GPU Block: Full Coverage or GPU Only? [Archive]

nypunkgeek

07-17-2009, 08:53 AM

I am looking for some input on a buying decision. Basically, I am looking to cool a 285GTX and am stuck deciding between:

Full Coverage Block -

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/9203/ex-blc-621/Danger_Den_DD-GTX285_Version_2_VGA_Full_Card_Liquid_Cooling_Bloc k_GPU-6886.html?tl=g30

About $150 with nozzles.

or

GPU Only Block and Memory Sinks -

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/2067/ex-blc-285/Swiftech_MCW60_VGA_Water_Block_-_Rev_2_nVidias_GeForce_200_Series_Ready_260_275_28 5_.html?tl=g30c357s925

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/8655/vid-124/Thermalright_HR-03_GTX_285260_Heatsink_Pack.html?tl=g40c21s226

About $54 for everything.

I am torn because the full block looks sexy, but it is about $100 more. I really don't see there being any significant performance difference between the two.

Opinions?

Blizzy

07-17-2009, 08:57 AM

Full cover for the bling :D

PaulyD

07-17-2009, 09:33 AM

Full cover block everytime

splash that cash!

exemay

07-17-2009, 09:34 AM

full cover every time, its more but worth it!

Utnorris

07-17-2009, 09:59 AM

Full cover for the looks and GPU only for the usability down the road. I.E. the MCW60 which you listed is compatible with every GPU on the market, so if you upgrade a year from now it would probably work. Personally, I go full cover because looks are important to me and if i cannot fit it in my budget then I just save up fo it. Also, if you do a GPU only block go with the D-Tek instead of the Swiftech. The D-Tek uses metal inserts and it doesn't have a lip for better compatibility with various types of fittings. The Swiftech has a lip making it harder to use with certain fittings, most compression type, and it doesn't use metal inserts so you could actually damage the threading. They run the same price, so i would get the D-Tek if I was going that route.

zalbard

07-17-2009, 10:39 AM

It's not just looks, but also cooling VRMs and other components, which helps overclocking. The only downside is the price, but since you went with water cooling, you aren't the one saving up, huh?

YMAA

07-17-2009, 10:52 AM

Core-only. The rest of the card doesn't need active cooling. Individual heatsinks or a full-cover heatsink is the way to go. Plus, they're less restrictive anc cheaper than full-cover, especially since you can reuse core-only blocks. I previously had a GTX280 with a Fuzion GFX2 + unisink, and when I upgraded to a 4890 I kept the block and just got a set of iandh heatsinks for the new card. Much cheaper.

Spending big on a watercooling setup because watercooling has to be expensive is a logical fallacy that this forum desperately needs to overcome.

Splave

07-17-2009, 10:55 AM

mcw60 and sinks imo

zalbard

07-17-2009, 11:50 AM

Spending big on a watercooling setup because watercooling has to be expensive is a logical fallacy that this forum desperately needs to overcome.
No one said that. But if you really want to save up, you go air, as simple as that.

autobot

07-17-2009, 01:01 PM

Why go for the DangerDen full coverage? I say take a gander at the Koolance full coverage block. It cools just as well as the DD one and costs quite a bit less...
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/8562/ex-blc-579/Koolance_VID-NX285_GeForce_285_GTX_Full_Card_Liquid_Cooling_Blo ck.html?tl=g30c311s859

zanzabar

07-17-2009, 01:11 PM

i like to use an mcw60 and a cooling plate for the rest of the card, and since i typically go ati the give u a plate (or u can buy the one for NV cards and ati cards with no plate stock) for the ram and power so u just need a little air flow.

eth0s

07-17-2009, 03:15 PM

Um, there are cheaper full cover blocks available, even at frozencpu.com. I was too lazy to do any real price shopping at other web-sellers (but so were you I guess):

Here's one from EK for $119.95:

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/8576/ex-blc-582/EK_NVIDIA_GeForce_285_GTX_VGA_Liquid_Cooling_Block _-_Acetal_EK-FC285_GTX_-_Acetal.html?tl=g30c311s859

And then you have the Swifty Commodo at $134.95 (which is like a full coverage MCW60):

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/9087/ex-blc-615/Swiftech_Komodo_GTX285_Full_Coverage_VGA_Liquid_Co oling_System_Komodo-P891.html?tl=g30c311s859

I thinks the Danger Den blocks are merely adequate, and do not give the best performance. I think you will actually get better performance from the Swiftech MCW60 (which has the diamond pin matrix copper block) over the Danger Den full coverage block, so if you are really a bargain hunter or really need to save $60+ or so (vis-a-vis the EK), go with the MCW60. However, I agree with the majority of the posters here that full coverage looks better. So it's really up to you and your wallet (or your wife, if your wife is anything like mine.)

