Waterblock Test – Joe
UPDATE 9/26: The results I found were at variance with what was expected by Cooltechnica, so they sent me another White Water block to test. I found that the first White Water block (#1) was different from the second White Water block (#2) in that the walls of the first block’s channels are thicker than the second one, as shown below:
Apparently this is a design change – the first had 0.8 mm channels and 1.2 mm fins and the 2nd one has 1 mm channels and 1 mm fins. The first block’s pressure drop was consequently higher (0.76) compared to the second (0.49); I also believe the thicker walls lead to higher heat retention. Both these factors lead to the different test results as shown below:
SUMMARY: Excellent choice for CPU cooling with moderate power waterpumps.
The good guys at Cooltechnica were nice enough to send a White Water waterblock to test. The White Water is a flow impingement design with micro-channels. As such, this waterblock has a moderate pressure drop and requires a waterpump of sufficient power to extract top performance.
The White Water features:
- Two “Y” connectors for 3/8″ and ½” ID tubing
- Ultra-thin copper-water base-plate
- Universal mounting plate for Intel 423, 478, 775, 603/604, AMD Socket 462, 754, 939 and 940 CPUs
The White Water includes “Y” connectors for 3/8″ and ½” ID tubing:
I could not feel any polishing marks on the base:
The White Water was tested using the CPU Die Simulator and Waterblock Test Rig.
| Waterblock | C/W | Pressure Drop – psi | Pressure Drop – inches H2O |
| White Water #2 | 0.13 | 0.49 | 13.5 |
| White Water #1 | 0.16 | 0.76 | 21.0 |
Unrounded data WW#2: 0.126 C/W with 0.0014 std dev.
Unrounded data WW#1: 0.163 C/W with 0.0012 std dev.
Test Results indicate that the White Water’s pressure drop (or head loss) across the waterblock is moderate; resistance such as this means that White Water needs a moderately powerful waterpump to extract maximum performance, especially if other components in the system are restrictive.
For a comparison of the White Water’s performance to other waterblocks tested to date, see Overclockers.com Waterblock Test Results.
The White Water waterblock is an excellent choice for CPU cooling, although extracting top performance requires a moderate power waterpump. If other components are connected in series, top performance will be compromised. Buyers are advised that there appear to be two designs available.
Thanks again to Cooltechnica for sending this our way.
Disclosure: Joe Citarella has a financial interest in a company developing thermosyphon products for electronic chip cooling.
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