After some discussion in another thread about what it takes to cool SLI ultras, I had the opportunity to test my MSI OC'd 8800Ultras (660/2300) with some lousy water cooling.
I happened to have a TT Symphony Mini that i ordered for a customers HTPC build. Curiosity got the best of me. I opened the Mini, spliced some 3/8 " hose (1/4" out of box),
to my EK full cover blocks w/ koolance 3/8" 90's and cranked her up. Flow was almost non existent. The thermaltake flow indicator barely moves. The Radiator with the 3 120mm fans on it must be taking up the slack.
When grabbing the thin tubing, you could really feel the difference in temps from the In/Out tubes. I was real surprised at how decent the temps were.
I ran a few benchmarks and recorded the temps @ 30 second intervals with Nvidia Monitor. I ran 3dmark 06 default settings and at 2560x1600 4xAA Quality4 and 4xAF.
What do you think about these temps? Are you as surprised as I am? I seem to remember the stock air coolers hitting 70's and 80's. Temps never went over 58c at full load. I'm down to throw any graphic tests at this thing anyone suggests.
I may order me one of these for modding purposes. Change out all tubing to 3/8" or maybe 1/2" if can and yank the 2 lousy pumps. A MCP355 looks like it may fit with room to spare.
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