Some current waterblocks are NOT compatible with new EVGA GTX285 cards!

I did point this out in another post somewhere but I can't remember where and it's such an important point that it deserves its own thread.

I think this is an important point to make before you go out and buy your EVGA GTX 285.

If you look at the product number of your old EVGA GTX285, you'll see it looks like this:

01G-P3-128x-ER or 01G-P3-128x-AR

The newer cards have this model number:

0xG-P3-118x-ER or 0xG-P3-118x-AR

ER = European, AR = American -> This isn't important though.

The part to look at is the 4 numbers near the end. Anything starting with 118 is the newer PCB which features faster memory by 1ns = neglible.

The important point to make is that these newer cards break compatibility with the current waterblocks as they have a revised PCB layout that was done to simplify the manufacturing processes.

Koolance have stated in an e-mail that they may or may not make a new block for this card and are still evaluating the product.

I just thought you guys should have a heads up before you go out buying an EVGA card and a waterblock :) My advice would be to try and get a hold of an older 128x model (which is easy in the UK as they are all this older model at the moment).

Could be useful to have a sticky for this sort of thing. I've had plenty of incompatibilities in the past mainly with GPU blocks and supposedly reference cards. While some are listed in the manufacturers websites eg 'not compatible with Sapphire 3850' there are plenty of others they don't list. Some are totally incompatible while others just require a few mm to be dremelled out to avoid that capacitor!

Evga does not produce their own cards. So this is going to be an issue with ALL new 285s.

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Originally Posted by veedubfreak

Evga does not produce their own cards. So this is going to be an issue with ALL new 285s.

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Where did you get that from?

EVGA currently are the only ones that have made this new card :S

Can you link me to where you found this information as it could be very helpful?

EVGA uses reference design, no? If so, they are using a new reference design, then it is only a matter of time before everyone else is too.

Any tips on where to get one of the older ones? Like a particular seller?

There's a big post about this with a guide over at the (forum that shall remain nameless) with pics and everything.

The real problem with this is that EVGA is shipping out new pcb revisions with old part numbers, so even if you order one of the 128X part numbers you could get a 118x revision pcb.

I don't post here much so I'm not sure of the rules about posting links to other forums, but I did start a thread about it at evga and they ended up taking care of me so I have two matching cards now:

http://www.evga.com/forums/tm.asp?m=100651290

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Originally Posted by zlojack

There's a big post about this with a guide over at the (forum that shall remain nameless) with pics and everything.

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PM linky to me possibly?

is this goona matter if in a month or so i wanna order 2 gtx 285's ek blocks or will a revision for the blocks be out by then ?
im goona order 2 gtx 285's in a week or so

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Originally Posted by pingpong1455

is this goona matter if in a month or so i wanna order 2 gtx 285's ek blocks or will a revision for the blocks be out by then ?
im goona order 2 gtx 285's in a week or so

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No I don't think so. Every company was encouraged to make their own pcb so it's quite a mess.

well thats great well either way im goona have to get the 2 gpus and hope for the older model

amazon sells the older models

Argh i have a EVGA 285 on the way from the usa via step up and a koolance block sitting here that i specially ordered.. I wont be happy if it dont fit.

EVGA is pissing me off because they are selling the new PCB with both the new and old part numbers.

An EVGA customer service rep told me on the phone that the FTW model shouldn't be affected - is that fact or phooey?

No idea, hit their forums or fire off an email.

wow.... that sucks, at least its only EVGA

I've brought this up before, but it looks like nobody cares unless it's in its own thread. Oh well. It seems like the "new" GTX 285 PCB is based for the most part off of the GTX 275 PCB, but I have no idea how much it may or may not have changed; maybe with minor tweaks a GTX 275 block could be made to fit on a "new" GTX 285.

I also think it's not just EVGA, as Newegg images showed the cheapest XFX 285 also used a 275 PCB, based on images of the backsides of that and the reference 285/275.

Zotac is adopting the same PCB design for its newer GTX285's as well.

