Water cooling expectations for 5870 CF

[GeezerHT]

Thx V84 and JD.
I was just checking out the galleries.

Do you think for two 5870's I should be looking at a double or triple fan rad?

[charliehorse55]

A 240 would work well, a 360 would give 2-3C lower temperatures. Considering the price difference between an MCR220 and an MCR320 is only about $5-10 depending where you look it shouldn't be a problem (assuming you can fit a 360 radiator into that case).

[GeezerHT]

Originally Posted by charliehorse55

A 240 would work well, a 360 would give 2-3C lower temperatures. Considering the price difference between an MCR220 and an MCR320 is only about $5-10 depending where you look it shouldn't be a problem (assuming you can fit a 360 radiator into that case).

No rad will fit in my case. It would be an exterior set up on the floor or mounted to the back of my case.

[GeezerHT]

I'm close to making a decision(I think)
It'll be to water cool my set up as is or get a full tower case with bigger MB and air cool. Both will lower my GPU temps allowing me to Crossfire my 5870's. RIGHT?

I'll ask this here first.......

If I go with the Asus Rampage III Extreme MB and I use the top and third pci slot down allowing for an open space/slot between the cards. I want to be sure the cards will operate at full speed(16x) in this configuration. Would that be the case? I'd like to be sure I understand the specs right(link below).

ASUSTeK Computer Inc.

THX

[vohiep84]

I would go watercooling I would not waste the money to upgrade to a new motherboard and case, you will see much better results under water and will be alot more satisfied.

The performance difference is small when having your graphics cards on 16x/16x lanes vs 16x/8x lane and again not worth the price premium.

You can run slots 1 and 2 under water and you will not have the same issues with heat when your cooling it with air.

[Fudd Rucker]

What I would do , providing the 5870s have a full coverage plate for mem and VRM like the GTX 480 has - is to get a set of swiftec universal gpu blocks (fairly cheap) and a set of fittings with your choice of pump,res,tubing and a 240mm radiator. Shouldnt be too expensive or difficult of an endevour to do .

[GeezerHT]

Just to end the thread with a update.
I went for the air cooled option. I got the CM Haf-X case and Asus Rampage III Extreme MB.
I Swapped the black side fan to the open top spot with a new blue LED. Tons of air flow.
Running the 5870's in crossfire. Good temps...........73'C for Medal of Honour max settings. Left for Dead 2 temps way lower.
Case is quiet and looks great!

I feel this will do me fine for a while and allow for options(upgrades) in the future. Perhaps even water cooling the newest fastest GPU's.

Thanks to all for your input.

PS; I've learned alot about water cooling and kudos to all that make the effort to set up a nice rig!