GPU blocks Full cover VS Universal help

johnstod · February 8, 2013

The title says it all what is better for me to use a full cover block or a universal with passive heatsinks ... I am leaning more towards full cover atm even though a full cover is ALOT more expensive and i would need a new one if i ever upgraded adding on even more cost over the long run but if the card is going to take damage from using passives on the mosfets i dont want to go anywhere near it. Also would 2 cards in crossfire with a universal cause some problems for the passive heatsinks?

My pc is used for some hardcore 3D moddelling and Hi rez gaming with 3 monitors atm possibly max eyefinity will let me go to soon so the GPU can get VERY hot at times GPU will either be another 7950 or 2 7970's. does GPU make a difference?

this is my work computer so its the best i can get sadly cant afford ares 2 just to rip it appart to include in my loop... that would be blasphemy anyway

thanks in adavnce

Fordox · February 8, 2013

if the gpu's get very hot, use the full ocver block. full cover also cools the vram and the power delivery ACTIVE. passive heatsinks work, but they do their job barely. even with a sidepanel intake (unless its a delta fan :P).

full cover blocks look better, and are more optimized for overclocking. if you dont care about the looks and only want a cool gpu with no extra kooling, go for universal.

Whaler_99 · February 8, 2013

I have universal blocks on my two 6870's and from experience I can say whenever possible, go full block. You get the cooling on the vrm and ram chips as well. I had to buy a custom cooler for mine and additional fans and such which all in, cost almost as much as a full block. Also, with two GPUs and hooking them up, universal are very difficult. Having full blocks you can usually use SLI/Crossfire connector kits which make it a lot nicer and easier...