Designed in the USA One or more Patents Pending

1-15-07 Introduction ap·o·gee: The farthest or highest point; the apex; a final climactic stage Following in the footsteps of the award winning Apogee CPU water-block, the APOGEE GT model takes the cooling performance to yet another level. The GT's primary difference with the Apogee is an optimized internal structure. The improvement in thermal performance scales from a minimum of 1°C and up to 3°C (at 100W) depending on the CPU's, with Intel's latest Kentfield quad core processors benefiting the most from the revised structure. During the course of our test and validation procedures, we also uncovered additional means to further improve overall thermal performance as described in the tweaking guide HERE.

Performance data The Apogee GT was tested in our labs, using our standard equipment and testing methodology and is compared to the Apogee and -for reference the Storm water-blocks below. Test equipment and methodology closely follow Intel® recommended procedures. Actual CPU testing was also conducted, and the data is reported HERE. It can be seen that the pressure drop of the "GT" is only slightly higher than that of the Apogee at equal flow rates, but remains substantially lower than that of a jet impingement type of water-block such as the Storm. In the real world where the range of flow rates is limited by the power of the pump, the "GT" remains perfectly adapted to multi-waterblock loops. The next graphs show the thermal resistance (C/W) of the three water-blocks at various flow rates. Data sets are separated into single-die and dual-die processors in order to better reflect product performance depending on the current market offerings. Click on picture to enlarge - Lower is better The Apogee GT averages 0.01 °C/W better than the Apogee on single-die processors. Click on picture to enlarge - Lower is better In dual-die processors, the performance gap between Apogee and Apogee GT increases to an average 0.03°C/W in favor of the "GT". "Live" CPU Testing In order to further validate our data and provide users with points of reference, we also tested the Apogee GT water-block with popular CPU platforms HERE. Tweaking guide During the course of our live CPU testing, we have uncovered the fact that the overall performance of the water-block can greatly benefit (by up to 0.03°C/W) by artificially inducing a bow -or a convex shape, in the water-block base plate. Further explanations and test results are provided HERE.

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Motherboard and CPU Compatibility The Apogee is essentially meant as a universal water-block. It ships with all the necessary hardware for the following processors which are classified below by the type of sockets that they use: Socket 478 (Intel® Pentium® 4), Socket 775 (Pentium® 4, Core Duo, Core 2 Duo ), Socket 603/604 (Intel® Xeon™ - 400 and 533 FSB) - see note 1 Socket 771 (Intel® Xeon™) - Optional AP-NC604 hardware pack is required. Socket 462 (AMD® Athlon®, Duron®, MP, XP) - see notes 2 and 3 below Socket 754, 939, 940 (AMD® 64 bit processors) Socket AM2 (AMD® 64 bit processors) - All known motherboards but one (*) are compatible at the time of release. Please check the COMPATIBILITY LIST Socket F (AMD®) compatibility is undergoing validation and will be updated as soon as possible. Removal of the motherboard is necessary to install the mounting posts in all cases, except with AMD® Athlon™ 64, Opteron™ (socket 754, 939 and 940), and socket AM2. The Apogee GT includes a separate hold-down plate for AMD processors using the AM2 socket (installation required) Fittings & tubing compatibility Three sets of Nylon hose barbs are included with the device: 1/4" (6mm), 3/8" (10mm) and 1/2" (12mm). The apogee uses NPSM threads. Please refer to "Connector Thread Compatibility" HERE for further information about this US standard. Note 1: Intel® Xeon™ "Nocona" processors (800Mhz FSB motherboards) mounting hardware is sold separately under part # AP-NC604 Note 2: AMD® socket 462 (socket A). The Apogee can be used exclusively with motherboards featuring the 4 mounting holes around the socket. Note 3: Socket 462 compatibility (tall capacitors) An optional hold-down plate raising kit is available for socket 462 motherboards featuring tall capacitors in the neighborhood of the socket. This kit raises the hold-down plate and allows up to 0.900" clearance (measured from motherboard to hold-down plate. The part # is AP-S462-R. This kit is available free of charge to users for all Apogee water-blocks purchased prior to 2-20-06. Qualifying users in the US are directed to call Swiftech customer service to procure the kit. Qualifying users outside of the US, please contact your Swiftech distributor in the area. Raising kit - Part # AP-S462-R