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
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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

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

Nice. Tiborrr, any plans for 4GB card blocks? (not sure if they are just doubling ram on reference PCB's).

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?

@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.

[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.

I've got the Gigabyte version on the way. Hope to see it added to the compatibility list

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.

Penguins,

I hope this drawing will help :)

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

And thanks! ;)

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

Quote:

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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

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It sure is: http://www.coolingconfigurator.com/s...t?gpu_gpus=646

Quote:

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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.

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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...

Tiborrr, It helps so much, thanks it Looks like I wait a week for a video card!

Hey tiborr, I know Solidworks too. Need a US based CAD person? :rofl:

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..

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.

@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

We always do non-ref design water blocks, I promise we will do even more of them! ;)

Quote:

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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

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Hopefully someone will do it. I'd really prefer a single slot card if possible.

Quote:

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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

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Hopefully someone will do it. I'd really prefer a single slot card if possible.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 :\.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 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.

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other solution, manufacturers put on a 8pin thats suppose to be the same as 2x6pin and save us all some headache. most PSUs have only 8pin connectors and you just leave the extra 2 cables alone for 6pins. so i never understood why so many video cards would rather send in 12 wires that should be done identically with 8.

Here they are, all four of them:

http://www.ekwaterblocks.com/shop/me...c_0220_800.jpg

http://www.ekwaterblocks.com/shop/me...0223_800_2.jpg

http://www.ekwaterblocks.com/shop/me...c_0228_800.jpg

http://www.ekwaterblocks.com/shop/me...0232_800_1.jpg

Will they be ready to ship today if an order is placed?

Quote:

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Overclocking the graphics card from factory set 706/1502MHz

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interesting :)
was this the frequency when the card was still named gtx670ti? :p

Glad to see they got rid of the ugly stainless steel plate over the right half of recent water blocks. Looks good!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by johnyz333

Will they be ready to ship today if an order is placed?

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Well it seem my blocks have already shipped.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BrokenArrow

Glad to see they got rid of the ugly stainless steel plate over the right half of recent water blocks. Looks good!

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Unfortunately the plate is necessity :/

@johnyz333: Yeah, we have been shipping these blocks since morning.

Please add 2x 3mm Led holes in the Plexy Version :)

Hey tiborrr,

would it be possible to get a CAD picture of the new 680 block vs the 6970 block? I am wanting to see how the inlet/outlet holes compare.

Cheers,

Chris

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tiborrr

Unfortunately the plate is necessity :/

@johnyz333: Yeah, we have been shipping these blocks since morning.

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Unfortunately mine didn't ship yesterday, I ordered a couple :(

I can't wait to order the card! :|

@ tiborrr

Any idea when the backplate will be available for these?

Next week! :up:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tiborrr

Next week! :up:

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@tiborrr, will my blocks ship today? I have sent numerous emails to your support team but no reply. I placed my order early yesterday....

Quote:

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Originally Posted by drkCrix

Hey tiborrr,

would it be possible to get a CAD picture of the new 680 block vs the 6970 block? I am wanting to see how the inlet/outlet holes compare.

Cheers,

Chris

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http://file.si/pfiles/233931/6970_680.jpg

Hi Tiborrr,
OT question: My ATI Firepro V7800 is running very hot, I plan to design waterblock by using Solidworks. I can use Mitutoyo caliper to measure but it takes a long time to finish. How can I get the STEP file (3D model) of V7800? or I need contact AMD to get it?

Tiborr (or anyone) - Would you be able to confirm that the EK-FC Link GeForce (for the SLI bridge) will fit the 680 gtx block? I'm putting a tri-sli setup together with the bridge and want to make sure I have the right links. Thanks!

Edit: Nevermind, looks like ekwb site has been updated. GTX680 is supported!

http://www.ekwaterblocks.com/shop/bl...k-geforce.html

tiborrr: have you thought on designing for all future blocks inlets at some preset chosen distance from back of card so that different gpu blocks could be linked together using sli water bridges? That should deal with cases like different dedicated gpu for physx.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JoanchimMartin

Hi Tiborrr,
OT question: My ATI Firepro V7800 is running very hot, I plan to design waterblock by using Solidworks. I can use Mitutoyo caliper to measure but it takes a long time to finish. How can I get the STEP file (3D model) of V7800? or I need contact AMD to get it?

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You will need to contact AMD but I highly doubt they will give you the 3D model.

@churchy: Easier said than done, we're trying to do this with this generation.

got mine ordered, should be here friday

i went with the nickel plated, is there anything i need to worry about with using tap water + a small mix of antifreeze, and silver barbs?

