Water cooling videocards.....

[thelude]

When water cooling a video card, is there any difference between buying a reference card and a after market card with same 'layout' pcb. Usually after market cards with better coolers cost about $50 dollars more. But since we are water cooling, that is a mute point. Is the parts on the card (ie: power delivery, memory) help to OC the card better? 

 

Thanks,

[Samdb]

A reference card refers to the PCB, not the cooler. If the cooler is reference it will be a reference card with a reference cooler. Most blocks don't support custom PCBs so buy one with a reference PCB.

[tristan1035]

The MSI lightning cards are SUPPOSED to over-clock amazingly, but if you're going to watercool just get the reference, no point spending the extra money. Even though, waterblock manufactures usually put out blocks for the big name aftermarket makers.

[M-ursu]

That what Samdb said or you can buy any MSI lightning card and buy a waterblock for them. (also some of ASUS cards have Waterblocks to buy)

[legopc]

if you want good power delivery and stuff i would go with the asus cards (like @M-ursu) said becus ek makes water blocks for some of them 

[DrainDoc]

When water cooling a video card, is there any difference between buying a reference card and a after market card with same 'layout' pcb. Usually after market cards with better coolers cost about $50 dollars more. But since we are water cooling, that is a mute point. Is the parts on the card (ie: power delivery, memory) help to OC the card better? 

 

Thanks,

This is another option.

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130923

[warmmilk]

I don't think its a waste of time to buy a custom PCB card if you're gonna watercool.  Lots of the high end cards have binned GPU's, they have better power delivery.  If you plan not to OC your watercooled card then it doesn't matter.  But if you're gonna OC then I think its worth buying a custom PCB card.  Just make sure someone makes a waterblock for the card you want to buy before you buy it.  As far as I know, EK are the only guys that make waterblocks for non ref cards...  well and Swiftech, but only for the EVGA Classified, and I'm not sure if you can buy it separately...

[airdeano]

there are very few manufacturers of non-reference PCB GPUs. and they'll only be

the elite cards if that. and usually at a premium price, due to the low volume being

sold.

research your GPU choice with all manufacturers for a water block. if not made,

move to the next choice, etc.. way too many members have purchased non-reference

cards with the fun news to find they don't have an option for water cooling because of

a lack of water blocks.

 

airdeano

[Saladin]

http://www.coolingconfigurator.com/ is your friend.