Swiftech Epsilon HD6990 & Komodo 6900-V2

[gabe]

Epsilon HD6990 for Radeon HD6990

We are expecting the sample for validation Monday, and should proceed with production within days thereafter.

ETA for public release is 4/15/2011.

Specs:

True Full-cover construction: uses all PCB mount points
Elongated to work and fit the stock back-plate
(2) 0.6x0.6mm pin matrix
Moderate flow restriction
Hard TIM on GPU & VR's
Pre-installed Memory Pads for memory
Black Acetal Housing
Chrome plated 110 Copper base
Safe Standoff installation
Smooth fly-cut GPU areas (as in Komodo HD6900)

Will begin test reports next weeks.

Here are some 3-d renders.

http://www.swiftech.com/images/product_pages/Epsilon-hd-6990/epsilon-6990-front.jpg

http://www.swiftech.com/images/product_pages/Epsilon-hd-6990/epsilon-6990-back.jpg


Re. Komodo HD6900-2

The Komodo HD6900 full cover waterblock is now available in 2 versions making it compatible with both PCB revisions of AMD's reference design for the Radeon HD 6970.

In particular, this now enables compatibility with the following recently released Radeon HD6970 models:

PowerColor PCS+ AX6970,
SAPPHIRE 100311-2SR ,
VisionTek 900353.

It is expected that more models from different brands using the revised PCB will be released in the near future.

check here (http://www.swiftech.com/KOMODO-HD6900.aspx#tab4) for full compatibility list and pictures of the AMD reference PCB revisions.

Users who purchased the HD6900 and have a rev2 PCB board are entitled to a free upgrade of the VR plate within 90 days from date of purchase.

[defect9]

very nice!

[Church]

Gabe: i see new swiftech logo on it. Love alchemy symbol background story of it :). BTW, what would you think of adding sticker to backplate aswell? After all in common non inverted case motherboard layouts backplate is what seen first from side/from above. For such sticker .. i suggest two :D - of smaller square shape on each gpu core cutouts, with just swiftech logo on them (bigger though then logo on front side).

[gabe]

Gabe: i see new swiftech logo on it. Love alchemy symbol background story of it :). BTW, what would you think of adding sticker to backplate aswell? After all in common non inverted case motherboard layouts backplate is what seen first from side/from above. For such sticker .. i suggest two :D - of smaller square shape on each gpu core cutouts, with just swiftech logo on them (bigger though then logo on front side).

Skinnee also sent me a note about this. it's a good idea. Not too sure I understand your suggestion as to shape though. I was going to make a generic swiftech logo sticker that ppl can place anywhere.

[Church]

gabe: i thought something like in this pic (http://nav.lv/~church/epsilon-6990-back-stickers.jpg).

[RacingTurtle]

Really does look very nice.
This has got to be one of the most anticipated blocks in a while, I cant wait to slap one of these suckers on and see what my card can do when its kept nice and cool!

[gabe]

Really does look very nice.
This has got to be one of the most anticipated blocks in a while, I cant wait to slap one of these suckers on and see what my card can do when its kept nice and cool!

I should have test results next week.

[bundymania]

WOW what a huge monster block ! :up:

[gabe]

WOW what a huge monster block ! :up:

The sample for validation is already here..

Some pics before we put it on the bench.

http://www.swiftech.com/images/Product_pages/Epsilon-hd-6990/epsilon-hd6990-backx800.jpg


This shows the size of PCB relative to waterblock - cover sticker isn't made yet. final block will have larger radii in edges.

http://www.swiftech.com/images/Product_pages/Epsilon-hd-6990/epsilon-hd6990-front-with-card-x800.jpg

[Martinm210]

Any internals for us science geeks?... :)

[gabe]

Any internals for us science geeks?... :)

You mean to inspire my competition even before I relase the product?

Nah, I'll wait a bit ;)

[Thomas FJ]

You mean to inspire my competition even before I relase the product?

Nah, I'll wait a bit ;)

Sounds interesting as the look of your normal pin matrix and a flow path isn't big news :)

[Martinm210]

You mean to inspire my competition even before I relase the product?

