Lucite topped water blocks and extreme temp question...

[Warden]

I'm looking at getting a water chiller that goes to about -25 celsius. My current system has a Dangerden TDX and the Dangerden NV-68 (Geforce 6800 block) that both have the lucite tops. I'm concerned that the lucite can't handle such cold temps and was wondering if any of you have had experience with this. I did E-Mail Dangerden but being a weekend I have not heard back from them yet.

Thanks for any input!

Warden

[Syzzer]

I don't know what lucite is, but I assume it is something like plexi or lexan. When using such a top for your waterblock with a chiller goes well, untill you try to put the block tight on your proc. The plastic will crack under the load and temperature.

For water-chiller blocks: use a metal top.

[Flybye]

I had ordered a TDX and NB (with the lucite top) from them. I didn't see the brass top option on their site so I didn't think much of it. After I placed the order, I kept reading more and more on the web to always go with a full copper block with chilling applications.

I called up DD the next day and I told em what I was planning on doing. They told me they don't specifically make an all copper top for it which also holds it down. I have to use the regular all copper block, and still retain the lucite top which holds it down to the 865.

The 6800 is a different story though since it doesn't look like they carry a copper cover for it at all.

The lucite is pretty thick, but who knows what will happen to it at those temperatures. Look what happened to the Titanic :eek:

http://www.dangerden.com/images/nvidia/6800/n6800_topinst_800w.jpg

[Juicy629]

umm...if you check my thread i got my res at -28c with no cracks or anything..i dunno what will happen with the pressure issue...

[saratoga]

Lucite is pretty tough. I'd worry about the seal though. If the rubber contracted a little, it might not seal tight anymore.

I haven't tried it though.

[Warden]

Thanks for the replies folks :)

Warden

[saaya]

the rubber "shouldnt" contract at -20C ... but yeah, who knows...

whats the deal with those 100$ 6800 blocks anyways? :P

[Warden]

I know those blocks are expensive but I've been more than happy with mine. My GT was at 400/1100 max prior to the DD block and at 460/1200 now. I've done 3DMark runs at 470/1233 but got artifacting.

Warden

[saaya]

i know, but im 100% sure you can get the same overclock with a much much much cheaper solution...

if you "only" go to -5C i think its going to be fine and wont crack, but below that... really dont know

[Juicy629]

acrylic can take -35c...lucite? similar id assume

[saaya]

yes but -20C chilled water temps with 25-30C air around it.... thats a temperature difference of 50C! thats a lot...

if you seal the lucite top nicely it shouldnt be a problem i think. but better try the block not mounted on the card first!

lay the block on a thick sheet of neoprene and seal the edges and top of it like you want it to be when you use it in your system. then try the chilled liquid. that way you can see whether the insulation is ok.

[Juicy629]

im pretty sure he should be ok..but ya id try first outside of case..

[Vandread]

Have you tested it already?
I bought a nice waterchiller and i have a TDX with lucite top....
zo i'm kinda having doubts about using it.

I also have an old Swiftech MCW462 B
http://www.tweaker.ch/guides/Wasserbloecke/swiftech.jpg

The temps told to me:
-15 degrees with and XP@3200 + gf4ti4600+ NB

For now i have:
Dangerden TDX or the Swiftech MCW462 B
Maze4 NB lucite maybe in a different loop...
already had the Volvo heatercore (fits 2 120mm fans easily) for the other loop?
2 meter tygon 1/2"
Eheim 1250
looking for a nice GPU block

I was actually looking for a nice pump and found the chiller for a nice price....

http://images.waterkoeling.nl/members/philip/philip1.jpg
http://images.waterkoeling.nl/members/philip/philip2.jpg
http://images.waterkoeling.nl/members/philip/philip3.jpg
http://images.waterkoeling.nl/members/philip/philip4.jpg
http://images.waterkoeling.nl/members/philip/philip5.jpg
http://images.waterkoeling.nl/members/philip/philip6.jpg
http://images.waterkoeling.nl/members/philip/philip7.jpg
http://images.waterkoeling.nl/members/philip/philip8.jpg
its: 39.5 x 28.5 x 22.5 cm

[Warden]

I had sent an E-Mail off to DD and they responded that there shouldn't be any problems with the blocks operating at those temps. I'll probably have the chiller late this week so we'll see how it goes.

Warden