OCZ Cryo-Z Reviewed at Tweaktown

[dinos22]

http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/132...ted/index.html

Final Thoughts

As an owner of the Mach II GT, I can tell you that phase change is not something you use every day. I am sure there are going to be several people who purchase the Cryo-Z with the hopes of using it for day-to-day computer tasks, and if you bring a set of earplugs this might be something you can pull off. As for me, I will stick with using phase change for when I am looking to make a really good 3DMark run. Phase change computing tends to do very well when going for a top ten record as long as you have the additional hardware to push into the extreme overclock territory.

When looking at the Cryo-Z and comparing it to the Mach II GT, several differences stand out. The mounting system for the Cryo-Z is much better and you do not have to purchase additional hardware to mount the system to different motherboard platforms. Also, since the Cryo-Z uses foam instead of the black sticky thread (goop) you end up with a motherboard that does not have a permanent mess all over it. Both the Mach II GT and OCZ Technology Cryo-Z cool the processor right around the same, even though they use different compressors. When it comes to cost the Mach II GT is around 899 US Dollars and the referee is still out on the Cryo-Z, but I would expect the final cost to be lower than 499 US Dollars.

The biggest problem I have with the Cryo-Z is the build quality. If the rumors are true then it is this reason why we are just now starting to see these coolers being made available to the public. If all of the units OCZ has in stock are like our sample then there will be a few people who are not going to be satisfied with the product based on appearance alone. OCZ is going to have to be creative with selling these units. Maybe a disclaimer to the case’s build quality will need to be put on PC Power’s website or another run of cases can be made. Many enthusiasts have taken their Mach II products and placed them inside Lian Li V2000 cases, a conversion that takes little effort. Maybe OCZ can purchase a number of V2000 cases and make the best phase change cooler ever by doing the mod themselves and bundling the case with the phase change system, and delivering it to enthusiasts under a 599 price point.

[safan80]

When can i buy one?

[[XC] gomeler]

Very interesting, wonder when they'll hit the store shelves though. Not very promising on the build quality, maybe I can scoop one up for cheap.

[Planet]

I am sorry but that is not a review. Using a tec for a heatload on a phase change? wtf

[NH|Delph1]

Even if it's as cheap as $299, I'm not especially impressed. Terrible build quality of this particular unit. Hopefully this was a damaged one.

Even though TweakTown's test system is great for comparing coolers, you can't transfer those directly into real-world use. And most of all, this is an enthusiast product that's not meant to compete with other air coolers ...

Last but not least, how much real load can it handle? Can I overclock a quad-core? 120W is not much when you start bumping up the frequency and voltage...

//Andreas

[Shift]

does OCZ realize it is March of 08?

[Highendtoys]

Damn you guys are fast, I didn't even get a chance to post it.

Anyhow, the TEC works very well and the numbers are very close to what I get on my Mach II GT.

As for the testing method can anyone suggest a better testing method? The test bed is so accurate I can go back and retest any cooler and get results that are within .1 C of the first test.

I am sourcing a QX9775 now and as soon as one comes in the Cryo-Z will be tested in a follow up article using the proc. I didn't get a chance to test it on a 'real' proc because of the missing heater that goes on the back of the mobo.

[biglipzit]

Damn you guys are fast, I didn't even get a chance to post it.

Anyhow, the TEC works very well and the numbers are very close to what I get on my Mach II GT.

As for the testing method can anyone suggest a better testing method? The test bed is so accurate I can go back and retest any cooler and get results that are within .1 C of the first test.

I am sourcing a QX9775 now and as soon as one comes in the Cryo-Z will be tested in a follow up article using the proc. I didn't get a chance to test it on a 'real' proc because of the missing heater that goes on the back of the mobo.

You mentioned the better testing method... A processor... Or build a load tester like chilly1 uses and crank it up to 240 watts...
If we can't get results at that load them it isn't worth it to anyone wanting to overclock quads.
And to say TEC blocks are the best way to test isn't true at all. This is the first review I have ever seen with that test method being used.

