Baseplate
Whether your waterblock baseplate is constructed of silver, copper, aluminum or steel (although I've yet to see the latter) if the base surface is flawed contact between the waterblock and processor will be jeopardized. In this respect the formula is simple, the percentage of heat conducted is in direct proportion to the amount of surface area contact.



Viscool may not have the smoothest finish; however, it's definitely above average and very flat. Laying a aluminum ruler across the baseplate is crude but an acceptable method. Machining pattern marks can be seen with the light angle below as the reflection in the first photo only shows how "polished" a surface is not how flat it is.



Viscool has kept the price of the V2 low by their effective use and distribution of materials. The base-plate is made of copper where that material is most beneficial for heat conduction with the top portion of the waterblock made of aluminum. A separate inlet/outlet section seems to be pressure inserted into the black portion where the barbs thread. Due to the difference in metals an additive preventing dissimilar metal corrosion should be used. In fact this is always a good idea since 95% of all H20 systems employ different metals at some point. To view an Anodic Chart for different metals click on the following Link.



Since the inlet is offset from center an arrow has been placed on top of the waterblock to indicate the inlet barb. Where the inlet is offset for mounting reasons a cross over channel is machined into the upper portion of the waterblock to ensure the incoming water-stream flows directly onto/into the center of the impingement zone. Even with the advent of Dual Core processors, ensuring the impingement zone is centered above the CPU is integral to the design. In theory this is where the majority of the processor's heat will be conducted through the copper where the fluid carries that heat away.



Due to the offset and the degree of the angles the water stream encounters as it's re-routed down to the impingement zone, the V2 will most likely benefit from a high flow rate pump. In his review of the V2 Joe at Overclockers.com recommends a minimum 300GPH pump. Unfortunately in Viscool's desire to appease all experience levels, the center of the top portion of the V2 must be free for Ziff tab type mounting hardware. This prevents what is referred to as direct impingement explained above. At first I was confused since I'd thought the universal brackets were the only mounting method, until I looked further into Viscool's site finding evidence of a Ziff tab mounting hardware.



Viscool's V2 now earns the title as the most universal mounting system. the previous title owner had been the X20 CPU-waterblock from XSPC which we reviewed here. Although the brackets supplied do take some getting used to and are a little difficult to align, once you get used to these they are a blessing. the photo below was taken from Viscool's site.



Onto the heart of the V2 and any waterblock. it's impingement zone....