impressive in that it bested the full-cover XG7, although knowing the cold plate only really handles the GPU core and has more heat transfer area makes it seem logical. With the VRAM modules, it is highly contingent on how good the contact is with the thermal pads. I had good contact here so it ended up working well enough to be in with the rest of the pack and not a significant step away as with the average VRM temperature. Overall I'd say there is room for improvement, but it's not worth the effort unless you have poor contact on the cold plate.