If you have a antifreeze concentrate, do a 1:10 ratio, otherwise use a EK-Ekoolant or equivalent.

I think I should have my blocks by tomorrow if all goes well. From Slovenia to northwest Canada in 4 days ain't to shabby. But I still haven't been able go get a hold of any GTX680s. :down:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Manicdan

got mine ordered, should be here friday

i went with the nickel plated, is there anything i need to worry about with using tap water + a small mix of antifreeze, and silver barbs?

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Never use tap water. You can get distilled water from Wal-Mart for like a $1.50 a gallon.


Well I broke down and have four of these inbound:

http://www.overclock.net/image/id/20...326/height/245


I can't help it, EK water blocks draw me in like crack to a crack-whore! :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Callsign_Vega

Never use tap water. You can get distilled water from Wal-Mart for like a $1.50 a gallon.

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haha, im quoting you in 2 different places now.

the tap vs distilled water was actually just debunked by martin a few days ago. the distilled gets contaminated in just a matter of days and so it makes little difference. also i change out the water every 6 months or so, and clean out my cpu block (the pins make a great filter).

Kind of a bummer that these showed in stock on the EK webshop several days ago and I ordered two of them and a triple slot bridge. A day later the website pages for the 680 blocks get updated to say it will take 7-10 days to ship them out. I could of ordered a few from frozencpu when they had stock yesterday. Now my blocks from EK still have not shipped and I am waiting I don't know how long. :(

The demand is again crazy high. We have blocks manufactured and assembled daily. Don't worry, yours will probably ship tommorrow at latest.

EDIT: We've made an installation video for EK-FC680 GTX:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-A4QvJtVHg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Manicdan

haha, im quoting you in 2 different places now.

the tap vs distilled water was actually just debunked by martin a few days ago. the distilled gets contaminated in just a matter of days and so it makes little difference. also i change out the water every 6 months or so, and clean out my cpu block (the pins make a great filter).

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it's not about contamination. but galvanic corrosion with tap water coz it contains ionic minerals when contact with copper based wb. distilled water is mineral free.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by owikh84

it's not about contamination. but galvanic corrosion with tap water coz it contains ionic minerals when contact with copper based wb. distilled water is mineral free.

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time to ask martin about this, since i have no idea about these kinds of things.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by owikh84

it's not about contamination. but galvanic corrosion with tap water coz it contains ionic minerals when contact with copper based wb. distilled water is mineral free.

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Ya, it's more about the minerals in tap water that you don't want. Especially if you live in a hard-water area.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Callsign_Vega

Ya, it's more about the minerals in tap water that you don't want. Especially if you live in a hard-water area.

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yeah the more i read the more i think i should spend the 1-2$ on some distilled. and i do have hard water problems in my house.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tiborrr

The demand is again crazy high. We have blocks manufactured and assembled daily. Don't worry, yours will probably ship tommorrow at latest.

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Ah, no worries. Not a huge deal :) Just looking forward to filling out my loop with the two 680s. I would of probably paid more in duties/taxes shipping to Canada from frozen in the US anyways. In the past I've almost always lucked out and not had to pay duties on international shipments coming to me via DHL.

Got my EK blocks! Thanks a lot Tiborr for your support!
Temperature are wonderfull 42°c after three hours of gaming, quality is very good and assembly is easier than 7970. But i'm a little disappointed one of my cards is not as good as the other...

http://tof.canardpc.com/preview2/903...4a5c1aa780.jpg

http://tof.canardpc.com/preview2/db8...0c12421357.jpg

http://tof.canardpc.com/preview2/fd5...0bf4e8c2b5.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Manicdan

yeah the more i read the more i think i should spend the 1-2$ on some distilled. and i do have hard water problems in my house.

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Yeah, I wouldn't recommend tap. While I have it in a loop for over a year now without problems, tap is different for every area and grocery store distilled is less than a dollar and well worth it's purity level for the low cost. I just question the value of double distilled and ultra pure waters that cost $10-$20 a liter. Regular grocery store or any water purified with a distilling process is good enough in my book.

Anyhow back in topic..these new cards and blocks look really nice. I like the bare copper version myself.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Manicdan

yeah the more i read the more i think i should spend the 1-2$ on some distilled. and i do have hard water problems in my house.

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Yeah, I wouldn't recommend tap. While I have it in a loop for over a year now without problems, tap is different for every area and grocery store distilled is less than a dollar and well worth it's purity level for the low cost. I just question the value of double distilled and ultra pure waters that cost $10-$20 a liter. Regular grocery store or any water purified with a distilling process is good enough in my book.

