EKWB EK-XLC Predator 360 All-In-One CPU Liquid Cooling Unit Review
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
At the time of this review, the EKWB Predator 360 Rev 1.1 is $239.99 USD. The price is a little steep, but then again, you’re not buying a run of the mill ASEtek AIO. You’re getting quality parts and service. If you were to add up the individual components included with the kit, you’d be well over $300.00.
Installation of the Revision 1.1 is much smoother as you no longer need to remove the stock Intel back plate. Time to install the cooler and get it up and running was less than 15 minutes.
I’ve used a few AIOs in the past that literally failed within hours after I reviewed them. So, I started a new process. Right out of the box, I turn off EIST and set the multiplier of the CPU to the turbo boost frequency and run everything at 100% for 72 hours non-stop. Initially, the revision 1.0 of the Predator 360 failed, and leaked coolant onto the motherboard. EK is taking care of the situation. After receiving revision 1.1, I ran the 72 hour test once more and am pleased to report back that it did not leak. I’ve had this cooler installed on a system running for a few weeks now and still no leaks. It would appear that EK has the O-Ring issue solved.
Performance wise, the Predator isn’t at the top of the performance chart but it’s close. I’m happy to have manufactures slug it out for a performance crown and honestly it’s just a couple of degrees at the maximum. With that said, the Predator 360 is no slouch either and will do a fantastic job keeping the CPU cool. I’ve used it with everything set to at auto and the fans and pump are nearly silent. I have to try to listen for them. At 100% the fans are noticeable but not annoyingly so.
As far as expandability, I have a request. Be patient. I have a few things up my sleeve and we will be releasing them over the next couple of weeks. Yes, we will be testing the expandability features of a few AIOs including the Predator 240 and 360 which, is the reason that I did not tear this unit down in this review.
Overall, I am impressed with the Predator 360. I have to admit however, when I found the kit leaking I was already prepared for the “it’s not our fault, you did something wrong” type of customer service. But thankfully this was not the case and the issue was resolved quickly and before I knew it, I had another unit on the way. During normal use and not testing at 100%, the kit performed very well. I rarely noticed temperatures above 50° while using the system and the fans could not be heard inside a case, roughly 3 feet away. At the full 2200 RPM, the fans are very noticeable but are not annoying. The revision 1.1 of the EKWB Predator 360 earns the Modders-Inc “Must Have” award.
