- Apr 17, 2006
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Recently I switched out 2 EVGA GTX670 FTWs for a single EVGA GTX780 Classified. The 670s were watercooled with EK waterblocks and ran well but I had the "itch" to go to a GTX780 so I opted for the Classified. Since my custom water cooling system was in place ( 2-360 rads--RX360 and EX 360; Swiftech 655-b pump; Swiftech ApogeeHD cpu block) I knew it was only a matter of time before the air cooler on the Classified made way for water cooling. I made the "leap" this week by installing the EVGA Hydro Copper block and EVGA backplate (Block from FrozenCpu and backplate from Amazon)
Overclocking on air was OK but I discovered it could have been better when I removed the aircooler. The thermal paste had been gobbed on and the cooler appeared not to be as tightly secured as hoped. This was a new EVGA card, not an opened one.
Now on to the new parts. The EVGA HydroCopper block for the Classified is MASSIVE and heavy (Swiftech manufactures it) The shim to protect the gpu was milled too small on the corners and required some grinding to fit flush. The backplate was easy to install and makes the unit very solid. The EVGA supplied compression fittings are really solid. I leak tested @ 3hrs and then fired it up. WOW have the temps been lowered. Seriously I have not exceeded 38C even when I OC'd the core by +110 and memory by +220. I know there was some criticism of the memory cooling on the EVGA block vs the EK block but it appears to NOT be true of the Classified block.
I'll will keep you posted as I play with this rig. My firestrike score of 10772 (1103 core 1612 mem) was solid and I appear to have more room to ramp it up. Stock score is 9832.
All in all I'm pleased. I'd appreciate any input from others who have water cooled the GTX780.
Overclocking on air was OK but I discovered it could have been better when I removed the aircooler. The thermal paste had been gobbed on and the cooler appeared not to be as tightly secured as hoped. This was a new EVGA card, not an opened one.
Now on to the new parts. The EVGA HydroCopper block for the Classified is MASSIVE and heavy (Swiftech manufactures it) The shim to protect the gpu was milled too small on the corners and required some grinding to fit flush. The backplate was easy to install and makes the unit very solid. The EVGA supplied compression fittings are really solid. I leak tested @ 3hrs and then fired it up. WOW have the temps been lowered. Seriously I have not exceeded 38C even when I OC'd the core by +110 and memory by +220. I know there was some criticism of the memory cooling on the EVGA block vs the EK block but it appears to NOT be true of the Classified block.
I'll will keep you posted as I play with this rig. My firestrike score of 10772 (1103 core 1612 mem) was solid and I appear to have more room to ramp it up. Stock score is 9832.
All in all I'm pleased. I'd appreciate any input from others who have water cooled the GTX780.
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