Watercool GPU-X Core LT and Micro SW-X DIY Kit
The Watercool GPU-X LT block is a universal block in a similar style as the Thermosphere. However it has a distinct advantage because it has a “Micro SW-X” addon kit that enables water cooling of the VRM easily. There is also a $13 cheaper version of the block that does not have these ports. It is designated LC instead of LT.
Watercool packaging is good as usual:
Many accessories, instructions but no TIM:
The core unit:
The G1/4 ports at the top are for inlet/outlet. The smaller ports in the center are for connecting the micro sw-x:
The base shows that the mounting screws are held in with nuts that can be used to also secure the screw by virtue of being “held” by the recessed slot:
Note also that the main inlet/outlet ports are on both sides of the block. This increases ease of use, however like the Thermosphere this block will suffer compatibility issues with some high end cards.
The Micro SW-X comes in two sizes which refer to the size of the copper plate- we asked for the larger size and it is plenty large:
We used a jigsaw to cut it down to size and a drill for the mounting holes. The tubing was provided and simply pushes in to the small provided fittings:
No thermal pads were provided which is a shame, but I used 1.0mm EK thermal pad succesfully, although the height of surface mount components on the PCB caused the block to lean:
It is worth noting that the width of the SW-X may possibly prevent it from being used on some PCB designs.
The block is easy to fit, once the mounting screws are positioned, then thumb nuts are used on the back of the board to secure the block to the board. The downside of the thumb nuts are that they are quite fat and protude unnecessarily far (mount is not completed here) – (Edit – Watercool mentioned that they are this large in order to be compatible with some older GPU designs /edit):
This minor detail is our only real complaint about this design, however we would love it if Watercool released pre cut copper plates for popular GPU designs for those without access to power tools.
Is there any reason why the Micro SW-X can not be used in combination with any other universal cooler? My choice would be the EK Supremacy VGA (mostly because it’s so tiny and should allow the use of VGA cooling pads compared to some other bigger models) with the Micro SW-X in series.
Also, how where did you get that T-shaped VRAM – VRM heatsink? http://abload.de/img/mxlcv7010sd7.jpg Why is it T-shaped? Are the surface mount components beside the VRM higher than the VRM itself? Same problem like with the GPU – VRM? I am a bit worried about the VRAM – VRM temperature which has no temperature sensor.
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