Who can build 2x high performance 7950GX2 copper GPU block?

I was wondering if anyone knew anyone else, or is able to build a pair of custom high performance copper GPU blocks for a single 7950GX2.

The only blocks (that I know of) that will fit in a 7950GX2 are:
1) The Aqua-Computer aquagrafx 7950GX2
2) The Thermaltake Tide Water Plus' GPU blocks

In GoriLLakoS 7950GX2 review thread, he measured the space between the two cards and its about 1.5cm.
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...hlight=7950gx2

1.5cm is about 0.59 inches, so 7/16" ID tubing with a small thickness will fit. The greatest challenge is obviously building the block :P

Something like Shamino's custom GPU blocks (but for watercooling of couse :p: ) would be nice.
http://sg.vr-zone.com/?i=3743
http://resources.vr-zone.com/Shamino/proj/10.jpg


Im not a expert in waterblocks, but I think this could be a possible solution.
Since water cant be bursted from the top, it has to be from the side to fit in between the cards.
The water busts from one side, the resistance from the pins and the L shape takes off the heat, and then exits from the other side.
Waterblock experts: what would the best design be?
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/7718/wcblock9ei.gif

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Turok

Something like Shamino's custom GPU blocks (but for watercooling of couse :p: ) would be nice.
http://sg.vr-zone.com/?i=3743
http://resources.vr-zone.com/Shamino/proj/10.jpg

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I'm not sure I understood this comment :confused: , because those are for watercooling.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Makubex_GB

I'm not sure I understood this comment :confused: , because those are for watercooling.

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Doh. I thought they were part of the automated Dry-Ice system :p:
It would of had Insulation anyway :rolleyes:
But it doesnt have pins in it, just a restrictive wall. Doesnt it make it more restrictive and less efficient?

Anyway, do you know anyone that can build custom blocks?
If I dont have any luck finding a good WC solution, I will have to buy a "Thermaltake Tide Water Plus".
That watercooling kit isnt top-noth, but it performs well as a dedicated GPU cooler for only about $70-$80.
2x GPU blocks cost about that. I guess I will improve watever I get from the "Tide Water Plus", like changeing the tubeing to shorter transparent tubes :)

Well supposedly AC is working on these:

http://www.aqua-computer.de/prodimg/7950_GX2_1.jpg

So if you can wait a little I'm sure something will come up.

You could also ask EK, I just know he's gonna come up with a waterblock for the GX2 pretty soon. ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Makubex_GB

You could also ask EK, I just know he's is gonna come up with a waterblock for the GX2 pretty soon. ;)

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Its already been designed, just a question of manufacture afaik.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Makubex_GB

Well supposedly AC is working on these:


So if you can wait a little I'm sure something will come up.

You could also ask EK, I just know he's gonna come up with a waterblock for the GX2 pretty soon. ;)

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Well, I already mentioned this block on my first post in this thread :stick:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Turok

The only blocks (that I know of) that will fit in a 7950GX2 are:
1) The Aqua-Computer aquagrafx 7950GX2
2) The Thermaltake Tide Water Plus' GPU blocks

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You did give me a person, tho.
Who's EK? Is that an abreviation or is that his account name in XS?



BTW, I have another question.
Will the Thermaltake Tide Water Plus perform better in a improved loop for itself, or will I get a huge performance difference by making the two GPU blocks from both cards part of my 1/2" loop?

Wouldnt performance be better with a Tide Water Plus because of the short distance if I replace the tubes, and because the loop will be independent from the CPU cooling and wont be as restricted in flow?

The Tide Water Plus is connected in parallel with 2x Y-fittings.
Will performance be better if I modify that cooler to a series?
Im guessing it should.

It's difficult to design such a block with such a small thickness between the cards. I might be able to do something on my CNC, but it's gonna be very difficult because I'll have to spread out the surface area in order to increase flow because there isn't as much workable space to begin with, with normal cards this wouldn't be an issue. But with a half-inch to work with, it gets real difficult to design a high-performance block with such a limited space.

One could always be made with heatpipes, although chances are it would be expensive.

Both expensive and dangerous, you have to create a vacum before you seal the pipe, and that can get risky, especially if you have a leak...I would stick to 2 blocks IMO.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Makubex_GB

Well supposedly AC is working on these:

http://www.aqua-computer.de/prodimg/7950_GX2_1.jpg

So if you can wait a little I'm sure something will come up.

