AquaXtreme MP-05 Pro Water Block
A Closer Look
Published: 19th September 2006 | Source: AquaXtreme | Price: |
It seems that recently water block manufacturers have been spending just as much time on improving the looks of their blocks as they have improving the performance. Let's take a look at the MP-05 to see what it has in store for us...
The MP-05 block utilises a Nickel plated universal mounting plate very much reminiscent of the Storm or Apogee water blocks by Swiftech. This type of mounting hardware not only looks great but also ensures excellent compatibility with many types of motherboard. The only downside is that you will need to remove your motherboard in order to mount the block.
The surface of the mounting plate did have some minor imperfections around a few of the mounting holes, but nothing that would be noticeable from a distance.
The surface of the mounting plate did have some minor imperfections around a few of the mounting holes, but nothing that would be noticeable from a distance.
Despite the lack of protection during transit, the base of the block was in perfect condition. Using a sheet of glass and water I was able to determine that surface of the base was very flat with no imperfections.
From the pictures above you can see that the base has been lapped to a semi-reflective finish. There is an ongoing debate whether lapping to a mirror finish actually produces any noticeable increase in performance, but in my opinion the finish above should be more than good enough to get optimal results.
From the pictures above you can see that the base has been lapped to a semi-reflective finish. There is an ongoing debate whether lapping to a mirror finish actually produces any noticeable increase in performance, but in my opinion the finish above should be more than good enough to get optimal results.
On disassembling the block, I was rather disappointed to see shavings of copper lurking between the pin array on the base. Also, the insertion of the barbs seemed to cause small strips of delrin to fall inside the block. This is quite worrying as particles of plastic and copper could cause damage to some water pumps.
As you can see above, the internal base of the block was rather dirty and managed to turn one of my cleaning cloths a dark shade of brown. I strongly suggest disassembling the MP-05 and giving it a thorough clean before placing it in your water loop.
As you can see above, the internal base of the block was rather dirty and managed to turn one of my cleaning cloths a dark shade of brown. I strongly suggest disassembling the MP-05 and giving it a thorough clean before placing it in your water loop.
Most Recent Comments
Nice block but I can't believe that they didn't clean it out before shipping it to you, that's a good way to screw up an expensive pump getting nasty debris in it.
Looks a very nice block, shame about the shortcoming of the packaging and care taken during manufacturer 
Sorry if its in there & i missed it but what do these retail at?
awesome review as usual, that would suck h/e if u didnt open the block
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Originally Posted by name='Ham'
Sorry if its in there & i missed it but what do these retail at?
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great review, yet again!!! well done 
Shame about the negative points, we can actually get hold of these but sadly the bad points are putting me off
Shame about the negative points, we can actually get hold of these but sadly the bad points are putting me off
I love mine. Mine came slightly dirty as well but a few hrs in vinegar solved that . Great review XMS.
. Great review XMS.Yeah, I used Arcticlean to sort mine out - but vinegar would probably have been better.
In a way it's good to know that i'm not the only person to have a dirty MP-05 block - so now it can't be shrugged off as an isolated incident.
In a way it's good to know that i'm not the only person to have a dirty MP-05 block - so now it can't be shrugged off as an isolated incident.
While the block is a good performer: they will have to improve their quality testing. I am totally unimpressed with manufacturers who let QT slip and there is simply no excuse. I don't think I would recommend people to buy this over a Swiftech Storm - as I know Swiftech's QT is at a very high standard.
nice review, didn't know the core2's put out that much heat! lol
Shame about the manufacturing fall downs though.
Shame about the manufacturing fall downs though.
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Originally Posted by SuB
nice review, didn't know the core2's put out that much heat! lol
Shame about the manufacturing fall downs though. |
Yeah they can be hot buggers when you start pumping the voltage thru. I think the IHS on mine is slightly concave anyway - time to lap 
Hi...
Wanna ask wat addictive was used in the setup..?
The red addictive.
Wanna ask wat addictive was used in the setup..?
The red addictive.
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Originally Posted by name='FrOzE'
Hi...
Wanna ask wat addictive was used in the setup..? The red addictive. |
That is actually UV Red tubing available from dangerden.com (and lots of stores that stock Danger Den products).
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