Best bang for the buck GPU waterblock?

[Matt2]

ok, os I moved to San Diego and the ambient temperature of my apartment is way hotter than my old place.

As a result my air cooled X1900XTX loads around 85*C.

I already have my CPU under water and have been thinking of putting the X1900XTX under water for some time.

What's the best bang for the buck water block I can get for my X1900XTX?

I'd rather not spend $250 on a block seeing how I'm probably gonna upgrade to the G80 sometime in the future, but most likely not until after the new year.

Thanks

 

[josh6079]

$250 is plenty for a GPU waterblock. In fact, you'll probably only need about 1/4th of that amount.

If I were in the market for one again, I'd probably choose this one. Although, it doesn't have any copper ramsinks for the ram (if you think you need some)

I bought this a while ago and between my old X1900XTX and my more recent X1900XT, the load temps never go above 50*C and that is with my GPU at 750 MHz. It has since then raised to a crazy price of $73.95 when I bought it for about ~$50. If you use 1/2" tubing, you'll have to trim the front three BGA Ramsinks down a bit to allow the tubing to connect to the waterblock.

If you don't care so much about the BGA Ramsinks (which you shouldn't since the ram modules don't get very hot anyway and cost a hefty premium for what you get) you can get just the waterblock itself here.

Also, this one seems to do well for the money.

 

[TheRyuu]

You'll need ~$50.
The Maze4 is probably the most popular right now.
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/...roduct_info&cPath=240&products_id=2738

low profile:
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/...roduct_info&cPath=240&products_id=3068

You'll need some ramsinks though. OCZ seems popular, but any copper ones will do. (and the theraml tape should hold them on if you did it correctly)

 

[nealh]

MCW60 w/copper ramsinks will work well..total with ram sinks is about $60

http://www.jab-tech.com/Swiftech-MCW60-VGA-cooler-pr-3252.html

OOS now but much better price than performance pcs...there prices are getting high and CS is marginal at best

If you go MCW60 look around the netI am sure you can get it for less than $74

 

[Matt2]

thanks for the replies guys!

The MCW60 with 8 copper ramsinks for $60 seems more than reasonable.

Now if only I can remember if my tubing is 3/8" or 1/2".

Also, I hate purging my system... just remembered that.

 

[Elfear]

Originally posted by: wizboy11
You'll need ~$50.
The Maze4 is probably the most popular right now.
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/...roduct_info&cPath=240&products_id=2738

low profile:
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/...roduct_info&cPath=240&products_id=3068

You'll need some ramsinks though. OCZ seems popular, but any copper ones will do. (and the theraml tape should hold them on if you did it correctly)

:thumbsup:

Here is a really good guide by MaxxxRacer over at XS. He knows a LOT about watercooling.

I personally use two Maze4 blocks with OCZ BGA sinks (OCZ doesn't make them anymore according to Dangerden) and they work very well. Even with a cpu block thrown into the mix and a lowly 50z pump, my cards only peak at 45C.

 

[Cookie Monster]

DD maze4 block with 7/16" tubing. You should check xtremesytems.org for more indepth suggestion and personal experience.

Stay away from full cover GPU blocks.

 

[Elfear]

Originally posted by: Cookie Monster
DD maze4 block with 7/16" tubing. You should check xtremesytems.org for more indepth suggestion and personal experience.

Stay away from full cover GPU blocks.

I'd actually say to get the 1/2" barbs as long as your current system uses the same.

 

[Zebo]

I only buy swiftech DD looks home made
http://svcompucycle.stores.yahoo.net/mcw60-b.html

 

[Cookie Monster]

Well if hes going 1/2", tygon is pretty good.

Looks has nothing to do with performance really. I mean comon zebo, we dont pick CPU coolers based on looks

 

[josh6079]

I've liked my Swiftech MCW60, but I have one so...

I've seen good performances out of the Maze4 and MCW60 both. The one AquaXtreme makes seems like a good combination of the MCW60's Apogee design and DD's Maze4 technique. I'd honestly go for it.

No matter what though he's gonna be on water and the temps are going to be better than air. If he puts together the rest of his loop well, he can join those who have enjoyed trouble free temps with silent operation.

 

[Zebo]

Looks is everything. It's a feng shui thing..life is too short to be surrounded by ugly.

In reality there's not a lick of differnce in performance with any waterblock made if you understand c/w, 1-2 degress max. Might as well go for beauty and price.