Introduction:

HFMK1. Looks good, doesn't it?

For better or for worse, OCZ has always been one of the more adventurous companies to service the needs of the enthusiast. While other companies focused solely on producing memory, OCZ had already begun their simple forays into cooling, and power supplies. Today, their lines extend out to a few, slightly more exotic locations, namely pre-built phase change cooling, and even a neural interfacing device. Yet, as with any company that does not specialize in these exploratory fields, OCZ's alternate products remain a niche interest. In this spirit, we're looking at their HydroFlow waterblock - the company's first step towards a performance liquid cooling solution. If OCZ's reputation as a memory manufacturer has anything to do with this little waterblock, then there's plenty in store for us. Let's get wet, intrepid readers.

Features & Specifications:

Fortunately, there are no features to cover here, just Specifications.

For Sockets Intel LGA775
For Sockets AMD 754/939/940/AM2
Pure Copper base
2-Year Warranty

Dimensions: 5.5 cm x 5.5 cm x 1.75 cm
Includes:
1/2" and 3/8" barb adaptors
4 x Springs with Thumb Screws
4 x Hold Down Screws
4 x AMD / Intel Washers
4 x AMD / Intel Bolts
1 x AMD / Intel Bracket
Installation Manual
 

A Closer Look:

Of the things that have passed through the Virtual Hideout labs in past, the HydroFlow has to be of the most compactly packaged. Considering the contents of the box are effectively precisely machined ingots of copper, delrin, and stainless steel, I suppose the thin wall of bubble wrap is protection enough. Now, considering the design and control of the product, being of an exotic niche, the slightly flashier packaging is to be expected. Consisting of a simple cardboard flip open carton, the HydroFlow's package details much of its designs, between being plastered with pictures of the product. What's inside is what counts, though.

Within the confines of this compact cardboard carton lurk the waterblock itself, packed by default with the LGA775 backplate, as well as a set of mounting bolts, an AM2 style holddown plate, two pairs of nickel plated barbs (1/2" and 3/8"), an insulating foam washer, and a few lock washers, to help keep the bolts in the motherboard. As with many other waterblocks, there's little to be said about the installation, but much to say about the design. When the waterblock is disassembled (using the included hex wrench, I may add), the base with its triangular posts, and straight-through design can be found. As with many other waterblocks based on this design, orientation of the baseplate is absolutely critical to the performance of the block. In this case, as with most others, it's optimal to orient the channels so that there's a straight path for liquid from inlet to outlet. You'll see what I mean when the block opens up.

Now, onto the design of the block itself. Rather than rely on an entirely flat base to do the duty of dissipation, OCZ has designed the HydroFlow with a very minor step on its base, which is still wide enough to ensure that the dual die chips remain cooled. The other, perhaps unforeseen advantage to the step is that it negates the occasional issue of the Intel chip retention bracket cresting the IHS - a good idea all around. When the base is turned over, its design of thick, triangular pins, kept at a linear spacing can be seen. On the inside of the block, the finish was definitely good, leaving no rough copper burrs, or spirals in the way, to possibly be carried away by fluid.

This base is sealed to the delrin top of the block by the ever-standard O-ring. One thing to note, though, is that with the size and relative coarseness of the pins, this waterblocks performance may be limited. Bear in mind, that Swiftech's initial revision of the Apogee also featured such pins, which have since been shrunk to increase performance. Perhaps this will be a feature of the MK2 HydroFlow. But let's not let it discount the value of the product, for we still need an impression of its performance!

Performance:

While performance is one thing, it's often negated by a difficult installation, to the common user at least. Understanding this, OCZ provided a simple, but stable mounting solution for this block. In effect, you just screw standoffs through the motherboard into the included backplate, and then tighten down four spring loaded screws to secure the mount. For AM2 users, the standoffs may be optional. While this may not be as accurate as sliding the block down screws, it sure is convenient. After that, all that's left for the user to do is screw in the barbs with correct o-rings, and then pull it all away with the interest of doing a solid day's worth of leak testing.

As with the heatsink testing, performance of a waterblock is rather simple - just redline the CPU using OCCT, and grab the highest value. After all, unlike Air cooling, temperatures under water tend to stay fairly stable, since the cooling prowess isn't as vulnerable to rapidly shifting with temperatures in the air. For the purpose of performance in this test, the waterblock is paired with the upgraded 850i kit reviewed ages ago.

Well, great performance from the HydroFlow!

With the nice performance increase over the rather mediocre standard ThermalTake block, the HydroFlow really shines - after all, it's just a small upgrade with such a measureable result. Plus, who knows how many more MHz an extra 5c can get you.

Conclusion:

With good performance, a solid mounting system, and high quality, the HydroFlow is a product you can't go wrong with. Wait, what's that, it's cheap too? How cheap? About $40 in most e-tailers. That places this OCZ HydroFlow block at the top of the value meter and must-shop lists. These all make for killing blows on the side of the HydroFlow; and when a watercooler on a budget comes looking for a performance piece, you can be sure that this one comes out swinging. Even into most midrange watercooling setups, I wouldn't be surprised to see this block get recommended. Heck, that's even the award it's going to get for its innovation, performance, and value. Good show OCZ.

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