XSPC Raystorm Pro CPU Waterblock Review

Included Accessories

Included Accessories

In addition to the water block assembly, XSPC includes all necessary accessories to get the block running on an Intel system, including mounting hardware and LEDs for block illumination. An AMD mounting kit is available for purchase, but is not included with the base Intel kit.

XSPC includes a foldout sheet detailing block install on an LGA115X system and an LGA2011 system. The instruction sheet contains detailed illustrations making board install a snap.

For mounting the CPU block on an Intel board, XSPC includes kits for LGA115X, LGA1366, and LGA2011 type sockets. The back plate with a "T" shape cut-out is for the LGA115X socket boards, while the "X" patterned back plate is used for the LGA1366 socket board. The uprights with smaller diameter bottom threads are used in conjunction with the backplates for LGA115X and LGA1366 boards. The uprights with the thicker bottom threads screw directly into the stock LGA2011 socket plate, negating the need for use of the specialized "X" back plate.

With any type of Intel system, the smaller threaded portion of the upright (under the thumbscrew) screw into the socket or backplate directly. The block is held in place with the plastic washer, metal washer, spring, and thumb-nut. The spring fits in a channel within the thumb-nut to better hold the spring in place. The plastic washer protects the surface of the aluminum mounting bracket, while the metal washer protects the plastic washer from getting marred by the spring.

XSPC included a tube of their branded K3 thermal paste for block mounting to the CPU, as well as dual-headed 3mm white LEDs. The LEDs are powered by a MOLEX cable from the PSU. The LEDs fit into the holes provided in the aluminum mounting bracket on each side of port holes.

The Intel LGA115X mount is assembled by screwing the uprights from the LGA115-labeled parts bag into the LAG115X base plate. XSPC included thumbscrew-like bases into the uprights to make installing into the base plate even easier. The top of the baseplate is plastic coated to electrically isolate the base plate from any contact points with the board.

Motherboard Mounting Hardware

The LGA115X mounting mechanism consists of the uprights that screw into the holes in the backplate through the top of the board. The uprights are threaded on both ends, securing the back plate in place as well as providing mount points for the thumb-nut hold downs.

The Intel LGA115X backplate plate rests securely on the stock socket under plate, minimizing the potential for contact with or crushing of any under-board components. However, there is chance of board component contact with board that have circuitry in close proximity to the socket under plate.

The mounting mechanism for an LGA2011 board works in the same fashion as the LGA115X board, but does not require a back plate. Instead, the dual ended uprights thread directly into the provided threaded socket holes.