FYI : The new 8800GT layout is different

[zoob]

There's life for my AX MP-01 yet!

[DVL73]

I T' S . . . A L I V E




OK. So far so good. I'm very pleased with the core temps. Obviously, it would be rather pointless to give you the data without the specification
of my loop:

Abit IP35 Pro (not water cooled)
Q6600 (G0) @ 3Ghz (stock volts) + D-Tek FuZion (not bowed & no nozzle)
Zotac 8800GT @ Stock + MCW60
AC MX-2 thermal paste

Thermochill PA120.2 + Shroud + Scythe S-FLEX SFF21F (1600RPM)
Laing DDC 18W
3/8" tubing

System was stabilised (warmed up) for 2 hours, from power on state, before the tests. Tests are based on running 3DMARK06 while recording the core temps in the background via RivaTuner. Nothing more, nothing less


Firstly, Scythe @ 40% (~4.9V) & DDC @ 85% (~10V) *TOTAL SILENCE



Very nice. Rather small difference between the idle (39*C) & load (43*C) temps. Also, on each chart you will notice idle/load temp markers. Nice stock 3DM score too, btw


Next, Scythe @ 100% (12V) & DDC @ 100% (12V) *MAX NOISE



3*C improvement compared to silent system. Not that much impressive, but worth nothing. Probably more important fact is how efficient the cooling loop is, even when running in total silence. Actually, another example that if you feed the PA120.2 even with so tiny airflow, it's still amazingly efficient and honestly it can rival passive systems (noise-wise). Actually, not sure what's the point of passive systems at all

So, I'm really really pleased but at the same time nervous about one thing. PCB of the card is HOT HOT HOT - especially vreg zone followed by ddr. During the 3DMARK burn-in, I examined the back of the card with may bare fingers and boy, I almost got burned at some parts. However, I have to stress that I didn't experienced any lock-ups or artifacts, caused by excessive PCB heat (caused by vreg zone mostly). Everything was very stable, so not sure what's the thermal tolerance of the card itself.

I don't have the best airflow in my case. Actually, it's pretty much non-existent but still no problems with the card. However, I would really recommend careful case airflow consideration if cooling the card without the full cover block ... or in some sense ... strategically positioned fan will do, for sure. It would be interesting to know if the PCB is similarly hot with the stock cooling too. Unfortunately, I didn't try as I ripped off the stock cooling right away.

When I grab more free time, I will examine how much I can push the card.

Later.

[ElEctric_EyE]

Very nice load temps! Aren't those 90 degree bends on the video restrictive to flow?

[icrunk]

if i used an MCW60 on a 8800GT would i really need to put ramsinks and vregsinks on?

[ElEctric_EyE]

I would say... Hell yes!

[Mesce]

Well you would definitely need to put ramsinks on but Im not so sure about VregSinks if your not voltmodding but Im not sure whether Vregsinks should be on?

[icrunk]

ah ok.. i was just wondering if i could just put the block on by itself like i do with my 7900...

[alexio]

ah ok.. i was just wondering if i could just put the block on by itself like i do with my 7900...

It's not a problem if you put a 80mm fan over the card. The RAM will actually run a lot cooler than with the stock cooler. My X1950XT runs perfectly fine (with modded Intel cooler) without RAM sinks and the RAM overclocks much better than with the stainless steel (extra heated by the core) + thermal pad solution.

With the 8800GT the vregs are more worrying than the RAM chips, but I think they will still run pretty cool (read: no/not much hotter than with the stock cooler) with only a fan over them.

[xenolith]

It would be wise to follow Nvidia's reference design for the 8800GT and Danger Den's advice and sink up your memory and vreg, even if you're not going to o/c or voltmod. (Or do what alexio suggests.)

Of course, you're obviously free to try it without the sinks, but don't be surprised if it's unstable, or even run the risk of frying something.

[Apokalipse]

so it seems a lot of coolers for the 7800/7900 series will fit on the 8800 GT, as long as they attatch to the GPU only. Then, just use some extra sinks for the RAM and vregs

The only thing is, the 8800 puts out more heat than a 7800/7900 would.

[DVL73]

Very nice load temps! Aren't those 90 degree bends on the video restrictive to flow?

Well, those are DD-Delrin 90 Degree fittings, supposedly designed so that flow rate doesn't suffer. Actually, I didn't notice any major flow rate drop when using those.

I really prefer this type of routing, as it's easier for me to just disconnect the video card from the loop and without the need to take the actual video card out. Apart from that, it's somewhat more practical when I consider the placements of other components (including the route to external radiator).

Actually, this was my previous system with the EK/X1900 block:



See the logic ...

[DuckieHo]

Well, those are DD-Delrin 90 Degree fittings, supposedly designed so that flow rate doesn't suffer. Actually, I didn't notice any major flow rate drop when using those.

