Water Cooled Block & Graphic Card Warranty

[hardtarget]

I am considering buying this product XFX GeForce 8800 GTX Extreme 768MB £164.49. I would like to put this into a water cooled rig.

Can I replace the official XFX heatsink and fan with an EK 8800 GTX GPU Water Block. Would this invalidate the warranty with Overclockers/XFX? If so is there any other graphics card company that does allow this?

My second choice is an 8800GT 512MB with a water block same question again lads would that invalidate the warranty by replacing the heatsink and fan for a W/C block? Anyone got an 8800GT 512MB under water? What temps you getting idle & load? Would this be a better choice under water and overclocking it rather than the 8800GTX 768MB?
HT

 

[Azza]

I think its EVGA that allow you to take the stock cooler off the card.

 

[Mud]

And XFX...only downside on XFX is their customer service/RMAs.

 

[ChrisD.]

Don't BFG do it too? I've got the EK Full block on mine.

 

[toucam]

I think only XFX America allows it not sure about Europe, besides XFX warranty sold here is dealt with by OCUK Direct because XFX Europe's support is so atrocious. BFG doesn't allow it either. Only EVGA I know clearly states in their T&C that taking off stock cooler is okay.

 

[ChrisD.]

Ah, well if my card ever dies then I hope they don't notice that the cooler has been off.

 

[Greebo]

Only EVGA in Europe allow you to take your cooler off. BFG definitely don't.

So if you want to play safe your only choice is to pay a premium and get an EVGA.

EVGA confirmation here:

http://www.evga.com/support/faq/afmviewfaq.aspx?faqid=57720

 

[Greebo]

Ah, well if my card ever dies then I hope they don't notice that the cooler has been off.

They won't if you put their original cooler back on with about 2cm of the horrible gunk they use!

 

[toucam]

They won't if you put their original cooler back on with about 2cm of the horrible gunk they use!

True, the hairy/greasy white crap they put under 8800GTX (probably other cards too) is disgusting, it took me forever to clean them up. Not sure how it manages to help keep the card cool, it's a wonder temp don't hit 200 degrees.

 

[ChrisD.]

I have to say since putting on the block the temps on mine plumeted!

 

[toucam]

I have to say since putting on the block the temps on mine plumeted!

What's your idle and load?

 

[hardtarget]

What's your idle and load?

Beat me to it

 

[ChrisD.]

With the block?

From memory, idle is about 25-30 ish and load never goes above 45. I will double check later though as I'm round the GF's house so can't confirm. My Q6600 is in the same loop, rad is P120.2.

 

[chaparral]

EK fullcover waterblock on my 8800gtx = about 42c idle & 47c load