Swiftech MCW6002-A Waterblock Review

When I reviewed the Swiftech MCW6000-A, I was extremely impressed with its price-performance ratio and its excellent cooling at low flow rates. The majority of US water coolers use 1/2" ID tubing though so the availability of the MCW6002 (Swiftech's 1/2" barb block based upon the MCW6000 design) has been eagerly anticipated. Bill Adams of Swiftech kindly sent the Socket A version of their 6002 series blocks to me for testing . The major difference between this block and the MCW6000-A previously tested is (i) the use of 1/2" barbs and (ii) the use of a tapered inlet to reduce the ID of the central barb to 3/8" and increase water velocity. The baseplate of the MCW6002-A is stepped so that it can clear the cam box of the socket.