You could also ask EK, I just know he's gonna come up with a waterblock for the GX2 pretty soon. ;)

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Do you know if Aquacomputer is making those with their standard G1/8 threads? If they produced these in delrin with wider channels and 1/4" fittings it may be an option for those with the 7950's.

they're G1/8 and alu. that sucks i'd say ;)

@Turok
pm SSilencer or Unseen for help. i'm also going to design that kind of blocks, so we can cooperate probably to reduce the price ;)

Alu : No problem
G1/8 : Well , my dual-Laing should be able to handle it. ;)

Maybe I own a GF 7950 GX" in two weeks time. The Aqua-Computer waterblock would be the first choice for me.
Okay , there are no other realistic alternatives yet... ^^

hm... why not normal sli?

One of those cards costs 370€ in germany, doesn´t need a SLI board , ...

It's a pain to manufacture because there's so few that people will actually want it. Custom CNC would be the way to go.

Something tells me that it`s easier to make longer inner bridge and make this card triple-slot and use existing blocks :cool:

Sorry for OT

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cooper

Something tells me that it`s easier to make longer inner bridge and make this card triple-slot and use existing blocks :cool:

Sorry for OT

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You might be able to pick up another bridge cable and link it in some way, which would do what you're trying to do...Then use longer standoffs. Or, if the cable is long enough already, just use longer standoffs, that way you can mount 2 standard blocks.

bridge in 7950GX2 is not the same as usual SLI bridge ;)

Well, I know I'm not the most knowledgeable person here, but by looking at the recent designs from DD and Eddy_EK, the amount of surface area necessary is not as high as we all may think. When I opened up my Maze4 GPU, there was almost nothing in there to promote turbulence.

In all things you want to get surface area in contact with water, and turbulence is good, cavitation and stagnant water is not. (Forgive me, I swear I'm going somewhere with this.) So, considering as well that these are mobile GPUs, which are picked cause they do create somewhat less heat, a simple channel for the RAM chips and a maze of some type for the core should be more than sufficient. The issue is how to get it all in there. If you wanted to negate the pressure drop of a required smaller diameter in the vertical, expand the horizontal to have an ovoid shape, so that you can keep the same area and lower the profile. If you do that, then all it needs is a z-turn and a few fins in the channel and it's in business. A high-pressure pin-fin design would probably KILL most setups (and we all don't have Iwakis, ya know) but a simple open-bend maze would be a good balance of enough restriction to enable heat transfer yet free enough that a pair of them won't completely overcome your pump.

If you look at the NV78 and such, the designs are very similar, just bigger. Working in Delrin with a thin copper bottom should make the idea feasible. I'll try and draw up a representation of what i'm talking about, cause I feel like I might not have made it clear enough.

If I've got this wrong, let me know, I'm teaching myself to design waterblocks (my first was crude, but held my 3000+ at 2.7 for quite a while) and I want to learn from my mistakes. It would seem to me that it's little different from designing musical instruments, which I did in college.

Anyways, I'll try to make up a sketch of what I mean and hopefully that will clear things up. I'm no machinist, but I think I can make a design that won't murder them...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cooper

bridge in 7950GX2 is not the same as usual SLI bridge ;)

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No, I know that, I thought it was flexible?

Here's what I came up with, feel free to tear me a new one if it's not a good idea...

Or point out what's wrong so I can work on it. I'll learn from either.

That's teh right idea....I would make the entire maze a rectangle, and just do a pin grid array that's spaced out...Just a suggestion. Those right angles seem too restrictive given the design, I would make them either rounded or angled to achieve better flow through the block.

Well, this was a rough idea. I think it should also extend out and get the bridge chip-the Rialto and others did run rather warm...

If you want me to, tonight I can actually do a REAL design, not a five minute jobby, and fix the bends. I know they were wrong, but I had to work in Paint, instead of PS, which is what I normally use to draw anything...

Pins seemed to me to be a bit too restrictive, but in this circumstance would they be more effective? I'm looking at real-world setups, and not going off the idea of some far-off ideal. In the real world, some of us still use pond pumps cause they're cheap and readily available. I'm going for an Everyman setup, so to speak.

Let me know, cause I do know how to fix those bends properly, it wouldn't take much at all...

man! why overcomplicate it? i would make it a bit simplier, looks restrictive!

I'm gonna take that as encouragement and go find my protractor.

Okay since you are discussing water block design albeing for GPU, I have a question.

If flow is important, then why do so many blocks have squared off edges.

As where being curved and streamlined? Like long oval shapes.