Pictures courtesy of EK Waterblocks:

http://site.petrastechshop.com/other...e-versions.jpg

I read somewhere that all gtx285s have changed.

please read: http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=225652

Thank you for the info, Gabe - Let me know when you get a list of model numbers for the GTX285 hybrid block you guys have.

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Originally Posted by paul_

Thank you for the info, Gabe - Let me know when you get a list of model numbers for the GTX285 hybrid block you guys have.

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with that info, you don't need the vendor model number. simply inspect the board.

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Originally Posted by gabe

with that info, you don't need the vendor model number. simply inspect the board.

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I guess you order the card first and hope you can watercool it second?

Yup, ati cards get changed all the time.

IMO, if you want fc wc gpus, buy them at release.

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Originally Posted by MomijiTMO

Yup, ati cards get changed all the time.

IMO, if you want fc wc gpus, buy them at release.

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Yeah, no kidding. :up:

I'm good with my cards and I've got blocks on the way :D

That's cause you're smart :p:


EDIT : The complementary comment to this is, "That's cause you're unlucky". I thought I better edit this in before people come to my house and bash my face in lol.

Does this problem affect Hk GPU x2 blocks?

I JUST ordered the cards and blocks lol...guess i will have to test fit one... I am gonna be pissed if this doesnt work

This message was delivered to me second hand from a retailer..
Which makes me really happy. +1 EK :up:

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Dear Ek Partner,

We would like to warn you on the new PCB version of the GeForces 285 GTX.
Please add this picture to all 285 GTX bocks you sell so the users will check their PCB layout.
We are allready making the block for 285 GTX version 2 PCB.

Kind regards,
EK Team

EDIT: Removed Picture, didn't notice Petra had already shown it above.

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For anyone in the UK, ebuyer has 9 of the older models in stock and they should work with the current blocks:

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/155944

most of the cards in Australia are still 128x

http://www.shopbot.com.au/pp-evga-ge...ce-162632.html

for once its good to be slow to get new tech :D

Be careful doing the "order first, figure out if it's compatible later" scheme. I did that with Newegg and they're telling me I can't return the card now because the box has been opened.

Well, this sucks

I can confirm this problem i have an 1180 series SKU gtx 285

These cards will not work Heatkiller GPU X2 blocks

3 new cards, 3 new blocks... incompatible.

GRR.

Any advice? Can I step up to a different card at EVGA that will be ok?

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Originally Posted by dsumanik

Well, this sucks

I can confirm this problem i have an 1180 series SKU gtx 285

These cards will not work Heatkiller GPU X2 blocks

3 new cards, 3 new blocks... incompatible.

GRR.

Any advice? Can I step up to a different card at EVGA that will be ok?

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I talked to a guy at EVGA who was going to put me through to a tech, given I had the SN of the card. Unfortunately, I didn't because I was at work. So, he gave me his extension to call him back, at which point he'd forward me to the right people (away from the customer service reps).

Anyways, long story short, he seemed to think there might be the older layout cards in stock and that I could potentially "step up" to the older PCB layout, but I haven't had the chance to call him back. I'll let you know if I find anything out.

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Originally Posted by ctsoccer13

I talked to a guy at EVGA who was going to put me through to a tech, given I had the SN of the card. Unfortunately, I didn't because I was at work. So, he gave me his extension to call him back, at which point he'd forward me to the right people (away from the customer service reps).

Anyways, long story short, he seemed to think there might be the older layout cards in stock and that I could potentially "step up" to the older PCB layout, but I haven't had the chance to call him back. I'll let you know if I find anything out.

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Can you PM his extension, I'd like to see if this is possible for me to do so as well.

I called into EVGA and the guy checked for me and said they have none of the older PCB revisions in stock....and even EVGA's own hydrocopper waterblock will only work with the old version...LOL

and they only have one of the HYDRO copper GTX 285's in stock, which is on the old revision. he said Nvidia isn;t making the old PCB revision for anyone anymore, it's been discontinued.

Harsh mang, Hopefully PPC's will accept a return of these blocks...

Man i'm glad i decided to go water and 285 early on. My fear at this point is that one of my cards will die and i'll be stuck with a useless waterblock.

