Water Cooling Asus Maximus Extreme with Crosslinx

[Talonman]

So you think it is safe to say the NB backplate on the Asus Maximus Extreme, and the NB backplate on the Asus Maximus SE are 100% confirmed identical?

It looked like some quality measurements were taken there, and given to EK too.

I am sure Eddy dosen't mind bouncing his numbers, off of another source like the numbers you came up with.
I hope they matched the latest numbers EK has been using for their ring.

[Giuliano]

Yeah, I'd say it's safe to say that the NB backplate is the same between the Maximus Extreme and Maximus SE.

And the mosfet blocks, too.

[Talonman]

Good deal, better for the block makers to make 1 or 2 quality blocks, then having a different version for every mobo.

[Giuliano]

Here's the first draft of design images that Eddy @ EK Waterblocks sent me today.


In the Top image, the area with the fins is over the SB chip, which Eddy has determined to produce more heat than the IDT chip.

The placement of the barbs should put them between the two nearest PCIe slots.


The Bottom image still needs some refinements, as there are a few components on the board between the two chips that need to have height clearances.



The block has three mounting holes - two nearest the SB chip, and the third diagonally across, nearest the IDT chip.


Eddy said he expects the price to be about 40 EUR, or ~$58 USD, and should be available in a few weeks.


Myself, I'm going to be ordering the EK Supreme CPU block, Mosfet blocks, NB block, and will be test fitting the new SB-Max EX block.


Should have it within a few weeks.

[Giuliano]

Here is the redesigned version of the new EK SB-Max Ex block, which is pretty close to the final version.


The first picture places the barbs as being over the SB chip area, with the U bend loop over the IDT Crosslinx chip.

You can also see a small notch at the edge of the block - this is to clear the small capacitor on the motherboard in that area.


The second image shows how the first revision block would have fit - as you can see, there was a good chance of a conflict if you used the first and second PCIe 16 slots.


The third image shows how the second revision block should fit just fine.


Eddy @ EK said he's going to add some fins over the SB chip, and should ship the new block out to me on Thursday / Friday.



Once I receive my order, I'll be shipping the new block to Martinm210 for flow testing.

Also included in my order are:

EK Supreme
EK NB Max
EK Mosfet's
EK 3870 blocks.


Those components should provide for some interesting numbers to add to the flow rate spreadsheet tool.

[Mando84]

Giuliano, any news regarding EK SB-Max Ex block?

[Giuliano]

Should be here in a few days.. Tracking shows it already landed at JFK in New York.

I'll take pictures and test fit it, then send it off to Martinm210 for testing.

[Maxx103]

I have a question on the stock Maximus Extreme waterblock/heatpipe/heatsink combo - is the part that has the hookups for the waterblock intergrated with the rest of the heatpipe/heatsink combo or is the waterblock bolted onto the heatpipe / heatsink combo?

Forgive me, but I haven't seen an Maximus Extreme in person before and I haven't seen a side profile shot of the waterblock/heatpipe/heatsink combo, only from above and below.

[Giuliano]

I have a question on the stock Maximus Extreme waterblock/heatpipe/heatsink combo - is the part that has the hookups for the waterblock intergrated with the rest of the heatpipe/heatsink combo or is the waterblock bolted onto the heatpipe / heatsink combo?

Forgive me, but I haven't seen an Maximus Extreme in person before and I haven't seen a side profile shot of the waterblock/heatpipe/heatsink combo, only from above and below.

It's integrated as part of the heatpipe assembly.


The 4 screws around it are for the NB mounting points.

[Giuliano]

Giuliano, any news regarding EK SB-Max Ex block?

I got my order from EK today, pretty fast shipping for the $$$ (expensive!)..


Unfortunately, the new EK SB-Max Ex block wasn't in there..


Have to see what EK says.. I had thought he was going to include the new block as a freebie for the test-fit.


I have to place another order for the new EK LGA 775 backplate anyway.

[Giuliano]

Turns out, the new EK SB Max Ex block hasn't been manufactured yet.

