Universal or Full Cover Waterblock

Author_25 · 30 May 2014 at 12:23

I have purchased a Gigabyte GeForce GTX 780 WindForce 3x OC Rev2 graphics cared and usually would use a full cover waterblock but I am considering using a universal waterblock this time round.

The reasons I am considering a universal block for the above graphics card is that it requires a specific full cover block which is hard to find within the UK and partly because I feel like doing something different this time round.

The universal block I am considering is the, EK-Thermosphere, along with passive heatsinks for the memory and VRMs.
If I decided to stick with a full cover block I would use the, EK-FC780 GTX WF3.

What I would like to know is whether using a universal block would significantly decrease Overclocking options or would they be the same as with a fullcover block?

I would be grateful for any information and suggestions.

dfour · 30 May 2014 at 12:56

I have founf in the past a universal block can cool the GPU better than the full cover but you then have to make sure the vrms are cool as the block wont cool them.

The otHer bonus is you can take the universal block to your next card.

Author_25 · 30 May 2014 at 13:17

dfour said:
I have founf in the past a universal block can cool the GPU better than the full cover but you then have to make sure the vrms are cool as the block wont cool them.

I have been looking at the Alphacool passive heatsinks for the memory and VRMs.

http://www.alphacool.com/product_in...cool-GPU-Heatsinks-7x7mm---black-10-Stk-.html

http://www.alphacool.com/product_info.php/info/p1147_Alphacool-GPU-Heatsinks-15x15mm---black-10-Stk-.html

Would anything else be required like a fan or additional heatsinks?

snips86x · 30 May 2014 at 13:19

Author_25 said:
I have been looking at the Alphacool passive heatsinks for the memory and VRMs.

http://www.alphacool.com/product_in...cool-GPU-Heatsinks-7x7mm---black-10-Stk-.html

http://www.alphacool.com/product_info.php/info/p1147_Alphacool-GPU-Heatsinks-15x15mm---black-10-Stk-.html

Would anything else be required like a fan or additional heatsinks?

OcUK sell them too!

You wouldn't need a fan, the air movement from the fans on your rad should do enough.

Author_25 · 30 May 2014 at 16:27

snips86x said:
OcUK sell them too!

Hi snips86x,

Would be referring to the, Alpenföhn Passive DRAM / VRAM Chip Coolers, as I could not find any other passive heatsinks on the OCUK website?

If it is the Alpenfohn heatsinks then I looked at the Alphacool heatsinks as OCUK have no ETA on the Alpenfohn heatsinks and the Buy option has been removed.

dfour · 30 May 2014 at 16:44

snips86x said:
OcUK sell them too!

You wouldn't need a fan, the air movement from the fans on your rad should do enough.

Agreed but keep an eye on them when you first set up and if you benchmark heavy (GPU-Z will do that). A slow quiet fan on them is always a sound idea as extra cooling always helps.

canuseemygrapes · 30 May 2014 at 17:56

780 windforce card is full custom pcb.

1 full block made by EK only and available directly from their shop ONLY
EK-FC780 GTX WF3

backplate is also available
EK-FC780 GTX WF3 Backplate

1st hand experience of this as I did my m8's ti 2 weeks ago

7 screws, easiest cover ever?

pastymuncher · 30 May 2014 at 20:14

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. As the others have said, the vrms 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 it to fit my card. Works a treat too.

Author_25 · 30 May 2014 at 23:52

Thanks for the input and I think I will go with the EK-Thermosphere universal block.

Are the Alphacool heatsinks the best to go with,

http://www.alphacool.com/product_inf...k-10-Stk-.html

http://www.alphacool.com/product_in...ol-GPU-Heatsinks-15x15mm---black-10-Stk-.html

Or are there better versions?

pastymuncher · 1 Jun 2014 at 19:44

Sorry for the late reply, been under the car changing brake lines the last two days.

That looks like a good block and it would have solved a problem I had with the outlets on my block needing extensions and 90 degree rotary fittings to clear the pcb on my card while keeping the hoses clear of the 200mm intake fan on the side of my case.

As far as ramsinks go, they are more or less all the same and the ram doesn't get that warm anyway. Can't see the top link as it gives a 404 error for me. If it was those smaller vrm heatsinks you linked to previously they should be ok if you have a side panel intake fan or really good airflow through your case but keep checking the temps while you are using the pc. Run Gpu-z's sensors while gaming and see what the vrms peak at.

TheyCallMeAndy · 1 Jun 2014 at 20:01

I would personally go full the full block, because its just easier overall..

Author_25 · 2 Jun 2014 at 09:47

pastymuncher said:
As far as ramsinks go, they are more or less all the same and the ram doesn't get that warm anyway. Can't see the top link as it gives a 404 error for me. If it was those smaller vrm heatsinks you linked to previously they should be ok if you have a side panel intake fan or really good airflow through your case but keep checking the temps while you are using the pc. Run Gpu-z's sensors while gaming and see what the vrms peak at.

The top link is for the smaller ramsinks as on the previous link. My case is a NZXT 630 and uses a 200mm side fan so should be fine to add extra cooling to the graphics card.

TheyCallMeAndy said:
I would personally go full the full block, because its just easier overall..

The full cover block for my graphics card is not available in the UK and only made by EK and so would have to order from them directly.