Asetek closed loop CPU coolers

Asa · 5 Mar 2014 at 12:59

Hi!

Really quick question on the huge variety of closed loop CPU coolers available (Antec Kuhler and the like). Which ones have the longest hoses?

I am planning to use 2 of these for a pair of R9 290s, for the sake of getting decent temperatures with relative simplicity. But they aren't that close to the top of the case where I will need to mount the radiators...

Thanks

Avenged7Fold · 5 Mar 2014 at 14:42

I have cooled gpu's with asetek coolers and would not do it to the 290. their vrms are pretty toasty even with some aftermerket coolers with their insane powerdraw once they have a good clock on them.

Imo you are better off sticking to a good aftermerket non reference design or go for full cover blocks. Custom loops are not complicated or difficult to maintain but they are pricey.

Your question will probably be better answered in the gpu section, as there were plenty of 290x mods for aio coolers on the release. Many people said the vrms still run too hot even with heatsinks.glued to them and fans directed at them.

Asa · 5 Mar 2014 at 17:21

Ah well that's disconcerting, but thanks for the reply.

I have an MSI GE and a Gigabyte Windforce in crossfire. It's typically a-ok, but under real strain (BF4 mantle with no cap on frames) the MSI hits 94degrees and throttles. Closed loop with copper heatsinks for VRAM was the answer I had in my head, but I don't really want to invest the money or time if it may be ineffective.

A full custom loop is a bit too expensive in both price and effort (I've not done it before).

I'll do some more thinking. Thanks!

Avenged7Fold · 5 Mar 2014 at 18:12

A custom loop fitted to a GPU is not any more effort over a AIO GPU mod but it certainly is pricier.

Basically, the style of your aftermarket coolers do not suit Crossfire, as although they provide good air flow to the GPU, they do not exhaust the heat out of the case and so it can build up over time.

If you take the side panel off and you will find temps drop a fair bit. A solution would be to install a decent exhaust fan on the side panel, with plenty of air flow.

Asa · 5 Mar 2014 at 21:48

Yes I initially had the 2 cards in adjacent slots, and that was some kind of crazy. Even with heavy throttling they couldn't keep themselves at the 94degree cap.

With additional space they have now run between 60-75degrees for most games, which i'm totally comfortable with. But as soon as I play with no framerate cap and let them really express themselves the top card just burns.

I do have a side exhaust fan already, though it could possibly be better. I'll look into that. I could also swap the cards over as I think the gigabyte cooler is more capable than the MSI.

Thanks again.