Koolance or EK for a 5850 Waterblock

Addicted

Addicted

Addicted

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Worcester
Hi,
I was originally going to go for the EK Acrylic & Nickel waterblock at s**n, but now they're out of stock, so i can't decide what to do now! I'll have to find the blocks elsewhere regardless as they're not on here, but i can't decide whether or not to try and source another EK block to match my CPU, or go with the Koolance because they're awesome!
What would be your preference?

Here's the EK:
http://static.**********/Images/Products/1092900-a.jpg

Here's the Koolance:
http://static.**********/Images/Products/1110446-a.jpg

Here's a few pointers as to why i can't decide:

  • The Koolance has AMAZING-factor
  • The EK matches my CPU block
  • The EK is ~£20 cheaper
  • The Koolance has slightly better thermal performance!
  • Finding it hard to source a EK block, where as the Koolance i can find relatively easy (though still not from a site i've used before! :( )
 
i've got ek blocks, they're great, and look good. but, you have to remember, even though they look good, you're not going to see them...

also, you'd be better off with delrin as it's safer than acrylic (it can crack), and as said it won't matter as you're not going to see them once installed...
 
ahh right, i don't think i've seen any that actually have delrin on? are these EK blocks you speak of or some other brand? i know the Koolance has the Acrylic centre section, but do they really crack that often? I haven't heard of that before or may of chosen a different CPU block!
 
This is my 5970 fitted with an EK water block (nickle & delrin)

DSCF1862.jpg


As mentioned by twist3d0n3, you don't get to see a lot of the block once its fitted & placed in the case.
 
lol yea, i was just looking at your build log :p

i can't seem to find anywhere to get the Acrylic & Nickel EK block from (that's in stock & a reasonable price), and i wanted to stay Nickel so i don't mix metals (is Acetal ok with Nickel?)
That's why i'm also tempted by the Koolance, it's nickel plated! :)
 
You know what im going to say :D

EK in nickel/acetal, plus they do really nice backplates :)

My case is IATX so my card is up the other way.

built6.jpg
 
ahh yea, if you know of anywhere good to get the nickel (and acrylic) preferably or the acetal for a decent price and in stock then please let me know :) if i go this way then i'll also be getting the backplate to match!
 
Addicted said:
lol yea, i was just looking at your build log :p

i can't seem to find anywhere to get the Acrylic & Nickel EK block from (that's in stock & a reasonable price), and i wanted to stay Nickel so i don't mix metals (is Acetal ok with Nickel?)
That's why i'm also tempted by the Koolance, it's nickel plated! :)
Click to expand...

I have also had a quick look around & stock is very limited.
As for acetal & nickel, they work together with no problem.
Its the acrylic that people have problems with (hair line cracks)

As for Koolance, I have used their products before & they are very good but I have not used their water blocks (always preferred EK)
 
ok cool, well i better carry on searching :(
not found anywhere yet! have only found the Koolance block!
i'll try to steer clear of the acrylic then :)
 
ok i'm really struggling to find anywhere to find the nickel & acetal one at all, any help would be extremely appreciated if you have some time spare :)
 
I have just sent you some information you may find useful.

Just had a look on the EK shop & they have stock.
 
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cheers i will look into it!
i'd of gone with EK direct, but i don't fancy the overseas shipping, our post (royal mail) is bad enough without that risk added onto it (plus the price!)
 
Make inquiries as they order from EK all the time. (they may even have stock as a large order came in last week & the stock has not been updated)
 
Sent an enquiry :) cheers for the link! There's onenon eBay claiming to be unused as the 5850 he has wasn't reference design, but not sure as to the authenticity of it!
 
Had a look at that auction and it looks pretty good, the guy has excellent feedback and you would be covered by paypal. It's for bothe the block and the backplate, i'd make him an offer you could save a few quid :)
 
I also had a look at the auction & the block looks good.
Looks like he had a non reference card so it did not fit.
The cheapest I can find the block is £70.27 (acetal nickel) & £66.94 (Acrylic & Nickel) - but this is a pointless task as they have no stock.
As long as you have a version 1 reference card then I would make an offer.
You can also ask him what card it did not fit?
 
I went for it :D ended up saving money I think, paid £77 all in but requested special delivery before 1pm so got the plate and block for 70 without shipping!
 
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