GTX470 Waterblock - full cover or GPU only?

Marvin

Marvin

Marvin

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Just wanted some opinions on whether a full-cover block would be worth it over a GPU-only block. Case will have plenty of airflow (3 intake 120mm fans, 2 exhaust 120mm fans, plus a 120mm fan over the GPU area).

I was thinking that I could leave the stock VRM/memory cooling plate on, and just change the GPU cooler.

Or would it be better to splash out and get a full cover? (~£35 against £70).

Cheers
Simon
 
If you plan to keep the card a good amount of time i would go full. Iv never bothered with GPU only but shifting 2nd hand full cover blocks can be a pain and normally you lose a load of cash. Not the end of the world though.
 
well maybe an MCW80 plus a swiftech heatsink for the 470 would be a good option as it cools extremely well (41C @900core iirc) but it will cost the same as a full cover
 
I've looked at the 480 with the stock cooler removed and its as if it was tailor made for a core only block. The existing ram and vrm sink can be left in place and a core block fits perfectly over this. I guess the 470 will be similar. As long as you can find the correct mounting plate to fit the holes spacing on the gcard then a core only block is very worthwhile imo.
 
Mmm, that's what made me think about getting a GPU only block instead. I'm not sure whether having a full cover is worth it - it depends on how hot the VRM/RAM gets I guess.
 
I was ready for having to use a fan. I'm planning on having a 120 or 140mm fan over the GPU area as it is (Fermi is a hot beast...:D). Would spoil the looks slightly though...
 
I have used a gpu only waterblock on an x800gt and 9800pro, iirc the PCB will be cooled down and will suck heat from the back of the memory chips.
 
Full cover, full cover, full cover.

I used a MCW60 back on my 7950GT, then added the MCWRAMCOOL, it made a decent difference in ocerclocking.

Now I use full blocks, much better.
 
I feel the general consensus is full cover. Think I will go this way, as it means they are single slot too.
 
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