4870 Waterblock Options

[Eddy_EK]

Hi!

This is 4870 versions I have came up with.
We will cover all these versions soon.

[Zehnsucht]

Is the Ref PCB Design Ver.1 the one which had problems with the Für benchmark?

[scamps]

Yes! At least my first 4870-try with a Powercolor LCS+ (although with EK-cooler) had problems (VDDC temps rising up to 145° and more - I stopped furmark to avoid damage of the card ) with the renamed furmark.exe 1.5.

With my new 4870 in rev. 2: no problems at all

[WaterFlex]

Eddy_EK
Great job, bro! Thanks for the info

[tsukuyomi]

Question, i am thinking of getting the Asus 4870 (1GB) Dark Knight and was wondering which block(full block or GPU +add on) will be the one that fits in it, due to the fact that there are so many different reference and non reference PCB designs out there i rather find out for sure before i buy anything. currently i own a Fuzion GFX V1 block which i would rather re-utilize if possible and just buy a memory /PW-MF add on as long as i don't compromise the cooling.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ShowIm...d%20-%20Retail

Second question i have read that everyone complaints about Full Block(same always said about my Fuzion GFX V1) due to them being restrictive but my questions is, mine is going to be running in a single GFX only loop with a MCP-650 pump, MCR 220QP and the GPU block, do i really have to worry about whether a block is restrictive or just pay attention to the cooling capabilities.

My goal is to have a pc as silent and cool(stable) as possible, stock speeds will most likely remain unchanged since they are more than enough for now, i apologize if i somehow have gone off topic

[Eddy_EK]

Version 2 PCB already made.
Just waiting for ALU anodization process.

[MaddHawk]

Anyone know of a good list of full board blocks for the 4870 x2?

[Zw_Roodbaard]

Originally Posted by Eddy_EK

Hi!

This is 4870 versions I have came up with.
We will cover all these versions soon.

This isn't completely true.

My Sapphire HD4870 is a blue PCB with the standard layout, all the condensators are the same and the placement off the power connections are also the same, I will try to post a picture with the EK-FC4000 mounted next week.

[TexT]

Keep up the good work Eddy
I am hanging in there for the block for the Sapphire blue pcb

[PCFlip]

so I have the ASUS 4870 1gb Dark Knight and I dont think there is a EK block that will work with it and I well ordered my blocks already not realizing this but after looking at it for a while I could mill the side of the block that has the lip to connect the aluminum plate and I think then this will fit fine and just use the standard heatsink they are using now to cool that portion,

EK what is your thoughts on this?

[Eddy_EK]

Originally Posted by PCFlip

so I have the ASUS 4870 1gb Dark Knight and I dont think there is a EK block that will work with it and I well ordered my blocks already not realizing this but after looking at it for a while I could mill the side of the block that has the lip to connect the aluminum plate and I think then this will fit fine and just use the standard heatsink they are using now to cool that portion,

EK what is your thoughts on this?

Yes, unfortunately your card might have the fifth version of pcb.
Have to see the card without cooler.
It looks very close to Sapphire version.

[PCFlip]

Originally Posted by Eddy_EK

Yes, unfortunately your card might have the fifth version of pcb.
Have to see the card without cooler.
It looks very close to Sapphire version.

do you want me this weekend to take off the heatsink and take some hi-res pics of the pcb board? just shoot me a pm of what angles, close ups and what not you would need and I can email them to you.

[Razrback16]

Originally Posted by MaddHawk

Anyone know of a good list of full board blocks for the 4870 x2?

All the ones I've seen so far appear to be kind of "half-a$$ed" in terms of the blocks only covering everything on the front side of the card and not covering the memory chips on the back of the card. If you're determined to do aftermarket cooling for the 4870X2 you may have to just use two MCW-60s for the core and a heatsink setup for the memory/VRs.

[NaeKuh]

someone please spank ATI for making 4 designs..

Eddie thank you for that nice little documentary... its very useful

[MaddHawk]

I'd say it looks more like ATI made two reference designs and the other two shown are designs those companies made on their own.

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

ATI made only 1 reference design, all the others are designed by groups other than ATI.

[PCFlip]

okay so I got the blocks into today and I pulled off the dark knight heatsink and I was right, all I have to do is shave off that lip that attaches the aluminum plate and I will just leave the stock coooler in its place for that portion of the card and then I can install the waterblock with no issue. ^__^ I will upload photos soon.

[PCFlip]

okay here is pics of the ASUS 4870 1gb Dark Knight pcb board with the dark knight heatsink removed.

Hope these help EK, oh and if you need hi-res or different angles let me know and I can get those to you.

[PCFlip]

Okay so I taped up the block, took out my trusty dremel and cut that lip away and bam now it fits. ^__^ I need to do a bit of touch up sanding to make it smooth and pretty but ya thats all you have to do to get the block to fit.

Again I hope this helps EK and others who have the same card. =^_^=

[Eddy_EK]

I see, not good, this is the fifth design.
Don't buy this card if you want to watercool it...

[PCFlip]

So are you saying what I did wont work? I mean if it wont then ya let me know, I dont want to ruin a graphics card but when I did the fitting after I cut the lip off everything seem to fit and line up right.

[dopestuff]

Originally Posted by PCFlip

So are you saying what I did wont work? I mean if it wont then ya let me know, I dont want to ruin a graphics card but when I did the fitting after I cut the lip off everything seem to fit and line up right.

if you already "costumised" (or in other words took the saw) to that block may i suggest nibbling (whit a file or something) the tinyest bit off that corner where it hits the condensor so it does not touch anymore

[PCFlip]

Originally Posted by dopestuff

if you already "costumised" (or in other words took the saw) to that block may i suggest nibbling (whit a file or something) the tinyest bit off that corner where it hits the condensor so it does not touch anymore

oh ya thats already been done I just did those quick pics to show it can work.

[MaddHawk]

Originally Posted by PCFlip

So are you saying what I did wont work? I mean if it wont then ya let me know, I dont want to ruin a graphics card but when I did the fitting after I cut the lip off everything seem to fit and line up right.

I think what he is saying is, there are too many different designs of this card out there for a manufactured full card water block to made for each one and still be profitable. It costs EK money to develope each block. If a particular graphics card ends up with 50 different configurations and they are all mutually exclusive for cooling solutions in some maner or another, then block makers will only make full coverage blocks for a select few most popular versions. The remaining less popular versions will have to make do with single GPU blocks and individual ram sinks and mosfet sinks.

Edit: If you have found a way to modify an existing full coverage block to fit on a different design than that which it was meant for, then by all means document your work and post it as a guide for others to follow should they have the same card.

[Eddy_EK]

It will work with you as you modify it.