Need recommendation on a GTX 580 block

[chrisk]

Sigh. Thought I had my mind made up on a block I was going to buy next week or so. Was going to get an EK block but that does not seem to be wise right now, as I have not been convinced that EK will look after my warranty since I don't plan to use their 'approved coolants/additives.'

Back to square one.

This is what i am looking for:

1. Full-cover block for Evga 015-P3-1580-AR GTX 580. As far as I can tell its a reference PCB.
2. Black...either acetal or dark nickel. Would also accept regular nickel and black material combo. This rules out any EK product unfortunately
3. Would like a backplate. Preferably black. Not sure if the black EK backplates will work with other companies' blocks?
4. Would prefer to buy from Dazmode, or other Canadian seller. I have ordered successfully from frozencpu as well, so since I have ruled out EK, I would be willing to extend my buying to reputable US sellers.
5. I have never done my own GPU block before. recommendations on additional supplies needed (ie. thermal pads, cleaners, etc) are also appreciated.

Thanks guys. This EK thing and the confusion as to what will or won't damage their stuff pretty much rules out them right now.

[lowfat]

Koolance would get my vote. Just gorgeous blocks in my opinion. Their GTX 580 block looks fantastic. Daz sometimes carries Koolance blocks, but it seems the site is down at the moment. PPC's is great though.

Koolance VID-NX580 (GeForce GTX 580) [no nozzles] Products Model: VID-NX580 [VID-NX580] : Performance-PCs.com, ... sleeve it and they will come

[chrisk]

Daz has that one Lowfat! Just was wondering if they were of good quality.

Can I pop any backplate with this?

[lowfat]

From what I've been able to find, the EVGA back plate should fit. No idea if you need different screws though.

[chrisk]

Originally Posted by lowfat

From what I've been able to find, the EVGA back plate should fit. No idea if you need different screws though.

Evga sells a full block too. Expensive but might get me the look I want, especially if I remove the blue sticker.

[Dazmode]

I have few guys who were not happy with EVGA block to the point of getting rid of it. Don't quite remember details.

From the top of my head XSPC and Koolance are easiest optionas. We also working on bringing Heatkillers in.

[turtletrax]

[QUOTE=lowfat;522483]Koolance would get my vote. Just gorgeous blocks in my opinion. Their GTX 580 block looks fantastic. Daz sometimes carries Koolance blocks, but it seems the site is down at the moment. PPC's is great though.

[Dazmode]

OPs.... Sorry off topic, but Dazmode should not be down. What is the problem?

[chrisk]

Originally Posted by Dazmode

OPs.... Sorry off topic, but Dazmode should not be down. What is the problem?

I have noticed it too Daz...also last night.

Sometimes the site only partially loads, or not at all. Have to refresh 3-4 times for a page to load.

Next time I see it I will post a screenie in your Dazmode thread or if you PM me an email addy I will send as an attachment.

[Dazmode]

Is it store only or main site too? Jeez... Where my "Russian Standard" bottle?