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 higher-than-average higher flow restriction ends up overcoming for the middling thermal performance to where the Granzon GAI0.1 ends up faring relatively worse than most of the other entries here, although not by much.

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 all quantifiable as a performance metric. Bykski sells the Granzon GAI0.1 on its AliExpress store for lower than it does via its Byksi US store, so I opted to go for the former price point since it is a viable purchase option for most of the world anyway. This is where we see the GAI0.1 do better than the relative performance chart, meaning it is far from being the most expensive block on the market and outperforms multiple others in terms of value for money purely based on the metrics considered. To no surprise, the Bykski CPU-XPR-C-I continues to be the most impressive of the lot.