Performance Summary

With GPU waterblocks, both thermal performance (core and VRM) and liquid flow restriction are important metrics. Unlike some custom loop components, such as radiators where the component's liquid flow restriction is not as big a factor in the overall loop flow rate, the GPU block choice will impact average flow rate a lot and can thus not be ignored. In order to quantify relative performance for a GPU block thus, a normalized percentage-based data set was created, with 60% weightage given to thermal performance for the GPU core, 20% weightage given for thermal performance of the GPU VRMs, and 20% weightage given to liquid flow restriction. The data set created was thus plotted with the subject of this review at 100%.



With there being little difference when it comes to thermal performance based on GPU core cooling, it is no wonder that most blocks are so close to each other here. The above average liquid flow restriction and GPU core cooling help overcome the relatively worse VRM cooling to where only three other block and backplate combinations are overall better than the Bykski FOUR GPU block here. Note the tie with the EK block, which is another similarity we keep getting here.

Performance per Dollar

Prices were taken from Performance PCs in the USA when available, with all numbers reported in USD. For products not available there, the most obvious retail source was chosen, such as a manufacturer's webshop or a primary retail solution (Aliexpress for Bykski). For products no longer available, the last available and reasonable price point was considered.



With pricing considered, things do change a bit with a few blocks that went with an older design, which hurt performance, but still had them end up with better bang for the buck as a result of their lower price points. While not quantified here, retail availability is also an issue with the Bykski offering since it is still only available for purchase from sellers based in China at this time.