Kepler arrives, so does the EK-FC680 GTX series water block

Printable View

Show 100 post(s) from this thread on one page

03-22-2012, 07:16 AM
tiborrr

Kepler arrives, so does the EK-FC680 GTX series water block

One of the most anticipated piece of computer hardware, the nVidia GeForce GTX 680, has arrived. This is the first card of the Kepler architecture. EK has already developed a high performance Full Cover water block. This arcticle will present the thermal and hydraulic characteristics of the EK's latest water block.

http://file.si/pfiles/233319/680gtx.JPG

The test has been conducted using the following water cooling components and measuring equipment:
- EK-FC680 GTX prototype (RTM) water block
- EK-RAD CoolStream XT 360
- 3x Yate Loon D12SH-12 120mm 2200rpm fans
- 2m 12mm ID tubing (1/2" ID)
- D5 Vario water pump + EK-D5 X-TOP V2
- EK-RES X2 Multioption 250 Advanced
- EK-12mm High Flow fittings

Measuring equipment:
- Greisinger GTH 175/Pt J-type thermometer, calibrated
- Voltcraft IR-800 20D IR thermometer
- Digmessa digital flow meter FKHU series

http://file.si/pfiles/233321/680gtx0.JPG

Furmark torture benchmark which stresses the graphics card to the maximum was ran for more than one hour. Graphics card GeForce GTX 680, running at factory set frequencies and voltage (706/1502MHz, Vgpu = 0.987V) yielded the following results:

Tgpumax = 39°C
Th2omax = 30.8°C
---
dTmax = 8.2°C = ~ 8°C

http://file.si/pfiles/233322/680gtx2.JPG

The new 28nm litography offers great overclocking potential therefore we felt it is vital to test the cooling performance of our water block under such condition. Furmark torture benchmark which stresses the graphics card to the maximum was (again) ran for more than one hour in order to assume stability. Overclocking the graphics card from factory set 706/1502MHz (default Vgpu = 0.987V) to 1097/1752MHz (GPU/RAM respectively) with Vgpu voltage set at 1.15V and Power Target at 132% yielded the following result:

Tgpumax = 43°C
Th2omax = 33.2°C
---
dTmax = 9.8°C = ~ 10°C

http://file.si/pfiles/233320/680gtx_furmark.jpg

Where Tgpumax is the highest temperature of the GPU core, logged by software; Th2omax is the highest temperature of the coolant measured by thermometer; dTmax is the highest delta (difference) between the GPU core temperature and the coolant temperature - lower is better.

Please note that the smallest resolution for Tgpu probe is 1°C therefore a rounding error is present. Considering this fact we can see that dT does not increase more than a 2°C even at overclocked conditions. The VRM (voltage regulation module) also remains cool, the hottest measured temperature was ~ 54°C (behind the MOSFETs, on the back side of the PCB; 60°C in overclocked mode).

http://file.si/pfiles/233323/680gtx3.JPG

The EK-FC680 GTX water block - like it's Radeon cooling counterparts- excells in hydraulic performance chart. The design once again features very low flow resistance, somewhere in the range of the EK-Supreme HF CPU water block. As a result any medium performance water pump will run three or four of these water blocks yet still offer enough flow for optimal system operation. Picture below shows the hydraulic curve:

http://file.si/pfiles/233324/680hydro.jpg

The EK-FC680 GTX water block - which comes in all four versions (Copper Plexi, Copper Acetal, EN Nickel Plexi, EN Nickel Acetal) - is already listed in the EK webshop and will be available for purchase on Monday, April 2nd 2012. The first batches are already manufactured and are being assembled on daily basis to prevent stock shortages. The matching FC Backplate is also in the works and will be available in the following weeks.

