reviews

PolarFLO TT Waterblock Review

Author: Dennis Garcia

When it comes to performance cooling there are 3 basic ways to cool your system. The tried and true method involves a heatsink and some sort of cooling device like a fan or ambient air. The next method, phase change, is often considered overkill by most but features the only way to cool a system below O°C without the use of dangerous supercooled materials like liquid nitrogen. The third method is something we call watercooling and as the name implies uses the thermal properties of water to remove the heat heat from the system by means of a radiator and large slow moving fan. This method is quiet, configurable, expandable, and very efficient.

In this review we will be looking at a new waterblock from PolarFLO called the TT. The TT design is very unique in that it is very flexible and compact. Two very good traits to have when dealing with the cramped spaces inside a computer case. PolarFLO was nice enough to send over 2 block samples based on the TT design, the large one is designed for CPU cooling whereas the smaller one can be used on either GPU or Chipset applications.

PolarFLO waterblocks have been known to feature a very flat and highly polished mounting surface. As with most polished surfaces the copper will tarnish over time, even during shipping. Unless you regularly remove the block for cleaning I doubt anyone will notice.

PolarFLO claims that the TT block design is future proof; the premise behind this is closely tied to the design of the waterblock. Many of you will notice the unique round shape the block has, This allows for the user to rotate the waterblock to achieve the best hose route. The round design also allows the two parts to be screwed together thus eliminating the need for mounting screws. Lastly the posi-seal hose barbs are easily removable to convert the 3-barb block to a more standard 2-barb design. (our benchmarks will feature this 2 barb configuration.)

The chipset block features the same basic design principles as found on the larger CPU block with the exception of a 2 barb only configuration. Given the reduced heat loads found on most chipsets the design is more than adequate.

PolarFLO is quite proud of their posi-seal hose barb design, as they should be. The unique design allows for quick and easy removal and unlike other hose barbs does not require any Teflon tape and seal with very little effort. Not to mention the unique design you cannot buy at the corner store.

Each PolarFLO waterblock comes with enough hardware to get the block mounted and sealed in your system, be sure to leak test the system for at least 24 hours before installing.

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