Manicdan

07-17-2009, 03:19 PM

depends on how long you plan on keeping it. and what you plan to do after

2 years or more go with full,
plan to change video cards every 6 months, go with block

Utnorris

07-17-2009, 03:39 PM

Well, the Koolance is only $100 and looks better than most in my opinion:

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=240&products_id=25089

millertime359

07-17-2009, 03:50 PM

I can see a benefit to a full cover block in SLI configs. I think it might get to be a hassle hooking up a couple of MCW60s that are only separated by a slot. Also MCW60s are not a single slot config, so if you need access to the slot under your card, might have to look at a full cover.

I do notice that my GTX 260's board does start to get a little warm under full load with a mild clock on it. It wasn't bad with the factory OC on it. I would keep a fan blowing on the heatsinks if you are looking for a high clock on some of these bigger cards. So far, I am still pretty happy with my MCW60 and heatsink plate though. :up:

Darth_Penguin

07-17-2009, 03:57 PM

Spending big on a watercooling setup because watercooling has to be expensive is a logical fallacy that this forum desperately needs to overcome.

For some people, water cooling isnt just about getting the absolute best performance for the cheapest price. I for one want a water cooled setup that performs well but ALSO looks good because it is something that you will see anytime you walk into my house. GPU blocks just dont look as nice as full cover blocks, end of story, period.

Plan.B

07-17-2009, 05:50 PM

gpu block only. individual heatsinks properly mounted on the other hot bits + air flow.

StAndrew

07-17-2009, 10:43 PM

Id go with the Swiftech Komodo. Single slot cooling with about the same performance of the MCW60 (pressure drop and temps).

MomijiTMO

07-17-2009, 10:58 PM

Go with whatever you want. I did core only before and it worked perfectly but there is no denying that full cover blocks look the goods and deliver temperature wise. My current gpus are on the stock heatsinks and they work ok too.

It is a tough question. I don't have an answer.

Spending big on a watercooling setup because watercooling has to be expensive is a logical fallacy that this forum desperately needs to overcome.
Yes I know what you are saying but the same can be said about multi gpu set ups. If you spent 1600USD on 2 8800 Ultras two years ago, most would think you are either rich or bananas. I don't think I've seen anyone say your build is garbage because the sum of your wc parts is under 1000USD. It seems most of the criticism going around is on aesthetics. This makes full cover blocks more appealing to many as they are much simpler to route your tubing. I don't see anyone saying you should buy a MoRa or even worse, a Monsta because it's big and expensive. So I think your point is a little stretched :D

For some people, water cooling isnt just about getting the absolute best performance for the cheapest price. I for one want a water cooled setup that performs well but ALSO looks good because it is something that you will see anytime you walk into my house. GPU blocks just dont look as nice as full cover blocks, end of story, period.
And not everyone has that opinion. While it wasn't written to explicitly point people out, it appears you took offence. No reason to get butt hurt. His comment was pretty neutral to me and this forum isn't really known for arty builds but it might be in the coming years judging by the builds in LC Worklogs. Chillax :D

No one said that...
So? It's his observation of the forums which I find some truth in. Water cooling is now tied to looks. All of the companies are making products that perform well AND look nice.

Darth_Penguin

07-18-2009, 07:57 AM

And not everyone has that opinion. While it wasn't written to explicitly point people out, it appears you took offence. No reason to get butt hurt. His comment was pretty neutral to me and this forum isn't really known for arty builds but it might be in the coming years judging by the builds in LC Worklogs. Chillax :D

Im as chill as a cucumber :p:

I didnt really take offense to it, but he was generalizing this forum with his comment and i didnt agree with it.

Utnorris

07-18-2009, 09:49 AM

Mo is correct, both solutions work from a performance issue and are probably going cool equally. It really comes down to what you want and no one is going to be able to make that decision for you.

