t_ski
12-15-2007, 01:02 AM
[page=Introduction]
Introduction
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddlogo.gif
I would like to thank Danger Den (http://www.dangerden.com/) for supplying the review sample.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975xsm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x.jpg)
Features:
100% copper 110 material
Acrylic and brass top options
Threaded fitting ports are G 1/4 BSPP for use with any similar spec fittings
Complete Block with O-Ring
Pressure Tested to 50psi
High flow 1/4", 3/8", or 1/2" Chrome Plated Fittings
Machine lapped and flat mirror polished
Stainless steel hold down
Benefits
225 Heat Dissipating Columns for enhanced transfer of heat to the water and optimum coverage of the CPU
Low pressure drop design for maximum coolant flow rate
Ready to install designed and tuned for your system for top performance
Anti-Tarnish coating applied to prevent finger print or environmental changes. This specialized formula also has no affect on cooling potential.
Corrosion will not occur when used with other Copper and Brass parts. Avoid using non-anodized aluminum (or all aluminum) if at all possible for maximum component life.
Compatibility:
This version of the MPC Chipset Block is compatible with most Intel 975X chipset motherboards. Other versions are available for 680i, RD600, and i865/i875 chipsets. There are also special versions available for particular motherboards (such as the DFI Expert and the ASUS A8N) and a universal version for most other boards.
[page=Packaging & Contents]
Packaging & Contents
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x01sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x01.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x02sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x02.jpg)
The Danger Den MPC-975X chiipset waterblock comes in traditional Danger Den packaging. The plain white cardboard box with a label on the side has protective foam inside to keep the waterblock safe during shipping.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x03sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x03.jpg)
With the chipset block comes a single sheet instruction page and the necessary mounting hardware, which consists of four stainless steel springs and four black metal hooks.
[page=A Closer Look]
A Closer Look
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x05sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x05.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x06sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x06.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x08sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x08.jpg)
The Danger Den MPC-975X chipset block looks very much like most other Danger Den blocks: there is a copper base and a clear Lucite top which sandwiches a rubber O-ring between. And as usual, Danger Den offers an optional brass top for those that desire it. Chrome-plated high-flow fittings are included: in our case, these were 1/2" OD barbs.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x07sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x07.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x12sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x12.jpg)
The difference in the new MPC series of chipset waterblocks is that they use the same heat dissipating columns as the new MC-TDX CPU waterblock. This time, there are 225 of those columns covering the entire bottom of the inside, with the center 40-50% of the pins raised slightly higher than the rest. These pins should provide significantly more surface area than a typical chipset block.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x04sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x04.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x09sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x09.jpg)
The bottom is protected by a layer of plastic tape that can be removed without leaving any residue. With the tape removed, the base is exposed, showing its machine lapped and polished surface.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x10sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x10.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x11sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x11.jpg)
The mirror test shows little if any distortion on the base of the MPC-975X, and it passes the razor test with flying colors. I think this is probably the flattest block I have seen yet.
[page=Installation]
Installation
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x13sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x13.jpg)
The Danger Den MPC-975X chipset waterblock will be installed on an ASUS P5W-DH Deluxe motherboard, which uses the Intel 975X chipset. To install the MPC-975X block, this motherboard had to be removed from the case and the motherboard tray to allow removal of the stock chipset heatsink assembly. With other motherboards that do not have connected heatsinks, it may be possible to leave the motherboard on a tray and remove the chipset heatsink by itself.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x14sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x14.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x18sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x18.jpg)
After removing the stock heatsink, the chipset was cleaned of all thermal compound. The thermal paste was reapplied (in this case, using Noctua's NT-H1 thermal compound), making sure to cover the entire die.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x15sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x15.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x19sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x19.jpg)
The MPC-975X block was placed on top of the chipset, being sure to line up the openings in the top with the loops attached to the motherboard. The ASUS board uses only two loops to mount the heatsink, so in this case only two hooks and springs are used. The black metal hook is inserted through the spring, pressed down, then turned to lock the hook under the loop. I found it best to do both hooks at the same time. With boards that use four loops, I suggest attaching two hooks at opposite corners at the same time to help provide even pressure on the core.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x16sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x16.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x17sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x17.jpg)
One thing I noticed here was that there is a possibility of a small amount of rocking since the base is so much larger than the small core. One way to solve this would be to add a foam rubber pad or dots to the kit. The one shown here is made by Microcool and was purchased from Sidewinder Computers. The price is fairly low on these foam protectors, but it would be nice to include one with the MPC waterblocks that may require them. Also having such protectors would greatly reduce the chance of chipping the silicon die during installation and use.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x20sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x20.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x21sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x21.jpg)
Immediately after mounting the block was removed to check the contact area. As usual, the Danger Den block had made perfect contact with the chipset core. Any extra thermal compound was pushed out along the sides, which is fine for non-conductive thermal material like the NT-H1 or Arctic Silver Ceramique.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x22sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x22.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x23sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x23.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x24sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x24.jpg)
At this point, the block was remounted and the rest of the loop assembled. Then the loop was filled, bled and leak tested for several hours before testing.
