Summary

Alphacool GPX-A290 – $96

We found the thermal performance of this block to be very very good, but let down by it’s high restriction. As tested the supplied backplate caused numerous compatability issues, however this should be fixed on future versions and it’s ability to cool VRM and VRAM makes it very useful as a “universal plus” or “hybrid” block where restriction isn’t a concern. Because of the issues with this test sample, we can not recommend it for the R9-290(x). Hopefully that will change on the GTX980.

EK Supremacy VGA – Value Award – $53-88

The EK Supremacy VGA is a small cute block that is a true universal block with an easy mount and good performance as long as flow is kept high enough. It’s exceptionally low restriction and would be my go to block when compatability is an issue. While we preferred the Watercool GPU-X because of it’s ability to cool the VRMs, we felt that the Supremacy VGA was the best choice out of the “true” universal blocks and it’s affordable too! It therefore wins the “Value” award.

EK Thermosphere – $74-77 + Mounting brackets ($8 each)

The Thermosphere corrects the low flow weakness of the Supremacy VGA and brings the ability to use multi link bridges but has other trade offs. It’s not as compatible as the Supremacy VGA and it does give up the exceptionally high flow to get some thermal cooling back. This was the easiest block to mount by far, but not including the required mounting plates and the higher price makes it less competitive. In comparison to the GPU-X without the Micro SW-X we would take the Thermosphere, however the Micro SW-X makes a very compelling case to go with the Watercool GPU-X instead.

Ibercool 4-Way – 47 Euros

Ibercool’s 4-way is a solid performer, despite being bringing up the rear of the group. The performance isn’t bad, nor is the restriction or mount. It tries to compete on price – and it does coming in at 47 euros (or 50 euros including vram heatsinks from some resellers), however this isn’t far enough away from the better performing Supremacy at 49 euros. We think it needs to be cheaper still to scoop the gold award.

Koolance GPU-220 – $65

This is by far one of the most compatible blocks not only because of the multiple ports but because of the swinging mount arms that means it will be more future proof. We didn’t like the mounting system though and ended up with poor performance possibly because of it. We would only choose this if we knew we needed to cool something with an unusual mount.

Watercool GPU-X – Gold Award – $78 + $38

While suffering from similar compatability concerns as the Thermosphere, this block was not quite as easy to mount. However the great performance and ability to customize a small mini block for VRM cooling makes this our favorite block. Replacement copper pieces for the Micro SW-X VRM cooler can be bought cheaply and so as universal block that can be used day in and day out as a genuine replacement for a full cover block this would be our choice by far. Our suggestion however would be to stock pre-cut copper plates for the Micro SW-X for popular graphics cards for those who don’t have access to the required tools. This innovative design therefore wins the “Gold” award.

XSPC Raystorm GPU – $60

The Raystorm block has good thermal performance and exceptionally low flow but it’s let down by the port design. The ports are too close to the edge of block leading to leaks with some fittings. In addition the fittings interfered with VRAM heatsinks meaning that we struggled with stability through out the test. The mount is also a bit lack luster and could use improving. Because of these issues we can not recommend the XSPC Raystorm GPU at this time, particularly when EK’s offering is cheaper and is so much easier to use.

Conclusion

Gold Award – For a universal block that can beat out full cover blocks we would choose the Watercool Heatkiller GPU-X LT with the Micro SW-X kit. The ability to water cool VRMs is a big plus to an already impressive package. Our only complaint were the the large nuts on the mount of the GPU-X (Edit – Watercool mentioned that they are this large in order to be compatible with some older GPU designs /edit), and compatibility concerns with some taller GPU cards such as the Classified or Matrix.

Value Award – For a true universal block at a great price the EK Supremacy VGA does the job very well. It’s low restriction means that it’s weakness at low flow should never be a concern.

Where to buy:

Heatkiller GPU-X LT – $77.95 @ PPCS
Heatkiller Micro SW-X – $32.95 for small, $38.95 for large, 15eu for a copper plate from watercool
EK Supremacy VGA – $52.99-77.99 @ PPCS

As always a big thank you to sponsors – Alphacool, EK, Ibercool, Koolance, Watercool, XSPC