Watercooling GPU - Full plate or Universal Block

Gtiracer · 5 May 2011 at 19:18

So whats the deal with watercooling graphics cards, if I was to get something like a universal GPU block would this be sufficient for the whole card

Universal:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-086-EK&groupid=962&catid=1520&subcat=

Or Full cover type blocks:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-098-EK&groupid=962&catid=1520&subcat=

I see the point of the full cover blocks to keep the whole card cooler but are they actually necessary if you can just get the smaller part alone? Which Im assuming would be less restrictive (+ cheaper?)

Laser man · 5 May 2011 at 19:19

If you get a universal block then you also need to have RAM sinks and stuff, otherwise it all overheats.

Gtiracer · 5 May 2011 at 19:41

Quoted from the sticky:

You DO NOT need to watercool ram on Graphics cards. Full cover blocks offer arguably better looking but offer less upgradability than core only blocks. You can use ramsinks if you wish for peace of mind, but you really don't need them.

zoomee · 5 May 2011 at 20:14

I asked the same question not too long ago mate:

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18259122&highlight=startername_zoomee

Even though I more or less agreed a generic block would be the best route - I couldn't take the risk due to the high cooling required for the VRM's on my 5850's.

JeffyB · 5 May 2011 at 22:20

It's the VRM's that need the cooling, so you will still need some form of heatsink and airflow to keep those cool if you use a universal block. Personally i prefer full cover, i think they look a lot nicer and offer better vrm cooling. The flip side is they cost more and are only usable on that model card. If you have the money and are going for a specific look then i'd say get the full cover otherwise save some money and get the universal.

ahenners · 5 May 2011 at 23:01

With my previous graphics card I had a full block and it was great for keeping the core, RAM and vrms cool. The only downside really was the cost and the fact it couldn't be used on my new card.

This time I am going to have a go at cooling my gpu with an EK VGA supreme universal block which I ordered earlier. Also got some enzotech mosfet and RAM copper sinks this morning to put over RAM and vrms. With universal blocks the biggest issue is keeping the vrms cool usually so hopefully my sinks plus decent airflow will be enough. All of this was cheaper than an Ek block for the 6950 and it means I have no issues reusing the kit when I upgrade.

If money is not much of an issue and you don't upgrade often I would go for full block. If you want to spend less on blocks and reuse the kit then go universal

hlennie · 6 May 2011 at 05:39

Out dated sticky have you felt how hot memory chips on a card gets rather have a full block than some stick on mem chips that could fall off and short your computer

Gtiracer · 6 May 2011 at 19:20

hlennie said:
Out dated sticky have you felt how hot memory chips on a card gets rather have a full block than some stick on mem chips that could fall off and short your computer

I spose it does give better piece of mind, just was curious. Out of interest, how do you get on with 16GB ram? Do you have an overclock on your chip?

pastymuncher · 6 May 2011 at 19:59

hlennie said:
Out dated sticky have you felt how hot memory chips on a card gets rather have a full block than some stick on mem chips that could fall off and short your computer

I have a universal block on my 480 with Zalman ramsinks on the memory and part of a cut down ancient Pentium heatsinks on the vrm's. The vrm's reach a max of 58 degrees and the ramsinks barely get warm to the touch. At least buying ramsinks only happen once and then you can re-use them. Full cover blocks are expensive and have zero upgradeability.