I give up - what the hell is wrong?

[Vertigo1]

At the end of my tether here :(

Loop constists of:
Res -> DDC 3.2 -> Fuzion -> EK FC280 -> MCR220

Basically the graphics block just isn't working properly. Whilst the card idles at about 10C above the water temp, when playing COD4 it's peaking at around 75C with the water at 35C - 40C over the water temp!

I've remounted the block twice and Eddy kindly sent me some replacement copper which I've just fitted but has had zero effect. The card isn't bent in any way nor have I ever tightened the screws up hard. The card was reaching pretty much the same temps with the stock air cooler ffs!

Haven't got a clue what's wrong here. Eddy suggested that the core might have become detached from the IHS but I really can't see that happening without some major card bending as a result of really tightening the screws down on the block.

If it is a poor contact between the core and IHS then the only thing that would solve it would be a backplate like you get for LGA775 CPU sockets with a pad in the middle to push the "back" of the core upwards but no such thing exists.

Can anyone help me here, dunno what to do next :(

[Evil-Fruits|R4z]

What are you using to monitor temps?

[Big_Daddy]

what TIM are you using on the GPU? also, are you sure you've tightened the screws enough? I always tighten the screws until it bows, then back off some.

[MomijiTMO]

Applied TIM on the core?

[Hondacity]

what fans are you using? quadcore + gt280? as load?

[MpG]

I think the issue of the core detaching from the IHS is a manufacturing issue, where it just wasn't properly bonded. Not sure if it's possible to fix it. What were the temps with the stock heatsink? Might be grounds to RMA the card.

[Vertigo1]

Thanks to all for your replies but I think I might have fixed it at long last! (typical that you always find the problem just after you post on here in desperation!).

Figured that I didn't have anything to lose and so tightened up the screws pretty tightly, despite all the advice on this block being to the contrary. Hey presto my temps have dropped markedly! COD4 now peaks around 55C with water at 32C so not only are temps lower but water temp is higher suggesting better heat transfer. My water sensor might be a degree or two out but 23C over water temp doesn't seem too bad to me for COD4, which stresses the card more than any other game I have, Crysis included.

FWIW, to answer questions that were asked - using AS5 on the core, mem and I/O chip and pads on the voltage regulator thingies. Fans are two Ultra Kazes on the rad, a Noctua front intake and Kama Flex exhaust, all controlled by an Aquaero.

[Navanod]

Change that (pre-ran-in) AS5 to MX-2/TX-2/TIM Consultants paste and you might get another 2-5 degrees off or maybe more!

Just something to try the next time you dismount the block for cleaning

[Vertigo1]

Yeah I have some MX-2 which I used to start with but, when I was getting poor temps, changing to AS5 was one of my tests. May go back to MX-2 next time the block is off, as you say, but right now I ain't touching a thing! :)

[evilsponge]

MX-2 is the bomb

-sponge

[HawaiianSupermn]

FYI, I've used IC7 Diamond with great results over as5. Lovin it so far.