Or have (can't think of term) but vertical fins that are longer yet allowing for flow..............like fins on fish/whales

thing, long, curved.....................someone get my meaing, having a brain freeze at the moment.

Try to make it as little 90 degree bends as possible. Especially that 180 it'll kill flow. You don't have to make it too restrictive either. They are mobile gpu's heh.

Don't worry, I have more ideas, it was a simple puttin that one down on paper.

Also, in dealing with flow, a properly placed corner can introduce turbulence, allowing more of the water to contact the surface, ensuring better heat transfer. That said, there are some major nitwits in block design too.

Picked up my old Maze4 CPU and had a brainstorm, more later...

Edit: Check this out, it's not as refined as I want it, but it's a lot closer. Tell me what you think this time...

looks like it would work

well, before I start PMing people, I would like to know if a independent loop with a Thermaltake Tide Water Plus will give a overall better temp for all my components, since the CPU is also being cooled by the 1/2" loop.

Tell me if moding a Tide Water Plus this way will give better temps overall:
The WC case will be verry close to the case, and the overall tubeing will be verry short to maximize head pressure. My plan is to change the Tide Water Plus's design from a parallel cooling solution to a series cooling solution with shorter transparent tubeings, a T-line instead of the reservoir, the copper radiator will be cooled in between two SanAce fans (the spot with less blind spots that I found), and the tubeing wont be bent as narrow as the Tide Water's interior. Without the mod these blocks (Which have a copper interior) could cool a 7950GX2 core at about 35 C Idle and 42 C Load. They will probably perform even better with this mod.

This is how the Thermaltake Tide Water Plus looks like out-of-the-box:
http://www.tweakpc.de/hardware/tests...tideplus01.jpg

This is how I want to mod it:
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/6...titled10lt.jpg


It looks like a pretty good solution for those who want to OC a 7950GX2 and cant find or dont have the money for a custom block.
If the custom block kills performance on the whole 1/2" loop, or if its too complicated to build, then I will probably go with the Tide Water Plus solution shown above.
If this solution it more efficient than running it with the 1/2" loop, is there a custom loop that will perform about the same or better that will cost cheaper?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kayin

Don't worry, I have more ideas, it was a simple puttin that one down on paper.

Also, in dealing with flow, a properly placed corner can introduce turbulence, allowing more of the water to contact the surface, ensuring better heat transfer. That said, there are some major nitwits in block design too.

Picked up my old Maze4 CPU and had a brainstorm, more later...

Edit: Check this out, it's not as refined as I want it, but it's a lot closer. Tell me what you think this time...

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yeah see that is waht I was trying to say, though if you don't mind I altered it a little bit, would a design like this have any affect positive or negative over the original?

Make the vertical fins longer into and out of the curve to for more surface area.

I'll CAD something up once I get aCAD 2007 DL'ed.

Would this design work?
I didnt know what pints to put where the question mark is :P

http://img271.imageshack.us/img271/8...omblock0ma.jpg

Practically all you need there is a single fin.

The big deal with GX2 blocks though is that the sinks cover RAM and the bridge chip, both of which must be cooled and I'm betting that watercooling the RAM will allow a rather nice OC on those, considering how twitchy my x1900 XTX was about RAM temps.

I just got my PS back, I'll make a cleaned up version of that block and post it up, if anyone here is interested in messing with the design.With PS I can make a lot better curves and stuff, though, so it'll work a lot better.

If someone can shoot me the dimensions I have to cover I bet I can do even better... I'm flying by the seat of my pants as it is.

Pic three, this is a much better quality one...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kayin

Practically all you need there is a single fin.

The big deal with GX2 blocks though is that the sinks cover RAM and the bridge chip, both of which must be cooled and I'm betting that watercooling the RAM will allow a rather nice OC on those, considering how twitchy my x1900 XTX was about RAM temps.

I just got my PS back, I'll make a cleaned up version of that block and post it up, if anyone here is interested in messing with the design.With PS I can make a lot better curves and stuff, though, so it'll work a lot better.

If someone can shoot me the dimensions I have to cover I bet I can do even better... I'm flying by the seat of my pants as it is.

Pic three, this is a much better quality one...

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How about something like this to solve the ram-sink issue?
Would uneven ram cooling be a problem?
http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/5...mblock23fn.jpg

I dont think the SLI controller on the 7950gx2 will need watercooling.
A passive chipset cooler or a large ramsink seems enough to me.

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say possibly not, but I won't be the guinea pig.

