GPU Water cooling issues

[BoC]

Hey guys new to the forums here and long time watcher of LTT. I built a water loop for my r9 290 and I am having some issues. 

 

Specs:

 

HIS R9 290

EK full cover block

EK back plate

Alphacool 280x60mm radiator

2x140mm Cougar Vortex Hydro Dynamic Fans

Tucked in the front of a Cooler Master Haf XB

Swiftech MCP350 pump

Shin-Etsu TIM

 

Ok so I got the loop up in running but the temps are way high (41C idle and skyrockets to 97C under load) which is no better than the crappy reference cooler. So there is obviously a weak link somewhere and I need to tear the loop down and figure out the problem and I am just trying to figure out where to start. I am thinking maybe the block didn't seat right so I will probably start there but I am looking for further experience/opinions of you guys as to what else could cause the problem. Thanks in advance guys!

[Lays]

The block probably didn't seat right.

 

The idle temps should be closer to 28-35c depending on ambient temps, and the load temps should be ~50

[aludka]

May not have seated right. And also, though this seems obvious but I have seen it happen on GPU blocks that have >2 port options, make sure the intake and the output are not on the same side. I have seen people put the input and the output on the same side so the block fills with water but does not circulate. The new water just passes straight through the ports and on to the radiator or whereever.

[BoC]

Tore the block down and it seems like the it mounted ok unless I am missing something (maybe too much TIM)? I'm kind of wondering if maybe if the pump air locked possibly and wasn't moving water? I believe it was so maybe I am being paranoid. Going to remount the block and give it another go. Aludka ya the in and out are side by side and not on the same pass through (I was wondering about that too so I double checked the instructions).

 

 https://www.dropbox.com/s/2b3zz11lkf3t81a/IMAG0289.jpg

 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/69xqi26vm9p9no5/IMAG0290.jpg

[worldwin]

Tore the block down and it seems like the it mounted ok unless I am missing something (maybe too much TIM)? I'm kind of wondering if maybe if the pump air locked possibly and wasn't moving water? I believe it was so maybe I am being paranoid. Going to remount the block and give it another go. Aludka ya the in and out are side by side and not on the same pass through (I was wondering about that too so I double checked the instructions).

 

 https://www.dropbox.com/s/2b3zz11lkf3t81a/IMAG0289.jpg

 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/69xqi26vm9p9no5/IMAG0290.jpg

Paste looks fine. My guess would be that the heat is not being transferred properly to the radiator. Make sure you filled it up full so the water can accept the heat from the GPU.

[BoC]

Re-seated block and setup a test bench on my table. After spending considerable time working the air out and making sure water was properly circulating I fired up the computer to a nice 33C idle and 44C under full load. I expected a nice improvement but 50 degrees under load difference compared to air?! damn! With these results I am ordering another 280 rad and a cpu block. Thanks for the help fellas.