Niko Tivadar - tiborrr - for EK Team
March 22nd 2012
03-22-2012, 08:29 AM
tiborrr

Forgot to mention the growing compatibility list:
http://www.coolingconfigurator.com/w.../3831109856314

Listed products:

- EK-FC680 GTX: http://www.ekwaterblocks.com/shop/ek-fc680-gtx.html
- EK-FC680 GTX - Acetal: http://www.ekwaterblocks.com/shop/ek...tx-acetal.html
- EK-FC680 GTX - EN (Nickel): http://www.ekwaterblocks.com/shop/ek...en-nickel.html
- EK-FC680 GTX - Acetal+EN (Nickel): http://www.ekwaterblocks.com/shop/ek...en-nickel.html

Installation manual:
http://www.ekwaterblocks.com/shop/EK...1109856314.pdf
03-22-2012, 08:34 AM
Callsign_Vega

Nice. Tiborrr, any plans for 4GB card blocks? (not sure if they are just doubling ram on reference PCB's).
03-22-2012, 08:39 AM
Manicdan

perfect, zotac looks compatible

is the site the best way to order them for those of us in the states, or do you recommended another site?
03-22-2012, 08:52 AM
tiborrr

@Vega: I believe 4GB edition will be either 16 16-bit RAM IC or 8 high density 32-bit RAM IC. Either way EK-FC680 GTX will probably fit. Are you planning to upgrade your chilled beast? ;)

@Manicdan: States based shops should have these by the end of next week.
03-22-2012, 11:20 AM
Callsign_Vega

[QUOTE=tiborrr;5072722]@Vega: I believe 4GB edition will be either 16 16-bit RAM IC or 8 high density 32-bit RAM IC. Either way EK-FC680 GTX will probably fit. Are you planning to upgrade your chilled beast? ;)

Yup, 4x EVGA 680's inbound. Was curious if you knew about the 4GB cards. It would be nice if I got these water blocks if I could just take them off the 2GB cards and toss them on the 4GB cards. I guess time will tell.
03-22-2012, 08:13 PM
squick3n

I've got the Gigabyte version on the way. Hope to see it added to the compatibility list
03-22-2012, 08:44 PM
penguins

Tiborrr,

I was hoping that you could do me a favor and compare the gtx 580 and 680 for size, as I am in the market for either a 580 ( I know it will fit height wise), but Was hoping to go for a 680 instead if it will actually fit with the waterblock. It would ever so help me to find out the height difference between the two cards with waterblocks on them. I was planning on getting the EK block as they are usually shorter ( simpler and pwetty. )

thanks for any help you can give me Tiborrr. and gz on the new block.
03-23-2012, 01:03 AM
tiborrr

Penguins,

I hope this drawing will help :)

http://file.si/pfiles/233368/680vs_580.jpg

And thanks! ;)
03-23-2012, 02:50 AM
squick3n

As to the gigabyte model, GV-N680D5-2GD-B, it's of course a reference board

http://www.techpowerup.com/162891/GI...e-GTX-680.html
03-23-2012, 04:11 AM
tiborrr

Quote:

Originally Posted by squick3n

As to the gigabyte model, GV-N680D5-2GD-B, it's of course a reference board

http://www.techpowerup.com/162891/GI...e-GTX-680.html

It sure is: http://www.coolingconfigurator.com/s...t?gpu_gpus=646
03-23-2012, 10:08 AM
kroks

Quote:

Originally Posted by tiborrr

@Vega: I believe 4GB edition will be either 16 16-bit RAM IC or 8 high density 32-bit RAM IC. Either way EK-FC680 GTX will probably fit. Are you planning to upgrade your chilled beast? ;)

@Manicdan: States based shops should have these by the end of next week.

http://www.evga.com/forums/fb.ashx?m=1507294
"For the 4GB SKU, the memory will be on the backside, so the backplate will act as a heatspreader. "
;)

Mine is coming next week, I hope the EK-VGA HF is compatible, I'll just keep nvidia plate for vrm and memory cooling...
03-23-2012, 02:04 PM
penguins

Tiborrr, It helps so much, thanks it Looks like I wait a week for a video card!
03-23-2012, 03:12 PM
Polizei

Hey tiborr, I know Solidworks too. Need a US based CAD person? :rofl:
03-23-2012, 08:54 PM
basserdan

Saweeet! I always thought amd and nvidia did not provide any reference design info to have a block on release. Seems like they always take about 2mos..
03-23-2012, 09:25 PM
NEOAethyr

I assume this is for the ref board.
I doubt this would work on a evga classified ver if one does come out, just a heads up.
03-24-2012, 05:42 AM
Crazystang01

