Swiftech MCW60-R VGA cooler - Rev 2

Introduction

The MCW60™ waterblock is a next generation liquid cooling solution for high-end graphics processors (GPU's). It uses the same base plate technology as the award-winning Apogee CPU water-block for enhanced heat dissipation and optimum flow-rate in complete liquid cooling systems.

Features and benefits at a glance

Versatility	VGA compatibility: the improved mounting system provides compatibility with all ATI® Radeon® and most nVidia® GeForce® graphics adapters (see compatibility section for details).
	Water-cooling system compatibility: The water-block ships with 1/2" and 3/8" barbs in the US, and an extra pair of 1/4" fittings for Europe, guaranteeing compatibility with any liquid cooling circuit.
	Low water-block profile allows installation with nVidia's SLI and ATI's CrossFire™ systems.
	The NPSM thread used in the MCW60 is BSPP and G 1/4 fittings compatible (see technical note on Fittings Compatibility)
Performance Model	The thermal performance model focuses extreme cooling where it is in fact the most needed: at the GPU level. This will afford better overclocks, and overall lower system temperature. Efficient and silent memory cooling is handled by using individual Ramsinks.
Water-block Performance	The MCW60 waterblock inherits all its thermal and hydraulic characteristics from the Apogee CPU water-block, in particular the Patent Pending Diamond Pin Matrix cold plate, proven for its thermal efficiency with today's high end CPUs.
Water-block Performance	Thermal performance is improved by up to 2°C compared to the previous MCW50 and 55 series thanks to the enhanced cold plate, and pressure drop is lower thus allowing better overall system flow rates.
Memory performance	Greater thermal efficiency is obtained thanks to the superior mechanical joint afforded by individual heatsinks compared to monolithic memory cooling solutions.
Memory performance	This MCW60 is not shipped with (8) MC14 BGA Ramsinks Please order separately.
Reliability	The housing is injection molded from POM (Acetal Co-polymer) resulting in complete reliability compared to machined Acrylic tops which tend to crack.
	All hydraulic joints (housing to cold-plate and fittings) use o-rings for complete reliability and leak-free operations.
	The mounting system includes a strong stiffening back-plate with a soft rubber center pad to prevent the circuit-board from bending .
Cosmetic Appeal	In its black and chrome trim, the MCW60 VGA cooler is a perfect match to complement the Apogee CPU cooler, and the MCW30 Chipset cooler.
Works with G80	The G80 adapter kit is used to replace the standard MCW60 hold-down plate and allows installation with GeForce 8000 series Video Cards. The G80 Adapter kit is included with this block.
Lower cost of ownership	The injection molded water-block housing results in economies of scale, whereas the individual memory Ramsinks provide significant material savings compared to monolithic solutions. Cost of ownership is thus reduced by up to 50% compared to monolithic solutions, with superior performance where it really counts, and complete freedom in terms of graphics cards upgradeability.

Performance and flow data

This graph shows a lower pressure drop for the MCW60 which will result in better flow rates and overall system performance.

The MCW60 shows an improvement of 0.02 to 0.01 °C/W in the range of typical system flow rates (0.5 to 1.5 GPM). This is a 1 to 2°C improvement at 100 Watts.

This chart illustrates the minor (0.1 GPM average flow rate reduction) impact of adding one or even two MCW55 VGA coolers to Swiftech's CPU liquid cooling systems. With its lower pressure drop, the MCW60 will have even less impact.

Compatibility and retention mechanism

The MCW60™ is shipped with two separate retention mechanisms composed of spring loaded screws and back plates providing off-the-shelf compatibility with all ATI® Radeon™ and most nVidia® GeForce™ families of products as follows:

1. Pre-assembled retention mechanism using the four holes surrounding the processor:

All nVidia® GeForce™ series from 6800 and above
All ATI® Radeon™ series from X1300 and above
GeForce 8800 series (GTS and GTX)

2. Pre-assembled retention mechanism for ATI® Radeon 7000 to X850 series using the two alternate mounting holes:

All Radeon™ series from 7000 to X850

Specifications

Water-block Housing:

Injection molded POM (Acetal Copolymer)

Water-block Base plate:

Exceptional quality and attention to details: the base is lapped to 0.0003" (3/10 of 1/1000"), and polished to near-mirror finish to promote optimum thermal conductivity. Users are advised that while flatness is strictly respected for providing the most significant benefit to thermal interface, surface polish is a cosmetic component and may vary slightly from one heatsink to another. Re-lapping or polishing the copper base is never recommended. The center section is raised to provide clearance for stiffening frames.

MCW60 Water-block Dimensions (pdf)

MCW60 Water-block weight: 4.8 oz (136 g)

Retail packaging version: Water-block assembly including mounting hardware for ATI & nVidia High-end graphics cards (including GeForce 8800 series), Arctic Ceramique thermal compound, installation guide.