Nah, I'll wait a bit ;)

Good point..lok forward to your results!

[PatRaceTin]

6990 may reach core 1000 on water cool

[Utnorris]

"Users who purchased the HD6900 and have a rev2 PCB board are entitled to a free upgrade of the VR plate within 90 days from date of purchase."

That's friggin awesome Gabe. I don't know of any other company that does this for their customers. Can't wait to see how well your HD6990 block tames that beast, I bet it will allow for some decent overclocking, not to mention saving some folks hearing.

[gabe]

Sat 3-19-11 - Initial report

Ci7 920 @ 4.1 Ghz
Radeon HD6990 - enginerering sample -
Factory tag: Flickering line

09:00-13:00
Troubleshoot OS
Diagnostic: AMD driver polluted SSD likely
Action: Reformat - Re-install OS W7x64-ult

13:00-14:45
Goal: Establish baseline Stock Cooler
AUSUM mode enabled
Fan set to VCM* (100%)
Memory OC: not attempted

Max GPU OC under Vantage 950 Mhz
Vantage test result: 31,325

Max GPU OC under 3DM2011: 940 Mhz
Note: artifacts flickering lines confirmed
3DM 2011 test result: 7,888

*Vacuum Cleaner Mode


15:00-16:00
Epsilon HD6990 Installed

Furmark test results:

http://www.swiftech.com/images/Product_pages/Epsilon-hd-6990/test3-19-11.png

[Levesque]

Impressive. And everyone talking about how ''hot'' the 6990 is.

Can't wait to put a waterblock on mine.

Great results Gabe. Great block.

[skinnee]

I'm just glad to see you're not using Silenx fans anymore. :)

[Church]

Gabe: LOL at Vacuum Cleaner Mode :rofl::ROTF:

[gabe]

Here is an update with some benchmark data.

We have updated our test bench to a Sandy Bridge proc, running at 4.8Ghz.

The 6990 we are testing with the Epsilon cooling solution is an AMD sample, tagged with a "flicketing lines" slip, so it not a star by any stretch of the imagination, and I suppose not representative of what a retail version would do under water.

Despite the low temps in line with what was reported earlier, the Max OC remains relatively modest (for a water cooled card) at 980 / 1440. For reference, I've seen stock cooled cards run at up to 1 Ghz on air (in VC mode I suppose)

Here are the 3D Marks scores:


http://www.swiftech.com/images/Product_pages/Epsilon-hd-6990/10797-980x1440-4,8ghz.png

http://www.swiftech.com/images/Product_pages/Epsilon-hd-6990/37430-980x1445-4,8ghz.png

We are done with production, and should hopefully introduce the product to retail channels within a couple of weeks.

Oh, and I almost forgot.. If you are interest in a single-slot PCI solution for your prized Radeon HD6990, we got it covered.

[RacingTurtle]

Oh, and I almost forgot.. If you are interest in a single-slot PCI solution for your prized Radeon HD6990, we got it covered.

Nice! Looking forward to that.

[Johnny87au]

Awesome release gabe. mind i ask what epilson means ??

[Guapa5000]

Any plans for designing a Komodo/Epilson for the GTX 590?

[gabe]

It looks like Stephen picked up something nasty .. he's been feverish all week, glossy and transfixed eyes, barely responding to stimuli other than..

Extra voltage

I think he's caught the OC virus :eek:


http://www.swiftech.com/images/Product_pages/Epsilon-hd-6990/38591-980x1445-5ghz.png

Given his 9th overall ranking (single card) per HWBOT link (http://hwbot.org/searchResults.do?direction=&applicationId=17&cpu=&numberOfProcessors=0&gpu=Radeon+HD+6990&numberOfVideocards=1&manufacturer=&chipset=&model=&memManufacturer=&memType=&memProduct=&minCpuFreq=&maxCpuFreq=&minGpuCoreFreq=&maxGpuCoreFreq=&minGpuMemFreq=&maxGpuMemFreq=&minMemFreq=&maxMemFreq=&countryId=0&teamId=0&userName=&minScore=&maxScore=&displayAdvanced=false&filterBlocked=&filterUser=&filterVerification=&imageAttached=&dateFrom=&dateUntil=&system=&minTotalPoints=&gpuId=1800&cpuId=0&chipsetId=0&modelId=0&manufacturerId=0&memManufacturerId=&memProductId=&memTypeId=&offset=0), it looks like his test results are not that too bad afterall :clap:

Update... He just sent me another test result at 38821..
Where is this going to stop? I am scared now.

