(Teaser - Test results to follow soon.) Test results up!

[HESmelaugh]

Unfortunately, I don't have a macro lens, so this is a low-quality teaser:

http://www.abload.de/img/v2tykj.jpg

Care to guess what it is?

I can tell you that it's new and that it kicks ass performance-wise, so I'm sure you'll like it.

I'll reveal what it is and publish test results in this thread shortly.

[HESmelaugh]

Alright, as it turns out, almost everyone guessed correctly that the picture showed part of a pump-top, Jiangxue got the correct answer: Pic shows prototype of EK-DDC X-Top V2.

I've done a roundup featuring this top along with several others and compared their performance. As usual, I published this roundup in German. I will publish the test-data along with some comments and pictures here in this thread. Right now, I have to rush off though, so you guys will have to be patient and wait till I find the time to write everything up tomorrow.

Until then, enjoy some more pics:

http://www.abload.de/img/031hoiv.jpg

Side by side with the original EK X-Top:
http://www.abload.de/img/036hlwk.jpg

http://www.abload.de/img/044dltr.jpg

http://www.abload.de/img/042awgr.jpg


Please be aware that this is an unreleased preproduction prototype. Design and performance may change before release.



Candidates in this roundup:
I tested and compared the following DDC tops: Original Laing top, Alphacool DDC Plexi Top, EK-DDC X-Top, Koolance Pump Nozzle Base, OCLabs XPTop, Watercool DDC Case, XSPC Laing DDC Acrylic Top plus, of course, the EK-DDC X-Top V2 prototype.

Here are some pics of each of the tops:

Alphacool:
http://www.abload.de/thumb/119yg73.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=119yg73.jpg)

EK:
http://www.abload.de/thumb/020iam3.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=020iam3.jpg)

Koolance (two of four possible fittings-configurations):
http://www.abload.de/thumb/185reom.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=185reom.jpg)
http://www.abload.de/thumb/182m7fo.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=182m7fo.jpg)

OCLabs:
http://www.abload.de/thumb/056y8ub.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=056y8ub.jpg)

Watercool:
http://www.abload.de/thumb/10389mu.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=10389mu.jpg)

XSPC:
http://www.abload.de/thumb/073i8le.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=073i8le.jpg)


Testing method:

I used a dedicated test-loop for comparing the tops. The loop contains:

- Flowmeter Digmesa FHKUC 70
- T-Balancer bigNG plus Sensorhub for measuring and logging data
- 13/10 Masterkleer and 16/12 Tygon tubing
- Ballvalve, to simulate different amounts of resistance in the loop
- EK Multioption res
- Swiftech MCP355 (Laing DDC 1T+)

Unfortunately, I don't have lots of the hightech lab equipment some of you might have become accustomed to seeing in such tests. I simply compare the flowrates achieved with each top with several different levels of resistance in the loop created by closing the ball valve in fixed increments.

Here's what I get from this test:
http://www.abload.de/img/graph1ekandkoolancekabh.jpg
The graph shows the flowrates (in l/h) going from almost no restriction (left) to lots of restriction (right) in the loop.

Here are the main conclusions I draw from this comparison:
- All of the aftermarket tops increase performance over the original top (but only with "top in, front out" configuration. More on this later)
- The EK X-Top V2 outperforms the competition in highflow-settings. It's changes mean a significant improvement over the original X-Top, which performs almost exactly the same as the Watercool DDC Case.
- The more restriction in the loop, the less difference any of the tops make. In a highly restrictive loop (simulated at position number five on the ball valve), we get roughly 150 l/h regardless of the top used.
- The Koolance top delivers the best results in a restrictive loop.


Alphacool, Watercool and Koolance

The tops made by Alphacool, Watercool and Koolance offer different possibilities for placing the fittings.
With the Alphacool and Watercool tops, the possible configurations are: Top in, front out
http://www.abload.de/img/116y6hh.jpg

or front in, front out:
http://www.abload.de/img/117s20c.jpg

Because the two front threads are located so closely together, they are incompatible with wide fittings like compression fittings.

I measured the performance of the two different configurations:
http://www.abload.de/img/newgraph19ffb.jpg
As we can see, both of the tops outperform the original Laing top as long as the top in, front out configuration ist used. With the other configuration, performance suffers.

Same test for the Koolance top:
http://www.abload.de/img/newgraph2cf3k.jpg
Here, we see a similar picture: So long as the top inlet is used, we have improved performance over the original Laing top. The front inlet leads to significantly lower performance.