Technically that design will work, though. And from what I know of bridge chips (HSI/Rialto) the cooler it runs the faster it goes. I'm not the ultimate authority, mind you, just very well read and rather interested in cooling design. It would benefit from some more turbulence, and shot- or media-blasting the channels will add some surface area as well.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kayin

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say possibly not, but I won't be the guinea pig.

Technically that design will work, though. And from what I know of bridge chips (HSI/Rialto) the cooler it runs the faster it goes. I'm not the ultimate authority, mind you, just very well read and rather interested in cooling design. It would benefit from some more turbulence, and shot- or media-blasting the channels will add some surface area as well.

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Well, I just made those two blocks without fins or pints just to show a possible solution for the GPU block. With a channel already created, one can simply fine tune it to the proper resistance so it disipates heat well.

Let us know how they go...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kayin

Let us know how they go...

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What do you mean?
I dont have the tools nor the skills to make a GPU block :P
Thats why I made this thread. I just asked questions and proposed solutions to see if anyone here knew if it can work so I can ask a block builder to build me one.
But first, I would like to make sure if its really worth adding two more blocks into my loop or should I make it a separate 1/4" loop using the Thermaltake Tide Water Plus. Check post #30 above to see if you can help me.
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...6&postcount=30
Please read carefully, since some questions are scattered around the post and I dont know if the drawings could be complicated to understand

How about this design?
The tubes that overlap the memory chips will act as ram waterblocks, and the rest of the memory chips will have ram-sink.
Waterblock Gurus: Is this the optimal 1/2" ID solution for the 7950GX2, or is there a better design?
Note that the fins on the waterblock are right above the GPU and it covers all the GPU area.
As Burn sugested, I spreaded out the 1/2" ID chanel to compensate the narrow space, so it will be like a wide but flat 1/2" chanel. (Second pic)
I also made a small mountain where the fins are to increase pressure in that area.

http://img271.imageshack.us/img271/4...mblock34ph.jpg
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/8...block325oo.jpg"
http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/5...block339py.jpg

why not spread the base out so it covers the ram too? it would prolly cool the ram enough!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Turok

How about this design?
The tubes that overlap the memory chips will act as ram waterblocks, and the rest of the memory chips will have ram-sink.
Waterblock Gurus: Is this the optimal 1/2" ID solution for the 7950GX2, or is there a better design?
Note that the fins on the waterblock are right above the GPU and it covers all the GPU area.
As Burn sugested, I spreaded out the 1.2" ID chanel to compensate the narrow space, so it will be like a wide but flat 1/2" chanel. (Second pic)
I also made a small mountain where the fins are to increase pressure in that area.

http://img271.imageshack.us/img271/4...mblock34ph.jpg
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/8...block325oo.jpg"
http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/5...block339py.jpg

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Nice :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by eXa

why not spread the base out so it covers the ram too? it would prolly cool the ram enough!

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Because watercooling the GPU is more important than watercooling the memory.
The performance gains from watercooling the memory vs passively cooling it with ram sinks is verry small (AFAIK).
Watercooling the ram also makes each waterblock more restrictive.
It also increases the cost for each block, because whoeven can make that block for me will have to use more copper.
I also think its enough to cool the SLI controler on the left with a small pasive chipset cooler.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by eXa

Nice :D

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thx :D
So is it too hard to build it?
Will it perform verry well?
Any detailed comments?

Ive never built a waterblock,
so I dont know if everything is perfect.

i think you could simplify it a bit more! maybe doing ala EK blocks over the core. and i didnt mean exstending the entire block over the ram just the bottom. so not more restrictive than without. i think passively cooling the ram would make it heat up pretty good in there!

if you move right out(in)let more to the right you dont have to make the channel sving back into the center again! just run it straight out like the other!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by eXa

i think you could simplify it a bit more! maybe doing ala EK blocks over the core. and i didnt mean exstending the entire block over the ram just the bottom. so not more restrictive than without. i think passively cooling the ram would make it heat up pretty good in there!

if you move right out(in)let more to the right you dont have to make the channel sving back into the center again! just run it straight out like the other!

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Do you mean like this?

http://img47.imageshack.us/img47/332/7950gx2exa13uo.gif


Or like this?

http://img47.imageshack.us/img47/172...gx2exa25sz.gif


I made the previous one into a 'U' shape, because I thought it was resistant enough to pull out heat, but unrestrictive enough to get good flow.
I saw is as if the water enters straight down and crashes on the curve, the fins, and the little mountain pulling out all the heat it can, and then it exits upwards doing a small turn absorbing a bit of heat as it takes the turns.
Like a suden crash and then a steady flow outwards.