Eddy also said that backplates for the Mosfet blocks should be in the EK store some time this week.


It'll probably be another few weeks.

[Giuliano]

So you think it is safe to say the NB backplate on the Asus Maximus Extreme, and the NB backplate on the Asus Maximus SE are 100% confirmed identical?

It looked like some quality measurements were taken there, and given to EK too.

I am sure Eddy dosen't mind bouncing his numbers, off of another source like the numbers you came up with.
I hope they matched the latest numbers EK has been using for their ring.

A test fit of the EK-Mosfet Asus 3a and EK-NB S-Max blocks is successful - both of those blocks fit just fine.


However, with the NB block, you can't use the stock Asus NB backplate, as the screws aren't nearly long enough.

Using the EK mounting hardware, the NB block fits just fine - just without a backplate.


I know that EK is working on backplates for the Mosfet blocks, so I'll ask him about a similar backplate for the NB block.

I'm pretty sure you'd need some kind of backplate.

[Talonman]

I intend to use the stock NB backplate, nock the silver tabs out, and expand the holes a tad like another member here did. It probably will require longer bolts too...

[Giuliano]

I intend to use the stock NB backplate, nock the silver tabs out, and expand the holes a tad like another member here did. It probably will require longer bolts too...

I'm going to keep my backplate stock, in case I ever need to return the MB back to stock..


I could always make a backplate easily enough, but it wouldn't have the fit and polish..

[disruptfam]

any pics?

[Giuliano]

any pics?

Not yet.. the block has been held up from being manufactured by other "emergency" issues..

Presumably the demand for the new 3870 X2 blocks was the reason.


I do know that the Mosfet backplates are nearly ready.. Eddy received some today, and they're going out for nickel plating.


The latest image I have was this rendered model:

[jabski]

any news ??

[Giuliano]

any news ??

Nothing yet.. still.

I asked for an update yesterday.. said it should be ready before the end of February, as EK's going to Cebit 2008 the 1st week in March.


I'll ask again next week.

[cuprasport]

im intrested in 1 of these

[Soto]

I bought a Maximus Extreme motherboard and I was wondering why everybody wants to change the complete cooling system that is included with the motherboard. Is it that bad?

I'll be following this thread to see what happens with the Crosslinx block.

[Giuliano]

The stock heatpipe assembly is OK for transferring heat, but the block is inefficient and generally fairly restrictive due to its 3/8" inlets.

There's a whole other thread on the Maximus Formula where people have replaced the heatpipe assembly with individual blocks.


I chatted with EK today, and the latest update is that the new block should be made by / on this coming Monday.

So with any luck it should ship out to me next week or so..

[Soto]

Sorry. The following question can be very stupid since I've never read serious documentation about Watercooling.

I've seen there are two types of inlets, 1/4 and 3/8. 3/8 is supposed to be the biggest inlet, isn't it?

If i'm right, why that inlet would be restrictive?

In the other hand. I've read the thread for the Maximus Formula and I've seen some sets of blocks for these motherboards. What I've seen is those blocks are sold in Europe, specially the one which cool the mosfets and the NB. How to get those blocks in USA?

[Giuliano]

Sorry, I meant to say that the inlets are meant for 3/8" ID tubing, which is still pretty small. Most use 1/2" ID tubing.

Physically, the opening of the inlets on the stock heatpipe are smaller than most of the other fittings out there.


EK Waterblocks is one of the people / shops who make blocks.

They can usually be obtained in the USA from local shops like Petras Tech Shop (PTS)..


Or you can order from overseas.. which can take a while, and can be somewhat expensive on the shipping charges..

[sargatanas]

i hope this block will be available as soon as possible...i'm getting sick of my wc/passive solution.

[Giuliano]

Yeah, hopefully it'll be ready soon.


I'm getting the first prototype because I assisted in taking a whole bunch of measurements.

Once I get it, I have to test fit it to the board and make sure everything fits.


If it's OK, then I'm sure the block will go up on EK's web store.

Otherwise, it's back to the drawing board for further modifications.