7870 Hawk Water cooling

[qhfreddy]

I was thinking to get a 7870 hawk instead of a 7950 Vapor-x, mainly because I don't really want to spend on a 7950, they are a bit too pricey. But, because I am spending less on the GPU that OCs like a beast, why not add it to a water loop.

There's the card with the cooler removed, but with the heatspreader.

I would have liked a full cover block for it, looks better and performs better. But, I don't know of any full cover blocks for it, anyone here know?

So, if I can't go full cover, I'd have to go with a GPU only block, I'd have to rely on the heatspreader and backplate to dissipate the heat. But, would they do the job for some extreme overclocking?

Also, how many rads would I need to run that and a 3570k?

 

[airdeano]

problem with non-reference PCB is water block availability. and that's usually none.
unless there is a small manufacturer to build small production runs, you might
consider selling that card and buying a reference model to water-cool.
or roll with a CPU water loop and leave the GPU air cooled. try and not consider
the uni-block for the GPU...

 

[qhfreddy]

So a universal block is not a good option

 

[airdeano]

I don't think so.. its pretty much a band-aid for the real thing. and later if CFX is in
the future, it'll be a nightmare.

usually, when I dole-out advise on component purchases is always would you plan
on water-cooling? if so, make sure all the devices are compatible for blocks, routing,
and cabling. otherwise it'll look half-done and usually never satisfied with the experience.

 

[qhfreddy]

Well, I was just wondering about uni-blocks, if they are worth it...

I pretty much have the rest of the loop planned out already and if I can't get a full cover block for a GPU that has very good power regulation and overclocking/overvolting capability, I'll stick with the air cooling...

Thanks anyway

 

[Mysterae]

I disagree with what airdeano says about universal blocks, they do open a few options. You can mod the reference cooler back on the card and get the benefits of low speed air cooling for the cards other components, like I've done with my 670's:

Using the right blocks and fittings means xfiring them shouldn't pose a problem any bigger than using full-face blocks.

If that isn't to your liking you could always fit an universal gpu block and mod your existing heatspreaders my sticking on extra heatsinks using thermal adhesive, stickleback style! As long as you have good airflow in your case already though.

I've been there, done it and had it with full-cover waterblocks for video cards. You pay extra, 99% of folk base their decision on it's looks (and not empirical data, just hearsay and opinion), to only fit it fancy side down and never see it again! Then in 12 months or so time try and punt it at a loss or be left with a fancy looking paperweight. At least with the universal gpu blocks you can (usually) move it on to your next gpu.

I wouldn't dismiss universal gpu only blocks until you have looked and considered all your options.

 

[qhfreddy]

So how much better are your temps? That's the main reason I'd consider a universal block.

Anyone have any data on their temps with a full cover block?

 

[KING_OF_SAND]

I don't think it is worth watercooling an MSI Hawk card for a few reasons. For starts (unless something has changed) the Hawk series cards are excellent at cooling and give awesome overclocks. I had a pair of 5770 hawks in Xfire (I still think that is the best GPU ever invented). And second the card is not so expensive where it warrants a cooling solution that may be more than the GPU itself. I would invest in another one. The cooling on these things is awesome.

 

[qhfreddy]

OK, sounds like some solid advice.

BTW, how do you think the 7870 hawk compares to the 660 Ti? How much is the performance difference on average, most of the reviews say both the 7870 and 7950 lag behind the 660 ti, but I assume that is because of the old drivers being, well, rubbish... How do they stack up now?

 

[KING_OF_SAND]

Depending on the benchmark the 7870 does fall behind the 660ti, but because you did not get just any regular 7870 you have massive overclock potential. The 660ti overclocks like a monster, but I remember getting both my 5770 hawks to 1.1ghz which was an amazing OC for back in the day with stock Hawk cooling. And even still incredible compared to the water cooled rigs then. The Hawk cards are magnificent.

 

[paulstung]

Another option is with the Swiftech universal block, they sell a kind of shroud, type thing with fins, that covers the rest of the pcb, around the block. they are a kind of heatsink, I think they call hit hybrid cooling. I'm sure Specialtech sell them.

 

[qhfreddy]

Yeah, I am shooting for either a Hawk, Power Edition, or Lightning card, but the Lightning cards are way over my budget, and 660 Ti Power Edition did not OC as well as I expected, or am I wrong saying that?

I can't really find how they stack up as far as the OC potential, but since I will be running them at 1680x1050 most of the time I guess the 660 Ti would be better.

 

[KING_OF_SAND]

Yeah, I am shooting for either a Hawk, Power Edition, or Lightning card, but the Lightning cards are way over my budget, and 660 Ti Power Edition did not OC as well as I expected, or am I wrong saying that?

I can't really find how they stack up as far as the OC potential, but since I will be running them at 1680x1050 most of the time I guess the 660 Ti would be better.

Just make sure it is 2gb. And perhaps it's time to get a 1920x1080/1200 now

 

[qhfreddy]

Just make sure it is 2gb. And perhaps it's time to get a 1920x1080/1200 now

If i get a 1920x1200 (i like my 16:10 xD) I would not have money for the GPU lawl

 

[Mysterae]

So how much better are your temps? That's the main reason I'd consider a universal block.

Anyone have any data on their temps with a full cover block?

I don't have any data at the moment as I'm not finished my build. As soon as I have I'll post it in my log.