[page=Performance]
Performance
The system being used to test the heatsink is as follows:
<table border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" class="ramtable" width="450">
<tr>
<th width="100" scope="row">CPU:</th>
<td scope="row">Intel E6850 Core2 Duo</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th width="100" scope="row">Clock speed:</th>
<td scope="row">9 x 333 MHz = 3.0 GHz, Memory at DDR2-667</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Motherboard:</th>
<td scope="row">Asus P5W DH Deluxe</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Memory:</th>
<td scope="row">2 x 1GB G.Skill F2-6400PHU1-2GBHZ</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th valign="top" scope="row">Video Card:</th>
<td valign="top" scope="row">Sapphire HD 2900XT PCI-e</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th valign="top" scope="row">Harddisk:</th>
<td valign="top" scope="row">4 x 250 GB Seagate 7200.10 in Matrix Raid 0/5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th valign="top" scope="row">Power Supply:</th>
<td valign="top" scope="row">ThermalTake ToughPower 850W</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th valign="top" scope="row">Case:</th>
<td valign="top" scope="row">Lian Li PC-A10B</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th valign="top" scope="row">Software:</th>
<td valign="top" scope="row">Windows XP Pro SP2, Catalyst 8.1</td>
</tr>
</table>
Ambient temperature was kept to 22º Celsius (+/- 1 degree) and was measured by a standard mercury thermometer. Chipset temperature was measured with a Craftsman non-contact infrared thermometer. All idle temperatures were recorded after 30 minutes of resting at the desktop, and load temperatures were taken after 30 minutes of Orthos StressPrime. The rest of the water loop consists of the following components:
<table border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" class="ramtable" width="450">
<tr>
<th width="100" scope="row">CPU Waterblock:</th>
<td scope="row">Danger Den MC-TDX</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th width="100" scope="row">Pump:</th>
<td scope="row">Danger Den D5 (variable speed: pump set to "5")</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th width="100" scope="row">Radiator:</th>
<td scope="row">Swiftech MCR320-QP-K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Fans:</th>
<td scope="row">3 x Yate Loon D12SM-124B</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Tubing:</th>
<td scope="row">Tygon 3603 1/2" ID</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th valign="top" scope="row">Fittings:</th>
<td valign="top" scope="row">1/2" OD barbs</td>
</tr>
</table>
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/graph2.gif http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/graph4.gif
Here you can see the obvious improvement of watercooling the chipset block over using plain air cooling. Watercooling is much more effective, beating air cooling by 9 to 19°C.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/graph1.gif http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/graph3.gif
On a side note, adding the Danger Den MPC-975X chipset waterblock to the water loop surprisingly resulted in no CPU temperature change. Perhaps this is due to the superior flow design of these two waterblocks or the heat output of the chipset is too low to make any measureable difference.
