Nvidia 30X0 series waterblocks

TangoEchoAlpha · 3 Sep 2020 at 21:07

This is a screenshot I have taken from a post on Wccftech (I know, take with a massive pinch of salt!):

So the question would appear to be - which AIB manufacturers might be using this reference board?

3t3P · 3 Sep 2020 at 23:38

Easiest way to think about it IMO

FE board-NV

Reference board- AIBs

Jay85 · 3 Sep 2020 at 23:54

This sucks tbh, i really wanted a FE card this time round as in general they're more of a gem to have but it seems there's less block support for the card this time. You guys are right though, NDA needs to lift so we can see which cards which fit which boards. I really don't wanna end up paying over £700 for a card that im only gonna block, seems a waste. On the plus note though on EK's website it doesn't say the blocks aren't coming, it just says "coming soon" which shows promise...

oldbanana · 4 Sep 2020 at 09:21

if 3080 and 3090 use the same pcb and blocks it's great easier to sell and upgrade.

redkrptonite · 4 Sep 2020 at 09:27

I really want the fe card too. Not sure I want to be waiting ages for a compatible water block. Also would really like to know the size of these cards with a water block fitted because the 3090 will not fit with the stock cooler on without major modifications to my loop.

Vertigo · 4 Sep 2020 at 10:36

I think a lot of people are going to get caught out by this, buying FE cards with the intention of water cooling then discovering they're not reference PCBs.

I've no doubt someone will make blocks for the FE card boards but they won't be plentiful.

Zeed · 4 Sep 2020 at 12:57

Jay85 said:
Same, but now im even more confused as someones just pointed this out on EK's website:

Any thoughts on where the ref pcb is coming from then if not nvidia themselves

@Gibbo I think this is Crutial information You should Add to post about GPUs cause that basicaly got me off buing Funders edition !!!!

Zeed · 4 Sep 2020 at 12:58

Vertigo1 said:
I think a lot of people are going to get caught out by this, buying FE cards with the intention of water cooling then discovering they're not reference PCBs.

I've no doubt someone will make blocks for the FE card boards but they won't be plentiful.

Yup thats why I tagged Gibbo to add thsis information to the GPU section so people are not screevd over I was planning to buy FE or Inno3d now Ill grab ANY card I can !!!

geekyEd · 4 Sep 2020 at 12:59

I think I still want an FE card, there’s a chance I’d go back to air at some point and I like the design. Also the smaller pcb might work if I downsize cases too but keep watercooling. Just need some clarity on fe blocks.

Jacknm2 · 4 Sep 2020 at 13:37

Yea was looking to buy a Founders card thi time round for the better silicon since I'm going to throw a block on it. I don't plan on building until AMD's Zen 3 comes out any way but I doubt we'll see "founders" blocks in that short a time frame. Perhaps I'm wrong...always something holding up a build

Jay85 · 4 Sep 2020 at 14:04

It's confirmed, Alphacool has also replied to me and are not sure when the FE blocks will be out. I was surprised to see that they were surprised by this as well...

I wonder if in all of this, Nvidia might be bringing out their own waterblocks for the FE cards? It's not unlikely since they took up the selling of their own cards awhile back so it kinda makes sense they might be doing the same with the blocks for their "own" cards with their own designs?

Jacknm2 · 4 Sep 2020 at 14:05

Dang, kinda puts the brakes on everything, guess I'll just have to hold on a little longer lol

Neutrino101 · 4 Sep 2020 at 14:41

Very glad that I found this thread, I had been planning on picking up a founders edition this time until I realised it is not a reference design. Looks like the waterblock makers have been surprised by this too!

They should post this information in the main Graphics card page as a sticky, I expect it will generate a lot more sales for OCUK from those of us looking to block the cards.

seekdestroy · 4 Sep 2020 at 17:44

Just spotted this article which mentions the two different PCB designs;

There are two board designs: PG133 (Founders Edition) and PG132 (reference design). The latter will be used by board parters for their semi-custom designs (NVIDIA reference PCB and custom cooling solution).

https://videocardz.com/newz/first-water-blocks-for-geforce-rtx-3090-and-rtx-3080-are-here

Jay85 · 4 Sep 2020 at 18:09

Okay so conventionally the manifold for each block is in the center of the block, however due to the 12pin connector being there instead this now requires a work around for the blocks to work. Thats my take from this anyway, take it as you will.

BriT · 4 Sep 2020 at 18:31

Which manufactures are ok with removing their cooler and doesn't effect warranty?

K4Y84 · 4 Sep 2020 at 20:52

Jay85 said:
Okay so conventionally the manifold for each block is in the center of the block, however due to the 12pin connector being there instead this now requires a work around for the blocks to work. Thats my take from this anyway, take it as you will.

The power connector is well clear of the manifolds.

Bossman · 4 Sep 2020 at 23:59

K4Y84 said:
The power connector is well clear of the manifolds.

Is the layout of the VRAM chips the same from the 3080 and 3090 even though there's a difference in GB? That alphacool block has the layout for a 3080 with the single chip at the bottom, I presume it's the same for the 3090 too?

Jacknm2 · 5 Sep 2020 at 07:27

I think I'll end up just buy an Aorus Xtreme now and slapping a waterblock on it when able to do so. Seems like the better power delivery on top end AIB cards makes up for whatever draw back in silicon from what I'm reading up on, though I'm sure evga would likely be the better choice in that regard.

Either way its taken away cash nvidia could have got direct and also cost me another £150 lol.

deuse · 5 Sep 2020 at 07:30

Alphacool will be doing the FE version once they get a card.

I will get the Eiswolf when it comes out.