This Cooler Makes No Sense - Fluix Tri-Swift: Analyzing the Performance of This New Water Block In an intriguing review on YouTube, Linus Tech Tips takes a deep dive into the performance of the Fluix Tri-Swift water block, claiming to be the best on the market. This video, titled "This Cooler Makes No Sense - Fluix Tri-Swift," confronts the manufacturer's bold assertions with rigorous testing and analysis.
Key Features and Claims
The
Fluix Tri-Swift is designed to tackle the heat generated by high-performance CPUs, particularly the Intel Core i9-12900K, which can run too hot for standard cooling solutions. With a price tag upwards of
$230 and innovative design featuring three tubes, the product promises superior cooling capabilities. Claims include a reduction in CPU temperatures by
8 to 10 degrees Celsius during intensive workloads compared to competitors.
Testing Methodology
The review involves setting up a custom water-cooling loop and utilizing benchmarks to measure temperatures under load. A high-end cooling competitor, the
EK Quantum Velocity, is used as a benchmark to compare the performance of the Fluix against established products.
Performance Breakdown
Surprisingly, the results showed that the Tri-Swift performed significantly worse than its expected capabilities. Here are some notable takeaways from the review:
- High Temperatures: The Tri-Swift recorded maximum temperatures of 85 degrees Celsius, over 10 degrees warmer than the EK block under similar conditions.
- Power Draw and Thermal Throttling: Performance throttling occurred quickly during stress tests, highlighting inefficiencies in cooling performance.
- Historical Context: The review references the evolution of water-cooled systems, noting that the design principles behind modern blocks have been refined over decades. In direct comparison, Fluix's new technology failed to surpass older models designed in the mid-2000s.
Implications for Users
For those within the
WindowsForum.com community, particularly enthusiasts keen on building custom loops, this review raises significant considerations:
- Value for Money: With the Tri-Swift priced high but performing poorly, users may be better served by established brands that have proven results.
- Performance Over Aesthetics: While the Fluix has a unique design, its performance metrics illustrate that looks cannot replace effectiveness in cooling technology. Users should focus on functional performance to avoid overheating issues in high-demand environments, especially for gaming and intensive processing tasks.
Final Thoughts
The review concludes that the Fluix Tri-Swift, despite its ambitious claims and eye-catching design, doesn't yet meet the performance standards necessary to justify its price. Linus Tech Tips recommends sticking to proven products as the market continues to evolve with advancements in cooling technologies. For users interested in optimizing their systems, this video harkens back to the fundamentals of water cooling—performance should always be the priority when selecting components for a custom loop. You can watch the full review
here for a deeper understanding of why the Tri-Swift may not be the right choice for your next build.