[section_title title=”Conclusion”]Conclusion
So now that the Enermax Liqtech 120X has had a throughout testing, how does it compare to Enermax’s last foray into the liquid cooling market in the way of the ELC range? Is it a much anticipated improvement and does it compete with the giants of the air cooling market?
Well in terms of performance, it competes and more! The actual performance of the Enermax Liqtech 120X was more than a match from the top end solutions from Noctua and even Phanteks. Even more interestingly it doesn’t sacrifice much in the way of acoustic performance too; it is easy to add faster fans for more performance but Enermax seem to deliver a very solid balance between the two. The main reason for the increase in cooling performance obviously stems down from the double radiator design and push/pull configuration. This allows more heat to be dissipated and ultimately makes this AIO cooler one of the best coolers we have had on test so far.
Aesthetically, the Liqtech 120X has a lot going for it as the CPU block itself has a very unique design; looks like the latest cooler from Silverstone. With that being said, it is clear that the OEM isn’t Asetek like the majority of AIO coolers on the market but Enermax seem to be quite tight lipped on the actual manufacturer and there isn’t much information to go on. Despite that, the cooler does look fantastic and even the radiator with its dash of red gives it a little bit of contrast rather than being all-black.
One aspect that did worry me a little was the actual size of the radiator and fans combined; it measures at a whopping 97mm thick in total. This is surely going to cause some issues with those who don’t have a decent and roomy tower case might either need to re-think purchasing this cooler or in effect, purchase a new case which adds unnecessary cost.
Other than that elephant in the room, the other talking point is the price. £74 for a top performing AIO CPU cooling solution isn’t exactly considered “cheap” but one phrase does spring to mind; you get what you pay for. Not only do you get a relatively quiet cooler with 3 different options of fan speed control but you get a solidly built cooler which works very well at doing its intended purpose; dissipating heat effectively and not paying much more than other similar coolers at its level.
Overall the Enermax Liqtech 120X is one of those products that if you can fit it, get it. Whether or not you would opt for a double thick 120mm radiator or a regular 240mm radiator is one question I will leave you all to answer but in my opinion, the Liqtech hasn’t put a foot wrong and is more than worthy of not only our performance award, but it strikes gold too!
Many thanks to Enermax for sending in the Liqtech 120X in for review and I look forward to seeing more in the near future.
[ratings”]