[MengNa]

Looks awesome! It makes me wanna change my 2 6970 to a 6990 just for the block!

[gabe]

Hello All,

Re. Epsilon HD6990

Release is approaching fast, and I just wanted to share pictures of the final product.

http://www.swiftech.com/images/product_pages/epsilon-hd-6990/HD6990-INSTALLEDx800.png

1 slot PCI bracket for those of you who need the space :D

http://www.swiftech.com/images/product_pages/epsilon-hd-6990/pci-bcktx400.png

[Johnny87au]

Gabe check your pm box please mate!

[gabe]

Gabe check your pm box please mate!

check yours ;)

[Johnny87au]

check yours slow poke :)

[chrisgonzales]

hey im new too the site, but just wanted to let you know that your single slot block, is what made me buy the 6990, can't wait
been stalking the forum for a while now, but now i'm able to post :)

[gabe]

hey im new too the site, but just wanted to let you know that your single slot block, is what made me buy the 6990, can't wait
been stalking the forum for a while now, but now i'm able to post :)

Thanks :) I'm pushing production to finish them off and ship'em out!

[RacingTurtle]

That 1 slot PCI bracket is brilliant!
I'll be all over one of those when theyre ready.

[Johnny87au]

That 1 slot PCI bracket is brilliant!
I'll be all over one of those when theyre ready.

+1 swiftech have really outdone themselves, Beautiful block! :up:

[BeepBeep2]

+1 swiftech have really outdone themselves, Beautiful block! :up:
Agreed.

I <3 minimal look. Black, few graphics, gets the job done.

[Emperor]

pictures of the fins inside the waterblock and the contact area with the GPUs?

[gabe]

pictures of the fins inside the waterblock and the contact area with the GPUs?

The product should be released this week. You'll be able to see all the pics on the web site :)

[chrisgonzales]

man i can't wait i want it now now now :P, this card gets hot need something to cool it down

[gabe]

The product has been released - orders will be accepted online 5/11
MSRP $159.95

High gloss face sticker shows reflection of a graphics card overhead

http://www.swiftech.com/images/products/detail/epsilonhd6990reflectionhires.png

Mirror polish chrome plated copper base - all PCB mount holes used - pre-installed standoffs

http://www.swiftech.com/images/products/detail/epsilonhd6990basereflectionsx800.png

Installed with included PCI bracket

http://www.swiftech.com/images/products/detail/HD6990INSTALLEDX800.png

PCI detail

http://www.swiftech.com/images/products/detail/PCIBCKTX400.png

Back plate installed

http://www.swiftech.com/images/products/detail/epsilonhd6990backplateinstalledx800.png

Reinforced PCI bracket - will also be sold separately ($5)

http://www.swiftech.com/images/Product_pages/Epsilon-hd-6990/PCI-bracket.png

Exploded view

http://www.swiftech.com/images/Product_pages/Epsilon-hd-6990/EPSILON-HD6990-EXPLODED-VIEW.png

Dimensions

http://www.swiftech.com/images/Product_pages/Epsilon-hd-6990/water-block-DIMENSIONSx800.png

Weight: 50 oz (1430 g)


Performance data

http://www.swiftech.com/images/Product_pages/Epsilon-hd-6990/EPSILON-HD6990-THERMAL-TEST.PNG

[RacingTurtle]

It's too late. EK blocks have been out for a month now.

