Upgrade - 3x 7970 EK Blocks cooled with both 1260 & 360mm Rads. Pics & Data included

Stu @ MSD · 18 Mar 2012 at 13:09

Hi Guys,
I have been taking my cooling to its final step this weekend so thought it may be of interest for folks to have a bit of a reference topic as to how a few things work out.

The system:
Case: Corsair Obsidian 800D
Mobo: Asus Maximus Extreme IV - Z
CPU: Intel Core i7-2600K @ 4.8ghz
GPU: 3 x Sapphire Radeon 7970's running standard clocks (for now)
RAM: 16GB of Corsair Vengeance 1866MHz
HDD: 2x OCZ Vertex 3 Sata 6 SSD
PSU: XFX Pro 1250w Black gamer Edition

Cooling & Monitoring
CPU Block: EK Supreme HF Plexi EN
Radiator: 1 x EK Coolstream XT 360mm Copper Fins - Single Circuit
Reservoir: XSPC Acrylic Dual 5.25 with pump inside
Pumps: Alphacool VPP655 - D5 Pump
Rad Fans: 3 x Scythe Gentle Typhoon 1850RPM - AP15s.
Case Fans: 3x Corsair 140mm fans.
Coolant: EK clear Coolant.

Ok,
So what I propose to do is as follows:

Run the NEW Aida64's system stability test for 10mins as it is now and got a screenshot.
Install my new radiator and fans and repeated the test and got another screenshot to see what the extra cooling area does for the CPU (if anything).
Installed my EK waterblocks on the 7970's and again, repeated the exact same 10min test.
Run the same test again, but with no fans. (Passive)

The radiator being added is a Phobya Extreme Supernova 1260.
The 4 x 200mm fans being installed on it are the Cooler Master MegaFlow 200

If anyone has any usefull comments or suggestions I would love to hear them.

Stu @ MSD · 18 Mar 2012 at 13:10

The first test is done and came out as follows.

As you can see, the CPU is being looked after very well with room ambients of 22C, and the 7970's core and VRM's are having a hell of a time, although its worth noting they never get quite that hot after an hour on battlefield, so god knows what Aida64 does to them!? One things for sure, it draws some power, its the ONLY test I have that gets these carsd that hot and draws over 1KW from the outlet!

Some pictures of the progress...

200mm fans fitted to backplate.

3x EK 7970 blocks.

This rad is as big as my 24" monitor. LOL

2x 140mm NB pro fans to upgrade the 2 in my case while I am at it.

The missus helping me dry up a water spillage when I spat my dummy out.

Random parts shot.

The first card coming apart.

Ready for the block.

Block fitted.

Backplate fitted.

Dont wanna slip with a screwdriver round here!

3 cards ready to be fitted with bridge and links.

1st link fitted.

All built up and ready to install. Shockingly heavy.

The Loop. Not totally happy with this as its a bit untidy, will renew later.

More testing pics soon...

Stu @ MSD · 18 Mar 2012 at 13:12

Had a small issue with Aida in as much as, I liked it so much I bought it, but the *beta* i dumbly downloaded it doesnt seem to recognise my 3rd card!
Damn thing. :mad:

Still,
Got it all up and running and did some testing with heaven V3 / 3dmark11 etc and all seems to be working and benching as it should, so I have proceeded.

This test was run exactly the same as before, Aida 64 stability test for ten mins with fans all at full speed, and identical screenshots taken, so here we have it...
To say I am happy with the results is a huge understatement!

So, with such great results I figured the ultimate test was in order. No fans in the system running at all.
Totally passive and, more interestingly, SILENT.

Please note:
I havent made it clear that this system has retained the EK 360mm rad in the roof as well, so I have a LOT of rad surface area. And its working.

Some almost final images...

Stu @ MSD · 18 Mar 2012 at 13:12

The Aquaero system controller is now programmed as follows:

If the 1260 radiator inlet temp reaches 27 degrees fire up the 200mm fans at 20% speed.
This then ramps up at 20% every 1 degree until 30degrees at which point they run full speed.

If the water outlet into the reservoir sees 30 degrees water temps, we can assume the 1260 alone isnt dropping temps enough so the 3x scythe AP15s on the 360mm rad fire up at 20% but this time go to 50% at 31 degrees, 75% at 32 and full speed at 33 degrees.

