"Best" waterblock for 4870x2?

[exe163]

I need a waterblock for my new 4870x2, looking for best cooling for the price solution. Any suggestions and where to get them?

[DeathWalking]

DD, EK, and XSPC will all get you there.

XSPC is certainly the most budget. It'll save you money, but if you can afford a DD or EK block, I would go for it. Cheapest place I found it was at PPC's, for $100.

DD and EK are about equal. The only real difference to my mind is the integrated standoffs on the DD block, which prevent bowing. I don't know if Eddy has started putting washers in the kits, which would nullify this advantage. Regardless, EK blocks look prettier, but the DD will probably save you $15. Performance is so close that the difference is irrelevant. Cheapest DD block is at Petra's, for $130. Cheapest EK is at PPCs, for $145.

[Chruschef]

the swiftech caldera-air sink, paired with two MCW60's...
Or, if you wait slightly longer you can get the caldera water-sink, which will be much more efficient.
if you don't know what I'm talking about this thing
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=209024
paired with two MCW60's, or D-tek GPU only solution.

This option is the best for minimal heat dump into the liquid loop. there is no difference between this and a full cover.

[mattkosem]

XSPC is definitely the best priced solution, and works great! I picked mine up for $94!

--Matt

[Utnorris]

The XSPC can be found at Jab-tech.com for $95. It's a great block for the money. All blocks perform about the same, so it really comes down to aesthetics and budget. I use the Koolance block, runs $140, but you can use the live.com rebate on Ebay to get 25% off in the form of a rebate. I would get a full cover block over the Swiftech unless you already have the MCW60's, otherwise the cost is the same as a full cover block.

[exe163]

Thanks for the feedbacks, since I don't have any GPU parts from previous build (first timer), I think I am going with XSPC. I am planning to do two loops, which loop should I place the chipset block in? GPU(4870x2 block) or CPU(i7-902 with GTZ) loop? I also plan to get a MCR320 and MCR220 which should I assign with CPU and GPU loop? From what I heard GPU cooling is irrelevent since it cannot OC much, as long as it's cool and performs normally it's fine, and I want to get the most out of my CPU. Should I just put chipset block in the already overheat GPU loop?

[halo112358]

I've got the DD full cover block.

I like that it has standoffs milled into the block so that it has much less chance to warp your card. The EK block by contrast warps cards unless you're extremely careful with installation.

[FrostyPanda]

Thanks for the feedbacks, since I don't have any GPU parts from previous build (first timer), I think I am going with XSPC. I am planning to do two loops, which loop should I place the chipset block in? GPU(4870x2 block) or CPU(i7-902 with GTZ) loop? I also plan to get a MCR320 and MCR220 which should I assign with CPU and GPU loop? From what I heard GPU cooling is irrelevent since it cannot OC much, as long as it's cool and performs normally it's fine, and I want to get the most out of my CPU. Should I just put chipset block in the already overheat GPU loop?

Just remember that with the xspc you cannot use any of the conventional sli/crossfire links because of the little nubby things on the inlet/outlet holes. EK and DD will both let you do this, though.

[exe163]

Considering how bad quadfire performs, I wouldn't worry much about it. Caldera also caught my interest, being able to reuse the MCW60s sounds like a really good deal.

[The-Fox]

If you can wait for the upcoming Caldera (the full sink version), I think It will worth it.
EK Blocks had some installation issues, which I am not quite fully aware of their details, but it's something you should know before pulling the trigger.
Just search for the threads around here.

[jasonelmore]

+1 for the Swiftech Dual MCW 60's. My buddy's got them and they are working great.

[Utnorris]

The XSPC has standoffs also and you can use the Koolance SLI fittings with it if so desired. The problem I have with the Caldera system is that the memory is being cooled by the heat sink not the water block. If you think you will upgrade the HD4870x2 within a year then the Caldera would be better choice assuming the MCW's would fit the new block. As far as what to put with what, always try to separate the CPU from everything else.

[Cutless009]

Utnorris, I hate to disagree with you, but the koolance SLI fittings do NOT fit the XSPC, Ive tried them on mine.

[The-Fox]

In the near future a new block from Swiftech will be released, which I am sure will be excellent.
I am not talking about the Caldera with the Dual MCW60.
I am talking about a new unified full block which will cool everything on the 4870X2.

Great things come to those who wait

[exe163]

In the near future a new block from Swiftech will be released, which I am sure will be excellent.
I am not talking about the Caldera with the Dual MCW60.
I am talking about a new unified full block which will cool everything on the 4870X2.

Great things come to those who wait

I would say most unlikely. swiftech has a trend of making "universal blocks" that's reusable on new cards with the cost of a new unisink, plus there is no point making it late since there are already plenty out there.



This is a pretty unique "full" cover waterblock as it only covers both GPUs and in contact with unisink. Which will yield better core temperature in expense of slightly hotter vrams and voltage regulators.

[The-Fox]

I thought it was going to be a full block which will cover Vram and Voltage regulators (and GPU of course).
Looking at the pictures, I can see it's only going to cover the GPUs.
In that case, I totally agree with you that it's not worth waiting, DD or EK are excellent products, the XSPC "budget" block sure looks nice too at it's price point.

[mattkosem]

I thought it was going to be a full block which will cover Vram and Voltage regulators (and GPU of course).
Looking at the pictures, I can see it's only going to cover the GPUs.
In that case, I totally agree with you that it's not worth waiting, DD or EK are excellent products, the XSPC "budget" block sure looks nice too at it's price point.

All of the FC blocks seem to get roughly the same temps. I chose to get the XSPC because it was the cheapest and was made by a reputable company. It's only like $40 difference for a DD or EK block though, so it was a tough choice.

--Matt

[Marco André]

What about the 4870x2 full cover waterblock from aquacomputer? It doesn't perform well?

[Jor3lBR]

What about the 4870x2 full cover waterblock from aquacomputer? It doesn't perform well?

Aquas are great only problem is to get them in USA.

I like the DD with stand-offs or XSPC.

[cdnbum88]

When is the Swiftech one coming out?

BTW .... Sidewinder is also get the XSPC either had it late this week or next week and I am sure it will be very competitive price wise.

[Shoggy]

Aquas are great only problem is to get them in USA.

It can be ordered directly from us. Block and shipping are 110,75 EUR.

[The-Fox]

Sorry for hijacking this thread, but I am contemplating myself regarding a block for the 4870X2.
I want to go for the EK Fulleoverblock, with the nickel plated w/acrylic top for some bling(it's sexy as hell).
Anything special I should know/consider ? I know people had mounting issues in the past which lead to failed cards and I am quite hesitating because of that, can anyone elaborate about this issue ?
I want to be 100% I am not taking any risks here, it's an expensive block (160$) after all.

Thanks.

[Cutless009]

The EK's didnt have built-in stand-offs so that you could crank it down tight without cracking the PCB of your card, just make up your own standoffs and you're good to go, Im not sure if EK has released a revised version with standoffs or not, but I havnt heard about it if they have.

[The-Fox]

What do you mean by standoff ? where is it located exactly (a picture would help) ?
Thanks.

[Cutless009]

Its located under the card between the block and the card itself so that theres a perfectly flat surface between all mounting points. Here's a picture of the failed built-in stand-offs on my XSPC Razor: