Skinnee Labs - GTX480 Block Round-Up (working thread)

[Labrat84]

I'm trying to decide between the EK FC480 GTX and the Danger Den block. I'm very eager to see the results here!

[Camaroz06]

I'm not trying to be, or want to construed as, a douche but can we have some results soon? Honestly I wouldnt mind just the hard data.

[UrbanSmooth]

You can't pressure the man like that, man.

Skinnee, please take your time.

[zeroibis]

I just hope it is done by 7/15 b/c then if I am not getting the evga one I can not get the $30 rebate on the air cooled evga...

[UrbanSmooth]

Try to give him at least another two weeks. I believe we will all be pleasantly surprised...

[Coldon]

you can understand the impatience, some of us have been waiting 2 months for the results. I need the waterblock asap and i think i'm going to just pull the trigger on a koolance or DD block, maybe i should toss a coin.

[TradeWind]

you can understand the impatience, some of us have been waiting 2 months for the results. I need the waterblock asap and i think i'm going to just pull the trigger on a koolance or DD block, maybe i should toss a coin.

My two cents on the delay...

To begin, I have a few disclaimers I'd like to provide up front. Most notably, I'd like to emphasize that I'm tremendously grateful to Skinnee (et al) for sacrificing his time, resources, and expertise in the noble pursuit of GTX 480 enlightenment. Extreme reviews like this are very hard to find, and I'm not about to bite the hand that feeds me.

Additionally, quality almost always comes at the expense of speed. I understand that Skinnee (et al) intends to execute this project properly, and I respect and appreciate this approach.

Having said all of that, and in the spirit of providing constructive criticism, I think Skinnee should have released his results in packets. For example, he could have done a round-up for the first 3, 4, or 5 cards to arrive at his door. He could publish his comparative charts for the smaller group, and simply release new batch reviews for the other cards as they roll in. I know he updated his triple radiator round-up comparison graphs as he added new reviews, and I assume he could have done the same with this project.

The problem with releasing virtually no comparative performance data, and waiting until the entire group has been measured, is that critical purchase/execution time has been lost for many of us. In my case, my build was on a very specific time schedule, and I had to make a decision back in late May. I was holding on for the results of this thread, but alas no satisfaction arrived. For others, the waiting game may end up grinding them down, leading some to give up and toss a coin between two favorites.

The bottom line is this: in attempting to produce the all inclusive, massive, thorough review that this appears to be, Skinnee may have overshot the window of ideal usefulness for many of the enthusiasts who would utilize the data. Many of us have already purchased a block, for whatever reason, and the results of this thread will only reinforce or undermine the guessing game we ultimately made our purchases on.

Again, Skinnee, you rock. I am super grateful for your hard work. I'm just suggesting that the results have come a bit late to be as potent as your efforts deserve.

Also...I'm enjoying my dual DD Satin Copper GTX 480 blocks! I can only hope my decision doesn't turn out to haunt me.

[Coldon]

yeh +1, big thanks to skinnee for taking the time and effort to do this! I think everyone really appreciates it, but as tradewind stated, some of us do have build schedules, i've gone a fair bit over my time frame waiting for the block since I have to get it shipped internationally which add another 2~3 weeks to the whole process...

so koolance or DD?!

[skinnee]

Fortunately/Unfortunately, I have to agree... I will not be doing this bulk release of reviews and comparison again, any time I do a round-up like this in the future (Pumps are next) I will be releasing data as I go. My process and workflow through this round of testing was completely flawed for the amount of time I have had available, I hate it as much as you guys waiting.

In short, I hear you loud and clear and will change the flow of results moving forward. I am still grinding away and the end of the tunnel is near, my apologies for taking far too long.

[Vetalar]

fingers crossed, eyes open wide. patiently waitin' for results!!!

[Coldon]

just read a scathing post about the DD blocks on the EVGA forums, so koolance it is... fingers crossed!

[DarthBeavis]

just read a scathing post about the DD blocks on the EVGA forums, so koolance it is... fingers crossed!

I have three of them installed here. What is the problem?

[Coldon]

just a bunch of guys complaining about a rise in temps over the swiftech blocks. so DB koolance or DD? you have any issues with the DD blocks?

Ironically just as i got the email about your post i was about to click the check out button... ARGH... i'm so indecisive atm.

Okay koolance block ordered!!! holding thumbs skinnees review doesn't rape it

[TradeWind]

I have three of them installed here. What is the problem?

I also have the DD 480 blocks and have been very pleased with the results.

Max stable OC produces 940/1880/2200 MHz at 1.25 V core voltage. I never see temps rise over 51C in that configuration.

The EVGA HC FTW is a nice option, but keep in mind the restriction will be higher. Otherwise, it's a great choice.

