Swiftech Storm vs. Apogee and Intel Quad-Core Cooling - Definative Results

[kemist]

Hey FCG, it probably took a really long time to do, so i can understand if you wouldnt want to, but would it be possible to run the tests using a vanilla C2D to see what performance is like with a normal IHS cpu?

The kentsfields are a bit of an anomaly in that they are dual die on package and normal C2D's are probably more representative of what most people are running.

[Aerou]

now is the time for all the people who think storms are over rated to stand up and unite! lol

I challenge you! Apogee is overrated! Flame away! j/k

Seriously FCG, I am very interested in the comparison and thanks for the brilliant work ........ .good luck

[granulf]

I don't get it, why do people suddenly flame the storm? It used to be worshiped, now it's suddenly the worst performer of all blocks?

Let me get this straight, the storm is still the best when used on a single/dual core cpu, even with IHS on? As kemist states above, I don't think future cpus will consist of two dual cores splashed together(?).

[kemist]

I don't get it, why do people suddenly flame the storm? It used to be worshiped, now it's suddenly the worst performer of all blocks?

Let me get this straight, the storm is still the best when used on a single/dual core cpu, even with IHS on? As kemist states above, I don't think future cpus will consist of two dual cores splashed together(?).

On bare die storm is definitely king and using die sims it was shown to be the best. However, storm may still be outperformed on normal IHS'ed cpus, realistically no one can say because there hasnt been a whole lot of scientific testing on IHS'ed cpus and IHS'ed cpus have already been shown to behave differently than bare dies and die sims. On kentsfield its not really a huge surprise that its beat considering the dual dies spread the heat out over a large area. I'm kinda interested in in-depth testing on a normal C2D though to see how an IHS affects temps on more traditionally made processors...

[IanY]

That site only had flat base versions, if you check swiftech you will see there are stepped-base and flat-base versions. To mount on LGA-775 you need to get a stepped-base mcw-6002. Im sure you could probably take a dremel to one side or something, but i dont think it will mount stock, just a heads up.

Actually that socket-A 6002 on hardforums should be stepped i believe. These are all but impossible to find anymore so that might be your best bet, or just wait on the fuzion, the fuzion looks like its going to be nice.

Oops Its on its way and its too late... I'm away on vacation as well, so the shop can't even call me lol I'll do something about it or give it away. I ordered a Dtek as well Just to make things clear, I have use for these blocks in any event because of the freaking number of PCs in my family.

Edit: I checked my online store receipt. It says "for Socket 775" so I gather it should work. Or else I have legitimate reason to return.

[IanY]

I don't get it, why do people suddenly flame the storm? It used to be worshiped, now it's suddenly the worst performer of all blocks?

Let me get this straight, the storm is still the best when used on a single/dual core cpu, even with IHS on? As kemist states above, I don't think future cpus will consist of two dual cores splashed together(?).

Hey, it cannot be the best under every single situation. I have been a Storm user ever since Swiftech launched its first batch of Storms.

However, every technology has its lifetime, and now on the Kentsfield, the Storm is unremarkable. I didn't say that it sucks.. just that its no longer special and it actually gets eclipsed by the Apogee.

Future cpus probably won't have two dies, but what are you going to do when they release quad cores in the $300+ range? Sit by the side and be happy with your dual core? No. You probably would buy the quad core as well.

Can you guarantee that the Storm will always be best on a single die with IHS? I wouldn't bet on it.

Having said that, I am still a user of six Storm blocks and haven't switch any of them out, at least not yet, until the Apogee GTX hits the shelves and proves itself as the better block.

[JoeBar]

I don't think future cpus will consist of two dual cores splashed together(?).

That's the key word. Today intel's quad core will have nothing to do with quad's in the (not so long) future...

[IanY]

For the interim one year, the two cores "splashed" together is all we have, and I'll live with what I can get.

[serialk11r]

AMD will come out with their barcelona thingy soon, and it will be a true quad core, but it will not be as powerful as kentsfield.

[WeStSiDePLaYa]

all it really is is people realizing the storm isnt as good as everyone thinks it is.

nobody is saying its a bad block, its just not as good in alot of aspects as other blocks out there.


i think swiftech realized that with 200w+ TDP gpu's coming that people are going to need good gpu cooling in the form of water.

and the swiftech storm is a flowkiller, which lowers the perfomance of all the other wateblocks in the loop.

remember that jet blocks were king in the days of the AXP (storm, rbx, tdx, etc)

now times have changed, and its just not reasonable for what dual and quadcores need.