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Originally Posted by b@llz0r

most of the cards in Australia are still 128x

http://www.shopbot.com.au/pp-evga-ge...ce-162632.html

for once its good to be slow to get new tech :D

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The problem is that EVGA is selling the 118x parts in the 128x boxes,
as well as selling the 118x boxes, so ordering say a 1281 doesn't gaurantee
you a 1281 part inside of the box unless the retailer just hasn't sold out of the real 1281 cards.

From my step up page my card part number is 01G-P3-1180-AR so looks like im stuck without a block... Honestly wtf do they bother changing it for?

I ordered an eVGA GTX285sc through Amazon on April 23. They gave me a 01G-P3-1285-AR card. Unfortunately, that card was bad and I RMA'd, I recieved another 1285 card........so I am good to go with any reference design fullcover waterblock?

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Originally Posted by Herc130

I ordered an eVGA GTX285sc through Amazon on April 23. They gave me a 01G-P3-1285-AR card. Unfortunately, that card was bad and I RMA'd, I recieved another 1285 card........so I am good to go with any reference design fullcover waterblock?

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Pretty sure that should be ok, but don't quote me on that.

These 3 models will work with the blocks :D
EVGA 896-P3-1265-AR GeForce GTX 260 Core 216 - ANY GTX260 55nm Waterblock
EVGA 896-P3-1262-AR GeForce GTX 260 Superclocked Edition - ANY GTX280 65nm FC Waterblock
EVGA 896-P3-1260-AR GeForce GTX 260 - ANY GTX280 65nm FC Waterblock


These wont:
EVGA 896-P3-1258-AR GeForce GTX 260 Core 216 SSC Edition
EVGA 896-P3-1257-AR GeForce GTX 260 Core 216 Superclocked Edition
EVGA 896-P3-1255-AR GeForce GTX 260 Core 216
EVGA 896-P3-1255-RX GeForce GTX 260

for the GTX 285
EVGA 01G-P3-1281-RX GeForce GTX 285- this model is the one that wont work
Now this is older model that will work with the current blocks :
EVGA 01G-P3-1281-AR GeForce GTX285

as said earlier the gtx 285 older models are available at amazon

From what I understand, I don't agree...

The new models (updated and changed pcb layout) have 118x in the model number, where x is a variable number depending on the exact model you get. The older models that do work have 128x in the model number.

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/3814/...ersionsnew.jpg

I took the cooler off the board I got, p/n:01G-P3-1285-AR just to be sure and it diffinently is the same as the Version 1 reference pcb pictured here. Sure that's old news, but I just wanted to be sure.

So are any new blocks going to be made for the new PCB revisions?

Sucks that I just built my whole system and loop to be ready for TRI SLI 285 on water and now I cant do it...

The stuff I said in the first post is what you need to read :)

This info came in part from Koolance and in part from EVGA as well as from my own research.

This is really disappointing... I have a 285 FTW in my car, and I know it won't work with my water setup. Oi. RMA time?

there are extra stickers on the back on the new ones

This 285 business is gonna kill me... I just spent $500 on a Hydro Copper. They're available on EVGA now, for anyone who wants the old board with a working waterblock.

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Originally Posted by paul_

This 285 business is gonna kill me... I just spent $500 on a Hydro Copper. They're available on EVGA now, for anyone who wants the old board with a working waterblock.

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I called in and they told nme they only had one left in stock and would not be getting anymore cards, also EVGA's own hydrocopper block does not work with their current board revision.

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Originally Posted by ctsoccer13

From what I understand, I don't agree...

The new models (updated and changed pcb layout) have 118x in the model number, where x is a variable number depending on the exact model you get. The older models that do work have 128x in the model number.

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Part of the problem is that they put the 118x PCB design in new 128x boxes and while the main sticker on the card that you can see through the box has the 128x part number there is a second smaller sticker that you can't see with the 118x supplementary part number. Only way to be sure is if you can see two stickers with the 128x number on them in that opening on the box.


the 128x-RX are just recertified cards, so they might actually be the older PCB design


I'm glad I didn't get the block for my card yet; no telling which PCB I'll get back from them :(

People with waterblocks already: just tell EVGA you want a board using the nVidia reference design and they should be able to sort you out with one.