[page=Value & Conclusion]
Value and Conclusion
<table width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" id="result">
<tr><th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/dollar.gif</th>
<td>
The Danger Den MPC-975X sells for $42.95 US Dollars.</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbup.gif</th>
<td>
Excellent performance
Great design
Quality craftsmanship
Flattest base I have seen yet
A must for watercooled systems with high chipset voltages
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbdown.gif</th>
<td>
No foam pad included to prevent rocking
Not a universal chipset block, though other tops can be purchased separately
Useful only to die-hard overclockers using i975X
</td></tr>
<tr><th>9.4</th>
<td>
In the past, many people argued that adding a chipset block provides no significant improvement, but only adds heat and reduces the flow of the coolant in the current loop. Danger Den may have changed that with the MPC series of chipset waterblocks. The temperatures of the CPU did not change at all by adding the chipset block, and the design of the two blocks allows such high flow rates that the flow rate is still pretty good. According to Martins Flow Rate Estimator (http://www.martinsliquidlab.com/MartinsFlowRateEstimator.html) (a popular source for flow rate testing), the flow rate of the loop should still be above 1.73 GPM (which is considered "great" according to Martin's testing), thanks mostly to the excellent flow rate of the MC-TDX CPU block. And with some chipsets allowing voltage increases in the range of 40% or more, extra cooling will always help improve stability.<br />
<br />
I found that the craftsmanship and the design on the MPC-975X chipset waterblock were excellent, as one would expect from Danger Den, and the base on this block has to be the single flattest base I have seen to this date. One problem I had with the MPC series is that some exposed chipset cores may be better off with a foam pad to help protect them from getting chipped, but a pad was not included with this block, leaving the small extra cost on the consumer. The other issue was something that is typical of Danger Den and some other manufacturer's waterblocks, and that is that these chipset blocks are specialized in nature and may not always be transferred from one motherboard to another. However, Danger Den does sell different tops, which can be used to match the block to a new motherboard.<br />
<br />
Overall I was pleased with the MPC-975X chipset block and would suggest picking one up, especially if you plan on using the Danger Den MC-TDX CPU waterblock for some serious overclocking on the i975X platform.
</td></tr>
<tr><th></th><td>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/recommended.gif</td></tr>
</table>
Introduction
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddlogo.gif
I would like to thank Danger Den (http://www.dangerden.com/) for supplying the review sample.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975xsm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x.jpg)
Features:
100% copper 110 material
Acrylic and brass top options
Threaded fitting ports are G 1/4 BSPP for use with any similar spec fittings
Complete Block with O-Ring
Pressure Tested to 50psi
High flow 1/4", 3/8", or 1/2" Chrome Plated Fittings
Machine lapped and flat mirror polished
Stainless steel hold down
Benefits
225 Heat Dissipating Columns for enhanced transfer of heat to the water and optimum coverage of the CPU
Low pressure drop design for maximum coolant flow rate
Ready to install designed and tuned for your system for top performance
Anti-Tarnish coating applied to prevent finger print or environmental changes. This specialized formula also has no affect on cooling potential.
Corrosion will not occur when used with other Copper and Brass parts. Avoid using non-anodized aluminum (or all aluminum) if at all possible for maximum component life.
Compatibility:
This version of the MPC Chipset Block is compatible with most Intel 975X chipset motherboards. Other versions are available for 680i, RD600, and i865/i875 chipsets. There are also special versions available for particular motherboards (such as the DFI Expert and the ASUS A8N) and a universal version for most other boards.
[page=Packaging & Contents]
Packaging & Contents
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x01sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x01.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x02sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x02.jpg)
The Danger Den MPC-975X chiipset waterblock comes in traditional Danger Den packaging. The plain white cardboard box with a label on the side has protective foam inside to keep the waterblock safe during shipping.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x03sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x03.jpg)
With the chipset block comes a single sheet instruction page and the necessary mounting hardware, which consists of four stainless steel springs and four black metal hooks.