In case anybody was interested in this thread, I posted about a block for the 7950GX2 posted on the INQ today: http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...6&postcount=16

This is how it would look with the legs that hold it, the ramsink, and the heatsink on the SLI controller.
Is there anyone with a 7950GX2 that can build it?
I dont have a 7950GX2 yet, but if someone is willing to build a sample, I will try to buy it soon to give exact measurements of everything

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/1...mblock48jc.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Got Chow

In case anybody was interested in this thread, I posted about a block for the 7950GX2 posted on the INQ today: http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...6&postcount=16

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Yeah, that looks pretty restrictive, and that better not be aluminum :nono:
It has a lot of 90 degree turns, too.

Quote:

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In case anybody was interested...

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I was wondering why people are not verry interrested about this thread? Ive seen people in other threads that want a better cooling solution for their 7950GX2, but non have shown up to keep this thread alive :confused:
Im posting new design and everything to see if people are inspired to try building the block or supporting with new ideas... guess not. :rolleyes:

Can you send me CAD files so I can take a peek at them? In about 2 months I can have a fully functional CNC mill.

My buddy runs a CNC shop and I could have a couple made. However, he will charge for the CAD stuff. If anybody can get ma a CAD file of a prototype, I'll see about having a couple samples made...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Burn

Can you send me CAD files so I can take a peek at them? In about 2 months I can have a fully functional CNC mill.

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Can you post a layout pic of that card here, I'll be able to make a block with 3d's max.

I don't have a GX2, so I don't have the layout of the card, only designs. Once I get the dimensions of the die and the dimensions of the hole layout, I too can do a design.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Burn

Can you send me CAD files so I can take a peek at them? In about 2 months I can have a fully functional CNC mill.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mad Max

Can you post a layout pic of that card here, I'll be able to make a block with 3d's max.

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Awesome, two people are interrested.

I dont have the 7950GX2, so I dont know the exact measurements, but I could try getting the 7950GX2 to do precise measurements of the card.

I dont have a CAD program, so I need help finding a free program or a free-trial that can make CADs.

I made the 3d block shown on my previous posts with Hammer (Half-Life 2's map editor :p:)

Go to www.emachineshop.com...It'll let you render your product in full 3D.

Go to File, Export into something you want...It's a DXF format, Then send us the depths of the pockets, fins, etc. It only exports into 2D, not 3D.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Burn

Go to www.emachineshop.com...It'll let you render your product in full 3D.

Go to File, Export into something you want...It's a DXF format, Then send us the depths of the pockets, fins, etc. It only exports into 2D, not 3D.

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Alright, I will model it, but for now it will be a ESTIMATE while I dont have the 7950GX2, so no one waste any materials. :p:

Personaly if I were to attack this type of card, I would purchase two mcw60bottom pices. Then buy some copper sheets. Cut and hammer em as a cap on the blocks bottom. And solder them on. Ofcourse I would also put apropriate sized tubing. Being thet the blocks are identical then I would simply solder a Y splitter on the enterance and one at the exit. So in theory those two blocks in parlalel will run same flows.

THen its as simple as bolting it on the card.

THe problem is that I dont have a card and or the cash to buy a cupple of mcw60's to experiment with. In any case it should not be more than an afternoon worth of working to get a block that slips in and bolts on liberaly on to the gpu's.

i think that an awful lot of this thread looks like a reinvention of the wheel. all thats truly needed is a block with a metal top (ie maze4 with metal top rather than delrin) to make it notably thinner and some clever fitting working (ie soldered in flatter-than-usual pipes which return to normal size outside of the card) to make a block.

http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=32752

club3d is coming out with one too.

looks the same as the aquagrafx one.

Yep, aluminum, small tubes = sucks

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Turok

Awesome, two people are interrested.

I dont have the 7950GX2, so I dont know the exact measurements, but I could try getting the 7950GX2 to do precise measurements of the card.

I dont have a CAD program, so I need help finding a free program or a free-trial that can make CADs.

I made the 3d block shown on my previous posts with Hammer (Half-Life 2's map editor :p:)

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Sorry but i meant 3dmodel them, I dont have access to cnc right now, but I'll model a reference model of the card (I'm trying to find some pics of a 7950GX2 without cooler) and a couple of watterblocks with 3dsmax.

Quote:

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http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=32752

club3d is coming out with one too.

