While I loved the Swiftech H220 X2 Prestige, its cheaper sibling impresses me far more. Maybe it's due to me being a penny pincher, who knows? What I do know is that the H220 X2 offers top-tier cooling performance. While Skylake doesn't produce enough heat for it to stretch its legs, it is more than capable of handling hot and power hungry processors. Clearance around the socket, memory, and motherboard expansion slots is perfect. The pump and reservoir being offset means there's enough clearance for memory and motherboard heatsinks.

I was surprised to find that this unit is a tiny bit quieter than its more expensive sibling, the H220 X2 Prestige, which gives the H220 X2 a more than acceptable noise profile. Build quality is mostly on par with the Prestige and EK Predator; however, the cheaper barbs and clamps keep it from being truly on the same level. It is nice to see that the same exceptional packaging as for the Prestige is used with the H220 X2. When you buy a kit at this price, it is always nice to know that it will definitely arrive in one piece.

As expected, this kit is readily expandable since it uses standard G1/4 fittings, but the big benefit here is its more affordable price, which places the Swiftech H220 X2 in the same league as many top-tier closed-loop coolers. Customizable LEDs along with dye for the coolant to match make for another nice touch. Overall, I am definitely impressed by the Swiftech H220 X2 - it strikes a good balance between performance, quality, and price.

It just barely missed receiving a perfect score. Why, you ask? Simply put, it cannot be used in a push/pull configuration, and the PWM range of its fans could be improved by lowering their minimum RPM. Finally, barb and clamp fittings lack that premium high-end feel. In regards to any serious issues, I have found none. The Swiftech H220 X2's negative aspects could be considered trivial.

If someone asked me which top-tier AIO cooler is the best for the money, I would have to point to the Swiftech H220 X2. While the Prestige is on another level, you pay a hefty price for it. The EKWB Predator is also a fantastic option, but like the Prestige, its high price tag hurts its appeal. Thus, the H220 X2. It's priced similarly to other top-tier closed-loop coolers while offering so much more. I just wish it could be configured in push/pull for maximum performance.

If you want the best bang for your all-in-one liquid-cooler buck without sacrificing on quality, the Swiftech H220 X2 is a damn good choice.