@tiborrr Looking into your crystal ball:D Do you guys plan on making water blocks for non-Ref cards? ( I'm sure you guys will by looking at the past blocks). But which ones you think Evga's FTW with 8 phase PWM and Classified with 14. MSI's Lightening and/or Asus DUII ? I'll be going with whatever company comes out with a non-stacked power connector.
There isn't much I can do about the dual slot DVI but that stacked connector on a water cooled card is just horrible and I hope that some non-ref cards have the old style connectors.
I wish for a all single slot card but really not looking to happen. I want to upgrade off my GTX480's to 680's as performance is great over the 480 and I now upgrade ever other gen see more of a perf boost.:D
03-25-2012, 01:35 AM
tiborrr

We always do non-ref design water blocks, I promise we will do even more of them! ;)
03-25-2012, 08:20 AM
lowfat

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crazystang01

@tiborrr Looking into your crystal ball:D Do you guys plan on making water blocks for non-Ref cards? ( I'm sure you guys will by looking at the past blocks). But which ones you think Evga's FTW with 8 phase PWM and Classified with 14. MSI's Lightening and/or Asus DUII ? I'll be going with whatever company comes out with a non-stacked power connector.
There isn't much I can do about the dual slot DVI but that stacked connector on a water cooled card is just horrible and I hope that some non-ref cards have the old style connectors.
I wish for a all single slot card but really not looking to happen. I want to upgrade off my GTX480's to 680's as performance is great over the 480 and I now upgrade ever other gen see more of a perf boost.:D

Hopefully someone will do it. I'd really prefer a single slot card if possible.
03-25-2012, 08:21 AM
lowfat

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crazystang01

@tiborrr Looking into your crystal ball:D Do you guys plan on making water blocks for non-Ref cards? ( I'm sure you guys will by looking at the past blocks). But which ones you think Evga's FTW with 8 phase PWM and Classified with 14. MSI's Lightening and/or Asus DUII ? I'll be going with whatever company comes out with a non-stacked power connector.
There isn't much I can do about the dual slot DVI but that stacked connector on a water cooled card is just horrible and I hope that some non-ref cards have the old style connectors.
I wish for a all single slot card but really not looking to happen. I want to upgrade off my GTX480's to 680's as performance is great over the 480 and I now upgrade ever other gen see more of a perf boost.:D

Hopefully someone will do it. I'd really prefer a single slot card if possible.
03-25-2012, 09:32 AM
Manicdan

could you add your own connector to the spare holes on the gpu and just cut down/replace the current one? not sure how mod friendly they made the card.
03-25-2012, 10:27 AM
tiborrr

It's a question whether the pads are even connected to the power plane circuit. I've seen this with a 8600GTS that had no PCIe power connector. In order to add PCIe power connector the mass (GND) had to be soldered to somewhere else (nearest MOSFET) because the mass pads weren't connected to anything.
03-25-2012, 10:32 AM
tiborrr

I see I've made a mistake: the blocks will be available for purchase as of tomorrow, March 26th 2012 and not April 2nd.
03-25-2012, 11:35 AM
Crazystang01

Manicadan I have even thought about that unsoldering the dual 6 pin connectors and soldering on a 6+8. But I bet for sure that would void any type of warranty and well I am not made of money. Even asked Evga_Jacob if they plan on non-ref cards to have the old style connectors and I'm just getting the cold shoulder and he even said that the resin for the stacked connector was to clear the fan. Well WT! no fan on the Hydrocopper but OMG there still is a stacked connector. Pretty sure the Hydrocopper is just a water block on a Ref card. But still WT! why I am wondering about their FTW and Classified cards as they have more phases and should be non-ref.

PS. Sorry I mean no dis to Swiftech and their water block more a dis to Evga. That and I just have always loved EK water block's.
03-25-2012, 12:11 PM
NEOAethyr

I like the stacked power connector setup.
When the connectors are in the back, side by side, it gets in the way of my other cables and drives, already got my 2x pcie cables bent at a 180 deg angle (well not quite 180 deg, but you get the idea) on my gtx460se :\.

Show 100 post(s) from this thread on one page