The water block; "Where the rubber meets the road."



The X20 CPU water block is based on an 8mm-internal / 10mm-external hose diameter, the block is pre-assembled by the manufacturer making removal of the base plate almost impossible without damage. The only person who this might inconvenience is a reviewer wanting to snap a few photos (ahem). From the photo below the design looks to incorporate deep channels running in parallel from inlet to outlet, this would perpetuate flow across the base.



These channels are not only deep but fairly wide in comparison to more intricately designed blocks which, based on the channel width the X20 is less likely to have it's flow restricted by small particles. A good rinsing after extended usage should remove any foreign objects which may get lodged in there. If your system is bled and filled carefully, flushed before hand, one need not worry about this.



While the base plate finish isn't the best on the X20 it's not the worst either. The quality is high and most importantly the base is flat which is the most important aspect. There were no striations or pits and the surface was smooth.