Further details:
I found quality control issues with two of the tops.
The XSPC Top had some minor issues with a rough surface on the inside of the top and some trapped bubbles in the acrylic:
http://www.abload.de/img/071n0j9.jpg

The Koolance top had some glue residue in the threads. Some of this I had to scratch out in order to be able to completely tighten down the fittings. Considering that this is the most expensive top in the roundup, I found this quite annoying.
http://www.abload.de/img/179v01v.jpg


Conclusion:
I want to keep this to a minimum, since I would rather just present the facts and leave the concluding up to you.
In my opinion, the EK X-Top V2 is the winner in this roundup. Why? Because it had zero issues, performs very well and is flawlessly manufactured. The XSPC top is a runner up and it's only issue is the qc issue mentioned above.
While the Koolance top outperforms the competition in restrictive loops, I would not recommend it because of the qc issues and the fact that it only performs well in one out of four possible fittings-configurations.
Further, for everyone not hunting the last fraction of higher flowrates, feel free to pick a top going on looks and pricing - the performance differences are quite minimal.


More?
If you want more info, there are two options:
1. Check out the original (German) article here (http://dexgo.com/index.php?site=artikel/view.php&rubrik=Hardware&id=328). It contains a ton of pics you can browse.
2. Ask! Want to see more pics of a specific top? Have further questions? Just ask away, and I will publish what I can in this thread.

Hope you enjoyed reading this. Feedback appreciated. :-)

Cheers,
Shane

[MomijiTMO]

Gee I think you gave way too many hints . . . or not LOL.

Err I don't have a clue but it's something to do with watercooling right? Do I win? :D [please detect presence of not serious]

[geoffsthaboss]

ek DDC v2 after-market top?
ha

[.Logic]

I'm thinking some sort of acrylic pump top... :confused:

XSPC's Rev. 2?

:shrug:

EDIT: Dammit, I was going to go for EK instead of XSPC :shakes:

P.S: Geoff, nice edit ;)

[MomijiTMO]

Yeah I was thinking that too because the top left looks like the volute.

[HESmelaugh]

I didn't give many hints on purpouse. This is XS after all. It's happened often enough that I thought I'd just made a new discovery only to find out it was old news on XS... :-)

[.Logic]

Yeah I was thinking that too because the top left looks like the volute.

My thoughts exactly.

[silverphoenix]

XSPC top V2?

[Rapt0r]

It should be a pump top as seen from the pic.

[SoulsCollective]

A device with which to extract more information from unhelpful posts?

[philbrown23]

i know what it is, just think about it guys ;)

[Jiangxue]

http://dexgo.com/index.php?site=artikel/view.php&rubrik=Hardware&id=328

EK-DDC X-Top V2 Prototype :P

[HESmelaugh]

http://dexgo.com/index.php?site=artikel/view.php&rubrik=Hardware&id=328

EK-DDC X-Top V2 Prototype :P

Correct!

I actually wanted to start this teaser-thread before the article would get published but I messed up the timing...

Anyway, behold the EK-DDC X-Top V2 (Prototype):

http://www.abload.de/img/030ek2nx5a.jpg

[Jiangxue]

Correct!

I actually wanted to start this teaser-thread before the article would get published but I messed up the timing...

Anyway, behold the EK-DDC X-Top V2 (Prototype):

http://www.abload.de/img/030ek2nx5a.jpg

Sorry for spoiling your surprise... haha.. I had read your last cpu-waterblock shootout with great interest and therefore when i saw this teaser I decided to go to the same site to look around. :p:

This top looks good indeed. But now the question is when will it be out and if there will be a delrin/acetal version....? :confused:

[sirheck]

You guys make me want to get one of these for my pump.:up:
Guess if i do get one i will have to solder it to the mcp355.

[septim]

very nice craftsmanship...

[HESmelaugh]

Sorry for spoiling your surprise... haha.. I had read your last cpu-waterblock shootout with great interest and therefore when i saw this teaser I decided to go to the same site to look around. :p:

This top looks good indeed. But now the question is when will it be out and if there will be a delrin/acetal version....? :confused:

No problem. I knew there was a possibility that someone would remember what site I write for. :-)

Release date and materials I don't have any information on. Eddy from EK told me I could go ahead and publish information on this top 1st of November so I guess official announcements can't be far off. :up:

[Utnorris]

Hopefully you compared it to the XSPC top and XSPC res top. The real question is does EK make a res that will plug right into it sort of like the XSPC res top? Also, pricing will need to be known before passing a final verdict. If it costs like $90, then it will not be a good value regardless of performance, if on the other hand it is competitive in pricing to other tops that it would be a consideration to someone buying a new top or a first time buyer. I doubt there will be any reason for current owners of Petra and XSPC top to rush out and buy one unless they just need to have the latest thing.

