Which GTX1080 to buy for a WC loop

[CapnChip]

Hey all, grabbing a pair of 1080s today! Wondering which I should buy to feature in a water-cooled system. I was planning to use XSPC blocks, I heard that because different third party PCBs are different the blocks might be incompatible with some brand's? I couldn't find a straight to the point list of which do and don't use the reference PCB. Also warrantees with allowing the removal of the stock shroud, etc etc. 

 

Happy black Friday everyone!

[MorganO]

9 minutes ago, CapnChip said:

Hey all, grabbing a pair of 1080s today! Wondering which I should buy to feature in a water-cooled system. I was planning to use XSPC blocks, I heard that because different third party PCBs are different the blocks might be incompatible with some brand's? I couldn't find a straight to the point list of which do and don't use the reference PCB. Also warrantees with allowing the removal of the stock shroud, etc etc. 

 

Happy black Friday everyone!

just get EKWB for your gpu , they have config for what gpu do and dont have waterblocks

 

[done12many2]

19 minutes ago, CapnChip said:

Hey all, grabbing a pair of 1080s today! Wondering which I should buy to feature in a water-cooled system. I was planning to use XSPC blocks, I heard that because different third party PCBs are different the blocks might be incompatible with some brand's? I couldn't find a straight to the point list of which do and don't use the reference PCB. Also warrantees with allowing the removal of the stock shroud, etc etc. 

 

Happy black Friday everyone!

 

Per your description, you're going to want to buy an EVGA card as they are the most lenient with regards to the addition of waterblocks or tinkering in general.

 

I circled the EVGA cards that use the reference PCB in the chart below.  I personally use two EVGA 1080 FE cards with EK waterblocks and couldn't be happier with the setup.  

 

The EVGA 1080 Gaming at the bottom would be the cheapest option as they have a very cheap stock cooler and the lowest cost.  You won't be using the stock cooler anyways.  Other than that, it's the same card as the rest of the reference PCBs.

 

Good luck. 

 

 

 

[Mick Naughty]

I would get the strix as it is the best card. If you do go with another another brand I would stick to 3rd party boards like the evga ftw. Just makes oc'ing that much easier. 

 

if reference pcb just get what ever is cheaper. Brand won't matter. Get the Best Buy special if it comes to it. 

[aberdie]

EVGA offers the hydro copper that has a block already on it.

[done12many2]

OP hasn't posted since opening this thread.  Yet another post and run.  

[Mick Naughty]

Prolly doesn't understand what we are saying. 

[done12many2]

1 minute ago, Mick Naughty said:

Prolly doesn't understand what we are saying. 

 

...or just wanted to announce to the world that he was getting a pair of 1080s.  

[Mick Naughty]

35 minutes ago, done12many2 said:

 

...or just wanted to announce to the world that he was getting a pair of 1080s.  

Isn't that great honestly. Having got 5 titans for the past gens I should have done the same this time. 

[Mick Naughty]

35 minutes ago, done12many2 said:

 

...or just wanted to announce to the world that he was getting a pair of 1080s.  

Isn't that great honestly. Having got 5 titans for the past gens I should have done the same this time.