Choosing the right GPU and block...

mike gunnz · 21 Apr 2010 at 20:37

First off this is sort of a graphics card question, but I'd rather post here as I can't be bothered with the constant bickering in the Graphics Card section and my question is related to water cooling.

I'm currently building a pc solely for gaming. My MBP takes care of everything else. I currently have an [email protected]/Biostar P45/4GB RAM all second hand for approx £190. My case is an 800D and screen res is 1680x1050.

CPU & GPU wil be water cooled on a single loop and herein lies my dilemma. I want the best graphics card but once you factor in the costs of the VGA block, choosing a graphic card gets more complicated.

Do I spend £300 on a 5850 + block
Or £370 on a 5870 + block
Or £600 on a 5970 + block

Haven't added the NV 470 or 480 as they aren't available although I'm considering them too.

I have no budget in mind, but am fed up of losing money on worthless VGA blocks when 'upgrading' so this next card/waterblock combo has to last a loooong time. Which GPU would be a good fit? I really want to be able to play any and every game I choose maxed out but also want to maintain some balance to my rig if you know what I mean.

shadowscotland · 21 Apr 2010 at 21:10

I would guess that all of those cards are ovekill of a single 1680x1050 screen.
And get an universal gpu block, full cover blocks are only relavant if you max out your oc'ed card - They can also be reused.
Just a non-gamers view

Bubo · 21 Apr 2010 at 22:10

I've mentioned this elsewhere about the GTX480 but it is ideal for a core only block. The way they have designed the stock cooler you can neatly separate the main part of the cooler from the alu heatsink which cools the ram and vrms, leaving the core exposed to easily fit a core only block such as the Swiftech MCW60 or the Dtek GFX2. You can then leave the stock alu sink in place so you don't even need to add ram sinks. Its a really good design for core only blocks.

The only thing may be that you have to find mounting hardware to fit the block to the card, though from what I can gather the hole spacing is very similar if not the same as the gtx280 and you can definately get mounting plates for that card. Even then, if you have any rudimentary metalwork skills you can make your own mounting plate.

I havn't really looked at a disassembled 5870 or similar so can't say if they have a reusable alu sink for the ram or not.

Edit: I found a pic. GTX480 with a Swiftech MCW60. Jobs a good un.

mike gunnz · 21 Apr 2010 at 22:27

Is that a fixed heatsink to the right of the pic or the stock fan?

And are the barbs interchangeable on the MCW60? Not the prettiest of blocks, but I hear they're effective.

shadowscotland · 21 Apr 2010 at 22:46

from what bubo said above - the HS is fixed
And the barbs are interchangeable.

get the enzotech, d-tek or Koolance universal if you want attractive
EK-VGA is a universal block too.
and old school DD maze and silverprop's also work just as well

Bubo · 21 Apr 2010 at 23:10

mike gunnz said:
Is that a fixed heatsink to the right of the pic or the stock fan?

I think you're looking at the fan, kind of looks like those old flower cpu coolers with the cover off I guess. Edit: The fan can be removed btw.

The chap who fitted this cooler to his GTX480 ran this comparison between stock and water cooled, Just Cause maxed out. He seems to say this was in a loop with an i7 [email protected]. Doesn't say what rad or pump though. Impressive though.