Review and testing of processor SVO EKWB EK-AIO 240 D-RGB

The turn of the more widespread and popular 240 mm radiator format has come, which will be of interest to enthusiasts and modders who want to combine high efficiency and aesthetic design.

Review EKWB EK-AIO 240 D-RGB

Packaging and equipment

The EKWB EK-AIO 240 D-RGB comes in a crisp white packaging with the brand new EK-AIO range. The iridescent and flaunting image of the novelty is emphasized against a white background.

On the reverse side, there is a detailed description of the key features of the model and technical specifications with a demonstration of the size of the product.

The set of accessories is diverse and designed for modern AMD and Intel platforms, and offers a user manual, mounting frames and a backplate, a Y-splitter for two fans, screws for various mounting options, a tube of thermal paste.

Appearance and design features

The EKWB EK-AIO line of liquid cooling systems stands out not only for the name of a well-known brand, but also for its own design of a water-block pump, which has received a minimalistic, almost cubic shape, divided into white and black halves with rich backlighting.

The heat sink EKWB EK-AIO 240 D-RGB is an aluminum radiator 275 x 120 x 27 mm with an increased working fluid from 17 mm to 20 mm. The ends are also widened to accommodate more refrigerant and improve overall efficiency.

The density of the fins is 17-18 FPI, which makes it easier to blow through the radiator at a lower rotational speed.

At the front of the radiator is a pair of herringbone fittings and a factory fill port.

Thanks to the decorative plastic covers, access to the fittings is opened, which theoretically allows the maintenance of the EKWB EK-AIO 240 D-RGB.

The length of the hoses is 310 mm, the 360 ​​mm model was 345 mm. Their outer diameter is 10 mm, the inner diameter is unknown. The hoses are sheathed in high density nylon braid.

EKWB EK-AIO 240 D-RGB attracts attention with the original appearance and design of the pump-water block, which is unique for the line of liquid cooling systems.

Black and translucent matte plastic are embodied in sizes 70 x 70 x 53 mm, the design uses a swivel mechanism for hoses with a double chamber for inlet and outlet.

The designers have worked out the aesthetics of the model and reduced it to complete minimalism, which in my opinion will go well with the NZXT cases.

At the base is a thin layer of thermal paste that was consumed by the past reviewer. The copper substrate is made of a 2 mm thick layer.

The base is polished to a good level, without a mirror effect. The sole itself is almost flat, with a slight hump in the center.

Fans

The EKWB EK-AIO 240 D-RGB model with a 240 mm radiator is equipped with two branded EK-Vardar S 120ER D-RGB fans with a water-block pump design: simplicity, translucent design style.

The fans differ in rotation speed of 550 – 2200 rpm and PWM control. This is a special model belonging to the EK-AIO series.

The fans are built on double rolling ball bearings with an operating time of up to 50 thousand hours and have a maximum air capacity of up to 112 m3 / h.

RGB backlight

EKWB EK-AIO 240 D-RGB is equipped with addressable illumination of the water block case and two fans, control can be organized synchronously when connected in series or in parallel when independently.

On the example of the younger model, you can evaluate ARGB-backlighting.

Brief technical characteristics

Test stand

Once again, the test system was rebuilt due to the constant updating of the model range and the equipment that was at hand.

The EKWB EK-AIO 240 D-RGB liquid cooling system was tested with the following components:

• Motherboard: ASUS ROG Z490 Maximus XII Formula;
• Processor: Intel Core i5-10600K;
• CPU cooling systems:
  • EKWB EK-AIO 240 D-RGB;
  • Deepcool Castle 240 RGB V2;
  • EKWB EK-KIT Classic RGB P240;
  • Noctua NH-D15;
  • Noctua NH-U12A;
• Thermointerface: Noctua NH-H1 paste;
• RAM: Team Xtreem 8Pack 4500 MHz 16 GB (2 x 8);
• Video card: GeForce GTX 1650;
• Solid State Drive: Western Digital Black SN750 NVMe, 500GB;
• Power supply: Corsair HX1200;
• Case: open stand.

Software

• Operating system: Windows 10 x64.

Testing tools and methodology

The noise level was measured using a TM-102 digital sound level meter with a measurement error of no more than 0.5 dBA. The measurements were taken from a distance of 0.3 m. The background noise level in the room was no more than 28 dBA. All system fans, including the one installed in the power supply, were turned off. Additionally, readings of power consumption were taken using a Robiton PM-2 wattmeter and temperature with a Fluke 59 Max IR thermometer.

In all cases, the graphs indicate the temperature of the hottest core. The fan speed and processor temperature were monitored using the latest version of the HWiNFO utility. The air temperature during the measurements was 25 degrees Celsius.

Test results

Let’s start testing with an Intel Core i5-10600K processor. At first, the results were taken from it in a standard state with a consumption level of ~ 118 W. In this mode, in the LinX version 0.9.5 stress test, it demonstrated a stable frequency across all 4500 MHz cores at a voltage of 1.15 V.

For the competition, two of the top air coolers were added – Noctua NH-U12A and NH-D15, the honor of low-cost maintenance-free LSS is protected by Deepcool Castle 240 RGB V2, and, of course, a custom circuit from EKWB – the EK-KIT Classic RGB P240 model.

EKWB EK-AIO 240 D-RGB demonstrates good efficiency, slightly outperforming the average LSS on the example of Deepcool Castle, and bypasses air cooling systems by a small margin.

Let’s overclock the Intel Core i5-10600K processor to 5000 MHz at a voltage of 1.35 V. At the same time, its consumption level will increase to 190 W.

EKWB EK-AIO 240 D-RGB uses EK-Vardar S 120ER D-RGB double rolling bearing fans. They can be called conditionally silent up to 1000 rpm, quiet – up to 1400 rpm, comfortable – up to 1650 rpm.

The pump used in the EK-AIO D-RGB series has a low noise level and the ability to change the rotation speed. Due to optimum performance and acoustic comfort, manual adjustment is not required.

The pump is built into the radiator and works quietly, an electric hum is noticeable, which is lost during the operation of the fans even at low power, so its operation does not bother.

Conclusion

The maintenance-free liquid cooling system EKWB EK-AIO 240 D-RGB is primarily interesting for its original design, structural features and good efficiency. This model will appeal to both enthusiasts and fans of modding, and is universal for a large number of users.

According to its characteristics, the EKWB model corresponds to a wide class of LSS, and for buyers the criterion “value” will be important, which is always immodest for the Slovenian brand. This is due to a separate direction of development, unique components, and more. However, I am glad that the price tag of the version in question is even less than that of the NZXT Kraken X53 from the same segment and with a minimalist design. The latter is built on the unified Asetek platform: that’s where the overpayment is, so the overpayment …

What remains to add about the EKWB EK-AIO 240 D-RGB cooling system? I liked the look, performance and performance. Of course, do not forget about the rationality of the purchase and the tasks set, because top-end air coolers are stepping on their heels. But let’s not lose sight of design, aesthetics and decoration. Everything is important, everyone has their own preferences.

Alexander Anderson

We express our gratitude:

• EKWB for the EKWB EK-AIO 240 D-RGB liquid cooling system provided for the test.
• And also personally give jack for help in preparing the material.