Help the newbie with his build!!

[Buckeye]

I had a little box waiting for me when I got home today.

Oh Yeah !

[Talonman]

You got one?

Super monster!!

[Talonman]

I stepped out of my GX2, and into a GTX 280. I currently have a single loop with two blocks cooling my system. I was consirned how my temps would be adding a 280 into the same loop.

My Cooler: The WaterKegIII Xtreme with ThermoChill PA120.3 RAD running with three 70.5 CFM Yate Loon's, and Laing D5 pump:



My two existing blocks: D-TEK FuZion CPU, and EK S-MAX Acetal for my NB. (D-Tek Quad nozzle and gasket installed in CPU block.)



My simple loop with the air cooled GX2 installed.



My PC next to the cooler:



My current CPU temps that I enjoy with a Q6600 @ 3.8GHz:



My EVGA Hydro Copper 16 Waterblock, waiting for my 280...
It came with the 3/8" and 1/2" fittings. I will be using the 1/2"ers.


The full cover block with backplate is $179.99
http://www.evga.com/products/moreInf...%20Waterblocks

BTW: If you would like to see the inside of the block, look here: http://www.legitreviews.com/article/726/4/

It has tiny E's inside for EVGA!

Note: With this block the backplate helps to absorbe heat from the memory chips, and transfer it to the waterblock:

You put some TIM on the backplate to better transfer the heat to the front.

Description:

Featuring a sleek-modern look and a full copper design, EVGA continues to incorporate only the best attributes that make up the Hydro Copper Waterblock Series. An extreme high flow path design with a unique, integrated pressure point allows the Hydro Copper 16 Waterblock to keep your GTX 280 or GTX 260 as cool as can be while under even the heaviest of graphical loads. Exclusive only to EVGA, patent pending -flow technology aids in dispersing heat from GTX 280 and GTX 260 graphics processing unit (GPU). EVGA also provides full coverage with the addition of a heat-piped back plate that links with the Hydro Copper 16 Waterblock using patent pending "Co-op" technology.

Here is the official EVGA Hydro Copper 16 Waterblock install guide: http://www.evga.com/products/pdf/200-CU-HC16-B1.pdf


This is where my system speed was currently at:
NOTE: System had to Prime 2Hrs error free before numbers were recorded.
Note: The only thing OC'ed on my GX2 SSC is the fan!
FSB -- DDR2 ----- BIOS ----- CPU-Z ------ BIOS ----- Everest - CPU-Z --- 3DMark06 --- SM2.0 -- SM3.0 --- CPU ------ Vantage --- CPU --- Graphics
420 -- 840MHz -- 3.79GHz -- 3.7801GHz -- 1.51875v -- 1.50v -- 1.496v ---- 19,296 ----- 7,661 --- 9,062 --- 5,375 ----- P10,553 -- 13,167 -- 9,898

421 -- 842MHz -- 3.80GHz -- 3.7895GHz -- 1.51875v -- 1.50v -- 1.496v ---- 19,305 ----- 7,647 --- 9,078 --- 5,385 ----- P10,553 -- 13,164 -- 9,899

422 -- 844MHz -- 3.81GHz -- 3.7979GHz -- 1.51875v -- 1.50v -- 1.496v ---- 19,364 ----- 7,690 --- 9,113 --- 5,369 ----- P10,583 -- 13,281 -- 9,912

423 -- 846MHz -- 3.82GHz -- 3.8074GHz -- 1.53125v -- 1.51v -- 1.512v ---- 19,164 ----- 7,550 --- 9,042 --- 5,358 ----- P10,595 -- 13,441 -- 9,896

424 -- 848MHz -- 3.83GHz -- 3.8164GHz -- 1.53125v -- 1.51v -- 1.512v ---- 19,226 ----- 7,570 --- 9,047 --- 5,419 ----- P10,574 -- 13,254 -- 9,906

425 -- 850MHz -- 3.84GHz -- 3.8252GHz -- 1.53125v -- 1.51v -- 1.512v ---- 19,503 ----- 7,766 --- 9,141 --- 5,428 ----- P10,574 -- 13,262 -- 9,905

426 -- 852MHz -- 3.85GHz -- 3.8346GHz -- 1.53750v -- 1.53v -- 1.528v ---- 19,499 ----- 7,762 --- 9,123 --- 5,447 ----- P10,564 -- 13,232 -- 9,899

427 -- 854MHz -- 3.86GHz -- 3.8430GHz -- 1.53750v -- 1.52v -- 1.520v ---- 19,237 ----- 7,598 --- 9,015 --- 5,385 ----- P10,475 -- 13,515 -- 9,745

428 -- 856MHz -- 3.87GHz -- 3.8525GHz -- 1.53750v -- 1.52v -- 1.520v ---- 19,592 ----- 7,795 --- 9,185 --- 5,457 ----- P10,453 -- 13,486 -- 9,724

For each FSB test, I rebooted and waited for all disk activity to stop. I ran Vantage first, then 3DMark06 second. Each program only received 1 run, and data was recorded.

