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% weightage given to thermal performance and 30% weightage given to liquid-flow restriction. The data set created was thus plotted with the subject of this review at 100%.


Ah, this is where the larger gaps in flow restriction relative to thermal performance come into play. Despite the stellar thermal performance, the Apogee SKF is also a very restrictive block, and so it comes in near the bottom of the chart here. The takeaway here is that if you have a pump capable of handling the restriction of this block and other loop components at your desired flow rate (let's be honest here, 1 GPM is overkill), do consider other aspects that are not quantifiable here.

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 web shop. For products no longer available, the last available reasonable price point was considered.


What I said above applies all the more here. I was in two minds about even having this chart at all considering the Apogee SKF "Heirloom Series" is not even available for purchase anymore, but I added it to provide some context to those who did take a chance and pre-ordered. Once again, I must remind readers that the cost of this block also includes parameters that are not quantifiable - the luxury packaging, lighting support w/controller, customization options, and so forth. As it is, the regular-edition Apogee SKF blocks should be similar or near-similar/identical in performance while costing less, but in terms of pure value, the flagship "Heirloom Series" again falls into the bottom of the chart here.