ILikeCosmosS

07-18-2009, 12:41 PM

eRazorzEDGE

07-18-2009, 08:55 PM

If your going to re use your parts from this rig to the next, then you probably want blocks that you can re use
If you have the money to keep buying new blocks then go for it
If considering a build that will be long term, without a lot of upgrades then get fullcover or gpu only

pretty much exactly this.

if you're gonna go with a uni-sink and core block, then u might as well buy a FC block. since, when you upgrade, you're gonna have to sell the uni-sink anyways, might as well sell the FC as well.

i'll buy a FC block just for the ease of cooling all the parts on the vid card at the expense of incompatibility/price/slightly more heat in the loop.

bluehaze

07-18-2009, 09:17 PM

If cost is a concern then go with gpu only block, it's nice because you can use it in future builds. If cost is not a factor then Full cover block for sure looks much nicer and will perform better to an extent but when you upgrade it's essentially useless. No one can make the decision for you as to how much the difference is worth.]

millertime359

07-19-2009, 08:16 AM

pretty much exactly this.

if you're gonna go with a uni-sink and core block, then u might as well buy a FC block. since, when you upgrade, you're gonna have to sell the uni-sink anyways, might as well sell the FC as well.

i'll buy a FC block just for the ease of cooling all the parts on the vid card at the expense of incompatibility/price/slightly more heat in the loop.

Well not necessarily. The kit I bout with the uni-sink and MCW60 cost me $70. The uni-sink and mounting kit costs about $36 alone. The cheaper EK block FC costs about $110.

This means you basically buy a new card and uni-sink with mounting hardware before you reach the cost of one FC block.

Also as far as looks go, I really can't see the block in my Cosmos S. If you are using an inverted board or torture rack, than ya you can see the block plan as day, but most cases do make it a little hard to see the block. :yepp:

3Z3VH

07-20-2009, 09:39 AM

I need to take pictures, but I can disprove the "Use full-coverage for looks" myth ;)

My new i7 machine has D-Tek Fuzion V2 GFX blocks with UniSinks in SLI and it looks spiffy the way I did it :)

YMAA

07-20-2009, 09:44 AM

I need to take pictures, but I can disprove the "Use full-coverage for looks" myth ;)

My new i7 machine has D-Tek Fuzion V2 GFX blocks with UniSinks in SLI and it looks spiffy the way I did it :)

Definitely. Or, you can take the iandh approach:

http://web.cs.sunyit.edu/~debanywh/images/Black%20Pearl%20Pics/water/DSC00993.JPG

millertime359

07-20-2009, 09:53 AM

I need to take pictures, but I can disprove the "Use full-coverage for looks" myth ;)

My new i7 machine has D-Tek Fuzion V2 GFX blocks with UniSinks in SLI and it looks spiffy the way I did it :)

Yea, the D-Tek uni-sink does look pretty nice. I was wishing I got that instead of the Swifty one. Unfortunately I need to go full cover with my new MB seeing I can't fit the sound card with the GPU only block. The PCI slot I will need is right under the video card :(

MomijiTMO

07-20-2009, 04:38 PM

The new BP 5 angle piece snake thing will help a lot for those running SLI/CF with core only blocks.

Utnorris

07-20-2009, 05:07 PM

millertime359

07-20-2009, 05:47 PM

Looks good Norris. That is about the only downfall with core only's, SLI config. You need a few more fittings over a full cover to get it to work.

Well that and not being single slots :(

Darth_Penguin

07-20-2009, 06:22 PM

3Z3VH

07-21-2009, 06:45 AM

You can always do this instead of a full cover block:

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/6641/img1340dw7.th.jpg (http://img201.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img1340dw7.jpg)

http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/6420/img1354bf3.th.jpg (http://img399.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img1354bf3.jpg)

Are those DTek Fuzion V2 GFXs ? If so, you have one block flowing backwards. The right-side port is the inlet, and the left is the outlet, making the flow in the bottom block go the wrong way.

Here was my solution for GPU only blocks. The watercooling is still bleeding/leak testing, so don't mind the fact that nothing is plugged into the motherboard :P (And sorry for the poorly lit cell-phone pic, but I took it on the way out the door to work)
http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii184/3Z3VH/e086d3c4.jpg

ILikeCosmosS

07-21-2009, 06:48 AM

It does look spiffy, What gpu's are those? Those are some big heatsinks

millertime359

07-21-2009, 06:52 AM

Very nice there. Did a nice job with that.

