TnB= Gir

Hey everyone

Now I've already done a guide on the best watercooling components, so I feel as though I should make a worst of guide and explain why they are bad. So here goes.

Sometimes, just mentioning a brand around a seasoned watercooler will set off a flag in their head as to whether or not the part is bad or not. Generally, I recommend staying away from anything Thermaltake or Koolance watercooling products. I will explain why in the guide.

Now the main things that make a particular component bad can be one or multiples of the following

- Over restrictiveness

- Contains aluminum

- Overall bad machining quality

- Mixing of aluminum and other metals all in the same product

Now to start off with waterblocks.


Swiftech stealth gpu blocks. The swiftech stealth blocks are full cover blocks that cool the memory and gpu in an all in one style block. While the gpu cooling portion is all copper, the part that cools the memory is aluminum. While the aluminum is double coated, I still do not recommend these blocks. Call me aluma-phobic.

Koolance waterblocks. Pretty self explanitory, aluminum = bad.

Enzotech Sapphire. While this is a good block, the current revision has a very very brittle plastic top that has been known to crack on multiple occasions. Other than that, a good block, I just wouldn't risk it cracking and leaking in my system. I talked to a representative at enzotech, and he told me that they are currently working on a new version of the sapphire with an all copper top which will fix the brittle issue.

Zalman waterblocks. These are all kinds of bad. Over restrictive, aluminum, and most of the blocks are limited to 1/4" tubing.

Now for radiators to avoid.

I recommend staying away from any Koolance/thermaltake radiator as usual as they contain aluminum and use an older condenser style radiator. The condenser style radiators are like those you will find in AC units. In those style radiators, there are multiple bends and 180 turns that kill the flow.

There aren't really any pumps to avoid as long as you stick with the right brands. Pumps are usually the exact same thing, just rebranded by different companies like the D5 vario for instance. Just stick with swiftech,laing, d-tek, and danger den and you should be fine. (let me know if I forgot any pump brands guys)

Watercooling Kits.

In general, I never recommend "all in one kits". Always stay away from gigabyte, thermaltake, koolance, zalman and other kits like that. The ONLY kits I recommend are swiftech branded kits and the kits from petras tech shop.

Coolant. Just a quick ad on to the list, there are some coolants I recommend staying away from. I have personally used Swiftech Hydrx and have found that it leaves a slimy goo in your loop. According to Syrillian, you should also beware of fluidxp because it will leave that same goo in your loop which is no good for temps. Fluidxp is also a bit more viscous than water, so it's harder on the pump.


Let me know if I missed anything guys, thanks for reading!

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vwgti

Well I wouldnt recommend the swiftech compact kits as the pump is incorporated in the block,. Just my 2 cents.

DuckieHo

Zalman GPU waterblocks. Their full coverage blocks have FOUR 90 degree bends and use 9mm tubing. Also, it is aluminum. Triple fail.

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TnB= Gir

Thanks Duckie, forgot about zalman. Updating.

Also, the swiftech compacts really aren't that bad. Sure they aren't as good as custom, but it does have a good pump and block at its core.

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DaCrusader

Thats a joke.... Right?

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darkninja420

no lol,

it takes a 90 turn on the fitting, then another 90 turn to go inside the block and same thing for the out flow.. which equals 4 90 turns lol

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marcus000

You can't call the Fuzion GPU block one of the worst watercooling components purely because it's restrictive... the EK Supreme is a flow killer but that isn't on the list!

PS: Thermaltake!!!

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TnB= Gir

But thermaltake is awesome!

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Spart

Not. I know a few guys who had blocks randomly spider crack and leak.

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reberto

He was joking lol