R9 290

dribbler · 9 Dec 2013 at 22:23

hi guys, which is the best full cover block for the 290? ek or xspc? or other.

Avenged7Fold · 9 Dec 2013 at 22:37

Performance wise they are all roughly the same for full cover blocks, as they (full cover blocks) tend to be made by high end companies. Though I have spotted a thread or two with XSPC blocks and VRM temps on the 290/290x but it was likely to be the result of the mounting rather than the block itself.

Personally i would go for EK or Aquacomputer blocks. I own the EK block but there isnt much of a story to tell apart from tis the same great performance as other EK full cover blocks.

Ragnahex · 9 Dec 2013 at 22:46

anything ocuk stocks you can pretty much know it's good stuff to do with watercooling. Saying that i went with 2 EK blocks for mine

dribbler · 9 Dec 2013 at 22:56

Thx guys!! Ek then! As its my first full cover block do they come in a complete kit or will I have to make it up? sry that does sound quite dumb! Lol

Avenged7Fold · 9 Dec 2013 at 23:21

It is all done, just gotta remove the stock cooler and fit the block which comes with everything you need to add it to the loop, minus the fittings. It also comes with thermal pads and thermal compound.

pete910 · 10 Dec 2013 at 00:49

To add to Avenged7Fold, Make sure you read the instructions. The thermal pads are different thickness's! Is easy to pick the wrong one up so be carefull.

Take your time, check and re-check and you shall be rewarded.

Side note: The temp difference from stock to WB is HUGE.

Only hit 50 deg once when mining at full clocks. Ambient was around 20ish .

dribbler · 10 Dec 2013 at 07:50

Thank guys!!! When I get home ill order my ek wb B-) .

Ragnahex · 10 Dec 2013 at 09:40

The worst bit is removing the paste that is already on it. Take your time make sure you get it all off.

dribbler · 10 Dec 2013 at 17:19

thx Ragnahex ill make sure its done rite. what paste do you use? the one thats comes with the block? ive been looking at some GELID solutions GC extreme supposed to be quite good.
thx

Avenged7Fold · 10 Dec 2013 at 23:42

Most decent paste is all about the same. The one that it comes with is on par with Gelid extreme, mx2 and mx 4. All these pastes are non electrically conductive and are fine to use on the MOSFETs and the chip.

I have never had trouble with removing paste but i use ArtiClean and leave it on for 30 seconds before wiping it off.

dribbler · 12 Dec 2013 at 22:42

Avenged7Fold thanks, bought my r9 290 went for the msi jobby, bought from different site though, as msi dont void warranty if cooler is removed!! what a card!! just need my block now but the back plates seem unavailable everywhere!
thanks again for your help and everyone else too !!

cheers guys!!