Gainward/Palit 3GB GTX 580 water block support

[Callsign_Vega]

Just seeing how many people would be interested in water blocks for the new 3GB GTX 580's. It seems the water block manufacturers are on the fence about producing them and it would be nice to show support.

[NaeKuh]

Just seeing how many people would be interested in water blocks for the new 3GB GTX 580's. It seems the water block manufacturers are on the fence about producing them and it would be nice to show support.

because how many of these gpu's will really be sold?

And then how many of the sold ones will be actually on water?

My advice.. something this top end.. like the ARES also for example, are best bought with blocks refitted.

I honestly dont blame the vendors.
Video cards blocks are not profitable.
Not at all, and the vendors do it so they dont get forgotten.

[Callsign_Vega]

Naw, they are profitable. They wouldn't exist if they weren't.

[Alexandr0s]

We consider them profitable, but for vendors they rarely are. Like Naekuh said, the reason they do it is to stand out. There are way too few watercoolers for it to be profitable. Ever wondered why the Hydrocopper or other cards with prefitted blocks are about $150-$200 more instead of $100 which is the average price of most GPU blocks? It's so they can get close to breaking even.

[Johnny87au]

because how many of these gpu's will really be sold?

And then how many of the sold ones will be actually on water?

My advice.. something this top end.. like the ARES also for example, are best bought with blocks refitted.

I honestly dont blame the vendors.
Video cards blocks are not profitable.
Not at all, and the vendors do it so they dont get forgotten.

I'd definately get one seeming as these coolers on AIR cover 3 slots , cant run SLI so thats a big letdown imo..

[E.R]

because how many of these gpu's will really be sold?

And then how many of the sold ones will be actually on water?

My advice.. something this top end.. like the ARES also for example, are best bought with blocks refitted.

I honestly dont blame the vendors.
Video cards blocks are not profitable.
Not at all, and the vendors do it so they dont get forgotten.

EK are making a block for the nonref 570 from Gainward/Palit and some say this 580 3GB Phantom share PCB with that 570 and on picturebasis(cant tell if height is the same on components or location 150% the same) only 2 ram modules is the visual difference so IF EK know about it and can make it fit without any modifications as in milling away material to cover that two ram modules the 570 dont have it will be a win/win situation for everyone.

However i would prefer they just used the 2-fan cooler they have and is a 2-slot, not 2,5-slot that take all my 7-slot for tri-sli on air.
But since no other seems to make a 580 with 3GB and usually have one edition with block prefitted(EVGA officially to busy with a dual GPU card to care) we just have to grip what straw come out and this is it.

[tiborrr]

We, EK, are manufacturing the waterblock for Gainward's GTX 580/570. Final prototype should be on my desk by tommorrow morning, hopefully the blocks will be ready to sell in 14 days.
Backplate prototype is also scheduled for the end of this week.

Best Regards,
Niko :up:

[E.R]

Exellent, the backplate is also just what the doctor orderd for this card.

[Scubar]

Id definitely get one, I was planning on getting one of the 3GB cards for my build anyway, Just waiting for decent P67 Mobos to come out that can have full cover blocks created for also.

[antiacid]

We consider them profitable, but for vendors they rarely are. Like Naekuh said, the reason they do it is to stand out. There are way too few watercoolers for it to be profitable. Ever wondered why the Hydrocopper or other cards with prefitted blocks are about $150-$200 more instead of $100 which is the average price of most GPU blocks? It's so they can get close to breaking even.

No.

If "average price of most gpu blocks" refers to prices for blocks made by EK, Swiftech and others, then that's a whole other ball game. First, those dedicated companies have streamlined the production process for waterblocks and I can guarantee you that it doesn't take them 6 months to get them out. They probably pay a lot less per unit to develop those blocks and build them compared to companies who only release one or two custom blocks per year.
Second, pre-installed blocks are pre-installed. They're basically selling you this warranty: "the block+card you bought, as configured, will work". That's also why you're paying more.

[Johnny87au]

We, EK, are manufacturing the waterblock for Gainward's GTX 580/570. Final prototype should be on my desk by tommorrow morning, hopefully the blocks will be ready to sell in 14 days.
Backplate prototype is also scheduled for the end of this week.

Best Regards,
Niko :up:

Awesome to hear tibbor..:up:

[tiborrr]

EK 5x0 GW backplate (bare aluminum sample) test fitted! Like the latest backplates from EK, it supports passive VRM cooling via thermal pads! :up:

http://file.si/pfiles/157621/gw570580phantom_ekbackplate.jpg

[Scubar]

Nice, IF they do that backplate in a nice matt or satin black powdercoat it would look great , but then i would need one for the 460 that ill probably buy to use for PhysX.

[tiborrr]

They will be available in both black and nickel plated editions :up:

[E.R]

A black one with modded glowing logo fit just nice for me :)

[D749]

We, EK, are manufacturing the waterblock for Gainward's GTX 580/570. Final prototype should be on my desk by tommorrow morning, hopefully the blocks will be ready to sell in 14 days.
Backplate prototype is also scheduled for the end of this week.

