EK 5858 FC Block VRM Temps

[gergregg]

Well got a 5850 FC EK block. Installed first with their directions, which included stand-offs and thermal pads. I wasn't impressed with my VRM temps which at 1.3v / 1050 core / 1250 mem were in the 80's C with Kombuster.

I removed the stand-offs and put thermal paste on the VRM's and now temps are in the mid 60's. I'm glad EK gave the option to install either way.

Just throwing this out there for anyone doing an install with the EK blocks. If you feel comfortable ditch the stand off and thermal pads on the VRM's.

[Eddy_EK]

Hi,

With direct contact would definitely bring better temps, its just the safety that we have with thermal pads as the card cold bend and middle VRM's might not get good contact or no contact at all. Also they are so fragile so we dont feel safe for hard mount.

[gergregg]

Hi,

With direct contact would definitely bring better temps, its just the safety that we have with thermal pads as the card cold bend and middle VRM's might not get good contact or no contact at all. Also they are so fragile so we dont feel safe for hard mount.

Totally understand. It's just nice to have the option to take the risk.

[vinister]

While we're on the topic of contact, I've always wondered about this myself.

I currently run 3 x 3870's with EK blocks, have been running this setup since 3870 launch

I have just ordered 1 5850 with EK block, should be here on monday!

On my 3870's the VRM area of the EK block is definitely the hottest part. I have mounted/dismounted the blocks so often that most of the thermal pads have long disintegrated and now I just use thermal paste with direct contact. I never thought that maybe this would be getting me better VRM temps, but it makes sense. There is no way to check VRM temps on my particular cards so I have never been able to compare it.

I am very careful tightening the screws and closely watch the card so its not bending. My question is this: Just how tight should the screws be? Theoretically, if there are many mounting screws and everything is machined straight, then shouldn't the block actually straighten the card as you tighten it down?

please elaborate on how to 'be careful' while taking this risk.

[Philwong]

Gergregg, could you run kombuster at 1280 x 1024 and 4x AA and show us the VRM temp? Thanks.

Phil

[gergregg]

here ya go.

[Philwong]

Thanks. May I know the resolution you are running for the first screen shot?

The variation in VRM temp is actually smaller than I expected.

Phil

[Eddy_EK]

I am very careful tightening the screws and closely watch the card so its not bending. My question is this: Just how tight should the screws be? Theoretically, if there are many mounting screws and everything is machined straight, then shouldn't the block actually straighten the card as you tighten it down?

please elaborate on how to 'be careful' while taking this risk.

Careful means screwing the screws with feeling. When you feel there is a contact of the block with card, you should turn the screw for about 180°. Sometimes less sometimes more, it's in the feeling.

About straightening the card. This would be possible only if the mounting holes would be positioned on right spots to straighten the card. But most common position is that the card will have to bend a little as the screws are not perfectly placed.

[gergregg]

Thanks. May I know the resolution you are running for the first screen shot?

The variation in VRM temp is actually smaller than I expected.

Phil

Same resolution, but It was warm here today and my ambients were probably part of that difference.

[gergregg]

Careful means screwing the screws with feeling. When you feel there is a contact of the block with card, you should turn the screw for about 180°. Sometimes less sometimes more, it's in the feeling.

About straightening the card. This would be possible only if the mounting holes would be positioned on right spots to straighten the card. But most common position is that the card will have to bend a little as the screws are not perfectly placed.

The nice thing is where the VMR's are placed is right at the edge of the block. You can actually see where you have contact, along with feel it.

Use a very small screwdriver and two fingers as not to apply to much torque.

[Philwong]

Same resolution, but It was warm here today and my ambients were probably part of that difference.

Same resolution? Why are you getting such a huge difference in frame rate?

Phil

[gergregg]

92 avg with no AA 80 avg with 4xAA ??

[Philwong]

92 avg with no AA 80 avg with 4xAA ??

So the first screenie is showing 92 fps? I thought it is 3X instead.

Phil

[justin.kerr]

Careful means screwing the screws with feeling. .

That always been my motto, keeps the girls happy.

[Philwong]

That always been my motto, keeps the girls happy.

LOL!

Phil

[gergregg]

So the first screenie is showing 92 fps? I thought it is 3X instead.

Phil

Correct 92 FPS in the first. Kind of hard to read.