Chart data recorded:
FSB selected - What DDR2 Frequency will be required - How fast the BIOS reports when booting - How fast CPU-Z reports from Vista - Lowest voltage required to Prime 2hrs (BIOS setting) - Everest reported Core voltage - CPU-Z reported core voltage - 3DMark06 score using default settings - 3DMark Vantage using default settings.

Currently with just my CPU and NB in my loop, my max temp's don't cross 60C two hours into Prime! Usually around 55C most of the time on all 4 cores. It only spikes to about 59C for a few seconds, even when I'm hitting my chip with 1.5v's.

My 280:








I figured I better just install her as is, to make sure she worked before I took it apart for the block installation.

She installed just fine...


How she looks idle, with stock clock settings, and fan set to 75%. Room temp was 70.3F.



15 minutes of some smooth COD4!!
It ran my temp up to 64C.


One Vantage run using stock settings, just to see...


My cover is on the PC, and I have moved my fan up to 100%.
I want to know the best the fan can do before I go water cooled.
I'm trying to give it every advantage, to see how much my block can actually lower my temps beond the stock coolings ability.

I ran 3DMark06 at default settings, and kept Precision open taking a GPU temp reading after each test completed.

Temp after Return to Proxycon: 59C

Temp after Firefly Forest: 59C

Temp after CPU1 test: 51C

Temp after CPU test2: 49C

Temp after Canyon Flight 59C

Temp after Deep Freeze: 60C

Not too bad...

1 Hour of UT3, Max detail settings 1920x1200 and V-Sync on 57C.
I do have the UT3 Physx Mod installed too.

62 FPS non-VSync Mode
60 FPS with V-Sync on.

For testing I went after the big dog of heat generation, Crysis.

I set it up at 1920x1200, all high except Object Quality was Medium. (4xAA no V-sync)

With the fan set to 100%, and playing from the beginning for 1 hour, 70C was the max I could get GPU temp up to.

I was convinced my card was functioning within normal paramaters. (Time to mod it!)

Install went well:

Removed 2 black DVI bracet screws, 2 black rubber plugs, and 10 screws from the back. You have to pry off the heatsink:

This is what I found underneath.



I cleaned off the memory chips:



We now remove the heatsink, from the GPU.



Cleaned the gunk off:



I put some MX-2 on, and I know, most like to just put a dot...
I can help myself, I had to distribute it on the face of the chips too!!
You attach the block with the provided mounting bolts, insuring you line it up correctly when it contacts the card. You want your TIM to contact the raised spots on the block.



For the memory chips, and under side of GPU, I used the supplied thermal pads:



Attached the backplate:
TIM is applied where the 2 bolts join backplate to block, near the barbs.


I set mine up like the example in the lower right corner of the page.

As you look at the barbs in the block, OUT should on the Left hand side, and IN on the Right. Having the barbs pointing up or down makes no difference.



or, Out is E, In is A.
I did use the 1/2" barbs, and it's all ready for install:



Added er into the loop!:



How she looks idle, on water:


Looks like at idle:

CPU Core 1 through 4 are all checking in at 1C higher. No big deal...

NB had no change... (I have always liked this NB block.)

SB is also reading 1C higher... (And not in the loop...)

GPU was 38C, and now is 34C. I lost 4C off my GPU temp at idle...

On to load testing!

3DMark06 on water... Current basement temp: 71.6F

I kept Precision's on screen display active, and watched the screen like a hawk recording the highest temp I reached during each test.

3DMark06 at default settings:

Temp during Return to Proxycon: 43C (16C cooler!)

Temp during Firefly Forest: 44C (15C cooler!)

Temp during CPU1 test: 39C (12C cooler!)

Temp during CPU test2: 39C (10C cooler!)

Temp during Canyon Flight 44C (15C cooler!)

Temp during Deep Freeze: 44C (15C cooler!)

I have to say that I am impressed getting up to 16C cooler temps, with no fan noise under load. I had to run the fan at 100% to generate my first set of numbers.

I am thinking that keeping my loaded temps below 50C means I'm doing pritty good.

Another thing I noticed was when re-filling my loop, my flow still seemed plenty strong jetting my water through the lines. I was consirned about having enouigh flow for the 3 blocks. I now think it's a non-issue.
It still looked plenty strong to me...

If the question is asked if you can cool an over-clocked Q6600, a 280, and NB all on a Thermochill PA 120.3, my answer would be YES...

It might also be said that as expected, the full cover block shines under load, rather than just at idle on temperature reduction.

The 4C cooler temp at idle is nice, but the 16C less under load stands out to me as more valuable to the OC'er...

30 minutes of Prime let me hit a high temp of 60C.


Before the block install 59C was my max on the same test...

