First design for a NVIDIA 280GTX block

[Shoggy]

Today we have started to develop a block for the upcoming NVIDIA GTX280 graphics card. We just wanted to share the current state with you:





The block is very flat and made of pure electrolyzed copper. It has G 1/4" threads which allows the use of several connectors.

Since the block is not final yet, we would like to hear your opinion. We can still do some changes on the block (design etc.).

For SLI we might do a version with a plexiglas cover so you have two additional threads in the other direction.
The standard cover is made of stainless steel.

[gojirasan]

Wont you get galvanic corrosion mixing stainless (316?) with copper? Where are you getting your dimensions from? Do you actually have a GTX280? What about the memory chips on the back of the card?

[Scubar]

Looks very nice from the looks of it. I take it you have a layout of the card already to start basing the design of the block off ?

[Shoggy]

Wont you get galvanic corrosion mixing stainless (316?) with copper?

We had no real problems with this combination in the last years. Anyway, we always recommend to use an anti corrosion additive - regardless which materials you use in your loop.

[HaCKs]

Are you using the few very small leaked pictures to make the initial design? Will this be ready by the cards launch in a month? Can I pay for them now and have two shipped to me by the time the card is released.

[Boogerlad]

one thing to change; make the top thicker to improve flow. thin restricts the water.

[Shoggy]

@Scubar and HaCKs: we have detailed dimensions of the card and its components. Without this information it would be a waste of time to create a block for it.
We also know the small and large pictures of the card. Good luck to everyone building a block with the help of this pixel-crap

I'm pretty sure that we will be able to sell the block when the card hits the stores. Currently you can't order it because we do not have a price yet.

@Boogerlad: making the top thicker would be useless in this case. We would have to make the whole copper base thicker. We already increased the height from 6 to 8 mm (compared to an 8800GT/GTS block).

[_G_]

Would it be posible to make the block that the barbs thread into out of brass, nickle plated brass or maybe stainless steel (as an option)
I kinda value my pci slots so i like the thin profile of the block(im guessing theres plenty of room inside since you can go pretty thin with the cover platel)
looks like a real nice block

[Boogerlad]

no, what i mean as in the inside is more hollow/bigger to allow water to flow through better. cause most aqua computer wb are really thin; thinner than necasary.

[MpG]

Might want to look seriously at making the inlets double-sided/SLI compatible, since it adds a lot of functionality to the block. Even some single-card users want/need the inlet or outlet aiming downwards.

That aside, is it definitely a single-slot solution? I remember the EK blocks weren't true single-slot until the cover bolts were countersunk.

[Shoggy]

@_G_: I do not really understand what you mean The small block which is made of plexiglas?

@Boogerlad: ahhh, now I uderstand

@MpG: you can be 100% sure that the current block is a true single-slot solution For SLI we will have a look what is possible. I'm sure there will be a solution.

[gojirasan]

So are those leaked photos correct?

[Janno]

any pics of the internals?
...or is that top secret stuff?

[_G_]

The small block which is made of plexiglas?

yea that one, just would feal better about having a metal block for the barbs to thread into.

[evil-98]

id suggest better renderings, looks great and all but the renders can be improved very simply.
might take a bit effort but its not that hard, would increase its appeal visually and makes the
consumer feel like its coming closer to being a real product instead of some images..

aside from that looks cool

[BlueAqua]

It looks nice. I like that you've widened the flow channels and it's looking a bit more massive which I think is good. I think a plexi option would be great though with SLI capability.

[biftek.]

I love your slim VGA blocks, they look the best. Hands down.
I don't care what they do to flow


Are you guys going to be making ATI 4000 series blocks like this?
Cause I'll have an ATI card next round, and would love to buy one of these sexy blocks.

[HaCKs]

I think it is safe to say that NVIDIA wants you to show us the reference PCB of the GTX 280. In fact I was on the phone with Nvidia the other day and they said "If aqua computer doesn't leak those pictures, we will sue them"

Just a friendly heads up!

[BP-Vincent]

We also sell your blocks in Asia...very good quality and very good response from our customers...

I hope this can support SLI and that will the best choice for G200 ..

[RottenMutt]

when will your heat sink be availiable to puchase??? And when will it start shipping??? I'm thinking late summer.

nice CAD model. all fasterners have the same orientation, not random

still would like to know the dates, would give me a clue when nvidia will release.

need to have plugs on both sides for sli...

[NaeKuh]

shoggy can you list the entire wetted parts.

So its copper and steel? But you said the SLI version will have a acrylic top instead?
Is there a way you could make the top a little thicker and make the water path larger so its less restrictive?

Also any chance you guys can glass bead the interior like DD's so you increase surface area and give this block a chance with the big boys?

I want to give your company a shot at my HTPC. I have your Cuplex DI and these guys would go very nice with it.

[MpG]

Were there ever any definite results published on DD's glass-beading process?

And on a related note, it'd be nice to see interior shots of this block, if possible.

[NaeKuh]

Were there ever any definite results published on DD's glass-beading process?

And on a related note, it'd be nice to see interior shots of this block, if possible.

you dont need definite results. Its physics. putting dents in the block increases surface area. Increase surface area = more area for water -> block transfer -> better cooling.

Only problem is unless AC makes the channel path larger, it wont matter. :\

[Boogerlad]

sand blasting inside would be a good idea to increase surface area.

[MpG]

you dont need definite results. Its physics. putting dents in the block increases surface area. Increase surface area = more area for water -> block transfer -> better cooling.

Only problem is unless AC makes the channel path larger, it wont matter. :\

I don't doubt that the beading helps, I was simply curious as to what the degree of improvement was. With the Ione blocks, DD seemed to actually be relaying on it (and a low pressure drop), since the internals were so minimal. As opposed to say, the EK design, which used a greater concentration of cooling fins directly over the heat source(s). Unfortunately, I haven't stumbled across any actual comparisons.