[zalbard]

It's too late. EK blocks have been out for a month now.
Are you saying that not a single person is going to buy 6990 from now on? :rolleyes:

[Church]

RacingTurtle: and each and every customer bought cards and EK blocks right away and will never buy swiftech ones? Too late? Yeah, right. :)

eek, Zalbard got first :D

[gabe]

Are you saying that not a single person is going to buy 6990 from now on? :rolleyes:

No worries, he's just envious because ours looks so much nicer :D

[Church]

gabe: speaking about looks, imho you really should start thinking about making bridges. As interim pre-step, you should start design in for all future swiftech gpu full cover blocks inlets placed at same distance from each other and alike, to ease developing such SLI/CF waterbridges and drop need to have some block specific adapters/links to that bridge.
(and it would be nice to have inlets placed at same place/distance for both dual gpu-s & single gpu-s of same generation, to allow tri-sli/tri-cf of one dual and one single gpu cards)
BTW, like :up: idea of glossy sticker surface. PCB or backplate of other card mirroring in it imho should result in very nice touch.

[RacingTurtle]

Think about it guys, its not that hard. Cmon, people will buy whats available first up.

[gabe]

gabe: speaking about looks, imho you really should start thinking about making bridges. As interim pre-step, you should start design in for all future swiftech gpu full cover blocks inlets placed at same distance from each other and alike, to ease developing such SLI/CF waterbridges and drop need to have some block specific adapters/links to that bridge.
(and it would be nice to have inlets placed at same place/distance for both dual gpu-s & single gpu-s of same generation, to allow tri-sli/tri-cf of one dual and one single gpu cards)
BTW, like :up: idea of glossy sticker surface. PCB or backplate of other card mirroring in it imho should result in very nice touch.

I agree.

[gabe]

(and it would be nice to have inlets placed at same place/distance for both dual gpu-s & single gpu-s of same generation, to allow tri-sli/tri-cf of one dual and one single gpu cards)
BTW, like :up: idea of glossy sticker surface. PCB or backplate of other card mirroring in it imho should result in very nice touch.

Tri CF.. you mean something like this, right ?

http://www.swiftech.com/images/product_pages/Epsilon-hd-6990/tri-cf.png

So, Epsilon HD6990 and Komodo HD6900 do work (only in serial config) in TRIPLE-CROSSFIRE. Granted there is a small offset (exactly 4mm), but it isn't an issue with vynil tubing. Ideally we'd want both inlet/outlet aligned so that ppl can also do parallel. If there is strong demand, I wouldn't be against making a revised Komodo 6900 that way. I'll start another thread to make a poll so you guys can let me know.

I was excited to do benchies in this config, unfortunately I realized that my bench PSU doesn't have three 4-pin connectors. Oh well, I'll have to get another PSU next week.

[chrisgonzales]

Todays the day !!!!! I'm ordering one as soon as it's available, ... which when will that be?

[PatRaceTin]

i like the idea of those stand-off provided

[vulcZ]

I'd love a picture of the inside of this block :)

[Vapor]

Thread cleaned....resume business as usual with discussion about the Komodo 6900-V2 and Epsilon 6990 :)

[Ch3ck5um]

Has to be said that is a really nice block, the most polished one by far.

Cant find any pricing on here in the UK though :(

[TechAnalyst]

Dunno I bought my 6990s the second they were available. Just purchased two Epsilons, so its going to be interesting.

[Fatfool]

o.O I hope Gabe doesn't mind me asking but did you have to get permission from AMD to use their logo on your block?

[XiraN]

Yes you do, as with any trademarked logo on a commercial product.

[lowdog]

A question about the chrome plating....does that come in contact with the water in the block???.....just wondering because wouldn't there be a possibility of it flakying off :confused:


Just asking because I'm considering getting 2 x of the 6990 blocks after reading about the nickel plating fiascoe happening here http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=270567

[gabe]

A question about the chrome plating....does that come in contact with the water in the block???.....just wondering because wouldn't there be a possibility of it flakying off :confused:


Just asking because I'm considering getting 2 x of the 6990 blocks after reading about the nickel plating fiascoe happening here http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=270567


Yes the entire copper base is plated, and thus is in contact with the coolant.

