Some New Blood On The Testbed :)

[Martinm210]

Definately, I was referring to the few reviews I've read that compare core temps and shrug off ambient(they looked at a wall thermometer and said,,,eh close enough) and multiple mounting. There are many good reviews, I just havn't seen anyone go to this level with 5 mounts before and want to applaud these efforts.

Some of the reviews I've read could have had a 2 degree mount error, 1-2 degrees of ambient temperature error. So their results of 1-2 degree difference in their conclusion wasn't very conclusive with the amount of error left in place.

More than anything because the difference between blocks is getting so small, it's just becoming more and more important to try and tie these things down.

Unfortunately that just make the workload extreme. I've made several runs, but I havn't done nearly the amount of testing you or Niksub1 have done. And before I do much more myself, I decided logging of temperatures will help ease the pain a little.

Hopefully great examples like this will encourage other review sites to do the same or take a step in the right direction.

[Martinm210]

What about putting the average delta with a spread like 23C ± 0.6C so if a block have a larger variation, the spread would be larger. This would give a better idea if block X perform better than block Y and if mounting is harder to be consistent with a certain block.

That's a good idea, maybe the mean +- 1 standard deviation.

[Xilikon]

I wish that with the new logging of temps you got, it might be more bearable with only 20-30 mins of setup each day (unmount, clean and remount) with 1 hour at first for setting the test bench.

For a good testing, expect 1 week per block at least.

[nikhsub1]

What about putting the average delta with a spread like 23C ± 0.6C so if a block have a larger variation, the spread would be larger. This would give a better idea if block X perform better than block Y and if mounting is harder to be consistent with a certain block.

That's why there is this graph... Thanks to Martin of course! Shows you the deviation of each mount...

[Radical_53]

@martin: Yes, you're absolutely right. I really like the level of this review here, it's an adorable result and yes, the effort definitely is worth an applause
People that put up articles that don't even use anything like a temperature probe, as you say a wall thermometer, well... I don't call that a review You'd normally expect more from a consumer that would post some kind of result in a forum, at least if you want to find the information usefu at all.
I also like the reviews were someone does multiple different flow measurements so you can see how the block behaves with more and less flow. Sadly, that adds even more work to the whole thing.

[SiGfever]

So many people rush the results and want to give the masses some numbers just to appease them. I want to applaud nikhsub1 again for taking the time necessary to do the job right when so many were after him for some kind of data.

This one is for you Scott...

[TopherTony]

it's an adorable result

I concur

but seriously, fantastic job nik

[headala]

So many people rush the results and want to give the masses some numbers just to appease them. I want to applaud nikhsub1 again for taking the time necessary to do the job right when so many were after him for some kind of data.

This one is for you Scott...

Absolutely, thank you so much for taking the time/expense to do such a thorough job. And, thanks for putting up with us

Next time I'm in SoCal, I'll buy you a .

[Tony]

Guys not to throw a spanner in the works but are you keeping mounting pressure constant during these tests?

Intel recommend 17 thru 72LBS of pressure force for core2 and as we know applying 72 over 17 can have a massive impact on how well a block performs.

Im testing the new OCZ block here which is in reliability testing and I have the ability to set 55lbs, 75lbs and 100lbs pressure, I compare with the same mounting hardware each time on each block so I keep apples to apples.

I think you need to ask all the companies what pressure their mounting kits are applying and make sure all are at least within Intels spec's and second you report what applies more etc.

[nikhsub1]

Guys not to throw a spanner in the works but are you keeping mounting pressure constant during these tests?

Intel recommend 17 thru 72LBS of pressure force for core2 and as we know applying 72 over 17 can have a massive impact on how well a block performs.

Im testing the new OCZ block here which is in reliability testing and I have the ability to set 55lbs, 75lbs and 100lbs pressure, I compare with the same mounting hardware each time on each block so I keep apples to apples.

I think you need to ask all the companies what pressure their mounting kits are applying and make sure all are at least within Intels spec's and second you report what applies more etc.

Yes Tony. I use the SAME mount kit for each block... I don't want the mount kit to be the deciding factor in performance, the block is. My mount pressure is roughly 50lbs or so. D-Tek sent me a kit which is what I am using for all blocks, in the springs are limiters so as soon as I feel the limiter, I stop tightening. This is also part of the reason why I do 5 mounts of each block.

