Pros: -Swiftech name!
-Really low CPU temps (down 5 degrees Celsius compared to NZXT X61 during a stress test with a 4790k @ 4.6GHz).
-Beautiful AIO cooler!
-LED lights are a nice touch
-Nicely packaged

Cons: -Soft alloy screws (prone to stripping) for both waterblock and radiator mounting.
-Fans grind on top mesh of case unless loosened approximately 4-5 turns (due to it being a pull configuration).
-Not an easy install at all compared to other major AIO brands.
-Seeing the white fans through the top of a black case is not my idea of pretty.

Other Thoughts: Here is the long and winded scoop on why I only gave this AOI Cooler 3 eggs. This was a hard score to give, especially given the fact that I really like Swiftech and I know they have a strong following from enthusiasts. But, the product has to live up to what is being touted. I bought the H220 X2 Prestige after reading Techpowerup's review of the cooler and realizing that it was newly released (I love having the latest and greatest). I bought the X2 with the aspirations of replacing my NZXT X61 that was housed in a Corsair 350D. The X61 was preventing me from using a rear mounted 120mm fan and also preventing me from having two optical drives (was only able to put one drive in the lower of the two slots).

The X2 arrived in the mail quick and well packaged. I unboxed this beautiful cooler and immediately got to work at uninstalling the NZXT X61 from my Corsair 350D. I opened up the X2's instructions and was surprised at how difficult they were to understand and follow compared to the graphic tutorial NZXT provided with the X61. I went to put the radiator up against the top of the 350D and quickly realized that not only was this cooler not going to fit with the rear fan installed but it wasn't going to fit unless I removed the entire optical drive cage (not an option). I was totally bummed.... fast forward... I decided to use my Fractal Design R5 (which was going to be used for a new X99 build).

So now that I decided to use the Fractal R5 instead of the 350D (moved all components first) I settled on a top mount orientation as well. I placed the radiator where the screws line up and began installing the radiator screws with a standard craftsman screwdriver. Without much effort at all, the first screw stripped really badly. I promise this wasn't an accident (user error)... these screws are incredibly soft compared to other component hardware. I know I'm setting myself up to being criticized at proper use of tools which I accept knowing full well I used the screwdriver appropriately. Needless to say I used the utmost care for the remainder of the screws and only managed to strip one more. Next up was the water block which compared to the NZXT X61 (only AIO cooler I had to compare it to) was incredibly more difficult to install. The waterblock needs to sit on the CPU and you need to finagle your screwdriver around the CPU with hoses in the way and push down on each mounting screw to secure the water block. I was having a tough time so I decided to remove the radiator from the top and work around it because the hoses were getting in the way. Again, this just wasn't as seamless as I was expecting especially considering how easy and effortless the NZXT X61 install went.

I installed the waterblock, radiator, funky device header, and then double checked everything in the rig before closing it up. I finally connected everything in the I/O header and went to boot... WHOA!!! The fans came alive to full speed which wouldn't have been so crazy startling had they not been brushing/rubbing/grinding up against the top of the case mesh. I immediately turned the PSU off and inspected the radiator and fans. I made sure all the screws were mounted into the appropriate mounting holes. I couldn't find any thing wrong on the case end. What I did see though was that the fans (by design) protruded ever so slightly from the fan guard (what use is a fan guard if it doesn't guard the fan). As a remedy, I loosened all the radiator screws 4-5 turns until there was a noticeable gap between the radiator and the top of the case. I booted back up and things were quiet. As an experiment I slowly began to tighten the screws until the grinding started. I could only add back another turn or two before the grinding of the fans began.

Mistakenly, I mounted the funky header device on the far side of the radiator so I was unable to click through the buttons and try the different LED colors and such. I assumed there was going to be a software driver (much like the X61 driver/software) that would allow me to manually control the lights and fan speed.

HWmonitor spotted the CPU fan as being at 1100RPM. I assume this was the pump. I wasn't able to determine the fan speed at idle with HWmonitor. I used Asus' AI suite 3 but am unsure if the rotational speeds I was seeing were the pump or the fan. In hind-site I think I was seeing both... I guess I'm just used to the CAM software for the X61.

The CPU cooler performed wonderfully in regards to cooling the CPU! Temps were down a solid 5 degrees Celsius during an OCCT stress test (4790k at 4.6GHz). I was very impressed by its cooling abilities.

Because of the all the above mentioned issues I ran into (not working in a micro ATX case, fan's grinding on top of case, crazy hanky install and the stripped screws) I decided to return this cooler and use the X61 until I see the need to upgrade again much later. I had high hopes to finally try out Swiftech.

Pros: - A perfect replacement for the older H220-X
- Expandability means it can be made into a full liquid cooling system

Cons: - Unfortunately only fits one orientation in my case
- Mounting the cpu block was a test of my patience
- The PWM splitter that came with mine had a short and was useless

Other Thoughts: - As said above, the splitter was completely useless. Fortunately the splitter from the older H220-X works, but I am unable to use the cooler's built-in led lighting or a PWM fan controller (should I choose to buy one). It would be nice if I could just replace the splitter and keep the rest of the unit.


UPDATE: After I contacted Swiftech via their website, they were extremely helpful and courteous in issuing a replacement for the defective part. I'll continue buying my PC cooling supplies from them.

Manufacturer Response:

Dear Ravyn, Thanks for the great feed-back. We are glad it all worked out! enjoy the product and never hesitate to contact us for any further questions.