Anyhow back in topic..these new cards and blocks look really nice. I like the bare copper version myself.

so has anyone got theirs up and running and can show us what their results are?

mine got miss-sent from frozencpu, so it wont be here until tomorrow

Quote:

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Originally Posted by pinto

Got my EK blocks! Thanks a lot Tiborr for your support!
Temperature are wonderfull 42°c after three hours of gaming, quality is very good and assembly is easier than 7970. But i'm a little disappointed one of my cards is not as good as the other...

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No problem buddy, glad to help out a friendly customer. As for the overclocking goes: yeah, one of my cards is also a dud - only ~ 1280MHz stable on the GPU, Vgpu tweaking still not working. That's why I prefer Radeon :yepp:

uhhhg, All the 680's are out of stock!! I've never seen a gpu get bought up this quickly before. I see like 3 on amazon for 600 something dollars.

edit; ah looks like galaxy and pny replaced some of their cards

Quote:

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Originally Posted by penguins

uhhhg, All the 680's are out of stock!! I've never seen a gpu get bought up this quickly before. I see like 3 on amazon for 600 something dollars.

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I hear ya. I have both my blocks but haven't been able to get cards yet.

there is a galaxy at newegg.... but Do I want a galaxy ? I'm somewhat partial to asus...

I am sorry for such a novice question, but am a bit uncertain on the instructions. It says to apply additional TIM to the "Phase regulators". Where are these? EK has posted a video installation guide, but this step is omitted. I have searched all over Google and found nothing. Thanks for any help

Quote:

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Originally Posted by squick3n

I am sorry for such a novice question, but am a bit uncertain on the instructions. It says to apply additional TIM to the "Phase regulators". Where are these? EK has posted a video installation guide, but this step is omitted. I have searched all over Google and found nothing. Thanks for any help

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Not necessary. Just use thermal pads and tim on chip.

New problem. I have a Gigabyte card. One of the standoffs doesn't line up. Its obstructed by the PCB. It's not in a critical area, but it's still concerning. I used my phone for the camera so apologies on that. This is the best I can do until the cable company gets out to fix the Internet.

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/b...n/e22dab31.jpg

Very interesting indeed as this is P2002 PCB, nVidia reference design. Care to share P/N number of the graphics card.

Gigabyte GeForce GTX 680 Video Card GV-N680D5-2GD-B

I don't know if you can tell from the picture, but if I had an M3x10 I could thread it down to the copper. It looks like the intended standoff is touching the layer of thermal pad placed over the coils

Very interesting indeed. I know it sounds stupid but have you installed the block correctly. I would suggest loosing all the screws and repositioning the water block. Then start screwing in the screws on the far edges of the water block. Also make sure you've put the thermal pad where you should, trim excess that overhangs the coil.

Thanks for cooperation! :up:

P.S.: The standoff's thread is M4, the inner thread is M3.

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/b...n/75d1b08b.jpg

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/b...n/a571f91d.jpg

Uploaded those from having just taken it apart. I don't see how I could have put it on wrong if all the thermal contacts are in the right place

Woow!

The standoff should be in this hole:

http://file.si/pfiles/234968/680_standoff.jpg

Use some pliers and place it in correct spot.

Can you please provide QC check number (not the one that was inside the mounting mechanism bag but the one inside the cardboard box)?

Regards,
Niko

#25

I thought it didn't look right, but this is my first ever WC build, so I'm pretty much following directions. As I noted above, there was a bit of disconnect between the included instructions and the Youtube video guide

Thank you, squick3n.

Proceed with standoff repositioning and reinstallation. If you encounter any more issues please contact support@ekwb.com :up:

apparently these don't work with the evga backplate (http://www.overclock.net/t/1240214/g...evga-backplate)

@Elganja: This has been stated since the very beginning: http://coolingconfigurator.com/waterblock/3831109856314

Quote:

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EVGA EVGA GeForce GTX 680 Superclocked+ (/w backplate) 2GB GDDR5 (02G-P4-2684)
EVGA original backplate cannot be reused.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by tiborrr

@Elganja: This has been stated since the very beginning: http://coolingconfigurator.com/waterblock/3831109856314

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thanks tiborrr... i totally missed it. Not a big deal, I can return the ones I got... and as you said, the info was there and I just missed it

I'm excited to install 3 of the actel+EN blocks today... just waiting on UPS!

got my stuff installed a couple days ago:

Attachment 125280

it's funny that I didn't even do it intentionally, it's just the way it turned out, but I have all EK blocks (Acetal+EN, except the chipset which is just Acetal+Nickle I believe). But I have 3 FC680's, EK-Supreme HF, EK-Dominator, EK-FC Bridge TRIPLE Serial and EK-FB for my chipset.

loving the quality of all your products!

