TT Testing



Thermistors originating from TTGI's digital SF-610 were placed between water block and CPU at the CPU IHS edge. In each case the CPU was remounted several times until the best (highest) thermistor temps were achieved.



Below we see thermistor-1 Temp display from the TTGI SF-610 running at 2.2GHz under LOAD;



Thermal paste used was AS5 which was given several days to "settle" prior to testing. Water temps were also measured for additional Delta formulas. Since I've found temperature differences between CPU internal thermal diodes (of late) and thermistors placed "on-die" are negligible, we will mention only ambient temp and CPU temps as interpreted by Smart Guardian and TTGI SF-610. The CPU was stressed using the program S&M from Overclockers.ru.

Temps at IDLE were recorded, then running S&M for approximately 20 minutes (max temps are usually obtained after just two minutes with this program) LOAD temps were logged. The rows of Thumbnails below show temps running at 11x200FSB (Default) IDLE/LOAD then overclocked 11x230FSB IDLE/LOAD.

A64 3500+ @ 11x200FSB, 1.365Vcore IDLE/LOAD (left/right respectively).


A64 3500+ @ 11x230FSB, 1.485Vcore IDLE/LOAD






Single Port (outlet) Tests:

Next we remove one of the outlets sealing the port with the included cap. This transforms the PolarFLO TT into a completely different animal more suitable for low-flow pumps, or perhaps an even better performer mated with a high pressure pump. Regardless of your choice it's usually advantageous to have one (or two hehe). Below we see the PolarFLO TT installed in the more commonly found single inlet/outlet configuration.



Results: A64 3500 @ 11x200FSB 1.365Vcore IDLE/LOAD Single-Outlet (left/right respectively)


A64 3500 @ 11x230FSB 1.485Vcore IDLE/LOAD Single-Outlet





Conclusion:



PolarFLO isn't the largest USA water block manufacturer nor the smallest, they do, however; offer one of the most effective designs on the market.

The unique circular shape not only succeeds in performance but in ergonomics as well. A simple yet ingenious aspect of the design is its ability to swivel (or rotate) within its mounting bracket. Early on I mentioned my growing displeasure with systems based on 1/2" tubing. One reason for this; 1/2" ID tubing stretches around male barbs, this is made worse by tension from tubes twisting during system installation. Euro-designs also suffer from a certain amount of twist tension, however; the connectors are better suited to deal with this. PolarFLO's design is perhaps the best preventative measure against this problem. Additionally Arctic Silver suggests "shifting" just slightly your heat sink (or water block) periodically to induce settling. PolarFLO TT makes this simple. The block's single or dual outlet (port) option makes it suitable for varying pump pressures, or for example if one were to add a GPU block to their system and were concerned with a drop in pressure, could switch to a single outlet configuration.

PolarFLO TT is listed for just $59 at their site ($85 for chromed), however; I was taken aback to see they offered a multi-manufacturer Trade In Program, offering $20 for a Swiftech MCW5000 and $32 for an Innovatek Rev.3! They even extend their trade in value towards GPU water blocks of most major manufacturers.

My only complaint which is an issue too large to fault PolarFLO in particular for is that the block is designed around the 1/2" ID system. There are flow and pressure advantages in larger diameter tubing, and that's another article all together. I really enjoyed living with the PolarFLO TT Series water block and would recommend it if your building an 1/2" ID system. I would like to thank PolarFLO for sending their block for testing.

Question/Comments: forum thread