X4PRO X3M

Waterblock Test – Joe

SUMMARY: Very good choice for aggressive CPU cooling with moderate-high power waterpumps.

The good guys at XX4PRO sent a sample of their X3M waterblock to test.

The X3M features

• ½” Chromed hose barbs – two outakes
• Copper base
• Mounts for motherboards with the four motherboard holes around the socket
• Plastic top

Waterflow is directed through a series of gates machined into the copper base:

Reminds me of the Coliseum in Rome:

There is also a plastic flow nozzle that directs flow over the center of the base:

The nozzle spreads water over the center gates:

We are seeing more of this type design in the market. The base measures 5/16″ thick with the thinnest area over the CPU core at 1/16″ and appears well finished:

I could not feel any machining or polishing marks on it.

Mounting to the motherboard is accomplished with spring loaded bolts using the four holes surrounding the socket.

The X3M was tested using the CPU Die Simulator and Waterblock Test Rig.

Test Results indicate that the X3M’s pressure drop (or head loss) across the waterblock is low-moderate; flow resistance such as this means that the X3M requires a moderate waterpump to maximize performance, depending upon how restrictive other components are in system.

I found that reducing flow to 0.5 gpm resulted in a performance decrease of about 1.6ºC and increasing flow to 1.5 gpm resulted in a gain of about 0.9ºC.

For a comparison of the X3M’s performance to other waterblocks tested to date, see Overclockers.com Waterblock Test Results.

The X3M is a very good choice for good CPU cooling. Flow resistance is low-moderate and performance is very good; the X3M will require at least a moderate power waterpumps (300 gph) for best performance, as long as other components do not unduly restrict waterflow.

Thanks again to X4PRO for sending this our way to test. X4PRO is looking for US distribution, so if interested drop them a line.

Email Joe