The case fans both follow a similar curve, aiming to keep the case ambients below 28C.

All in all I am VERY happy, and for anyone interested in fan noise, the 200mm's really are silent unless you are within 12" of them.
The AP15s arent though. LOL

pgi947 · 18 Mar 2012 at 13:31

Looks really good mate, got my 1080 up and running yesterday too

gary996 · 18 Mar 2012 at 18:12

Nice mate. That rad is huge. I want one

Amidar · 18 Mar 2012 at 18:31

Looking good

But please tell me you didn't use "Feser Aqua - Ultra Pure Water" as it has a PH value of 2-3 which is acidic.

w3bbo · 18 Mar 2012 at 21:00

Nice setup.

It looks like you used way too much paste on the GPU's though. Best way to apply paste to an exposed core is to use the credit card method and spread the paste evenly.

cobbly123 · 18 Mar 2012 at 21:08

Looks nice

inSilica · 18 Mar 2012 at 21:27

Nice one!

Looks awesome. TBH I done 2 7970's on Thu/Fri, and I tell you it was a pain! I can't imagine doing a third

.

Waiting on PSU which I will order tomorrow, my Zalman isn't working. Will post build log this week hopefully!

Stu @ MSD · 18 Mar 2012 at 22:06

Thanks guys, appreciate the kind comments.

Amidar said:
Looking good
But please tell me you didn't use "Feser Aqua - Ultra Pure Water" as it has a PH value of 2-3 which is acidic.

Actually no, that was a cut and paste from my first build which admittedly I did use it in, This time, on EK's recomendation I used EK's clear version.

w3bbo said:
It looks like you used way too much paste on the GPU's though. Best way to apply paste to an exposed core is to use the credit card method and spread the paste evenly.

In my opinion, the best way for a GPU is the way I have done it mate.

Stu @ MSD · 18 Mar 2012 at 22:07

inSilica said:
Nice one!

Looks awesome. TBH I done 2 7970's on Thu/Fri, and I tell you it was a pain! I can't imagine doing a third .

Waiting on PSU which I will order tomorrow, my Zalman isn't working. Will post build log this week hopefully!

They arent exactly fun to do are they? Worth it though.
I look forward to reading about your headaches instead of writing about mine.

i5aces · 19 Mar 2012 at 19:50

Stu @ MSD said:
The Aquaero system controller is now programmed as follows:

If the 1260 radiator inlet temp reaches 27 degrees fire up the 200mm fans at 20% speed.
This then ramps up at 20% every 1 degree until 30degrees at which point they run full speed.

If the water outlet into the reservoir sees 30 degrees water temps, we can assume the 1260 alone isnt dropping temps enough so the 3x scythe AP15s on the 360mm rad fire up at 20% but this time go to 50% at 31 degrees, 75% at 32 and full speed at 33 degrees.

Have you got the name of that controller. I like the way it can be set like this.
Was it difficult to set up. Is it software based or all done on the controller

Stu @ MSD · 19 Mar 2012 at 20:12

i5aces said:
Have you got the name of that controller. I like the way it can be set like this.
Was it difficult to set up. Is it software based or all done on the controller

Yes mate, here it is:
http://martinsliquidlab.org/2011/12/20/ac-aquaero-5-review-guide-wip/

You can do on the unit itself, on a remote control, or via software.
What i have used it for only scratches the surface of what it can do. its a seriously impressive peice of kit!

i5aces · 19 Mar 2012 at 20:31

Awesome thanks

Stu @ MSD · 22 Mar 2012 at 20:08

Well, I guess for now its finished.
Cpu is now running 4.9ghz stable with the cards at 1200 GPU & 1575 Ram.

Max recorded power draw now is...

Have really enjoyed building this, but now my CPU is holidng back the GPU's so its time to bide my time and await the outcome of the latest IVY bridge hardware.... then, I guess we start again, but for now, I am going to get some benchmarks done.

King Damager · 22 Mar 2012 at 20:56

Really.... 2600k holding back....

kd

RJC · 22 Mar 2012 at 21:04

Nice setup

Grimgroth · 23 Mar 2012 at 08:36

Massive setup! =) Where did you get those adapters between the gpu blocks? Cant find them on overclockers.

zoomee · 23 Mar 2012 at 08:57

Excellent job mate.

Next idea for you (when u get bored with it lol) - with all that space I would chop up that desk and integrate the whole system into it