Taking apart the MX means removing four countersunk allen head screws just like the EVO:

DSC_2738

Initially I was surpised – for a cost savings version of the EVO I expected the internals to be simplified like the older designs:
DSC_2740Instead the multi piece insert setup that sits between the jetplate and the outer body is still there.  There are no alternative jetplates or inserts included however.  This combined with reduced number of thumb screw options and backplates is really where the cost savings come from.

The supplied jetplate is supposed to be jetplate 1, however we received the slightly thicker jetplate 2.  Insert 2 is the one included even which is optimal for AMD and 2011-3 only.  The I2/J1 combo that should have been shipped would have been optimal for 2011-3.  We are however testing on a 4930K that should prefer I1/J1 instead of the I2/J2 supplied.

Then, just as we were set to assume everything was in fact just a subset of the EVO we noticed the base was unusual.  the copper base on the MX has a smaller cooling engine:

DSC_2741
MX (left), EVO (right)

This is bizarre.  One would think to save money EK wouldn’t bother to have a separate part and design to manufacture and just reuse the same copper piece from the EVO given that they’ve already kept so much the same.  The new cooling engine is 26.1mm long x 28.8mm wide compare to the EVO’s 32.4mm long x 30.4mm wide.  This is a two dimensional surface area reduction of 22%.  However given the nature of where the heat is generated on the CPU itself, and the jetplate design (which is smaller again) the change may result in minimal actual thermal effects.  The number of channels/inch seems to be the same, however the MX channels seem to be slightly narrower in proportion to the copper which is thicker than on the EVO.

So clearly there are some minor changes to the cooling engine as well as some “unoptimized internals” in addition to the external mount change.  Let’s get on with testing then to see how the MX performs…

3 COMMENTS

  1. Another great review. Funny thing is I just purchased the Heatkiller IV Pro from PPC’s the day before you released this review. Almost made me consider getting two of these instead. They didn’t have any in stock anyway and in the end I like the look of the Heatkiller IV Pro better. I actually purchased two of the Heatkiller IV Pro (Acrylic top):

    http://www.performance-pcs.com/heatkillerr-iv-pro-intel-processor-acryl-clean.html#!prettyPhoto

    Although it’s not one of the ones that you reviewed, it’s still the same as the Black Acetal top one and will perform just as nicely. Thanks again for the detailed and amazing reviews that you do. You’re the reason why I just purchased:

    2 x Coolgate CG-360G2 Rads
    1 x Coolgate CG-240G2 Rad
    2 x Heatkiller IV Pro (Acrylic Top) CPU Waterblocks
    1 x Cablemod EVGA E-Series G2/P2 Cable Kit – Green

    I’m preparing to hopefully do another Dual CPU Hachintosh build here very soon, and I’m just getting all the parts ready. On a side note you should consider doing what Jonny-Guru is doing for PSU reviews. That’s if you’re interested in doing this type of extra work as quite a bit of these companies are using your reviews and awards as standard now. That should encourage you guys to do more. Keep it up !!!

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