MCW55™ VGA Water-blocks

Made in the USA 
(one or more patents pending)

DISCONTINUED

Introduction

The MCW55™ VGA waterblock is a next generation liquid cooling solution for high-end graphics processors. It is designed to treat GPU cooling as efficiently as the most advanced CPU water-blocks, in response to the anticipated increase in heat dissipation requirements for the graphics industry.

The MCW55 waterblock inherits some characteristics from its predecessor the MCW50, such as the use of built-in quick-connect fittings and the same outer dimensions, but it also features several major enhancements:

  • Performance is significantly improved thanks to a complete redesign of the internal hydraulics which result in lower processor temperatures (and better overclocks) than the MCW50.
  • The housing is now made out of Delrin as opposed to Aluminum for prolonged durability.
  • The seal between housing and copper base plate is an O-ring for superior reliability.
  • Improved and more reliable mounting system for nVidia based platforms.

In its black and chrome trim, the MCW55 VGA cooler is a perfect match to complement either the MCW6000 or STORM CPU water-blocks.

Major features summary:

Extreme performance:

  • Optimized hydraulics improve GPU heat dissipation with minor impact on system flow rate in liquid cooling systems powered by high-head capability pumps such as the MCP350 and MCP655 pumps.
  • 1/2" quick-connect fittings provide optimal flow rate in 3/8" systems, and perform on par with traditional 1/2" barb fittings with the optional tube-to-barb adapters
  • Diamond-Pin Matrix© copper base plate for optimal heat transfer, and turbulent flow

Versatility:

  • The dual retention mechanism provides compatibility with most high-end graphics processors such as ATI® Radeon™and NVidia® GeForce™ families of products.

Performance and flow data


Click on picture to zoom in

This graph shows a higher pressure drop for the MCW55 which will result in higher performance as can be seen below.


Click on picture to zoom in - (Lower is better)

The MCW55 shows an average of 0.02 improvement in C/W accross all flow rates. For exemple, this would represent a 2°C lower processor temperature at a 100 Watts load.


Click on picture to zoom in - (Lower is better)

This chart illustrates the higher efficiency of the MCW55 vs the MCW50: at a given pressure drop, the C/W is better by an average of 0.015.


Click on picture to zoom in

This chart illustrates the minor (0.1 GPM average flow rate reduction) impact of adding one or even two MCW55 VGA coolers to Swiftech's CPU liquid cooling systems.



Graphics card compatibility and retention mechanism

The MCW55™ ships with a dual retention mechanism composed of spring loaded screws providing off-the-shelf compatibility with all ATI® Radeon™ products as well as nVidia® GeForce™ high-end (6800 and all GeForce 7 series) families of products.

Optional hold-down plates are available for nVidia midrange GeForce families such as FX, PCX, GeForce 6600 and below. The product can also be installed with other graphics processors by using permanent bonding agents, such as thermally conductive epoxies. Swiftech guarantees compatibility with ATI and nVidia reference models only.

Spring loaded assemblies feature compression limiters, to prevent over-tightening of the waterblock to the graphics processor.

SLI Installation illustration:

Showing the Asus A8N SLI Deluxe motherboard: "there is plenty of clearance for the water-blocks; installation of the lower water-cooled VGA will obstruct one PCI slot (two PCI slots do remain available, as shown above with sound and network cards installed)."

Optional hold down plates for nVidia midrange products

    • Adapter kit for nVidia® FX and GeForce 6 mid-range (6200 to 6600) series - Not necessary for 6800 series and higher.



Part # MCW55-FXKIT - CLICK ON IMAGE BELOW
TO VERIFY YOUR VGA MOUNTING HOLES DIMENSIONS:


Optional Fittings

  • 1/2" Tube ID Hose barb adapters - part # PI251616S "Fitting: 1/2 in. Stem to 1/2 in. barb"


    Notes: flow-wise, these fittings are equivalent to standard brass 1/2" barbs. The red clip is provided to prevent any accidental removal of the fitting during operations.

  • 3/8" OD Quick connect adapter - Part # PI061612S "Fitting: 1/2 in. Stem to 3/8 in. barb"
(1/4" ID tubing) for compatibility with other manufacturer systems using small diameter tubing

MCW55™ Specifications

Housing:

  • CNC machined Delrin® Acetal L2"xW2"xH1"
  • Built-in quick-connect fittings for 1/2" OD tubing (3/8" ID)

Base plate:

  • 0.350" thick CNC machined copper base plate
  • Submersed face is CNC machined from billet to form our award winning Diamond-Pin Matrix. The design increases heat dissipation surface, and flow turbulence to enhance heat transfer to cooling fluid.
  • Exceptional quality and attention to details: the base is lapped to 0.0003" (3/10 of 1/1000"), and polished to near-mirror finish to promote optimum thermal conductivity. Users are advised that while flatness is strictly respected for providing the most significant benefit to thermal interface, surface polish is a cosmetic component and may vary slightly from one heatsink to another. Re-lapping or polishing the copper base is never recommended. Center section is raised to provide clearance for stiffening frames.

Assembly:

Overall dimensions: L2.0" x W2.0" x H1.22" (L55.8 x W55.8 x H31.0 mm)

Retention mechanism:

NVidia: 4 spring loaded 2-56 S/S socket screws, providing ~20 lb. of pressure overall

ATI: 2 spring loaded 4-40 S/S socket screws, providing ~15 lb. of pressure overall- Holes spacing: 2.14"

Tubing compatibility: 1/2" OD (3/8" ID), tube inserts included for use with soft vinyl tubing.
Part #TSI375S

A red plastic clip is indluded with each assembly to prevent accidental removal of the tubing during operations. its use is mandatory.


Click above to enlarge


Click above to enlarge


MSRP & Parts

Please consult your Swiftech distributor prior to ordering direct from us, or purchase the product factory direct here

Part #
Description Availability
Price
MCW55
Water-block assembly including mounting hardware for ATI & nVidia High-end adapters, tube inserts, mounting hardware, Arctic Ceramique thermal compound, installation guide
In stock
$49.95
Spare Parts
PI251616S
Set of 2 fittings 1/2 stem to 1/2 tube ID hose barb
In stock
$4.00
PI061612S
Set of 2 fittings Straight reducer ½” stem to 3/8” quick connect tube
In stock
$6.00
MCW55-FXKIT Adapter kit for nVidia® GeForce FX and GeForce 6 mid-range (6200 to 6600) series In stock $6.55

Ordering

Please consult your Swiftech distributor prior to ordering direct from us, or purchase the product factory direct BY CALLING CUSTOMER SERVICE AT (562) 595-8009 FROM 8:30 TO 4:30 PST.




Contents

 > Major Features
 > Performance Data
Compatibility
 > 
Specifications
 > MSRP & parts
Installation guides

MCW55-FX Adapter kit