[Trouffman]

I think a good way to see how it react in live bench or something is to put some different processor and compare @ Sotck and OCed (about the T&#176.

So bad this unit seems to be a 'damaged one', I hope I'll be able to get one for a "complete" and Extreme (in the Phase change side for sure) review.

Maybe a video with the real core T° and the displayed one in Stock IDLE/Bench and also another with OC IDLE/FULL.

Maybe something like a Q6600 / E8500 / E4300( or E6600) that cover the "majority" of usable CPU.

This type of unit isn't targeted to cool down as QX9650 or 9770 I think but I could be interesting to see how it react...

An other think is -> OK the design is a point, Performance is another one, mounting too. but this unit should be 'Inspected' by someone that have build Phase change unit or that have knowledge to say oki this is good thinked or should be changed or something like that.

So bad that's only 110V but Europe and US rules aren't the same.

It says in the "review" that the gases used was R507, is that "supposed to be" or really R507 ?

I guess that was a rumor that OCZ will use a "special gases mix".

That's all folks \o/

[Tancoll]

This is what bothering me most in this review.
Max Stable Load: 120W

Why would anyone that get a SS if it's designed for 120w load?

The one i got (custom built) is designed for over 230w load on a quad core. I cant see this one hold a quad subzero with some OC on it (QX9650@4+)

If it cost less then 300USD it need to be adjusted for more load. Lets hope it doest cost over that.

[nosboost300]

hrmm.... simple question.. on a scale of 1-10.. how easy would it be to move a phase unit into the bottom of a v2000?

[NH|Delph1]

Damn you guys are fast, I didn't even get a chance to post it.

Anyhow, the TEC works very well and the numbers are very close to what I get on my Mach II GT.

As for the testing method can anyone suggest a better testing method? The test bed is so accurate I can go back and retest any cooler and get results that are within .1 C of the first test.

I am sourcing a QX9775 now and as soon as one comes in the Cryo-Z will be tested in a follow up article using the proc. I didn't get a chance to test it on a 'real' proc because of the missing heater that goes on the back of the mobo.

Show me quad overclocking and I'm happy

//Andreas

[XSAlliN]

It costs 400$...

[iddqd]

How loud is the compressor? I was under impression you can get these things to be fairly quiet, as long as they aren't allowed to vibrate.

[gallardo]

I'm sorry, but I don't see the point of this. If you want 24/7, get a good air cooler or watercooling. If you want overclocking sessions, go for dry ice or LN2 or just make a bloody phase change system yourself. Where's the fun of overclocking and modding and everything if you just buy the damn thing pre-built?

[AliG]

I am sorry but that is not a review. Using a tec for a heatload on a phase change? wtf

Umm, how else do you want the phase builders test their units? TECs provide consistant heat output and also can be controlled to give out just about any level of heat you want (within your needs anyways). CPUs are good for testing hsf, but for phase a tec will be a better stressor

[KTE]

Poor review product. Seems as if they're having QC issues down their supplier.

I always dislike visiting TT because of the amount of ads/popups, loading each page takes much longer and the page keeps making Firefox jump to high loads even after full load.

And yeah, test some real loads please. We have plenty of CPUs with more TDP than that at stock. If it struggled at ~-21C for that low heatload, it won't keep a decent quad oc much subzero, if even that.

[Marvin_The_Martian]

I'm dissapointed, mainly because this will be Usa only

Then again, price withstanding, a custom build ss will do better temps I recon, and I understand for Ocz it would be a logistic nightmare offering the unit for sale outside the Usa.

@highendToys

I'm sorry, but allot off people were hoping for a good 24/7 unit, and your statement about phase being for benching imo only holds up with cascades. A good ss with proper insulation and heating elements can for sure be a viable 24/7 cooling solution, though no I don't have first hand experience with it. I have a ss, just not using it. Yes it's loud, but it's caseless, and my wc is pretty noisy to because I prefer lower temps over silence. Think I'm not alone on that either, and if you don't have your system in your bedroom why not? I know people who have mini fridges near their sleeping area ( lazy bums! ... or wait, small apartments ) and they don't mind.

