INTRODUCTION

   If i was to go out and visit any computer related store around where i live and i was to ask which types of CPU coolers they have available in their inventory right now chances are they will only have regular CPU air coolers and some AIO liquid CPU coolers. Unfortunately even now custom water cooling kits and parts are still considered niche hardware components in many places and that goes double for other types of cooling like waterchillers. Of course AIO liquid CPU coolers are reasonably priced, are easy to mount and offer very good cooling efficiency levels which in some cases can even compete with those produced by custom water cooling kits. Unfortunately however they don't support expandability and that has always been a serious drawback for enthusiasts, overclockers and even serious gamers. We did predict that eventually we'd see "hybrid" models designed after both AIO liquid CPU coolers and custom water cooling kits and shortly after Alphacool made their debut with the Eisberg line EK WaterBlocks just released their very own EK-XLC Predator line.

   EK Water Blocks is a premium computer liquid cooling gear manufacturer from Slovenia established in 1999. Our goal is to excel in a niche market of performance upgrades for computers. With continuous research and development, we have established a portfolio of products for water cooling. Quality and breathtaking design on the technological edge is our philosophy.

   The EK-XLC Predator line of pre-filled CPU xpandable liquid coolers consists of two models (at least currently), the 240mm dual-fan model which we have here with us today and is already available by EK Waterblocks and the 360mm tri-fan one which will become available soon. Both models follow the standard configuration as most AIO models so once again we see a radiator with 2/3 fans connected to a pump and a waterblock via two long tubes. The two main differences between the EK-XLC Predator line and regular AIO liquid CPU coolers is that the first has the pump attached onto the radiator (less distance between them compared to the waterblock/pump combo of regular AIO models something which could improve performance) and its two tubes are secured in place via typical 10/16mm fittings thus allowing the user to swap them for longer ones, expand the entire loop by adding a 2nd radiator and/or a GPU waterblock and even swap the waterblock for another (future proof CPU compatibility). We all like the features of the EK-XLC Predator line but what about performance?