[NaeKuh]

Ek made a revision? looks nice..



oh i have super teasers, but cant post them yet. :rofl:

but there rocking my friends worlds with jaw droping comments.


*runing away with an evil grin*

[Kayin]

nice.

Needs moar polish, btw.

[NaMcO]

Looks nice, great work!

[Martinm210]

Awesome! I always admired EK's attention to detail when it comes to machining finish. Now the new V2 has a spiral shaped volute and a reduced inlet port.

Look out!!...Thanks for taking the time to test, I look forward to reading through it!

[Navanod]

where's the EK D5 Xtop V2? *throws hissy fit*

[nikhsub1]

Yeah it does look like a performer! I won't EVER switch my tops though, I've got the OLD orange impeller DDC2's with the alpha cool tops, pumps have given me ZERO problems so I'm sticking with them.

[thehighlander1]

so according to the testing the xspc top isnt "on top" any more?!

[NaeKuh]

so according to the testing the xspc top isnt "on top" any more?!

no unless martin says so.

:rofl:

oh but he doesnt test anymore..

so, unless skinnee has a sample of both, and he throws both on his test, and says which is better, im not taking anyone's test seriously unless they present hardware used to take the test.

In actuality tho, you wont see squat of a difference on YOUR cpu end.

[thehighlander1]

In actuality tho, you wont see squat of a difference on YOUR cpu end.


what did u mean^^

[NaeKuh]

what did u mean^^

either top will get you the same CPU Temp, so honestly id pick whats cheaper.

:rofl:

[alejo]

I like the frosty looking acrylic.

[Bojamijams]

where's the EK D5 Xtop V2? *throws hissy fit*

Have you looked at DetroitAC's top on Overclock.net ??? Very interesting.

[HESmelaugh]

Quick comment from mobile: I don't know anything about pricing yet. I agree that the differences between the tops are mostly so small, that it doesn't significantly impact temperatures. Still, whether it has practical implications or not, I for one do like to see different components duke it out. :up:

[SiGfever]

Yeah it does look like a performer! I won't EVER switch my tops though, I've got the OLD orange impeller DDC2's with the alpha cool tops, pumps have given me ZERO problems so I'm sticking with them.

Me too, the Alphacool's mount on my MM drive brackets perfectly and since it is attached to a 120mm fan they kill two birds with one stone.

[.Logic]

I like the frosty looking acrylic.

mmmhmmm, me too. Icey looking, makes your loop cooler :p:

[NaeKuh]

well guys the TC is bigger.

It will also cool greater with less fan requirements.

So if your really after noise control, the TC rad is a no brainer, unless you step up to the 480.

[skinnee]

The top looks great and based on the subtle hints, the performance will match its looks. I can't wait to see the results.

Thanks for testing and bringing your results here to XS!

[.Logic]

well guys the TC is bigger.

It will also cool greater with less fan requirements.

So if your really after noise control, the TC rad is a no brainer, unless you step up to the 480.

Wrong thread NaeKuh? :p:

;)

[HESmelaugh]

Update: Test results up!

[.Logic]

Nice job, your work is very much appreciated :up:

[MomijiTMO]

Thank you so much for translating it for us. Online translators suck. Well we have a new king :)

[Eddy_EK]

Sorry for spoiling your surprise... haha.. I had read your last cpu-waterblock shootout with great interest and therefore when i saw this teaser I decided to go to the same site to look around. :p:

This top looks good indeed. But now the question is when will it be out and if there will be a delrin/acetal version....? :confused:

Hi!

There will be Delrin version.
The Acrylic version will have 2 LED diode holes.
The Availability 1-3 weeks.

Eddy

[HESmelaugh]

Thanks for dropping in, Eddy! :up:

All three point you mention are very good news to me. :-)

[silverphoenix]

Eddy will there be an X-top version as well for integrating the reservoir into it?

