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, the CPU block choice will impact average flow rate a lot and can thus not be ignored. In order to quantify relative performance for a CPU block thus, a normalized (% based) data set was created, with 70% weighing given to thermal performance and 30% weighing given to liquid-flow restriction. The data set created was thus plotted with the subject of this review at 100%.


Well, as it turns out, going with increased flow rates at a slightly worse thermal performance (at least in my tests) works in favor of EK's new generation of CPU blocks. The EK-Supremacy Classic RGB is beat, and only just, by their current flagship EK-Velocity as far as their own products go, and most of the market fares worse. I understand that this quantification is not the be-all, end-all for everyone, so take this as more of a guide to how liquid flow restriction and thermal performance influence your own decision making.

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. As it stands, the EK-Supremacy Classic RGB is priced well enough to, in combination with the relative performance from before, be in the top third of all tested blocks as far as value for money goes with this metric in place.