Agree with dejanh on the point that the majority of users would not see significant gains by changing out blocks if they are already running the HK or XT. I don't think the term "obsolete" was used to mean the HK is not good - just that it is not the top dog. From looking at the detailed data Vapor has presented on CPU blocks, I'm comfortable that he can measure the .2 -.3 degree C differences, but doubt that I could reproduce that with an "average-user" mount. Will be interesting to see more test data as others publish.

Also agree aesthetics are personal opinion - I much prefer the simpler look of the EK. That, along with it being less flow restrictive, would make it my top choice - but that's just one more opinion in a barrel full. I was disappointed in the scratched up surface on my HK backplate - I know it doesn't affect performance, but ...

Thanks again for the testing, Vapor. Looking forward to the 360 results.