Swiftech unveils Apogee XT new flagship waterblock

[Lu(ky]

I think the mounting on the Swiftech blocks are perfect. I hate the old long old silver screws with white plastic spacer washers to mount the blocks.

[aoch88]

Most modern blocks perform differently when oriented differently. The difference is, Swiftech is TELLING you which way to do it for best performance while other manufacturers are NOT. You don't have to listen to the instructions and you will just get lesser performance, the choice is yours.

*ninja edit*

Unless there is a limitation with the block where it can NOT seat properly on the socket if oriented not as directed.

If it is only a recommendation then Swiftech should specify it correctly instead of saying "MUST BE PARALLEL" (like shown on the image diagram. From what I understand with that sentence, we must mount it in such a way or it'll either not function totally or performance would be seriously terrible.

Modern blocks again have reached it's limit and there's not much of improvements anymore except for some cosmetics. I don't think this GT would give even a 5C advantage over the GTZ. We need someone here to do a proper review as those found on some sites are utter nonsense at times because they aren't true.

[faster3200]

Just to double check...
Does this use the same backplate as the GTZ?

[skinnee]

We're approaching the limits of modern machinery here (traditional machining techniques at least).

The only "advances" I see from here are not forwards, but more sideways. Aesthetics, flow restriction, and fine tuning for new CPU die configs.

Preaching to the choir there. Also, doesn't mean you won't see companies tweak and explore just to get the top spot back. This is the first I've set eyes on the design, and I'm really curious how the recessed micropin will do versus the recessed microchannel of the HK. Either way, I just like to see the battle for the crown.

[mojododo]

Just to double check...
Does this use the same backplate as the GTZ?

yes exactly, i am keen to know so that i dont have to pull out my mobo to put this on when i get mine. (will order one as soon as i can)

[iandh]

Preaching to the choir there. Also, doesn't mean you won't see companies tweak and explore just to get the top spot back. This is the first I've set eyes on the design, and I'm really curious how the recessed micropin will do versus the recessed microchannel of the HK. Either way, I just like to see the battle for the crown.

That's what's kinda cool in a way, it's anybody's game now, and with every new CPU die config, we have a whole new game to play. Not that it hasn't always been that way...

My only "complaint" is that if the pin matrices/channels in blocks get any finer, they will become incredibly susceptible to physical damage and damage from corrosion (as if any happens, the pins/channels will literally disappear ).

PM sent BTW.

[MpG]

Wow. So where exactly do we draw the line between "micropin" and "filter"?

Looks nice. I'll have to look hard and see if this one's in my budget - too many waterblocks already.

[Utnorris]

DAMN!!!! That's friggin beautiful!!! Nice job Gabe! I agree with the rest we have reached the limits with current block designs. I would be interested to see someone come up with a similar design as the Stinger to see if it gives any improvement over current designs. I am also curious if making the bottom part as thin as humanly possible would help in the transfer of heat. I know most blocks start out as 1/4" copper, but I wonder if making one with a base that was 1/16" thick would be better. I doubt you would be able to still pull off a bow, but still, I think it would be interesting.

[iandh]

Wow. So where exactly do we draw the line between "micropin" and "filter"?

Looks nice. I'll have to look hard and see if this one's in my budget - too many waterblocks already.

I think I've actually made that comment before

It isn't meant as a stab at the design, just a comment that these types of blocks are most definitely best suited for use with pure distilled.

[Diverge]

A question for Gabe, since swiftech cpu blocks always show 1 way to mount them.

If the die under the IHS is symmetrical, then shouldn't mounting it 180 deg from how shown in the pictures be the same?

I just always wondered this, since it makes no sense to me, being only 1 way. Unless I am not thinking of something.

[Utnorris]

I am pretty sure the way the block mounts it puts the bow of the block directly in line with the way the chips are under the IHS. This way you are making more contact with them for better heat transfer. All blocks, with bows at least, seem to work better in one direction versus the other. This is why Vapor noted that the Heatkiller got better results in one direction versus the other. It doesn't mean you can not orientate it the other way, just that to maximize the block it's better this way.

[Onoff312]

I was going to say SCREW YOU about the lack of space for compression fittings......
Then i saw the turnaround thing and i am damn pleased sure to be my next block if it stacks up in other tests.

[LogAn'sRun]

I'm really impressed! I think the inlet option is fantastic and a great idea. And the sloping angles on the top makes for a really nice looking block. Function before form though, so I'm eagerly waiting tests!!!

[aoch88]

I think you can still use compression with 2 x 45 or 90 degree rotaries.

[Diverge]

I am pretty sure the way the block mounts it puts the bow of the block directly in line with the way the chips are under the IHS. This way you are making more contact with them for better heat transfer. All blocks, with bows at least, seem to work better in one direction versus the other. This is why Vapor noted that the Heatkiller got better results in one direction versus the other. It doesn't mean you can not orientate it the other way, just that to maximize the block it's better this way.

yeah, but if the die (or dies) are symmetrically packaged, which seems like every chip is; then anyway you look at it, each set of parallel sides are mirror images of one another.

edit: nevermind, i found the reason on my own, I think ;p

The layout of blocks of the die. It's probably hotter over the core areas... and maybe the inlet is over the cores the way swiftech suggests to mount it.

[Vapor]

I think you can still use compression with 2 x 45 or 90 degree rotaries.

As far as I can tell, you can use 3/4" OD compressions just fine if you turn the inlet plate around

[Waterlogged]

Nice block you got there gabe. . .BUT, you seem to be welching on something you agreed to back in May.

Let me refresh your memory.

Gabe, start getting these newer DDC's into distro channels please!

OK.

[Mech0z]

Is this also optimized for unlapped cpus as well? (Meaning HK3.0 will outperfom it on lapped cpu?)

[OLDcomer]

The block is fully optimized for Intel Ci5 and Ci7.

Please show us some s775 performance data or maybe @Vapor could clarify this in his upcoming tests.

[Vienna]

Nice block you got there gabe. . .BUT, you seem to be welching on something you agreed to back in May.

Let me refresh your memory.

I have a question actually, is the only difference between the DDC 2 and the DDC 3.2/3.25 is the impeller? If so, could I not use one of the impellers from my 4(yes 4 , they all eventually died) dead DDC 2's to obtain DDC 2 performance from the DCC 3.2's?

[Kibbler]

That's a beautiful looking block, and it looks like we're finally done with the recessed inlets/outlets! I'm buying one as soon as they're available.

[Waterlogged]

I have a question actually, is the only difference between the DDC 2 and the DDC 3.2/3.25 is the impeller? If so, could I not use one of the impellers from my 4(yes 4 , they all eventually died) dead DDC 2's to obtain DDC 2 performance from the DCC 3.2's?

No, the PCB got a complete over haul from the DDC2 to the 3.x and it looks like small changes (from what I can tell) from the 3.x to the 3.x5's. The impellers will work, they just won't make any of the 3.xx work like a DDC2.

[HESmelaugh]

Very nice! Love the looks of this block.

[Wezly]

I am glad that I have not used my Apogee GTZ SE yet.

This block looks sick.

I must have 8!

[aoch88]

I doubt it'll give you a lot of temp difference in real life usage. You guys can try it and see if it really happens. I've got tired of changing blocks, the differences are somewhat minimal You'd be better off investing the money on something eles.