[Radical_53]

But then you still have different mounting plate heights that should give you different mounting pressures.
I use the same mounting hardware for each block too, but I measure the length of the spring with a caliper to apply the same force to each blocks plate.

[nikhsub1]

But then you still have different mounting plate heights that should give you different mounting pressures.

I fail to see how this would make one bit of difference. If the springs are compressed the same amount on each block what matter does it make the height of the mount plate?

[Martinm210]

I agree, the only thing hieght would do if you used the same backplate and springs/nuts is cause some different variabilities in mount variations. The lower the mounting plate the more likely you will be centered over the IHS correctly and also less likely you have torsion on the block where one side has more pressure than the other.

[RickCain]

Good lord......

Lets discuss how well the block performed versus how spring limiters can change the results.

[Tony]

Good lord......

Lets discuss how well the block performed versus how spring limiters can change the results.

3.6C going from 55lbs to 100lbs, 2c going from 55 to 75, it makes a HUGE difference.

[Charles Wirth]

You can buy plasi-guage from the local auto parts store, it is used to measure bearing gap when you rebuild engines.

It will give you a good idea if your mounting pressure between blocks is consistent.

[GAM]

Excellent work nikhsub1!

I've just read through the whole thread (only skimmed before) and it is very interesting to note all the conjecture over the different testing methods and variables at hand. Needless to say, I think you've done an admirable job. The results speak for themselves but as noted throughout, they must be taken in context.

I'd never fully appreciated the significance of numerous mounts until noting the deviations in your graphs.

On a different note, I was considering stocking some EnzoTech blocks, but looking at the results I think I'd only stock limited quantities for those that like the looks. Ironically, the mounting consistency of the SCW-1 almost makes you think there was something wrong with the mounts when you look at the deviation of the others But I gather this might also be related to the consistency of the block's heat transfer properties across the entire mounting surface? (Speculating with some ignorance)

Thanks for all your efforts!

Cheers
GAM

[Radical_53]

@nikhsub: I might have understood you wrong. If the limiter is above the mounting plate, indeed that would have the same result as measuring the spring length. My bad.
I had a picture of a limiting mechanism in my mind where the "limit" was given by the bolts, so different heights of the mounting plate meant different mounting pressures.

[LogAn'sRun]

Any news on the EK Supr????

Don't mean to push, just curious. .

[nikhsub1]

Ironically, the mounting consistency of the SCW-1 almost makes you think there was something wrong with the mounts when you look at the deviation of the others But I gather this might also be related to the consistency of the block's heat transfer properties across the entire mounting surface? (Speculating with some ignorance)
GAM

GAM, I was floored by the mount consistency of the Enzo block as well...

@nikhsub: I might have understood you wrong. If the limiter is above the mounting plate, indeed that would have the same result as measuring the spring length. My bad.
I had a picture of a limiting mechanism in my mind where the "limit" was given by the bolts, so different heights of the mounting plate meant different mounting pressures.

No worries, I was pretty sure you misunderstood what I meant, and yes, the limiters go in the springs which are above the mount plate.

Any news on the EK Supr????

Don't mean to push, just curious. .

None yet, gonna hopefully have the Supreme finished next week.

[nikhsub1]

3.6C going from 55lbs to 100lbs, 2c going from 55 to 75, it makes a HUGE difference.

Tony no doubt about it... I can assure you there is no where near that difference in any of my mounts. If there was more than 1lb from mount to mount I'd be surprised. Again, this is part of the reason 5 mounts are performed. My methods are certainly not perfect but I do the best that I can.

[LogAn'sRun]

None yet, gonna hopefully have the Supreme finished next week.

Has it been a week yet???

[nikhsub1]

Has it been a week yet???

Well there is a problem :/ The Supreme is performing really bad on my test setup... like the worst of any block yet. Perhaps i need to dremel the mount plate some more.... uggggggghhh

[simon68]

Hi people
I have installed Aqua Computer Double Impact block on my quad core on thermal paste Zalman ZM-STG1 and Zalman ZM-GWB8800 GTX in loop for my GF8800GTX with flow 1,5 liters per minute
Normally I run on 3,6GHz on 1,36V in bios, water temperature 23 Celsius
Screen with idle


And stress



My best result is 4140MHz with water temp 10 Celsius ( window was open ) with 1.65V inn bios

Idle



And stress

[WaterFlex]

Good Job