[page=A Closer Look]
A Closer Look
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x05sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x05.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x06sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x06.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x08sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x08.jpg)
The Danger Den MPC-975X chipset block looks very much like most other Danger Den blocks: there is a copper base and a clear Lucite top which sandwiches a rubber O-ring between. And as usual, Danger Den offers an optional brass top for those that desire it. Chrome-plated high-flow fittings are included: in our case, these were 1/2" OD barbs.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x07sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x07.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x12sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x12.jpg)
The difference in the new MPC series of chipset waterblocks is that they use the same heat dissipating columns as the new MC-TDX CPU waterblock. This time, there are 225 of those columns covering the entire bottom of the inside, with the center 40-50% of the pins raised slightly higher than the rest. These pins should provide significantly more surface area than a typical chipset block.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x04sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x04.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x09sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x09.jpg)
The bottom is protected by a layer of plastic tape that can be removed without leaving any residue. With the tape removed, the base is exposed, showing its machine lapped and polished surface.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x10sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x10.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x11sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x11.jpg)
The mirror test shows little if any distortion on the base of the MPC-975X, and it passes the razor test with flying colors. I think this is probably the flattest block I have seen yet.
[page=Installation]
Installation
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x13sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x13.jpg)
The Danger Den MPC-975X chipset waterblock will be installed on an ASUS P5W-DH Deluxe motherboard, which uses the Intel 975X chipset. To install the MPC-975X block, this motherboard had to be removed from the case and the motherboard tray to allow removal of the stock chipset heatsink assembly. With other motherboards that do not have connected heatsinks, it may be possible to leave the motherboard on a tray and remove the chipset heatsink by itself.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x14sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x14.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x18sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x18.jpg)
After removing the stock heatsink, the chipset was cleaned of all thermal compound. The thermal paste was reapplied (in this case, using Noctua's NT-H1 thermal compound), making sure to cover the entire die.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x15sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x15.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x19sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x19.jpg)
The MPC-975X block was placed on top of the chipset, being sure to line up the openings in the top with the loops attached to the motherboard. The ASUS board uses only two loops to mount the heatsink, so in this case only two hooks and springs are used. The black metal hook is inserted through the spring, pressed down, then turned to lock the hook under the loop. I found it best to do both hooks at the same time. With boards that use four loops, I suggest attaching two hooks at opposite corners at the same time to help provide even pressure on the core.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x16sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x16.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x17sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x17.jpg)
One thing I noticed here was that there is a possibility of a small amount of rocking since the base is so much larger than the small core. One way to solve this would be to add a foam rubber pad or dots to the kit. The one shown here is made by Microcool and was purchased from Sidewinder Computers. The price is fairly low on these foam protectors, but it would be nice to include one with the MPC waterblocks that may require them. Also having such protectors would greatly reduce the chance of chipping the silicon die during installation and use.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x20sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x20.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x21sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x21.jpg)
Immediately after mounting the block was removed to check the contact area. As usual, the Danger Den block had made perfect contact with the chipset core. Any extra thermal compound was pushed out along the sides, which is fine for non-conductive thermal material like the NT-H1 or Arctic Silver Ceramique.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x22sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x22.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x23sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x23.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x24sm.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/ddmpc975x24.jpg)
At this point, the block was remounted and the rest of the loop assembled. Then the loop was filled, bled and leak tested for several hours before testing.
