The EK-SB ASUS M6G cools the Z87 Express south bridge

Nov 22, 2013 10:32 GMT  ·  By

Central processing units may have integrated lots of the features of motherboard chipsets, but south bridge controllers are still essential, and they can generate a lot of heat too, which is why products like the new EK-SB ASUS M6G still come out on a regular basis.

Once upon a time, motherboard chipsets had the north bridge and the south bridge splitting the features of the chipset between them.

AMD and Intel CPUs now integrated the former's capabilities though (most notably the memory controller), and other things besides (graphics). Thus, only the south bridge is left, more or less.

Said south bridge can generate a lot of heat of its own though, especially on high-end motherboards like the ASUS Maximus VI Gene and Hero.

That's why Ljubljana-based premium water cooling gear manufacturer EK was comfortable launching the EK-SB ASUS M6G.

A water block for the Intel Z87 Express PXH (Periphery Hub Controller, also known as south bridge), it uses a high flow design (so that even quieter, weaker pumps will work with it) and can be made of nickel or acetal+nickel material.

Both versions (EK-SB ASUS M6G – Nickel, EK-SB ASUS M6G – Acetal+Nickel) sell for the same sum though, of €24.95 / $24.95.

On that note, the products ship with thermal pads and a mounting mechanism. Speaking of which, the mounting is pretty straightforward on the ASUS Maximus VI Gene motherboard, but the ASUS Maximus VI Hero will need the standoffs to be re-fitted to alternative mounting holes with the mini wrench (also included).

EK intends for the EK-SB ASUS M6G to be combined with the EK-MOSFET ASUS M6G series water blocks, thus covering all vital parts of the platforms with water cooling elements. You'll need to get the pump and everything else yourself though, which will take time and money.

Photo Gallery (2 Images)

EK-SB ASUS M6G
EK-SB ASUS M6G
Open gallery