UPDATE: After some temp testing in Heaven, looks like I need a static pressure Optimized fan. Welp, time to buy a black NF-F12 then. I bought an Arctic P12 because they're easily the best bang for buck static pressure optimized fans.

 

Alright! Blog post about the new (used) 1080 Ti!

 

I always wanted a hybrid card because I love silent (or near so) computing, but I also wanted a flagship card and generally those get noisy even with 3-slot solutions. Also for the sake of overclocking!

 

Part 1: Packaging.

Card came in the original box, with acceptable packaging material. Only thing I hated was that the owner didn't keep the anti-static bag so I got it wrapped in foam. Dammit people ESD is a real problem!

The card had some small aesthetic details. The only one noticeable though is the fraying on the tube sleeve, which you can see here.

Only the first picture looks blatant enough, and I fixed that with good ole electrical tape.

Stock fan that came with it vibrates, which is a bummer. So I'm using one of my cheap LED fans counting on the fact that I really don't need the cooling performance (looking at reviews for this card, top temperature on the GPU is below 50C, and I'm planning to create a curve that only ramps up past 60).

 

Part 2: Assembly

Here is where I regret buying an NH-C14S. Clearance behind the cooler is barely enough to push the rad through, and I'm not about to screw a fan outside the computer (though I though about it!)

So I decided for a front case mount.

Then I heard the voice of Steve from GN's ghost saying RAD PLACEMENT YOU PLEB so I quickly corrected my blasphemous mistake.

Eventually I ended up routing the tubes to the away side rather than the down side, just for cleanliness' sake. You'll see that in the final assembly here, paper towel for leak testing included.

 

 

I'll show you part 3: Performance later when I get my new 4K monitor since 1080p performance on the low-demand games I run is pointless. The most demanding game I play is Assetto Corsa (not the second one, the first one) sooooo.

 

Immediately after connecting the GPU I couldn't help but notice the pump noise. It.... sounds like a fountain pump, but when you're far enough away (and once I put on the side panel) it should be nigh inaudible except at night. Here's a recording anyway, using my phone 5cm away.

See you next week for part 3!