[page=Performance]
Performance
The system being used to test the heatsink is as follows:
<table border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" class="ramtable" width="450">
<tr>
<th width="100" scope="row">CPU:</th>
<td scope="row">Intel E6850 Core2 Duo</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th width="100" scope="row">Clock speed:</th>
<td scope="row">9 x 333 MHz = 3.0 GHz, Memory at DDR2-667</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Motherboard:</th>
<td scope="row">Asus P5W DH Deluxe</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Memory:</th>
<td scope="row">2 x 1GB G.Skill F2-6400PHU1-2GBHZ</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th valign="top" scope="row">Video Card:</th>
<td valign="top" scope="row">Sapphire HD 2900XT PCI-e</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th valign="top" scope="row">Harddisk:</th>
<td valign="top" scope="row">4 x 250 GB Seagate 7200.10 in Matrix Raid 0/5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th valign="top" scope="row">Power Supply:</th>
<td valign="top" scope="row">ThermalTake ToughPower 850W</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th valign="top" scope="row">Case:</th>
<td valign="top" scope="row">Lian Li PC-A10B</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th valign="top" scope="row">Software:</th>
<td valign="top" scope="row">Windows XP Pro SP2, Catalyst 8.1</td>
</tr>
</table>
Ambient temperature was kept to 22º Celsius (+/- 1 degree) and was measured by a standard mercury thermometer. Chipset temperature was measured with a Craftsman non-contact infrared thermometer. All idle temperatures were recorded after 30 minutes of resting at the desktop, and load temperatures were taken after 30 minutes of Orthos StressPrime. The rest of the water loop consists of the following components:
<table border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" class="ramtable" width="450">
<tr>
<th width="100" scope="row">CPU Waterblock:</th>
<td scope="row">Danger Den MC-TDX</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th width="100" scope="row">Pump:</th>
<td scope="row">Danger Den D5 (variable speed: pump set to "5")</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th width="100" scope="row">Radiator:</th>
<td scope="row">Swiftech MCR320-QP-K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Fans:</th>
<td scope="row">3 x Yate Loon D12SM-124B</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Tubing:</th>
<td scope="row">Tygon 3603 1/2" ID</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th valign="top" scope="row">Fittings:</th>
<td valign="top" scope="row">1/2" OD barbs</td>
</tr>
</table>
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/graph2.gif http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/graph4.gif
Here you can see the obvious improvement of watercooling the chipset block over using plain air cooling. Watercooling is much more effective, beating air cooling by 9 to 19°C.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/graph1.gif http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/DangerDen/MPC-975X/images/graph3.gif
On a side note, adding the Danger Den MPC-975X chipset waterblock to the water loop surprisingly resulted in no CPU temperature change. Perhaps this is due to the superior flow design of these two waterblocks or the heat output of the chipset is too low to make any measureable difference.
[page=Value & Conclusion]
Value and Conclusion
<table width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" id="result">
<tr><th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/dollar.gif</th>
<td>
The Danger Den MPC-975X sells for $42.95 US Dollars.</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbup.gif</th>
<td>
Excellent performance
Great design
Quality craftsmanship
Flattest base I have seen yet
A must for watercooled systems with high chipset voltages
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbdown.gif</th>
<td>
No foam pad included to prevent rocking
Not a universal chipset block, though other tops can be purchased separately
Useful only to die-hard overclockers using i975X
</td></tr>
<tr><th>9.4</th>
<td>
In the past, many people argued that adding a chipset block provides no significant improvement, but only adds heat and reduces the flow of the coolant in the current loop. Danger Den may have changed that with the MPC series of chipset waterblocks. The temperatures of the CPU did not change at all by adding the chipset block, and the design of the two blocks allows such high flow rates that the flow rate is still pretty good. According to Martins Flow Rate Estimator (http://www.martinsliquidlab.com/MartinsFlowRateEstimator.html) (a popular source for flow rate testing), the flow rate of the loop should still be above 1.73 GPM (which is considered "great" according to Martin's testing), thanks mostly to the excellent flow rate of the MC-TDX CPU block. And with some chipsets allowing voltage increases in the range of 40% or more, extra cooling will always help improve stability.<br />
<br />
I found that the craftsmanship and the design on the MPC-975X chipset waterblock were excellent, as one would expect from Danger Den, and the base on this block has to be the single flattest base I have seen to this date. One problem I had with the MPC series is that some exposed chipset cores may be better off with a foam pad to help protect them from getting chipped, but a pad was not included with this block, leaving the small extra cost on the consumer. The other issue was something that is typical of Danger Den and some other manufacturer's waterblocks, and that is that these chipset blocks are specialized in nature and may not always be transferred from one motherboard to another. However, Danger Den does sell different tops, which can be used to match the block to a new motherboard.<br />
<br />
Overall I was pleased with the MPC-975X chipset block and would suggest picking one up, especially if you plan on using the Danger Den MC-TDX CPU waterblock for some serious overclocking on the i975X platform.
</td></tr>
<tr><th></th><td>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/recommended.gif</td></tr>
</table>