TechPowerUp DIY Liquid Cooler of the Year

Watercool Heatkiller V Pro RTX 4090

A solid nickel-plated copper block with enough metal to soak up the up to 500 W thermal loads thrown by an overclocked GeForce RTX 4090 is what the Heatkiller V Pro RTX 4090 is all about. This particular model is designed for the ASUS ROG Strix and TUF Gaming, but Watercool has them up for other leading VGA brands too. Paired with an appropriate radiator (360 mm or above), this thing soaks up gaming temperatures of an RTX 4090 like nothing else can in its category. Watercool's RTX 4090 Strix/TUF block, though costly, stands out. It suits those budgeting for a high-end GPU, offering stainless steel or black anodized aluminium finishes. The design, including a wrap-around section and side-placed I/O terminal, enhances aesthetics and compatibility. The RGB lighting, controlled by a standard 3-pin header, is praised, and the Heatkiller V Pro block excels thermally with a modular design. Despite higher coolant flow restriction, the block impresses, although some desired accessories are lacking. Overall, it's a commendable option, cautiously considering the cost. At $250 this is one of the more expensive full coverage blocks but this is partly due to its higher mass and the fact that copper is more expensive than it used to be.

TechPowerUp DIY Liquid CPU Block of the Year

Alphacool Core 1

The Alphacool Core 1 was unveiled at Computex and lived up to the hype with competitive pricing in a market where some blocks cost thrice as much. Designed for mainstream Intel and AMD sockets, the single block approach ensures longevity, though specialized designs like the EK-Quantum Magnitude may outperform in thermal aspects. The Core 1, featuring a full metal top and housing, surpassed most others in testing and offered superior thermal performance. With diverse colors and RGB options at a reasonable up-charge, it combines top-notch performance, decent coolant flow restriction, and excellent value. The reviewer looks forward to exploring Alphacool's upcoming higher-end Apex product line. Overall, the Core 1 CPU block earns an easy recommendation.

TechPowerUp Case Fan of the Year

Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12 Pro 120 mm

The Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12 Pro outshines the Lian Li UNI FAN P28 and its predecessor, offering impressive performance at various fan speeds, from low to the rated 2000 RPM. With minimal sample variation among retail units, a 5-year warranty, and a $25/fan price tag, it presents a reliable, cost-effective premium cooling solution. Despite a slight price increase of the 2-pack version to $45, the improvements justify the cost, making it a top choice for watercooling fans. Thermaltake's competitive stance in the consumer PC business is evident, providing an excellent performance/noise balance and solid aesthetics. A suggested 3-pack SKU around $60-65 and potential color editions would enhance its appeal further. Overall, the TOUGHFAN 12 Pro is a compelling option with improved features and a balanced price point, making it the reviewer's preferred choice for PC DIY watercooling.

TechPowerUp Hardware of 2023 Runner Up

Lian Li UNI FAN P28 120 mm

Lian Li's UNI FAN P28 competes favorably with Phanteks' T30-120 and Thermaltake's TOUGHFAN 12 Pro, offering similar liquid crystalline polymer rotor benefits at a lower cost. With a 28 mm thickness, it provides enhanced case compatibility and aesthetically pleasing all-black or all-white color options compared to the T30-120 and also manages to outperform the Phanteks offering, especially at higher speeds, and at a lower cost per fan. While lacking extensive color options, the UNI FAN P28 excels in pure performance and a balanced performance-noise ratio. The optional ARGB lighting accessory is less impressive for the added cost. Despite minor preferences, the UNI FAN P28 earns the spot as our close second in this competition.