To be honest though, I was use to seeing my CPU hover at about 54C Priming. Now it hovers at 59 or 60C. My max temp may be showing only 1C higher so far, but my 'Normal Prime Operating Temp' went up about 5C. Adding the 280's block into the loop didn't come for free as far as the CPU is consirned.

Also note that my 280 is now showing an idle temp of 40C insted of the 34C I see when not Priming. Having all 4 cores at 100% is dumping some extra heat into my loop.

I guess I can roll with that!!

My new MAX GPU temp for UT3 with the same settings is 44C.

That's 13C lower, than what I had on the stock cooling.

Using the same settings I had on the air test, fired Crysis up again. 48C looks to be about the most heat Crysis will now generate...

This is right after exiting the game, and the highest GPU temp I have been able to generate since the install:

That's a Mighty 22C lower than my air test playing Crysis.
Impressive for sure!!


OC results:
I used Precision's on screen display and recorded the highest temp I could hit during each test of Vantage.
Even if the temp only displayed for a micro-jiffie, it was recorded if it was a new high.
I kept upping my clock settings, to see how it would change my load temps.

Vantage using default settings:

280 Set To: -- Stock --- SC --- SSC --- FTW ---- HC
____________ Speed _ Speed _ Speed _ Speed _ Speed
Jane Nash ----- 44C ---- 45C -- 46C ---- 46C --- 47C

New Calico ---- 44C ---- 46C -- 46C ---- 47C --- 47C

Airplanes1 ----- 39C ---- 40C --- 41C --- 41C --- 41C

Airplanes2 ----- 42C ---- 42C --- 43C --- 43C --- 43C

Colors1 -------- 44C ---- 45C --- 45C --- 46C --- 46C

Colors2 -------- 43C ---- 44C --- 44C --- 45C --- 45C

Mountains ----- 45C ---- 46C --- 47C --- 47C --- 47C

Flags ---------- 42C --- 42C ---- 43C --- 43C --- 43C

Dots ---------- 42C ---- 43C --- 43C --- 43C --- 44C

Fog ----------- 46C ---- 47C --- 47C --- 47C --- 48C

Stock 280 scored= P12178 (602/2214)

280 to SC speed scored = P12567 (621/2268)

280 to SSC speed scored = P13013 (648/2322)

280 to FTW speed scored = P13586 (670/2430)

280 to HC speed scored = P13878 (691/2430)


I haven't noticed any screen artifacts so far...
My 280's Vantage score set to HC speed:

I have added almost 2K on to my Vantage score just from the OC!

Still running at HC speed, I ran 3DMark06.
45C was the highest temp it could generate on my GPU during the entire run.
Most of the time it ran around 40C.



I decided to run Core=702MHz, Shaders=1512MHz, and Memory=1269MHz on my 280.
Still no artifacts, and Vantage is still not taking my GPU temp above 48C.
My new 'Keeper' settings gives me a 14K score in Vantage.


Once again, what my 280 scored using the default clock speeds:

A difference of 1,823 Vantage Points!
Ya gotta love the OC!

I love the block. Understand too that keeping your 280 below 50C is not this blocks performance limit. One of the boys at the EVGA site is keeping his OC'ed 280's load temp below 40C. He is running in the 30's under load, but dosen't have a CPU in the same loop.

Keeping a OC'ed 280 below 50C is just my limit. Well, it is for now until my cold a$$ basement returnes to about 59F come winter! (Snicker...)
The RAD is really going to love it this year.

I am ok with this setup and my 1 loop. I think it should keep me out of trouble...

Core=702MHz, Shaders=1512MHz, and Memory=1269MHz producing 14K in Vantage with loaded temps under 50C is the end of the story for me...

NOTE: It is my opinion that even though when OC'ing from stock speed, to HC speed, I only had a 2 to 3C change in load temp, I don't believe using the stock sink/fan cooling, would produce the same result.

Crysis for example was much hotter on air than on water. I think this is a direct result of that huge slab of Hydro Copper. It flat out handles the heat better, and like mine for example, HATES to go over 48C.

Crysis on the stock cooling with fan set to 100% took me to 70C.

I would expect the same OC on the stock cooling, would move your max temp more than it did on the water rig. If you are running the stock cooling, you probably shouldn't be expecting the same tiny 2 to 3C change in load temp, if you OC from stock to HC speed.

For trivia: My TJ09 has (5) 120mm Scythe S-FLEX Case Fans, a Corsair CMXAF1 ram cooler, A 60MM fan on top of that pointing at my coils, (1) 120mm Silverstone fan that came in my case, suspended from my GPU's power cables, pointing directly up at the GPU. My Ohio basement was also a cool 70F.

All of that to let you know that my case get's good cool air flow. The stock cooling had allot of things going it's way.

I just wouldn't want to NOT give the block it's due credit, when it comes to reducing your loaded temps. That is after all, it's specialty.

The stock fan can't run with this sucker!

The End...