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Got Chow already posted this on the previous page.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Got Chow

In case anybody was interested in this thread, I posted about a block for the 7950GX2 posted on the INQ today: http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...6&postcount=16

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mad Max

Sorry but i meant 3dmodel them, I dont have access to cnc right now, but I'll model a reference model of the card (I'm trying to find some pics of a 7950GX2 without cooler) and a couple of watterblocks with 3dsmax.

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You can get pics with no cooler in this thread:
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...hlight=7950gx2

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Turok

You can get pics with no cooler in this thread:
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...hlight=7950gx2

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Thanks for the pics:), I've already started moddeling the card itsself with 3dsmax so I think I'll model some watterblock's for it.

wow...im blind.

There will be a copper alphacool waterblock soon.

ok guys, I ordered a XFX 7950GX2 (520/1300) for $540 from Buy.com :woot:
Im getting it in about a week or a week and a half, since I selected budget shipping to get free shipping.

I wont make the 2D modeler from emachineshop for now. Was a bit complicated estimateing each measurement.
All I did is calculate the possible chanel dimensions.

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/857...iameter8ud.gif

I would work with #2 in between the cards, because it doesnt change as much from the 1/2" fitting, but its thin enough to put it in between the two cards. I would probably make the top a verry thin brass top to make the base a bit more beefy with copper.

@ Mad Max
When I get the 7950GX2, Ill give you the exact measurements so you can model it in 3D Max.
Could you model the block I designed, or do you have any other ideas?

So I guess Ill give the dimensions, Mad Max (or anyone else) models it, and Burn or Got Chow (or anyone else) can build the beta and final design.
Sound ok to you guys? :)

http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=32816
waoh, now evga is selling them with the water blocks :D. It makes it sooooo much easier. Just plug it in :D It looks sexy too.


I hope no one posted this. I dont wanna feel retarded again -_-

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jopapa1267

http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=32816
waoh, now evga is selling them with the water blocks :D. It makes it sooooo much easier. Just plug it in :D It looks sexy too.


I hope no one posted this. I dont wanna feel retarded again -_-

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There are some problems with buying that 7950GX2:

1) Its verry expensive

2) If you look at the pic closely, it uses 1/4" tubeing.
Its going to be a problem for us 1/2" loop users.

3) Performance will suck since it cools the GPU, the memory, and the SLI controler, which will make the block pretty restrictive. The GPU will produce a lot more heat and will benefit more from the cooling than the other stuff. The other stuff can run well with copper heatsinks without artifacting.


I already bought a XFX 7950GX2 520/1300 last Sunday, so I wont be buying that card anyway.
The shipment is going to take a bit of time. About a week or a week and a half (probably business days)
When I get the card, I will post again with detailed measurements of the area where the GPU is, and Ill sketch a picture of my concept block with all the measurements so a CAD modeler can make the 3D CAD file.
Then the 3D CAD modeler gives the files to someone who has access to a CNC machine so he can build a test block. If it works well, then he can make the final design.
If everything works right, someone could make these blocks for people interrested in 1/2" blocks for their 7950GX2.
Whoever wants a blocks would just have to pay the CNC Block builder for the materials. It should be a lot cheaper, and it should perform better than those retail versions.

While we wait until I get my card so I can post the measurements, could we discuss about a better design?
Is my block the optimal design, or is there a better method of building this block?
Those who are experienced with block building, please give some recommendations in block building
Review of my final block design (no measurements atm, of course):

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/1...mblock48jc.jpg
http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/857...iameter8ud.gif

damn, its 1/4? Can you tell what material that is? Is is alu?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jopapa1267

damn, its 1/4? Can you tell what material that is? Is is alu?

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Googled it to see if there were more pics to see if its made of Alu.
Seems like the INQ had another post about it.
http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=30228

This is the 7900GTX version, tho, but it looks about the same, only more separated.
As you can see its 1/4" tubing like I said :p:

The 3 plains connecting looks like a pretty restrictive solution.

If you look closely on the edges of the block, the chanels could be made of Alu.
Look at the edges I circled in this pic:

http://img344.imageshack.us/img344/3...gablock3kn.jpg

I wouldnt look for the easy way out of this problem.
Watercooling the GPU and passively cooling the rest seems to be the best solution for the 7950GX2, and for extreme watercooling 1/4" wont do the trick ;)

BTW, I just got an email from Buy.com saying that the package was just sent. FedEx estimates that the package will get at my house this Fryday.
This weekend I may get the measurements for the 3D CAD modelers, so lets not let this thread die yet :p:

jopapa1267, you could propose new designs while you wait for the custom blocks to get done.

