Effectively using a TEC involves more than simply slapping one on and running it. I strongly advise anyone interested in using this product to carefully read all the items HERE. In particular, Swiftech notes that:

• "The combined amount of heat (TEC + GPU) added to the circuit by the MCW50-T is approximately 115 watts (392 BTU/hr).
• The thermoeletric module pulls approximately 6A at 12 volts. When connecting the MCW50-T module to an existing power supply, users should verify their power supply current rating for the +12 volts line.
• [The MCW50-T] will dissipate 53 Watts continuous thermal load to ambient temperature."

As I tested this unit, I noted that the heat load was considerably higher and I had to cool much more aggressively than for a waterblock without a TEC (no surprise). I also tested with a separate 12 volt power supply - a practice I highly recommend when using a TEC in any system.

I also want to point out that the load you can place on any TEC is limited. If you exceed its capacity, you will find that the TEC will run wild; that is, temps will continue to increase in a destructive heat loop. A safe, conservative operating guidline is to not exceed 50% of the TEC's rating - in this case, 40 watts. In this instance, once I went over 50 watts, I started to see temps continue to creep up. At 70 watts, it started to get scary.

The Swiftech MCW50-T was tested using the CPU Die Simulator and Waterblock Test Rig. In this case, I will not report a C/W as it has no meaning when using a TEC, but show the delta T I achieved at 40 and 50 watts.

It was interesting to see the increase in performance by increasing waterflow through the waterblock; high efficiencies are key to extracting maximum performance.

Swiftech's MCW50-T Waterblock is a fine choice for very aggressive GPU cooling, but I caution that TECs are tricky animals to tame. As GPU waterblocks are usually fitted in series with a CPU waterblock, in this case low flow resistance is VERY important; maximum performance may require a separate cooling loop.

Thanks again to Swiftech for sending this our way.

Email Joe