Looking for suggestions on cooling a 2080ti with waterblock as cheaply as possible

jamie.three · December 7, 2022

Hi, ive got one of these 2080ti cards that comes with a waterblock for cheap which im looking to add into my PC (This is my current PC) but i currently dont have custom loop water cooling.

Im in the UK

Are there any options to cool this card ideally as cheaply as possible besides from building a full custom loop? or any way to cut some of the cost of a custom loop? (I dont care what the PC looks like, im going for function over form, so any "creative" solutions would be welcome) These are the options i have been looking into so far:

-Converting a 240/360 AIO to add the GPU into the loop along with a reservoir, but not attach the CPU block to anything because id rather keep my current NH-D15 for the CPU and use the radiator just for the GPU. I know this can have some issues with the pump in the AIO not being powerful enough in some AIOs.

-Finding some way to attach an air cooler to the GPU. Im assuming there isnt anything in existance that would be a perfect fit so the main issue with this would probably be making sure all the other components on the card stay cool as well as just the GPU die.

-Building a small custom loop with just the GPU and 1 240/360 radiator, if this is the only viable options does anyone have any recommendations of cheaper pumps/ reservoirs etc. considering that they dont have to cool the whole system, just the GPU so a weaker pump would probably be fine. Are there any parts for this that i could buy from aliexpress etc. without too much risk of them leaking? They wont need to have the best cooling performance since the GPU is the only component in the loop and im perfectly happy with air-cooler like temps, so if there are any cheaper brands that are known to not leak that would be great.

Im happy to spend time modifying parts to get them to work etc. If none of these are viable options then a recommendation for the cheapest reliable pump, reservoir etc. would also be really helpfull.

Also a long shot but if anyone happens to have an air cooled GPU with simmilar performance and is looking for one with a waterblock id be happy to swap.

Thanks in advance

PDifolco · December 7, 2022

I'd go for option 3, a small loop with a DC pump and a rad will be ok, look at compatible blocks on EK, Bikski and Alphacool sites

Alphacool has a nice site for finding compatible blocks, not sure about the others

Strap some cheap Arctic P12s on the rad, they're under $10

For the pump something like this would also work (pump+small reservoir combo, 40sih) : https://www.alphacool.com/shop/pumps/pumpreservortop-sets/dc-lt-sets/21041/alphacool-eisstation-dc-ultra-incl.-alphacool-dc-lt-2600-ultra-pump

EDIT : I'm stoopid/didn' realize you already have a block!

So it's even easier : pump+res, rad+ fans, 6 fitting and 1m+ of tubing, Will cost maybe $100 to 150 overall according to rad quality/price

Mick Naughty · December 8, 2022

Well the pcb is shared with a card that uses an air cooler. So you can get one of those or source a dead card with it. Or an aftermarket air cooler.
Id just build a loop and do it the right way.
Plenty of cheap pump and reservoir options. Same with rads, a million cheap options. Pack of barb fittings and get some ek emt hose or something similar.

thrasher_565 · December 8, 2022

aio use aluminum rads so if you do that you need some premix that can handle it...

cheap pumps are just that...cheap imo you just have to replace the pump with in a year...

no need for a res but there cheap anyway but you can do a t line as well. barbs are cheapest, soft tube. i dont no what rad size you need to hit say 75c so i leave that to some one els. thow with a bigger rad you could do the cpu as well for cheap too so...

Edited December 8, 2022 by thrasher_565

Slizzo · December 8, 2022

I had that card up until my current. Was a good card overall, no issues with it. It also isn't one that has the current issues that the 3080s had, It actually has a full copper block.

Like others said, get a pump/res combo, a 240mm radiator should be able to handle it fine. And fittings and soft tubing. I haven't found a good need to go hard line even in my O11D case, I have primochill tubing in white which goes nicely with my white case.