Best Regards,
Niko :up:

Does the Palit GTX580 3GB share the same layout as the Gainward GTX580 3GB? Not sure which one to order yet and this would be good to know. Thanks.

[tiborrr]

It's the same PCB layout :)

[Callsign_Vega]

It's the same PCB layout :)

Awesome tiborrr. I didn't know we had an EK rep here! I was one of the people pleading with you guys to make the water blocks for these cards over email. :D

Could you say what the quickest way there is to order these blocks? Would it be to get them from Ek's online store directly? Looking to buy four of them for my Quad-SLI setup.

Also, do you have any information on how your products seals hold up to sub-zero liquid cooling? I know that cold of a setup isn't guaranteed under warranty, just curious if you've done any tests and if there is a "safe" minimum before the rubber seals fail.

[mochti01]

In Germany, Marc from liquid-extasy.de is going to make a cooler for the 3GB GTX 580. Here is a thread in the hardwareluxx forum. http://www.hardwareluxx.de/community/f137/sammelbestellung-wasserkuehler-fuer-gtx580-phantom-785947.html You can see the rendering of the cooler in the first post.

[Callsign_Vega]

In Germany, Marc from liquid-extasy.de is going to make a cooler for the 3GB GTX 580. Here is a thread in the hardwareluxx forum. http://www.hardwareluxx.de/community/f137/sammelbestellung-wasserkuehler-fuer-gtx580-phantom-785947.html You can see the rendering of the cooler in the first post.

Wow, this Marc guy sounds pretty hardcore. Does he work for one of the water block manufacturers? Or is he an enthusiast with access to CNC/tooling equipment? I don't see how he could produce 15 cards at only 80 Euro each to cover research, development, and production costs. :eek:

[mochti01]

He has his own litte watercooling company. He is the best guy if you want a custum block :D

[tiborrr]

Awesome tiborrr. I didn't know we had an EK rep here! I was one of the people pleading with you guys to make the water blocks for these cards over email. :D

Could you say what the quickest way there is to order these blocks? Would it be to get them from Ek's online store directly? Looking to buy four of them for my Quad-SLI setup.

Also, do you have any information on how your products seals hold up to sub-zero liquid cooling? I know that cold of a setup isn't guaranteed under warranty, just curious if you've done any tests and if there is a "safe" minimum before the rubber seals fail.

NBR rubber we use should be safe for prolonged use up to -20°C (buddy uses them all the time with the water chiller I have built for him - check my sig), as long as you don't use alcohol. Just use antifreeze and you'll be safe.

The EK-FC5x0 GTX GW should be available in the following weeks to come. You'll be able to buy it from our web shop :up:

[Callsign_Vega]

NBR rubber we use should be safe for prolonged use up to -20°C (buddy uses them all the time with the water chiller I have built for him - check my sig), as long as you don't use alcohol. Just use antifreeze and you'll be safe.

The EK-FC5x0 GTX GW should be available in the following weeks to come. You'll be able to buy it from our web shop :up:

Sweet, thanks for the info. I use propylene glycol, so that should work out fine.

[Callsign_Vega]

Any news on the release date of these new water blocks?

[tiborrr]

Prototype testing of this water block + backplate was completed yesterday (or was it two days ago? who knows :)) Everything's OK!

Expect blocks to be available in our web shop in about two weeks! :up:

[Callsign_Vega]

Sweet, thanks for the update. Could you say if this block manages to reach out and cool the memory/VRMs etc properly?

[tiborrr]

Yeah, the PCB around VRM is only about ~ 15°C hotter than the GPU, measured with IR thermometer, the MOSFETs are as cold as copper block. The VRMs have water flow over them! :yepp:

Plus the backplates does it's job of passive cooling a bit too! :up:

[Callsign_Vega]

Is the back plate pretty much required to add rigidity with the water cooling block? I only ask as I will be going sub-zero liquid and do not need any "passive" type cooling.

[PlexFreak]

Any idea if this waterblock will also fit on the Gainward GTX580 "Good Edition"?

[Johnny87au]

afaik all 3gb editions will work with the EK block..

[PlexFreak]

afaik all 3gb editions will work with the EK block..

Thanks for the reply but the GTX 580 "Good edition" only has 1.5GB. It does however look like the Palit 3GB version.(2 similar fans but different color scheme)
Also the PCB layout looks identical except of course for the number of memory chips.

FYI: "GOOD Edition"= Gainward Optimized Own Design

[tiborrr]

It will work, yes :up:

[PlexFreak]

Great, can't wait until it gets released :D

[tiborrr]

EK-FC5x0 GW GTX already mass producing! :up:

[tiborrr]

http://file.si/pfiles/162650/DSC_0616.JPG

http://file.si/pfiles/162651/DSC_0621.JPG

Th2o = 41.7°C

http://file.si/pfiles/162652/5x0gw_furmark_water_41-7c.jpg

[Callsign_Vega]

Looking sweet! Been checking your store every-day for ordering lol.