Quote:

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damn, its 1/4? Can you tell what material that is? Is is alu?

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Aren't EVGA's 'Black Pearl' coolers made by Innovatek? If so, I think almost all of their GPU coolers are aluminum.

*edit* - If you look closely I think that's even the Innovatek logo on the cooler itself

http://www.innovatek.de/contentServ/...mages/logo.gif

I posted this in another thread... figured it could belong here to. Would avoid having to make the blocks, and should be a good solution when combined with some good BGA ramsinks and a fan.

More commercial alu solutions for 7950GX2 cooling, blech.

Now, I'm not one to support ThermalTake, because I think 99% of their products suck... but: This one product has possibilities.

http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/produc...8/cl-w0088.asp

It's just a plain jane GPU block, make out of copper. Downside is that it "only" has 3/8" connectors. Upside is that it fits on the lower core of a 7950GX2, so it'll work.

Here is what I was thinking to make it work. Get two of these copper TT blocks, mount them on a 7950GX2 with 3/8" connectors. Connect both inlet ports to a Y with 3/8" barbs after the Y, and a 1/2" or 7/16" barb before the Y. Do the same for the outlet ports.

Flow is split, yes, but it should be ample for this block, and avoids excess tubing which means avoiding extra head loss.

It's not optimal, but it's better than the commercial solutions like the black pearl and whatnot.

Here is a pic illustrating what I mean. :)

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...1&d=1152278102

Quote:

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Originally Posted by berknip

Aren't EVGA's 'Black Pearl' coolers made by Innovatek? If so, I think almost all of their GPU coolers are aluminum.

*edit* - If you look closely I think that's even the Innovatek logo on the cooler itself

http://www.innovatek.de/contentServ/...mages/logo.gif

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You're 100% right, it is an Innovatek block ... ALU body with a copper GPU-core block

They sell them retail ... http://www.webshop-innovatek.de/0000...ef0b25201.html

I think the Black Pearl before had also an Innovatek block

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Torin

I posted this in another thread... figured it could belong here to. Would avoid having to make the blocks, and should be a good solution when combined with some good BGA ramsinks and a fan.

More commercial alu solutions for 7950GX2 cooling, blech.

Now, I'm not one to support ThermalTake, because I think 99% of their products suck... but: This one product has possibilities.

http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/produc...8/cl-w0088.asp

It's just a plain jane GPU block, make out of copper. Downside is that it "only" has 3/8" connectors. Upside is that it fits on the lower core of a 7950GX2, so it'll work.

Here is what I was thinking to make it work. Get two of these copper TT blocks, mount them on a 7950GX2 with 3/8" connectors. Connect both inlet ports to a Y with 3/8" barbs after the Y, and a 1/2" or 7/16" barb before the Y. Do the same for the outlet ports.

Flow is split, yes, but it should be ample for this block, and avoids excess tubing which means avoiding extra head loss.

It's not optimal, but it's better than the commercial solutions like the black pearl and whatnot.

Here is a pic illustrating what I mean. :)

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...1&d=1152278102

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Yeah, Ive already thought through every possible cooling solution for the 7950GX2 that will be cheap and efficient, and customizing 1/2" blocks seems like the best solution.
If this works out, we could put some CNC block builders to sell 7950GX2 blocks if they want, which will help a lot of 7950GX2 users with 1/2" loops.

The solution you posted above will be a bit restrictive and expensive.
Each TT CL-W0088 block is verry overproced, considering that little materials are needed to build that block and it uses 3/8" fittings.
Here's an example I found:
http://www.nintek.com.au/x/scripts/p...idproduct=6108

Ive been asking for block design alternatives, but people keep posting easier, yet more expensive and less efficient cooling alternatives :stick:

Today Im getting my XFX 7950GX2 so I will post the measurements within the weekend, so people can make GPU block models with it.
I will also post measurements of my GPU concept block for 3D CAD modelers so we can start building blocks.