Our bases are not nickel plated, they are chrome plated. It's a bit more expensive, but it looks much whiter than nickel that has yelowish reflects.

Knock on wood, we haven't had any complaints about our plating coming off to this date. All I can say in general is that pre-treatment (cleaning/etching) is considered absolutely critical for a durable plating and preventing peel-off etc..

For reference, our plating consists in 3 "coats":

1/ Copper: thickness: 0.004mm
2/ Nickel: thickness: 0.005mm
3/ Chrome: thickness: 0.05mm

[zalbard]

Our bases are not nickel plated, they are chrome plated. It's a bit more expensive, but it looks much whiter than nickel that has yelowish reflects.
I didn't know it was chrome! :eek:
Sounds fantastic, and should look great, too! :D

1/ Copper: thickness: 0.004mm
2/ Nickel: thickness: 0.005mm
3/ Chrome: thickness: 0.05mm
Nice, must be pretty durable, then. :yepp:
Thanks for the info, Gabe! :)

[gabe]

I didn't know it was chrome! :eek:
Sounds fantastic, and should look great, too! :D

Nice, must be pretty durable, then. :yepp:
Thanks for the info, Gabe! :)

Chrome pltg: It's always been that way :D

[lowdog]

Hey Gabe just a heads up!

I tried to order 2 x 6990 blocks froom your website, I tried the order process 4 times with my cc (I live in Australia) and it was declined each time. I received email's stating that the orders were declined???

However I have sent 5 emails to Michelle over the course of this week and as of yet I have not received 1 reply regarding this issue and any info on how I can order these blocks from you.......pretty poor customer service it seems so far....what do you think!!!!

Dom.

[gabe]

Hey Gabe just a heads up!

I tried to order 2 x 6990 blocks froom your website, I tried the order process 4 times with my cc (I live in Australia) and it was declined each time. I received email's stating that the orders were declined???

However I have sent 5 emails to Michelle over the course of this week and as of yet I have not received 1 reply regarding this issue and any info on how I can order these blocks from you.......pretty poor customer service it seems so far....what do you think!!!!

Dom.

We do not ship direct to consummers outside the US/Canada. Our credit card processor doesn't accept foreign cc's, reason why your's was declined.

About emails: had long week-end (memorial day) so workload accumulated for Michelle over the week-end. she responded today.

Mittoni (Australia master distrib, see contact info on site) will be receiving their 6990 blocks next week, patience ;)

[lowdog]

We do not ship direct to consummers outside the US/Canada. Our credit card processor doesn't accept foreign cc's, reason why your's was declined.

About emails: had long week-end (memorial day) so workload accumulated for Michelle over the week-end. she responded today.

Mittoni (Australia master distrib, see contact info on site) will be receiving their 6990 blocks next week, patience ;)

Ah thanks....just got an email from Michelle saying similar things to what you just said....pitty about not shipping direct to customers abroard....makes it EXTREMELY difficult for me to get hold of these things here now....looks like I'lll just have to wait and see what happens :(

[gabe]

Ah thanks....just got an email from Michelle saying similar things to what you just said....pitty about not shipping direct to customers abroard....makes it EXTREMELY difficult for me to get hold of these things here now....looks like I'lll just have to wait and see what happens :(

The blocks shipped to Mittoni yesterday :-) They'll be available in Australia very shortly.

[lowdog]

The blocks shipped to Mittoni yesterday :-) They'll be available in Australia very shortly.

Cool and thanks :)

[lowdog]

The blocks shipped to Mittoni yesterday :-) They'll be available in Australia very shortly.

Gabe....still waiting here in Aus for 2 of these 6990 blocks....whats the story with Mittoni?????????......Auspcmarket is saying there is still no word from the supplier (Mittoni) about these blocks and i ordered from them on the 6th June.....shouldn't they already have them by now??????.....just getting impatient because I want to get this build up and running.

[ElGreco]

Any ideas if these blocks are available in Europe (Germany or UK)?