Installation:

   This process is as easy as reading the directions and you even have reference pictures to help you along the way. Remove your old CPU Cooler and any of its components. If you are using an air cooled CPU cooler, you may have to remove your CPU mounting bracket. In any case, you will have to remove your motherboard to properly install the Apogee GT.

Barbs, Directions, Bracket, & Screws

Detailed Pictures

The Apogee GT block comes with three different size barbs so you can install using the common sized tubing whether your water cooling system is Swiftech or not. Just because you have different system shouldn't mean you are left out from experiencing this awesome water block. One of the greatest features of Swiftech's blocks are the performance results whether it is on a home made, or store bought system. The barbs can be simply tightened by hand as well as the rest of the kit components which is always a great precautionary design by Swiftech which ensures smaller chance for error.

Cleaning off old Paste

Connected

Sensor in Back

The directions call for washers, standoffs, screws, and nuts for proper mounting. Don't over tighten the screws to any extreme either as you don't want the motherboard PCB to start flexing. The nice thing about these installation kits is that once they are tightened enough, the block usually doesn't move. Just make sure you don't over torque anything.

Testing:

• Processor: Intel E6600 2.4GHz (ComputerSonics)

• Motherboard: ECS PN2-SLI2 680i Motherboard

• Memory: OCZ PC2 9200 Flex XLC

• Graphics: Geforce 7900 GT PCIE

• Audio: Bluegears Enspirer 7.1 Theater

• Storage: Seagate 80GB SATA2

• Power Supply: Thermaltake Toughpower 700 Watt

Cooling:

• CPU Cooling Block 1: Swiftech Apogee GT

• CPU Cooling Block 2: Koolance CPU-300

• Radiator: EHX-1000kw Triple 120mm Radiator

• Pump/Reservoir: RP-1000 (~8 L/min (2.1 GPM), >3m (10ft) head pump)

Note: Ambient Temperatures were 20 Celsius. Distilled water was used without any additives to keep the results variable free. All tests were performed the same number of times while monitoring a time schedule. The reservoir and pump unit in the test system has both fan and pump speed control.

Test System w/Apogee GT

When I first read the original Apogee's specifications, there didn't seem to be much possibility of improvements or revisions to the block especially when you read the details involving the Diamond Pin machining. The original block was about as perfect as a CPU cooling block could get with its low temps, ease of installation, and quality of materials and design. And the well polished chrome design and components just didn't seem possible to improve upon.

The first series of tests were performed with the fans and pumps to their lowest settings which naturally cause temperatures to rise and hit a maximum. These are not bad temperatures at all especially on a dual core processor. This is probably going to be anyone's optimal choice for performance unless you are an overclocking fanatic. The system is almost dead silent at these settings.

Fact: The Apogee GT is able to transfer heat much better due to its increased surface area. What is also surprising is the block's design keeps the temperatures relatively stable especially under load. Typically temperatures increase quickly within a matter of a couple minutes. In this case, the Apogee GT levels temperatures off more consistently and the system temps took longer to stabilize. Noise is still of no concern at medium.

Increasing the fans and pumps to maximum settings reveals where the Apogee GT really performs. This also indicates that the block is transferring heat better than first thought. The Apogee temperatures dropped a 2 to 3 degree average depending on the processor speed. The noise level also increased dramatically now that you have three 120mm fans buzzing and a powerful pump humming away. At these settings, the system was about as loud as the 680i motherboard chipset fan.

680i + Apogee GT = Perfect Match

The adage that there is always room for improvement has once again been proven true. I am personally glad that Swiftech gave the Apogee GT the upgrades. And the average price is what really makes the cooling block all that much tempting. At roughly $55.00, it is currently the coolest performing Dual or Quad CPU block on the market. You really shouldn't have to consider whether or not to purchase the Apogee GT. The results and design should remove all doubt especially if you want to cool your dual core processor.


Conclusion:

   The Swiftech series has been the favorite water cooling systems the world over. They always work hard to give you the best bang for buck in terms of performance and design. The Apogee GT is proof that Swiftech always find a way to improve the near perfect. The Diamond Matrix Pin revisions as well as some all around polishing and surface increase performance all over the cooling spectrum. The benchmarks and testing reflect excellent results that exceeded expectations.

Everyone loves a product that has been 'spit polished' so to speak. There is evidence of improvements to the copper block bottom as well, with a near perfect mirror polish. A mirror reflection isn't really required these days mainly due to negligible performance, not to mention it unnecessarily increases the price. The Apogee GT is the current perfect example of attention to detail and cost benefit ratio. You get the best of both worlds and don't have to spend a lot to get exemplary results.