Full cover vs. Universal block

GiraffePencils

GiraffePencils

GiraffePencils

Soldato
Joined
15 Feb 2013
Posts
3,089
Location
Edinburgh
Hey all,

I am looking at Universal blocks and considering one for my next build but would like to know how they compare?
Obviously you need to add some heatsinks but if you have decent airflow through the case are they much different in temps?

Thanks in advance
 
I only use universal blocks on my cards (apart from the GTX480 I had which I picked up a full cover block for £15). It's so easy when you change cards. Undo the 4 bolts remove card, fit new card and away you go. No draining needed. Argueably, core only blocks give better cooling to the core as most of them are impingment designs just like cpu blocks. Ramsinks are ok for the memory. They are all more or less the same and the memory doesn't get particularly warm anyway. The problem comes from the vrms as they need some proper cooling. I tried the Alpenfóhn kit on my card and while the ramsinks are fine the vrm one was no good for my card. I got a solid copper 1u cooler brand new off the bay for a fiver and cut and drilled it to fit my card. Works a treat too. The Enzotech kits are very good but you still need some decent airflow over the card.
 
pastymuncher said:
I only use universal blocks on my cards (apart from the GTX480 I had which I picked up a full cover block for £15). It's so easy when you change cards. Undo the 4 bolts remove card, fit new card and away you go. No draining needed. Argueably, core only blocks give better cooling to the core as most of them are impingment designs just like cpu blocks. Ramsinks are ok for the memory. They are all more or less the same and the memory doesn't get particularly warm anyway. The problem comes from the vrms as they need some proper cooling. I tried the Alpenfóhn kit on my card and while the ramsinks are fine the vrm one was no good for my card. I got a solid copper 1u cooler brand new off the bay for a fiver and cut and drilled it to fit my card. Works a treat too. The Enzotech kits are very good but you still need some decent airflow over the card.
Click to expand...

So in your case how do you handle airflow over you card(s) to keep the other components cool?
 
My case has 3x 200mm fans running at a silent 420rpm. :D

1x 200mm Aerocool Lightning front Intake.
1x 200mm Coolermaster Megaflow side intake.
1x 200mm Bitfenix Spectre Pro top exhaust.

There's also the dirty great solid copper 1u server cpu heatsink I cut and drilled to cover the vrms. One of these without the fan. Got it for a fiver delivered from the bay. I was lucky as no one else bid on it. They usually go for around £15. It works a treat. Vrms are 32 degrees just browsing the internet and 52-54 degrees when gaming.
 
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