Martin did testing on the Delrin 90-degree fittings and they do have an impact of flowrate. They are better than just elbow fittings though.


Now, does anyone have high resolution pictures of the 8800GT PCB and stock HS? I need some with two rulers (length and width) next to them. Maybe some profile pics for the height difference of the components as well. I am hoping to get a Uni-sink block milled:

Here is a rough draft: http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehou...9a5557187d2ea3


I kept it simple for ease of milling. I probably plan to seperate the GDDR and VRM heatsinks.

[Cyprio]

Martin did testing on the Delrin 90-degree fittings and they do have an impact of flowrate. They are better than just elbow fittings though.


Now, does anyone have high resolution pictures of the 8800GT PCB and stock HS? I need some with two rulers (length and width) next to them. Maybe some profile pics for the height difference of the components as well. I am hoping to get a Uni-sink block milled:

Here is a rough draft: http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehou...9a5557187d2ea3


I kept it simple for ease of milling. I probably plan to seperate the GDDR and VRM heatsinks.

Can't help with the measurements im afraid but would like to know if you have any luck getting this made. I approached some companies in the UK a few months back wanting to get one made for my GTS and gave up as the prices iwas quoted were very high for an individual component.

Its a great idea though as you can keep your die waterblock and get a new sink milled each time you upgrade.

[DuckieHo]

Can't help with the measurements im afraid but would like to know if you have any luck getting this made. I approached some companies in the UK a few months back wanting to get one made for my GTS and gave up as the prices iwas quoted were very high for an individual component.

Its a great idea though as you can keep your die waterblock and get a new sink milled each time you upgrade.

There are a few guys around with mills.

D-Tek has them for the GTS but they are taking exceptionally long to release any more.

[georgesod]

Does the D-Tek GFX fit?

[ziddey]

it probably would if it can fit 7900.

as for having sinks on the vregs, i'd highly recommend it as well. in the 7800 world, there was high failure of vregs. it could have been an implementation flaw, but that said, the 8800gt comes with the vreg's sinked. going the other way would just be asking for trouble.

[Fjog]

Well, have a little question for you guys...

Is the RAM placed exactly in the same way it is on the 7900GT/GTX?
Because if this IS the case, I was wondering if it would be possible to reuse my FC79 by fastened it with the four holes around the core and use some double-sticking thermal tape for the RAM, like those found on zalmans ZM-RHS1.
The real question is if this would be proficient to keep the block equipped tightly enough?

Thanks in advance

Christian

[Matias23]

Check this out.
Fineally 8800GT water block
http://www.overclock3d.net/news.php?...2_for_8800gt/1

[Eddy_EK]

Hi!

Nice block that AC...
But I a sure it will not beat this one.
I have just tried the mount the first block made and it fits perfectly.

[disruptfam]

awesome work eddie your a legend!!

[Justintoxicated]

Right. Good news!

MCW60 (stock mount) and DD Maze4 are compatible with 8800GT layout I did managed to grab some free time tonight to fiddle with the blocks. Here are some pics for your viewing pleasure:


Naked 8800GT:



You may notice that I marked the vreg areas with the red squares. You may now easily identify them.


Here is the MCW60, with ramsinks and vregsinks:



I'm on the 3/8" tubing and there is about 2-3mm clerance between the barb and the ramsinks. Just enough for the hose so there is no need for ramsinks cut as they are not on the way.


This is rather interesting. My ancient DD Maze4 (chrome edition):




Back side:




Perfect fit! So people, dust off your old Maze GPU blocks ... (if you have any). Although, not sure how much of the performance degradation we have with them when compared to the latest & greatest offerings. I guess not that much ...

On the side note, I'm really pleased with the uncluttered card layout and overall size. It's really rather "compact" (9" length) compared to stupidly long 8800GTX.

You may use your imagination for the vreg cooling, but I would say that solution from the above is probably acceptable. Still have to do some tests ... tomorrow ... can't wait

You just made my day. No need to dust off the Maze 4 it's still on my 7800GT! I just bought the 8800GT as a replacement. Looks like I picked the absolute best perfect time to upgrade! Now I just need a few more swiftech heatsinks. I actualy have the LP Maze4 though but it should work no problem.

[Volkum]

Rock on! Glad I won't have to buy a new WB when I buy my 8800GT!

[Jupiler]

@ Eddy_EK :

Got a release date for this block?

[gabe]

Right. Good news!

MCW60 (stock mount) and DD Maze4 are compatible with 8800GT layout I did managed to grab some free time tonight to fiddle with the blocks. Here are some pics for your viewing pleasure:

we are working on this:

[Aldy402]

we are working on this:

don't take this the wrong way but, that looks like 3 separate things to buy, no thanks
mcw60 + new ram block + heatsinks