Koolance CPU330



When I originally contacted Koolance I was looking for their Exos external water-cooling system based on 1/2" tubing. When they learned I was planning a 1/2" round-up they offered to send their new high-performance block CPU330 compatible with 1/2" ID systems. To be honest I was tentative after viewing the block at their site. The CPU330 looked very similar to XSPC's X20 Xtreme which I reviewed here almost a year ago. The X20 Xtreme was a solid performer, but not an exceptional. Upon arrival all apprehension was put to rest. Koolance has done an amazing job with the CPU330. The block was completely different from the XSPC version everywhere it mattered most.



CPU330 Specifications / Features:

Compatibility - universal mounting adapter and standard G 1/4" threading in 1/4" (6mm), 3/8" (10mm), and 1/2" (13mm) ID diameters; AMD AM2 + 939/940/754 processors, AMD "F" 1207 (Quad, Opteron, X2, FX), AMD "A" 462 (XP, Duron), Intel LGA775 (Quad, Core 2 Duo, Core Duo, Extreme, Pentium), Intel 478 (Pentium 4, D, EE, M, Celeron), Intel Xeon (603, 604, LGA771

Materials - High Density Copper, 24k Gold Plating, Anodized Aluminum

Tubing Size, ID 3/8" (10mm); 1/2" (13mm) and 1/4" (6mm)

Dimensions - WxHxD 2.4" x 2.4" x 0.7" (6cm x 6cm x 1.8cm), Weight 7 ounces (198g)

Koolance supplies a true universal mounting kit with the CPU330. The kit includes a steel backing plate with a matching rubber gasket to prevent shorts. The top plate is a true Universal model accommodating just about every socket on the market. Where most models in this round-up require two plates one for AMD and one for Intel the CPU330 only requires a single plate. A tube of thermal grease is supplied and the copper squares in the photo above are actually metal tape which Koolance describes in the manual are to be used for affixing a thermistor to the "side" of the water block.



Without question Koolance offered the very best mounting hardware from the bolts to springs, they thought of everything. Obviously this is from many years experience supplying all inclusive water-cooling solutions. Note below how the oversized hand fasteners have a base which when tightened sink in between the robust springs ensuring they do not offset as most do. Of all the mounting options in this round-up Koolance was by far the most secure and simplest to install. In the corresponding thumbnails I've taken a photo of the manual page detailing specific motherboard mounting options. The mounting plate sits atop an indentation around the top of the block and that might be the only fault as these must be held in place when the block is mounted in a case (vertically).





The CPU330 employs cross-flow design. The inlet and outlet are located on opposite sides of the water block so water flows across the uniquely shaped pins removing heat as it exits the block. Koolance has named the pins Pyramid." And as seen below they do resemble that form.



The base finish on the CPU330 reflecting my Fortis Spacematic was the best in this round-up. Using a steel L ruler to determine flatness the block made the grade here as well. While Koolance has not been renowned for their water blocks this latest model changes all that.



Koolance has come along way from their Lucite blocks...