TechN CPU water cooler versus Watercool Heatkiller IV Pro and EK Quantum Magnitude – AMD’s Zen3 can come

The new CPU water block from TechN (here as an AM4 version for 99 euros RRP) has to compete with the quasi-classic in the form of the Watercool Heatkiller IV Pro AMD (from approx. 65 euros) and the expensive handsome Quantum Magnitude AMD in today’s test from EKWB measure (and of course) prove. I have been using Heatkiller Blocks for what feels like forever and most of the people will avoid the EK Water Blocks Quantum Magnitude Full Nickel AMD (what a name!) Because of the street price of over 240 euros, which is why I accepted the offer of a friendly loan and I packed him with it. Today, however, the focus is on the TechN block, the other two are quasi sparring and conclusion partners.

The TechN water block in detail

New? Yes, even if of course you can’t really reinvent the wheel. You have certainly seen a lot in one form or another (to some extent) and so in the end it comes down to the right combination of the respective techniques with physical laws, a well-considered and high-quality choice of materials and perfect workmanship. The latter in particular can quickly tear any product, no matter how well thought out and well thought out, back into the ground. That is exactly what TechN tried to avoid very clearly. With success, by the way, in advance.

One can argue about the optics, that is and remains a very subjective judgment. A solid, anodized aluminum frame encompasses both the AMD and Intel coolers, which also both follow the same design language. The countersunk hexagon socket screws with the springs, which are also fully incorporated, are optically negligible, but complete the really solid fastening system, which together with a massive backplate hardly requires any skills. You will also find an Allen key and a bag with MX2 (2019) in the scope of delivery, which although it does, should not please everyone.

The base plate (cold plate) of both coolers was first polished and then satined. One could at least conclude from this that the directional distribution (and better adhesion) of the (thinly applied) thermal paste still promises a certain optimization. Personally, I also prefer satin-finished surfaces, even if they are more difficult to clean due to the points just mentioned. At least it doesn’t do any harm, but with liquid metal it will probably stick forever.

With its dimensions of 11.0 x 7.43 x 2.08 cm, the AM4 version is quite a chunk, the weight of which at a whopping 340 grams is not exactly squeamish. From a haptic point of view, the very clean and precisely processed aluminum body with the plexiglass used is perfectly fine. One can argue a few things against Plexiglas, but if it has been tempered accordingly and all openings including the threads are milled instead of drilled, then there are certainly no concerns about durability here either.

The plexiglass is slightly curved at the top and should probably also exert a little additional pressure downwards after screwing it to the body or support the very thin remaining base, which is wanted for cooling reasons, with stability. That still worked after screwing it in several times, because the delta between water and CPU package has not deteriorated. The EPDM seal (see print) always held tight, where this is of course not a long-term test.

Front

Cold Plate AMD

Macro Outlet

Makro Inlet

The cooling structure measures approx. 4.14 x 2.98 mm (visible in the picture below, after use and dismantling). The nickel-plated base plate is 3 mm thick and the manufacturer specifies the fin thickness as 0.15 mm, whereby the channel width is slightly wider at 0.2 mm. You can see that the channels were not cut, but were neatly sawn out on the CNC. Even if the manufacturer is silent about the depth, I was able to measure well over 2.5 mm in the middle area with a simple measuring plate. This then also results in a residual floor thickness of less than 0.5 mm, probably also partially below 0.3 mm.

Such tight microfins don’t clog up as quickly either, because at least my sample was cleaned in an exemplary manner. I can’t say whether this even happens with ultrasound, but it looks exactly as if I had placed it in my ultrasound bath. The plate was also fat-free. I unscrewed the cooler again after 10 runs and several changes. The small lint outside the cooling area comes from the cotton cloth and serves to better illustrate the proportions. If you don’t run pastel stuff 24/7 (you don’t do it either), you should be safe here.

You won’t find a jetplate, here the two Ryzen dies are sprayed almost directly and in a targeted manner (here in the picture above from right to left), because you can see from the positioning how and where the CPU and its structure are located. But that also means that the cooler must be installed with the logo facing down. If you turn it around, the delta between the water and the package increases by up to 2 ° C, depending on the flow rate and pressure! Speaking of the logo, you can remove it simply by pressing it over the edge, it is only attached magnetically, but not glued.

RGB is also available, the cable with the Preci-DIP socket can normally be connected to any 12V RGB connection on a motherboard or controller. The brightness of the three diodes is sufficient and the rest of the distribution is done by the plexiglass.