It's something allot off people can grow accustom to, and those who frequent SilentPCreview aren't the same crowd as Ocz is targeting this on.

I'm sorry, I just don't agree with the review's tone.

I will be waiting for a follow up when you get the heating element and a proper cpu to test on.


@Troufmann, isn't the q6600 when clocked hotter then the QX9650 or 9770?

[s0lid]

So they got this out finaly. I saw first news from this unit ~8-12 months ago and then it vanished.

But anyways this is basicly cheap piece of ****, useless due low cooling power and bad quality. Only good thing is nice looking casing and i won't see this in europe.

*Offtopic/nonsense*
If i wanna SS i rather make it by myself, i have already parts for waterchiller so i have to only have to buy evap and suctionline.

[Marvin_The_Martian]

Well I actually am very interested in the hold down and evap head but I'll wait untill someone else get's a hand on a unit to review!

[Highendtoys]

I'm dissapointed, mainly because this will be Usa only



@highendToys

I'm sorry, but allot off people were hoping for a good 24/7 unit, and your statement about phase being for benching imo only holds up with cascades. A good ss with proper insulation and heating elements can for sure be a viable 24/7 cooling solution, though no I don't have first hand experience with it. I have a ss, just not using it. Yes it's loud, but it's caseless, and my wc is pretty noisy to because I prefer lower temps over silence. Think I'm not alone on that either, and if you don't have your system in your bedroom why not? I know people who have mini fridges near their sleeping area ( lazy bums! ... or wait, small apartments ) and they don't mind.

It's something allot off people can grow accustom to, and those who frequent SilentPCreview aren't the same crowd as Ocz is targeting this on.

I'm sorry, I just don't agree with the review's tone.

I will be waiting for a follow up when you get the heating element and a proper cpu to test on.


@Troufmann, isn't the q6600 when clocked hotter then the QX9650 or 9770?

You guys are going to make me tear apart my QX6700 system aren't you?

For most system noise is just as important as performance. At a solid 68 dB the unit is not quiet and neither is my Mach II GT, the only other phase change unit I have worked with. Also remember that the article was written for TT, so mainly gamers and mid range enthusiasts and not for XS members who sleep with compressors in their bedroom


For the question about R507 and 120 watt, these are the specs listed in the manual, the only numbers I was able to locate.

[xt0m]

I'm sorry, I just don't agree with the review's tone.

+1

[Marvin_The_Martian]

You guys are going to make me tear apart my QX6700 system aren't you?

YES please

Don't want to sound harsh, and I forgot about the original target group for the review. But, pretty please please put a good load on that thing and report how it holds up!

Edit:.. why am I still slightly enthousiastic.. won't be available here in the EU anyway.. Maybe it will lower the prices off units which can be bought here though.

[KTE]

You guys are going to make me tear apart my QX6700 system aren't you?

Yep. Afterall, phase isn't for running 1.2V 3GHz QX9650, we have $20 coolers for that.

You are perfectly right, majority of the world will never run or bother with such a beast at home or ever. But xtremists only recognize their own wants ().

This product was and is intended towards the xtreme oc enthusiast. The guys who want phase, will never want to run easy air/H20 volts/MHz. Heck, we have people running 1.5V 4GHz Q6600 G0 on H20. Thus to test the efficiency of that product;

Throw 1.4-1.5V on it at 3.8-4GHz with a B3 C2Q with Prime95 v25.6 and let's see idle vs. load.
Or better, 1.5V 4.5GHz if you have a QX9650 handy.

I've got nothing against your review, we appreciate it as always, but we also appreciate much more which we're looking towards you to do now

[NH|Delph1]

You guys are going to make me tear apart my QX6700 system aren't you?

Pretty much, yea

Also remember that the article was written for TT, so mainly gamers and mid range enthusiasts and not for XS members who sleep with compressors in their bedroom

Why publish a review of phase change cooler at a site that doesn't appeal to readers looking for them?

//Andreas