EK Supremacy MX Review

EK Supremacy MX Review
Today we are reviewing the EK Supremacy MX CPU waterblock.  First off a big thanks to EK Waterblocks for providing the review sample.

The Supremacy MX is marketed as a cost reduced Supremacy EVO with a different aesthetic look.  The box however is almost identical to the EVO:

Although the sticker indicates a nickel versions – they do not actually exist.  Instead there are four total versions – all of which have copper bases:

– Plexi Copper – Intel
– Plexi Copper – AMD
– Acetal Copper – Intel
– Acetal Copper – AMD

The sample we received is the Plexi Intel version.  Inside the box there is no protective foam – but the block is wrapped in plastic and attached to a piece of cardboard:

The accessories are minimal compared to the Supremacy EVO which comes with a big bag full of stuff – however there are still enough to mount the block to all modern Intel sockets.

Detailed instructions are included – as usual EK’s are possibly the best out there.  Also included is a torx wrench intended for replacing the 115X socket backplate on the motherboard with the provided one.  While not hard – this is a delicate operation that is not “noob” friendly.  Luckily for 2011 we are allowed to use the standard motherboard socket.

Also included in the sealed bag is a some EK Ectotherm TIM.  This has a great reputation and we’ll be testing it and comparing it to our usual MX2 TIM.

While the block looks very similar to the EVO – there are a few external differences.  Most obvious is the black brushed Aluminum faceplate.  This gives an appearance that feels like it copies the XSPC Raystorm block but is in fact quite different:

The other external change are the thumb screws.  These are a new design to the EVO’s which were carried over from the original Supremacy and possibly even the Supreme HF before that.  Instead of multiple sets for each socket the MX uses a single set that remain in place on the mount using a c-clip to secure them:

It’s also more noticeable here that the thumb screw has a stepped thread – this is how EK gets away with only one set of screws.  The longer thinner thread is for 1150, while the fatter shorter section of thread is for 2011/2011-3.  No washer is supplied so the springs do tend to get stuck in the mounting plate making tightening the thumb screws a little less smooth then it could have been.

You can also make out the “Supremacy MX” text engraved on the side of the block.  There are also two additional holes in the plexi to allow for LEDs to be mounted.  No LED’s however are supplied.

The backplate comes with a two sided sticky pad for helping to secure it.

The copper base is cleanly machined and well polished:

So now let’s take a look a the internal differences between the MX and the EVO…