Performance Summary

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 loop's overall 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 the 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 hardly being any differences 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 block's relatively worse flow restriction and thermal performance add up here, and we see it in the bottom third of the table, and the backplate continues to be the saving grace here as it pushes the block into the top half, but only barely so.

Performance per Dollar

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 or a primary retail solution (Aliexpress for Bykski). For products no longer available, the last available and reasonable price point was considered.



With pricing considered, things do change a bit with a few blocks that went with an older design, which hurt performance, but still had them end up with the better bang for the buck as a result of their lower price points. The Koolance block now looks much better for value, and the backplate at an additional $35 does not seem to be as good of a value strictly in terms of thermal performance. There are of course other benefits to a backplate, including aesthetics, prevention of any coolant leaks touching the bare GPU PCB, and help with preventing board warping, but also note that the stock backplate from your GPU may well fit, which would save you the money you'd spend on the separately available backplate Koolance has on offer. In addition, the acetal top version of the block costs $10 less than the acrylic top version, which should have never been the case to begin with, and that will look even better here, while offering the same functionality.