CPU waterblock reviews?

[vf1000ride]

Does anyone do CPU custom waterblock reviews anymore?  I did the normal google search and everything seems to be older reviews (2-5+ years old).  Just trying to figure out if there is anything available these days that would cool my CPU better than what I am already running.  Money isn't really a factor as if I can get another 3-4 degrees or more out of a new cooler I would be willing to spend it.  Water temps run about 42c under full CPU/GPU load. CPU is pushing mid 90's and GPU is in the mid/high 60's and would figure is fine.  Current system specs below.

 

I9-9900K and an RTX3090 on the same loop.

CPU running an XSPC Raystorm pro.

2x 360mm Alphacool rads with 6x noctua fans on a D5 pump.  Water temps run about 42c under full CPU/GPU load.

 

If you have a suggestion on a cooler for the LGA115X socket that would outperform my current cooler that would be awesome as well.  I know the 9900K is a beast to try and keep cool and I have it overclocked at 5.2 all core at 1.3v, I went as far as to delid and go direct die with liquid metal on the current cooler.  For the summer I gave in and turned down the voltage and overclock so I don't cook it too badly, looking to see if there is an option to push it back up or even push it further if possible.

[Mick Naughty]

Many dont waste the time because they are all within 1-2c and isnt really a point to compare.
I run the same setup, used ekwb evo block but just swapped to a monoblock as it was very cheap.
I buy for looks and run the same blocks. And no one makes a better block than ek when it comes to he 3090fe.

[BobVonBob]

Reviews were important back in the day when water blocks were basically designed by hobbyists in a garage and you could see 10C swings between good and bad designs, but nowadays water blocks are mostly figured out and don't vary much between top designs (and it doesn't help that written review sites where most of that stuff was done are all but dead).

[fonzz1e]

from what i've seen so far, once yer block is properly mounted

the diff is less than 3c from top end to low end

there's a few on techpowerup

https://www.techpowerup.com/review/corsair-hydro-x-icue-xh303i-rgb-pro/4.html

 

dazmode has a few in YT

 

[Blai5e]

9 hours ago, fonzz1e said:

from what i've seen so far, once yer block is properly mounted

the diff is less than 3c from top end to low end

there's a few on techpowerup

https://www.techpowerup.com/review/corsair-hydro-x-icue-xh303i-rgb-pro/4.html

 

dazmode has a few in YT

 

I've watched a few of Dazmode's videos over the years... he comes across like an awkward school teacher but you can get some good info at times (as well as some some cringe).

[thrasher_565]

after the claps of custom water cooling people stopped revving them at lest for the performance . linuse did a video of a cheap $20 cpu block vs a $200 ek cpu and it was about 5c difference i bel eave j2cents did that test as well. or maybe it was j first i dont remember. as aio took over the market, ocing and modding shrinking that and rgb everything.

 

but 40xx looks to be hot so...who knows fingers crossed

[AnonymousGuy]

Pretty much every block is the same performance now with jet plates and microfins.  Like some other said, back in the day it was a lot more hobbyist and microfins were super niche.  

 

The only "improvement" you can get is by using your own springs and studs, since more likely than not most of the differences between blocks is in the mounting hardware and how aggressive they were.  Stiffer springs, stiffer brackets, backplate, etc.   Some blocks are absolute dog shit where they'll flex the entire motherboard if you try cranking them down.  The Alphacool XPX is in this group where it's a really great block (probably the best you can possibly make) but the mounting hardware is trash.  Like a plastic backplate and the metal plate that holds the block down is two pieces that turn into an /\ shape.

[Sir Beregond]

Biggest difference these days between the top blocks is price and restrictiveness more than temp differences. I would say there are some different tiers of blocks, i.e. I wouldn't call a Raystorm Pro a top performer these days, but for the price, it really is a fantastic block and really, would probably be fine to continue to use.

 

Can find reviews on ExtremeRigs and TechPowerUp.