I briefly owned an ATI 5970 and had a chance to compare a Swiftech block to the Koolance solution. The Swiftech block did a much better job with the VRMs, and ever since I've been turned off from Koolance. In Koolance's defense, their GTX 480 block is a new design - things may be very different for this block.

Regardless of block, you'll be happy with the results. I'm willing to bet your OC will be limited by other things before GPU temp ever becomes a problem.

[DarthBeavis]

just a bunch of guys complaining about a rise in temps over the swiftech blocks. so DB koolance or DD? you have any issues with the DD blocks?

Ironically just as i got the email about your post i was about to click the check out button... ARGH... i'm so indecisive atm.

Okay koolance block ordered!!! holding thumbs skinnees review doesn't rape it

I would not say to not order Koolance and I have not tested their 480 block. On my desk I have two 295s with Koolance blocks which performed well and in my rig I have three DD 480 blocks which are kicking asre. I was there when the DD blocks were being designed and had my voice heard a bit in the process so I am biased. Then again, Koolance makes sexy blocks as well. I can say DD has a VERY interesting Ramage III block in beta testing that is a total break from anything seen before. Skinnee will be getting one soon for testing.

[Waterlogged]

Hmmm

The only relevant test will be the flow test, not that it's likely to have any effect on temps or OCing capabilities of the cards.

This is a debacle and a headache just waiting to happen.

[zeroibis]

So are people getting good results with the EVGA HC FTW? With that heatpipe I am especially interested in the vtemps.

[skinnee]

So are people getting good results with the EVGA HC FTW? With that heatpipe I am especially interested in the vtemps.

While the heatpipe will keep the VRM's stable, I recommend a fan over the mosfets.

[Systemlord]

I just wanted to thank you Skinnee again for all of the spare time you have put into what will be a massive informative review, I'm waiting for the IPS truck to arrive with my EK FC480 GTX block that will become activated next month! When your review does come out I will enjoy reading the results to see who comes out on top!

-Systemlord

[zeroibis]

While the heatpipe will keep the VRM's stable, I recommend a fan over the mosfets.

Good to know as I currently blame mosfets for my dead 280.

Any particular fan our mount recommendations I should look at?

[Coldon]

While the heatpipe will keep the VRM's stable, I recommend a fan over the mosfets.

that's exactly my concern as well, i am more worried about VRM temps than GPU, i don't particularly care whether the care is sitting at 40 or 45 as long as the VRMs aren't at 70+.

especially when overclocking, the VRMs and power circuitry is the weak link in the chain and not the GPU, so I'm hoping the koolance does a good enough job in that regard, my loop is also pretty bare so the added restriction from the koolance pin array wont be too much of an issue, anything to slow down my infernal pump (i swear i got sold a 3.25 instead of a 3.2).

I almost considered the EK blocks, but then the thought of using TIM to hold down standoffs sobered me up.

[Systemlord]

that's exactly my concern as well, i am more worried about VRM temps than GPU, i don't particularly care whether the care is sitting at 40 or 45 as long as the VRMs aren't at 70+.

especially when overclocking, the VRMs and power circuitry is the weak link in the chain and not the GPU, so I'm hoping the koolance does a good enough job in that regard, my loop is also pretty bare so the added restriction from the koolance pin array wont be too much of an issue, anything to slow down my infernal pump (i swear i got sold a 3.25 instead of a 3.2).

I almost considered the EK blocks, but then the thought of using TIM to hold down standoffs sobered me up.

Once assembled it makes no difference, it will be interesting to see which blocks cool the VRMs best!

-Systemlord

[zeroibis]

Well this sale on evga cards is too good to pass up. I will just run on air for now and get a block as soon as I know what to buy.

[SuperchargedZ06]

Couldn't hold out - I tried to, but I just couldn't take it any longer... pulled the trigger on the EK 480 block (Acetal) with a black back plate. The way I see it, other than perhaps the EVGA/Swiftech block (which I expect to be the least effective overall at shedding heat due to the funky heat-pipe arrangement over the memory/VRMs - especially if any overclocking/overvolting is involved) all the blocks will be within a few percentage points of each other performance wise, so it mainly boils down to personal taste/aesthetics and cost. Just can't go wrong with black, and for roughly 140 bones for the block, barbs and the optional back plate, I think EK has a winner - one that isn't going to show fingerprints and require metal polish every 2-3 months to look good... While I can appreciate the other designs and the use of flashy materials... well, except for that one LED infested ricer block , I don't think I'll be disappointed in the performance dept. with the EK block once Skinnee finally gets the review out.

[UrbanSmooth]

EK makes some fine products.

Hey, Eddy, can I get a sponsor already?