Waterlogged

07-21-2009, 06:57 AM

ptrout

07-21-2009, 08:02 AM

Are those DTek Fuzion V2 GFXs ? If so, you have one block flowing backwards. The right-side port is the inlet, and the left is the outlet, making the flow in the bottom block go the wrong way.

Here was my solution for GPU only blocks. The watercooling is still bleeding/leak testing, so don't mind the fact that nothing is plugged into the motherboard :P (And sorry for the poorly lit cell-phone pic, but I took it on the way out the door to work)
http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii184/3Z3VH/e086d3c4.jpg

Which GPU blocks are you using ?
and that is the grpahics card if you don't mind me asking.

Nice work on the CPU block to MB, is that 2 90 degrees with short tube run ?

thx

millertime359

07-21-2009, 08:07 AM

Which GPU blocks are you using ?
and that is the grpahics card if you don't mind me asking.

Nice work on the CPU block to MB, is that 2 90 degrees with short tube run ?

thx

Think he using these D-Tek GPU only blocks:

http://www.crazypc.com/images/coolers/waterblock/dtekgpu/gfx2full.jpg

3Z3VH

07-21-2009, 09:02 AM

The blocks are the D-Tek Fuzion GFX V2 blocks MT posted. The video cards are some older 8800GTX cards I stole out of my Q6600 until the DX11 cards come out. The heat sinks are the D-Tek UNISINKs for the 8800GTX.

The bridge from CPU to MOSFET blocks are two BP dual-rotary 90deg fittings, with BP 7/16" Compressions, and a really short piece of tube. Unfortunately, the CPU and MOSFET blocks are different heights, so I needed to do this until I could pick up some spacers to lift the 90deg up off the MOSFET bloct, and another D-Plug to replace the compressions and tubing. There was simply no way to do a hard connection without them.

The good thing about the SLI Bridges between the two cards are that they are the Feser SLI kits (http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/sliandcr1vid.html), so I can put the cards in any slots I want, and just extend the bridge. I have them set up like this for now because the bottom 90deg fitting ran into my PSU when I had the card in the bottom slot, so until I buy a single-rotary 90deg fitting, I have to leave the cards where they are.

Aphellyon

07-21-2009, 09:28 AM

I'm struggling with the full vs. gpu issue myself right now... perfect timing for this thread. Thanks for all the info/opinion guys. :)

Spending big on a watercooling setup because watercooling has to be expensive is a logical fallacy that this forum desperately needs to overcome.

Umm... ya probably shouldn't toss around logical fallacies like that. First off, as far as I can tell, no one actually said that in this thread.... making your statement a straw man that also happens to be an ad hominem attack against the forum, and thus a red herring. Secondly, the posts previous to yours that you appear to be referring to seem more akin to value statements and as such are not really amenable to logical fallacy. At times, it can be ok to use an ad hominem to help ascertain the truth of a factual statement, but not with statements of value. :up:

Sorry for the pedanticism guys. :D

ptrout

07-21-2009, 09:37 AM

millertime359

07-21-2009, 09:40 AM

Thx 3ZZVH and milltertime.

I think I am gonna go GPU only with ramsinks. I dont mind spending money on shiny things (bitz power 90's and koolance comps and QDC's), but for quick upgrade path, i think I will go with GPU only.

Again thx

If you are running a GTX 260/280, you can get a uni-sink like this.

http://www.crazypc.com/images/coolers/waterblock/unisinknv200/unisinknv200full.jpg

Swifty also makes one for the 285 and the 4870x2

ptrout

07-21-2009, 11:06 AM

Not to hijack the thread, but anyone know if what heat sinks (like the one above) work with Dtek Fuzion vs GPU block for reference board 4890's ?

thx for any info

Utnorris

07-21-2009, 12:52 PM

In my pics I was using the MCW60's so no it was not backwards. It worked great, but I like the look of FC blocks and I also like not having to worry about the heat dump in the case. Granted, it is a lot more expensive, especially over time if you swap out GPU's, but I can usually make up a good chunk of what I pay for my FC blocks by selling them on the forums.