Introduction
ap·o·gee: The farthest or highest point; the apex; a final
climactic stage
The Apogee™ XT is Swiftech's new flagship water-block. It
represents the culmination of months of research and development marked by
hundreds of hours of competitive testing. The end result is a product that
manages to surpass everything that made its predecessor -the Apogee™ GTZ, one of
the best water-blocks in the world; a substantial increase in thermal
performance, sumptuous functional elegance, unique convenience features for
beginners and extreme users alike, all contribute to place the new "XT" in a
class of its own.
Summary of benefits compared to the Apogee™ GTZ
PERFORMANCE: a consistent 3°C improvement over the Apogee™ GTZ was observed
in testing the XT block with various Ci7 processors overclocked to 4.1 Ghz
STUNNING ELEGANCE: the XT water-block is entirely machined from copper and
brass. The subtly sculpted brass housing receives a luxurious black chrome
plating finish.
UNIQUE CONVENIENCE FEATURES: Swiftech's retention mechanism is universally
recognized as the simplest and safest to use. It has been further improved to
feature universal compatibility with all Intel® Core™ desktop processors. The XT
also features a unique detachable inlet plate that can be rotated at 180° to
allow installation of extra large compression fittings.
Picture Gallery
With the inlet rotated, the Apogee™ XT leaves plenty of room
for large compression fittings
Performance Data
The Apogee™ XT is optimized for Intel® Core™ i5 and Core i7
processors but it will also yield world-class performance results with all
compatible processors from AMD® and/or Intel® server class processors. Thermal
design of the cooling engine combines the benefits of direct coolant impingement
over the CPU area with a copper base plate characterized by a
pin matrix composed of 225 µm (0.009") micro structures.
- Pressure Drop Specification
The above pressure drop vs. flow rate curves show that the XT in factory
configuration is slightly less restrictive than the Apogee™ GTZ. This trend
reverses however when the inlet is rotated (labeled "Apogee XT Alternate") to
accommodate extra large compression fittings.
Mechanical design of the copper base plate is optimized for Intel® socket LGA
771, 775, 1156 and 1366. The topographically mapped mating surface has been
considerably enhanced to yield dominating results with Intel® socket LGA 1156
and 1366 processors. Other types of processors such as AMD® socket F, AM2, AM3
and 940 may also benefit from the enhanced contact area.
The Swiftech's tool free retention system uses springs and limited travel
thumb-screws for high quality and repeatable mounts. The waterblock hold-down
plate features elongated holes providing compatibility with all Intel® Core™
desktop processors. Motherboard back-plates provide server-class rigidity to the
assembly.
Motherboard and CPU Compatibility
The Apogee™ XT is shipped with a universal hold-down plate and retention
mechanism compatible with all Intel® Core™ desktop processors:
socket 775, socket 1156, and socket 1366. The motherboard back-plate is included
for Core™ i7, and will also be included for Core™ i5 upon product availability,
which is expected mid-October 2009. This part will be mailed upon-request free
of charge to all customers who purchase the block before the plate becomes
available. The socket 775 motherboard back-plate is not included with the block,
but will also be mailed upon request at no charge.
Hold-down plates for other processors, such as AMD's and server platforms
will be released in the coming weeks and available in option.
Fittings & tubing compatibility
The Apogee™ XT ships pre-installed with chrome plated high flow 1/4" BSPP x
1/2" Eurostyle barbs; 3/8" barb fittings are available in option.
Specifications
Exploded view
- The 225 µm (0.009") micro pin matrix is at the heart of the Apogee™
XT lowest ever thermal resistance.
-
The cold plate surface is topographically mapped to provide an
optimized TIM joint with socket LGA 771, 775, 1156 and 1366
compatible processors. As a result, the Apogee™ XT requires a
specific mounting orientation with respect to the CPU socket in
order to optimize performance as illustrated below:
- The housing is CNC machined out of brass, and designed for impingement
cooling over the CPU hottest area. The flow path, as illustrated below shows
that the Apogee™XT is port specific: inlet and outlet cannot be
interchanged.
Click to enlarge
- Net Weight: 15.1 ounces (428 grams)
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