[b@llz0r]

ty
great review

Its especially interesting to see the comparison of the different barb configurations (top/front)

:up:

[Xilikon]

Nice review, it's presented very well but IMHO, this present just half of the overall picture. The missing thing is the head pressure, which matter much more for everyone around here than flowrate. The reason for this is that it's generally accepted that when you increase flowrate, head pressure suffer and it's tricky to get both of them up with a design. The XSPC is the one which is close to the top in both areas.

At least, it's interesting to see the differences with the inlet on the side and this tell me that the stock top is the best if you want to use the side inlet. Myself, I have a DDC3.2 with the stock top because there is no much space where I installed the pump. I wondered for a long time if it's a good idea to get a aftermarket top with side inlet but Martin said it performed worse. Your review confirmed the fact.

[Sparda]

Thanks for the test.


The missing thing is the head pressure, which matter much more for everyone around here than flowrate. The reason for this is that it's generally accepted that when you increase flowrate, head pressure suffer and it's tricky to get both of them up with a design. The XSPC is the one which is close to the top in both areas.

I would assume the head pressure is nearly the same as XSPC top once higher restriction put into the loop.
At setting 2 and so on at the valve ball the 2 top have nearly the same flowrate and so on.

[HESmelaugh]

What would be the easiest way to measure head pressure?
I don't really have a budget for getting expensive testing tools, but if there is a fairly cheap solution, I would certainly consider it for future testing.

[sirheck]

What would be the easiest way to measure head pressure?
I don't really have a budget for getting expensive testing tools, but if there is a fairly cheap solution, I would certainly consider it for future testing.

Would just pointing the outlet straight up and having a tape measure
ready work:shrug:

[Jiangxue]

@ Eddy: Thanks for the ETA. Will be looking forward to it!
@ HESmelaugh: Forgot to thank you earlier, but my sincere thanks in taking time to test the tops and writing the article! :D

[Eddy_EK]

Eddy will there be an X-top version as well for integrating the reservoir into it?

The X-Reservoirs will be also having new revision tops, even sooner.
This I can confirm in 7 days.

Eddy

[Waterlogged]

Eddy_EK, are these tweaks going to be applied to the DDC Dual Turbo Top as well?

[skinnee]

I'm going to have to do a DDC top test/review I can tell, lots of new gear coming out very soon!

[.Logic]

Would just pointing the outlet straight up and having a tape measure
ready work:shrug:

Yep, provided you don't just point the pump up with out tubing attached. Attach tubing to the outlet (5m+ of tubing) use a tree or something tall to attach the tubing to and proceed to turn on the pump and measure how far up the tubing the water goes ;)

[sirheck]

Yeah i figure since pumps are measured in feet of head pressure, this is an easy way
for anyone to measure their pumps.:)

[Martinm210]

Awesome work!!! Thanks for putting in all the time and effort!!

[HESmelaugh]

Thanks for all the positive feedback, guys!

And thanks for the info on how to measure head pressure. I'll see if I can find a place where I can set up a long enough lenght of tubing to do such tests. I can't promise anything yet, since I'm quite busy with several other tests (including radiator-stacking, an idea I got from reading in these forums), but if I can fit it in, I will surely do some head pressure testing soon.

Cheers,
Shane

[Bobly]

(including radiator-stacking, an idea I got from reading in these forums)

Ooooooo I'm curious to see the results of this one, I'd posted about it as a possible solution about 2 months ago but the general consensus was it wouldn't be worth it but I still think it could help ^^

[HESmelaugh]

Yeah, there was quite a discussion about it including the idea of double-threading radiators. I've seen some discouraging tests of stacked radiators but none of them stacked two identical ones with fans in between. That's what I'll try. I'll also have to see if and how fan speed plays a part.

Of course, I will post the results here on XS as soon as I have them.

[Jiangxue]

Alright, I've been browsing around ekwaterblocks.com and I'm not sure if it's been posted yet, but the new EK-D5 X-TOP G1/4 Rev.2 top is out and so is the EK-DDC X-TOP rev.2 Acetal/Acrylic. The former goes for 29.95EUR while the latter is going for 18.95EUR. ;)

Some pics:

http://ekwaterblocks.com/shop/images/D5-X-TOP-REV.2.jpg

http://ekwaterblocks.com/shop/images/DDC-X-Top-rev2-Acetal.jpg

http://ekwaterblocks.com/shop/images/DDC-X-Top-rev2-Plexi.jpg

[HESmelaugh]

Great stuff! Looks like the tops were released on schedule.

[hotdun]

Very nicely done, great review HESmelaugh!