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Originally Posted by eponymous

People with waterblocks already: just tell EVGA you want a board using the nVidia reference design and they should be able to sort you out with one.

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I called in to 3 different reps and they all told me they had none left in stock and this was not possible...

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Originally Posted by dsumanik

I called in and they told nme they only had one left in stock and would not be getting anymore cards, also EVGA's own hydrocopper block does not work with their current board revision.

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Correct - I called in literally AS they put the last 2 or 3 up for sale. I posted to let ppl know to get on it, or they will be gone forever. I guess the added cost will be made up for by having an exclusive card... ?

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Originally Posted by paul_

An EVGA customer service rep told me on the phone that the FTW model shouldn't be affected - is that fact or phooey?

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you didn't happen to get the name of the CSR you spoke to?

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Originally Posted by phelan1777

you didn't happen to get the name of the CSR you spoke to?

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I lready tried calling the same rep... he transfered me to tech support, they told me they had no stock on older pcb, except for one last remaining hydro copper.

why don't they make the damm thing shorter at the same time

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Originally Posted by phelan1777

you didn't happen to get the name of the CSR you spoke to?

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Unfortunately, no. I suppose for being misled I could've gotten a coupon, or something like that...

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Originally Posted by SparkyJJO

EVGA uses reference design, no? If so, they are using a new reference design, then it is only a matter of time before everyone else is too.

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Basically what how it works with "fabless" companies like nVidia is they make a SoC (in this case a GPU) design - also known as Intellectual Property (IP).

nVidia will provide a *basic* reference design board that is known to work with their product but it is up to the manufacturer of the boards whether or not they choose to use it.

In this case, EVGA has decided to cease using the reference design and instead make their own (cheaper production) design.

Fabless companies will generally only release one reference design, and as long as it works, won't release another.

Wow eddie was fast with this one :up:
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catal...ducts_id=25704

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Originally Posted by SNiiPE_DoGG

Wow eddie was fast with this one :up:
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catal...ducts_id=25704

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Yeah he most certainly was.

Did Eddy give any word on release date for EK-FC285 GTX PCB V.2 water blocks?

Anyone know a specific date aside from soon?

I emailed Eddy, Koolance, and Gary (at Sidewinder) to see if any of them could give us an update. Koolance replied that they would have a message regarding the matter by the end of last week on there site (hasn't happened yet). Eddy has yet to reply. And Gary said he was checking and would email me back.

I am very interested in finding them as well as I just received 3 Evga 285s for my first WC build and now I have no blocks.

Anyone else have any updated info?

BTW, xaxis. damn fine build you have started there. I will hopefully be posting a build log on my first build soon. And I will be watching yours closely! Can't wait to see it roar to life.

If you already do have some of the newer models I wouldn't fret much for Eddy informed me via e-mail that the revised EK blocks would be out very soon. He was supposed to have received a revised edition card last Monday from the UK and had said the newer blocks might be out as early as this week, though it's not looking that way now, I would expect to see them extremely soon.

(Of course this doesn't solve your problems if you had your heart set on a different brand water block.)

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Originally Posted by Hellstrom

BTW, xaxis. damn fine build you have started there. I will hopefully be posting a build log on my first build soon. And I will be watching yours closely! Can't wait to see it roar to life.

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:)

Not really worried about brand. I wouldn't mind seeing a revised version of the Heatkiller units though. Those are darn sweet especially with the triple sli bridge unit.

http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/hegpgt.html
http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/gptr1.html

http://ep.yimg.com/ip/I/sidewinderco..._2056_48261506

But at this point i would just like to have a GPU solution. :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Hellstrom

Not really worried about brand. I wouldn't mind seeing a revised version of the Heatkiller units though. Those are darn sweet especially with the triple sli bridge unit.

http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/hegpgt.html
http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/gptr1.html

http://ep.yimg.com/ip/I/sidewinderco..._2056_48261506

But at this point i would just like to have a GPU solution. :)

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:eek: Can we nickle plating those block?

Koolance launched its 285/275 block yesterday as well :)

http://www.koolance.com/water-coolin...-nx285n_02.jpg