Test Setup - Pentium 4 2.4C
ASUS P4C800-E Deluxe: Pentium 4 2.4C, 2 x 512MB Corsair TWINX PC4000 Ram, ATI AIW Radeon 9600 Pro, 120GB SATA Seagate, Windows XP SP1, ATI Catalyst 3.9.
Going up against the PolarFLO for our Pentium 4 tests will be the Swiftech MCX4000 air cooler, and the Asetek WaterChill. The MCX4000 has been paired up with an 80mm Delta SHE 68CFM fan. Both water blocks were tested using the WaterChill kit's Hydor L20 pump (at 12v) and radiator. Nanotherm Ice II is the thermal compound used for all the coolers.
To load up the system, we run Prime95 run for 20 minutes, with Folding @ Home running in the background. Ambient room temperature is maintained at ~23C/74F.
The Pentium 4 2.4C tests were done at clock speeds of 12x250: 3.0GHz, and 12x270: 3.24GHz. Only the water blocks were capable of the 3.24GHz OC. The MCX4000 did make it, but kept locking up during Prime95, so we dropped those results.
We removed the chipset and GPU water block coolers to factor them out of the equation.
Temperature in °C - Idle @ 3.0GHz
I had to do a bit of a double take when I saw the PolarFLO's numbers. A good 2.5°C improvement on the WaterChill is excellent indeed.
Temperature in °C - Load @ 3.24GHz
Pushing the FSB to 270 though was too much for air cooling here. The PolarFLO's lead drops to 2°C now, but that is still pretty amazing.
Final Words
I think the numbers speak for themselves... the PolarFLO blocks are simply the best water blocks we've gotten to test this year. They were at least 1°C better at the very minimum, and sometimes up to 2.5°C better.
Build quality is excellent, and it looks like the extra time to flatten and shine the blocks really paid off in the performance area. A totally metal construction is a sign of quality, as well as making the blocks more durable. Having seven colour choices as well is a plus for those of you who wish to match the blocks with your hardware.
I do have an issue with their choice of screws and nuts being made of nylon though, as they do take away a bit from the overall look of the kit. The blocks are fairly heavy as it is, and although the screws held up well, who is to say what will happen over time. Also, it would be wise if PolarFLO added some springs to help balance out the block as installing the block is a bit tricky without any way of truly knowing if the block is properly mounted securely to the CPU. Finally, instructions should be included in the future to assist those unfamiliar with installation.
One thing I noticed during testing is good waterflow is key for maximum performance. Now, I already knew this beforehand, as it's a general rule for any water block, but flow is more important with the PolarFLO than it is with past blocks we've tested. Perhaps it's the larger blocks, but I purposely bent the tube a little to slow the flow down. This ended up increasing temperatures by 4°C. On the WaterChill, bending the tubes resulted in a 2°C increase. Now, this is far from being scientific testing, but I suggest sticking with a minimum of 175GPH for the pump, with a head of at least 4 feet. Keep bends in the tubing to a minimum, and I think you'll be fine.
It's a little complicated for first-time water cooler users, so be prepared for a bit of a learning curve setting the PolarFLO blocks up. Those of you using sub-par water blocks should definitely drop those, and grab these. Simply put, if you have a good pump and radiator, I think you'll be quite pleased with the PolarFLO Universal Water Blocks.
Pros: Great performance, excellent quality.
Cons: No instructions, nylon screws.
Bottom Line: The pictures you've seen here today just don't illustrate how well made these blocks truly are. Performance was excellent, and with the exception of the nylon parts, and lack of documentation, these blocks are simply the best we've tested.
If you have any comments, be sure to hit us up in our forums.
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