Awesome rig, mr. Cannabis Sativa! :up:

Tiborrr, got the assembly line done:

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...SANY0007-9.jpg


The temps are exceptional on three of them. One of them the temps are much higher. Looks like I will have to remove it to see what is going on. It is in the same part of the loop as another card which temps are good so I don't think there is a flow problem. I did all four cards exactly the same, with the same TIM and quantity and pressure on the mounting screws. Any idea why one would be running so hot compared to the others? Hopefully it is a easy fix once I get the block removed.

Hi Vega,

what are the temp difference? Could be one GPU is a leaker? Compare the TIM imprint on a good and a 'bad' card. Check whether the standoffs are installed correctly (seated all the way down to the copper core).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tiborrr

Hi Vega,

what are the temp difference? Could be one GPU is a leaker? Compare the TIM imprint on a good and a 'bad' card. Check whether the standoffs are installed correctly (seated all the way down to the copper core).

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There is about a 20+ C difference. Three cards under load are around 33 C and the one is ~55C. I am thinking there has to be something wrong with the standoffs. They all where relatively the same temperature with the stock air coolers.

Hi!

Can you try mounting the block on the different card? Is this the problem when you test the card one by one or when they're assembled in the loop? The loop is parallel or serial? In the later case this could be related to stuck air bubble or partially 'dry' block.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tiborrr

Hi!

Can you try mounting the block on the different card? Is this the problem when you test the card one by one or when they're assembled in the loop? The loop is parallel or serial? In the later case this could be related to stuck air bubble or partially 'dry' block.

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Hey tiborrr, as soon as I removed the block and took a good look at the stand-off's it was immediately apparent. One of the stand offs-was only screwed in about half way! (on one of the four corner ones around the GPU). Glad I didn't crack/damage the board. Normally I check all stand-offs but I didn't have that little stand-off wrench that you guys used to ship with the blocks and I didn't want to scratch up the block with big pliers.

I figured whoever put the stand-offs on used that little wrench and they all were good. That little oversight cost me about four hours lol, takes time to take this apart, put it back together and leak test ;):

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...SANY0008-8.jpg


I remember doing four EK blocks on GTX 580's and screwing in the stand-offs took quite a bit of time. But then again I knew they were super tight when I did them. Maybe include that little wrench in the box with instructions to check the stand offs? Not sure how much that little wrench costs.

Well anyways the blocks are working great now. Idle 21-25 C with 33-38 C under full overclocked load. Now with the stand off issue I am wondering if the other GPU card ones and the EK RIVE MB blocks were stand-off fully seated since I didn't re-check them. Now I am a little paranoid I won't be getting the best possible temps lol.

Hi Mike,

I'm glad you have your system up and working now :) You planning on chilling the system again?
It looks like a small oversight on our side, we will make up to you I promise :up:

P.S.: Rest assured the FB RE4 block is okay, the copper is thicker on these so the standoffs go in easier :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tiborrr

Hi Mike,

I'm glad you have your system up and working now :) You planning on chilling the system again?
It looks like a small oversight on our side, we will make up to you I promise :up:

P.S.: Rest assured the FB RE4 block is okay, the copper is thicker on these so the standoffs go in easier :)

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Great, ya I looked at the X79 and VRM temps in BIOS and they are only 24 C. Looking pretty good.

Just ordered the EVGA 680 FTW 4GB w Backplate, any word on EK compatibility with this EVGA SKU?

Hope someone does shootout of 680 blocks . . .I went this HK but it would be good to know anyways

Yeah wouldn't mine a shoot out of 680 blocks. Anyways tiborr hows those GTX690 water blocks coming along!!!! I know koolance beat you to the punch with their release of the 690 block but I like EK soooooooo any update my GTX690 wants water lol

any idea if and when block for the Pallit gtx680 jetsream 4GB will be available?

thanks

@Yaka: Very soon, it has been designed and sent downstairs to machining shop a couple of days ago. Awaiting sample! :up:

@Crazystang01: Yes, Koolance did a crazy fast job on the GTX690 water block :) We will start selling ours on Friday, June 29th 2012. They are being assembled as we speak.

Any update mate?

Heloo
My assembling ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1_llUL6_cY

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RoboionatoR

Heloo
My assembling ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1_llUL6_cY

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Cool vid!