At the time of review, the Koolance VID-NX1080 is the least expensive water block by itself, and the acetal top version is also the only sub-$100 entry currently available. The block, as well as the combination with the backplate, is well among the least expensive of the lot, and you can even get away with the stock cooler's backplate if it fits, so try that first. As it is, Koolance products get points for relative pricing being in their favor.

Build quality and packaging are excellent here. The acrylic top option addresses the needs of many who want to see the coolant as it flows through their CPU and GPU water blocks. The thermal pads are where Koolance took an easy route out, which is fine by itself, but comes up short when you consider everyone else does pre-cut/mark VRAM pads at the very minimum. The block not being full length in that it does not cover the entire PCB from the front will also be a factor to a good fraction of the customer base if the changes done by nearly everyone else to accommodate their vocal desires are anything to go by. The use of the serial flow design also ends up being a deterrent to flow restriction and thermal performance, although not nearly by as much. Also remember their warranty policy wherein they require you to use their coolant only if you don't want to void the product's warranty - something that has by itself prevented some sales I know of.

That said, I do appreciate the inclusiveness to cover so many PCB components, and the backplate is more than just a piece of candy here, even with the 1-2 mm thick thermal pads on the back. The nickel-plated copper and additional acrylic top option are all Koolance going with something different to appeal to the general consumer, and from a performance/price point of view, they have succeeded here.

As it is, the VID-NX1080 from Koolance is my current top pick for those on a budget, especially with the XSPC Blade having gone EOL recently, which nets it a strong recommendation from me.