Calling all 3D CAD modellers

7950GX2 measurements are available:

These measurements are very accurate (no estimating here)
Measurements were done in centimeter and milimeter scale and I converted each measurement into it's inches equivalent.
If you were to print it to scale, it would match an actual 7950GX2 within a milimeter of precision.
There is only 1 error, tho. The SLI controller is only 1mm - 2mm lower than the actual 7950GX2, but it doesnt affect block building by much anyway :rolleyes:

NOTE: These are verry large high res JPEG pictures of about 1.3mb each, so expect them to load slow.
Also make sure to click the image to see it in full size so you can read the measurements.

http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/485...grey7qk.th.jpg

http://img131.imageshack.us/img131/6...grey6md.th.jpg


At the moment Im trying to find a way to design my waterblock using the measurements I maid above, but its very hard since the tubes have to be very wide to compensate the height in the chanel.
The width of the chanels either overlap the screw location, or the inlet and outlet tubes are too close together that it makes the block too restrictive.
I will have to change my U block design to my original L shaped design and Ill have to overlap a pair of memory chips on the top and on the right side since the chanels are a bit wide.
Since a L shape is less restrictive for heat disipation, Ill have to sketch the fins to be a bit more restrictive.
Sketching my block design with all the measurements will probably take me until tomorrow or the day afther that, since I dont have as much time to work on it during work-days :(


Please take advantage of my measurements to come up with better designs.
If you think you have a better design, I could sketch it with the measurements during weekeds since I have more time.
If you have any questions about the measurements, feel free to post.


Let the modding begin! :woot:

ok guys, this is what I have so far:
I scratched out the L design and found a way to make it the U shape again. Memory cooling on top just wont be symetric like I wanted :p:
The good thing about this design is that it uses less material, its easier to build, it looks better, and it seems to be the best balance between flow and resistance.
With this design you also only need one pack of 8 ramsinks, since 8 memory chips are already being cooled by this block :)

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
1) This is a unfinished sketch. I just put it up as a quick preview, since I may have to delay my final design until the weekend :(
2) I havent added the fins, because I dont have a compas and by hand its going to be a bit of work since each fin will be about a milimeter thick.
3) The path in between the memory block, and the waterblock is a 1/2" copper pipe morphed into a oval shape and welded in between the two blocks, and the path on top is the same thing but it changes from the oval shape to a regular 1/2" fitting. I didnt add a cilindrical effect by shadding it, since its not my final design.
4) The portions of the memory block that are not being cooled by water will have a heatsink design to disipate heat on air in that area.

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/6...ckbeta29bz.jpg
http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/3...ockbeta8qy.jpg

interesting project we should get more input to make a nice block for the 7950gx2 users....

I am working on a design for blocks for the 7950g2x.

I can design/ (maybe make) blocks for you for a price.

Here is my previous work:
http://dima.brandtshaft.com/6800%20Waterblock/

I just saw this, but if someone can take a 100% to scale picture of a 7950GX2 and give me clearences I can draw up a dual impingement setup.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by yegoshin

I can design/ (maybe make) blocks for you for a price.

Here is my previous work:
http://dima.brandtshaft.com/6800%20Waterblock/

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Your work is incredible! Aesthetically speaking, that is one of the nicest blocks I have ever seen. :clap:

I am thinking in this way...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Eddy_EK

I am thinking in this way...

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if your block(s) work well and look as decent as the single blocks did, I may be tempted to get a 7950, and get the block(s), but that would not be until November, and maybe cards would drop in price a bit.

You have some sweet looking blocks.

I'm getting excited about the look of some of these designs!

I have two EVGA step up 7950's coming "soon" and will need a good watercooling solution. Put me down as very interested in some of the first of these, when a working design is made.

Glad to see people interrested in this project :)

Here's my final design without measurements:
If the design is good as it is, I will post measurements.
Please comment.

@ yegoshin
Do you think you can design and build a block like this?
Do you have any suggestions on high performance block designs?

(3 pics of 1024x1024 each should show up below)
http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/7549/block1nr0.jpg
http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/2031/block2ri1.jpg
http://img73.imageshack.us/img73/5867/block3xj9.jpg

Bump

Why would you revive this six month old thread?

Yeah, bot DD and Eddy got really nice blocks. And with the spacer kit u can use mcw60\maze4\mp-1

Quote:

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Originally Posted by yegoshin

I can design/ (maybe make) blocks for you for a price.

Here is my previous work:
http://dima.brandtshaft.com/6800%20Waterblock/

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do u have any block u made for 7950gx2?? worth a try before migrating to g80 series though... hehehe

Holy thread revival Batman! :eek:

Has anybody tried these...
http://www.koolance.com/shop/product...roducts_id=355

Quote:

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Originally Posted by amandpm

Has anybody tried these...
http://www.koolance.com/shop/product...roducts_id=355

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From the specs, this is probably the worst performing and looking block one can buy for a 7950GX2.

lol that koolance is terrible !

dd/ek FTW

I take it this thread was before the GX2 spacer kit lol.