[JoeBar]

and the swiftech storm is a flowkiller, which lowers the perfomance of all the other wateblocks in the loop.

Compared to what? If u challenge it against other inpigement blocks it's not restrictive (have a look here ). Of course if u compare it to an apogee, it is...

[SiGfever]

Working to add the following to the comparison:

1) Swiftech's new Apogee GT
2) D-TEK FuZion
3) AquaXtreme MP-05 PRO LE

What nozzle will you be using in the MP-05?

[granulf]

and the swiftech storm is a flowkiller, which lowers the perfomance of all the other wateblocks in the loop.

Could be, but my gpu temps didn't raise when I swapped my apogee for a storm

A comparison on today's top amd and intel dual core, both with and without IHS, would be more useful for most of us. Sure, quad core is great, but today I think a test with C2D and amd x2/opteron would be more useful (hint )


IanY: I realize that, and I'm not questioning FCG's results. I'm just wondering if storm still is the queen when cooling dual cores?

[IanY]

IanY: I realize that, and I'm not questioning FCG's results. I'm just wondering if storm still is the queen when cooling dual cores?

Of course it is.. For now anyway

[granulf]

Of course it is.. For now anyway

Ok, then I can go to sleep now . Happily aware that I was wise swapping my apogee for a storm for $15

[eva2000]

hmmm for some reason today, my brand new Apogee is starting to leak at one of the barbs...

seems when i switch off the pump is when it leaks more than when pump is running and pushing water through it ??

Only installed it 3 days ago!

[granulf]

hmmm for some reason today, my brand new Apogee is starting to leak at one of the barbs...

seems when i switch off the pump is when it leaks more than when pump is running and pushing water through it ??

Only installed it 3 days ago!

Use some teflon tape(lots of it!) on the threadings, and make sure the o-rings are working properly. A guy I know killed his graphics card because of leakage from one of the barbs... It was an apogee as well, although I've never had that problem with mine.

[Hassan]

My dual apogees on CTs leaked also... I had to take them apart and use Teflon tape, that did the trick.

[pumbertot]

so storm is king as doesnt leak.

so will the apogee better a storm cooling a C2D dual core, in a single block loop.

[freecableguy]

Confirmed blocks inbound for review - scheduled to arrive between 1/4 - 1/5/07:
1) D-TEK FuZion
2) AquaXtreme MP-05 PRO LE (no, know nozzle information known at this time)
3) Swiftech Apogee GT

[kemist]

Edit: I checked my online store receipt. It says "for Socket 775" so I gather it should work. Or else I have legitimate reason to return.

Their description of the block is seriously borked. The one you ordered is called a mcw-6000 flat base with 1/2" barbs on the website.

First the MCW-6002 is the 1/2" barbs version and 6000 is the 3/8"
second the lga 775 version is supposed to be stepped base according to swiftech but they are calling it flat base.

So you may be getting the correct product but their description of it is all messed up. Not really sure, either way good luck.

[JoeBar]

Confirmed blocks inbound for review - scheduled to arrive between 1/4 - 1/5/07:
1) D-TEK FuZion
2) AquaXtreme MP-05 PRO LE (no, know nozzle information known at this time)
3) Swiftech Apogee GT

Sweet! Keep the results coming...

[andersson.j]

Confirmed blocks inbound for review - scheduled to arrive between 1/4 - 1/5/07:
1) D-TEK FuZion
2) AquaXtreme MP-05 PRO LE (no, know nozzle information known at this time)
3) Swiftech Apogee GT

This will be a pretty important review since there's two untested blocks involved which means that the winner will get a lot of sales. I'm looking forward to reading another great review, keep up the good work!

Testing will take some time but could you please post some pics of the blocks before you have any test results? More specificly pics of FuZions top and Apogee GTs internals?

[SiGfever]

Confirmed blocks inbound for review - scheduled to arrive between 1/4 - 1/5/07:
1) D-TEK FuZion
2) AquaXtreme MP-05 PRO LE (no, know nozzle information known at this time)
3) Swiftech Apogee GT

The MP-05 Pro LE should come with a #2 nozzle whereas the SP LE comes with a #3 nozzle and is closer to the Storm's jets.

[JoeBar]

The MP-05 Pro LE should come with a #2 nozzle whereas the SP LE comes with a #3 nozzle and is closer to the Storm's jets.

I prefer MP-05 Pro LE for this test, so as to have a wider block design range...