[luke997]

Is this block going to utilise new EK fin over the GPU area design?

I take it the block and backplates will be available for sell within the next 2-3 weeks?

I'm considering upgrade to 3x580 3GB now that the blocks are in the works.
Shame though about the Palit cards availability (well the Phantoms are but not worth extra £60 per card imho...)

[tiborrr]

Yes, the block sports new fin cooling engine and brass threaded standoffs. The block should be available as of tomorrow.

[E.R]

Awsome, and the FC-link is compatible with it?

[Callsign_Vega]

Ordered four off of EKs store. Maybe I will get lucky and have them in the US before the weekend. ;)

[luke997]

Ordered four off of EKs store. Maybe I will get lucky and have them in the US before the weekend. ;)

Did you order backplates too? Can't seem to find the backplate in the store - unless the reference one fits...?

[antiacid]

Did you order backplates too? Can't seem to find the backplate in the store - unless the reference one fits...?

post #10 in this thread indicates that the reference backplate should fit.

I'm actually interested in this setup, I was dead set on a 6990 but maybe 2x 580/3gb would actually work better. I'm just so tired of AMD's drivers :-/

[Callsign_Vega]

I did not order back plates. I will be running sub-zero coolant so the entire card+water block will be insulated for condensation so no need for back plates.

Antiacid, 2x 3GB 580s will own a 6990. ;) As they should being quite a bit more expensive.

[mwlhrh]

vega;

you beat me to the ek store and gobbled up all the non-ref blocks for the palit/gainward 580 cards....strong work - looking forward to your write-up. I've got 2 of the 3gb palits coming and a third zr30w. How essential, for a standard SLI water cooled loop, would the backplates be? By the way, what nvidia drivers are you using currently and are you satisfied with them? The evga and other manuf. forums are speaking of 'artifacting' which may be drivers, psu, intrinsic flaw of the fermi design (?!?)...have you seen this with the palits?

rob

[Callsign_Vega]

When they first appeared on the store today they showed "no stock". I ordered them in a no-stock condition. I think Tiborr said they will actually be in stock tomorrow. I just jumped the gun and ordered them anyway as I don't want to be stuck in the back of the queue! I ordered the Acetal versions as I am not keen on plexiglass.

If I was doing regular water cooling I would get the back plates. I didn't as I am having to custom insulate everything. I am currently using 267.91. I have never seen artifacting on my Palits no matter the driver. Although, I haven't really been pushing them overclock wise though as I have been waiting for the water blocks.

[mwlhrh]

thanks vega...helpful as always

rob

[tiborrr]

We are assembling the EK-F5x0 GW GTX waterblocks as I speak. You can backorder them already! :up:

Backplate will be a few weeks late.

[luke997]

post #10 in this thread indicates that the reference backplate should fit.


Seems not:



Backplate will be a few weeks late.

Thanks for update tiborrr!

[tiborrr]

Here's the current compatibility list.
Strong and growing: http://www.coolingconfigurator.com/waterblock/3831109855492

[Callsign_Vega]

Sweet, fast packing guys. Mine are on their way. Hopefully DHL can really do 3-day. ;)

[Kenjiwing]

Tiborrr.. will this block also work on the new EVGA 3GB card?

http://www.evga.com/products/moreInfo.asp?pn=03G-P3-1584-AR&family=GeForce%20500%20Series%20Family&sw=

[tiborrr]

From the I/O plate looks like this is not a Gainward/Palit designed card, but rather a reference design. Probably just using denser memory chips. Therefore my money is on the classic EK-FC580 GTX(+).

[Kenjiwing]

From the I/O plate looks like this is not a Gainward/Palit designed card, but rather a reference design. Probably just using denser memory chips. Therefore my money is on the classic EK-FC580 GTX(+).

If thats the case thats even better :)

[paulbagz]

Does the Palit GTX580 3GB share the same layout as the Gainward GTX580 3GB? Not sure which one to order yet and this would be good to know. Thanks.

I'd assume they would be the same as they're the same company :up:

-PB

[QuadSLI]

Just wondering if the reference FC-GTX580 block will fit on the

1) Zotac GTX580 3Gb (http://www.zotacusa.com/zotac-amp2-geforce-gtx-580-zt-50103-10p.html)
2) Zotac GTX580 3Gb AMP (http://www.zotacusa.com/zotac-amp2-geforce-gtx-580-zt-50104-10p.html)

[tiborrr]

Hi QuadSLI,

sorry for late reply. Yes, this appears to be reference design. Please check out coolingconfigurator.com (http://www.coolingconfigurator.com)! :up:
- http://www.coolingconfigurator.com/step1_complist?gpu_gpus=443
- http://www.coolingconfigurator.com/step1_complist?gpu_gpus=337