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 overall loop 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 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%.
With there being little difference when it comes to thermal performance based on GPU core cooling, it is no wonder that most blocks are so close to each other here. The weaker numbers throughout did add up, and thus, the EVGA Hydro Copper has most blocks outperforming it.
Prices were 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 was chosen, such as a manufacturer's webshop. For products no longer available, the last available reasonable price point was considered.
With pricing considered, things do not change much. The relatively high price point of the Hydro Copper block hurt it here also. I do want to mention that subjective features, such as build quality, integrated lighting, etc., are not considered here and are retained for the final score on the next page, so the charts above are purely objective.