Thanks for all the work SteveRo, this has answered a ton of questions I had on both big water and the Boreas. I haven't used TEC's in a while, and the Boreas unit caught my eye. Based on your #'s, and the final results once you turned the surrounding fans off, it seems like the Boreas would be easier to incorporate into a system within a closed case compared to big water. Starting from scratch, the Boreas should be cheaper as well. After seeing the i7's heat, I was going to get another CM590, cut it down, and install a 2 rad system w/pump, etc., then fit it under my system much like a prommie or Asetech, but after seeing your results, and the deal CoolIT offer on the Boreas/Silverstone, it seems a lot less work. I just wish they made the Boreas a little larger to incorporate 120's instead of 92's to keep the noise down ! I'll have to open the patio door tonight to see what this particular chip can do with some chilly Canadian air to see of I can justify the expense Again, thanks for sharing your results !!