waterblock for x1800xt 512 card...what are my options?

[tony4704]

which 3/8ID waterblock should I get for a x1800xt 512mb card?

 

[tony4704]

also I need one for my opteron 175 was looking at the danger den rbx or tdx. Whats the difference in the 2 or 3 barb setup?

 

[thisbarb]

My best advice for CPU block is the APOGEE or Storm. The APOGEE performed nearly identically to the Storm, so you should definitely consider that.

 

[Ping to the Pong]

get the storm, but do not get the apogee unless you want shavings in you loop. plus the apogee does not perform anywhere near the storm. The DD TDX as well as the RBX are good selections too, the 3 barb just allows for better flow for a lil better performance. Both blocks are basically the same design though.

 

[Technonut]

Originally posted by: Ping to the Pong
get the storm, but do not get the apogee unless you want shavings in you loop. plus the apogee does not perform anywhere near the storm. The DD TDX as well as the RBX are good selections too, the 3 barb just allows for better flow for a lil better performance. Both blocks are basically the same design though.

Do you have the APOGEE? I do, and there were NO shavings in the block. It was an early production issue that was taken care of. The APOGEE performs quite well for me. I did not want to use the Storm because it needs a powerful pump (usually loud) to get the most benefit from the microjets... Speaking of the microjets, it seems to me that they could become clogged over time...

 

[HardWarrior]

Originally posted by: Technonut

Originally posted by: Ping to the Pong
get the storm, but do not get the apogee unless you want shavings in you loop. plus the apogee does not perform anywhere near the storm. The DD TDX as well as the RBX are good selections too, the 3 barb just allows for better flow for a lil better performance. Both blocks are basically the same design though.

Do you have the APOGEE? I do, and there were NO shavings in the block. It was an early production issue that was taken care of. The APOGEE performs quite well for me. I did not want to use the Storm because it needs a powerful pump (usually loud) to get the most benefit from the microjets... Speaking of the microjets, it seems to me that they could become clogged over time...

Most of the commonly used 12v (and some 120v Eheims) pumps aren't loud at all. I've got two 655's (rebranded D5's) that I have to touch every so often to know they're on. No, I don't have an Apogee either, but I heard enough complaints to justify not buying one. Since Swifty hasn't bothered to release anything, that I know of, saying that the problem has been corrected, Ping is right in mentioning the issue. I'm glad it's fixed though. Now, about the Storm: Yes, it will eat all the pressure you toss at it, but part of its design methodology was to function well even with a leeser pump. The microjets: Yup, they'll clog, but only if you don't bother to clean your loop prior to install (good advice no matter what block you use) and/or decide to use something weird for coolant.

 

[thisbarb]

Originally posted by: Ping to the Pong
get the storm, but do not get the apogee unless you want shavings in you loop. plus the apogee does not perform anywhere near the storm. The DD TDX as well as the RBX are good selections too, the 3 barb just allows for better flow for a lil better performance. Both blocks are basically the same design though.

They don't perform anywhere near the same? 2 reviews that say otherwise (meaning you don't know your stuff). http://www.systemcooling.com/swiftech_apogee-01.html http://www.ocia.net/reviews/apogee/page5.shtml. And also, the shavings in the interior of the block has been reduced since these reviews as Swiftech staff look each block over one at a time for the shavings. So no, no more shavings.

 

[thisbarb]

Also, the Storm clogs whether you want it to or not. Any particulates within the water, including dust and stuff that just falls into it when filling the loop, will clog the jets meaning periodic maintenance.

 

[HardWarrior]

Originally posted by: thisbarb
Also, the Storm clogs whether you want it to or not. Any particulates within the water, including dust and stuff that just falls into it when filling the loop, will clog the jets meaning periodic maintenance.

Wow, someone's obviously living the fanboy life.

 

[thisbarb]

Originally posted by: HardWarrior

Originally posted by: thisbarb
Also, the Storm clogs whether you want it to or not. Any particulates within the water, including dust and stuff that just falls into it when filling the loop, will clog the jets meaning periodic maintenance.

Wow, someone's obviously living the fanboy life.

Perhaps. The Storm is no doubt, a great waterblock. But it makes me cringe having to think how many times you'll have to clean it just so your performance stays top notch.

 

[HardWarrior]

Originally posted by: thisbarb

Originally posted by: HardWarrior

Originally posted by: thisbarb
Also, the Storm clogs whether you want it to or not. Any particulates within the water, including dust and stuff that just falls into it when filling the loop, will clog the jets meaning periodic maintenance.

Wow, someone's obviously living the fanboy life.

Perhaps. The Storm is no doubt, a great waterblock. But it makes me cringe having to think how many times you'll have to clean it just so your performance stays top notch.

Believe it or not, I feel the same way. That's why I'm fanatical about coolant mixtures and making sure my loop is clean as a whistle before I start it. This attitude has nothing to do with the Storm though. I'm the same way with any block. Also, regular upkeep SHOULD be part of the equation anyway. It's one of the costs associated with exotic things.

 

[tony4704]

Hardwarrior what kind of stuff should I use with my koolance, it comes with liquid and stuff but im sure I need to buy some additives to make sure it runs the best. Also what kind of regular upkeep do I need to do? thank you

 

[HardWarrior]

The safe bet is to use the coolant that comes with the unit. IMO, meatball mixtures, based on what I've read and experienced first-hand, always have unforeseen consequences and never completely live up to their billing in the long run. I've come to trust dedicated, designed for water-cooling additives from reputable sources because the idea is that at some time someone actually formulated and tested them, critically. In your situation, I'd assume that Koolance knows what they're doing until I learned otherwise.

As far as regular upkeep for me that means blowing out my rad once a month, checking seals and seams, checking for debris and build-up of any kind in my coolant and general dust removal. Regardless of what a manufacturer says, I do a complete flush\clean every six months, and I USUALLY replace my blocks every year if something new and interesting comes out.

You don't have to be this anal about things though, tony. Just find a schedule that both works for you and keeps your loop in good order. And remember, the whole process should be fun and interesting.

 

[tony4704]

Thanks alot warrior I appreciate it.

 

[HardWarrior]

Originally posted by: tony4704
Thanks alot warrior I appreciate it.

My pleasure tony, and good luck! :thumbsup: