CONCLUSION

   After over a year of talking about Swiftech and their AIO CPU liquid cooling systems we finally managed to get our hands on the H240 X2 so it goes without saying really that we were quite intrigued by its design and features. We have reviewed AIO models which can be expanded so that wasn’t really new for us but the external reservoir and the ALED lighting system were. In terms of performance I don’t know if I was expecting something more since Swiftech also makes the H240 X2 Prestige model (higher airflow fans) but regardless it falls roughly at the same category as the brand new Eisbaer 240 model by Alphacool (just with louder fans). Unfortunately however the H240 X2 is far from the smallest dual 140mm AIO model in the market today (although it may be the shortest in terms of length). Now inside the massive Obsidian 900D the H240 X2 looks like any other AIO model out there but when you see just how much vertical space is taken by the reservoir and the pump you may think twice about fitting it inside a small HTPC case. Of course Swiftech has thought of this so the reservoir and the pump take less than half the width of the H240 X2 but still we are talking about extra interior space required. Overall however aside the problem with the ALED lighting system (when it did work however it looked very well) which stopped working almost immediately after we finished our tests (the waterblock LED still works but it’s on another cable) we had no problems with the H240 X2 during our tests (installation on the LGA 2011 socket was a breeze).

   Although “regular” closed loop AIO liquid CPU coolers have become very affordable the same doesn’t apply for the new “expandable” models so currently the Swiftech H240 X2 retails for USD156.77 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 158Euros inside the EU (Amazon.co.uk). Of course the H240 X2 is still roughly 20% more expensive compared to the Eisbaer 240 so unless you plan on expanding the loop or you really like the ALED lighting system we just can’t justify the difference in price. At the end of the day the H240 X2 offers very good cooling efficiency (although it’s not the best AIO model in our charts) and features an expandable design, exterior reservoir (ads to the unit design and you can also monitor the liquid status from here) and a lighting system which should appeal to gamers, modders and even enthusiasts. Because of all of the above the H240 X2 by Swiftech gets our Golden Award.

PROS

- Good Build Quality
- Very Good Cooling Efficiency
- Removable Tubes (Can Add Extra Radiators, GPU blocks, Pumps)
- External Reservoir & Pump
- ALED Lighting System
- PWM Splitter
- PVC Tubes
- Color Dyes
 

CONS

- Price (For Some)
- Height (For Some)
- Noise Levels At Load