ASUS P8Z68-V Pro chipset block?

[Scoob]

Hi all,

I have an ASUS P8Z68-V Pro motherboard, a fairly main-stream board I think. However, after some searching as well as speaking to a couple of water cooling parts suppliers, I cannot find a water block for this board.

I know Chipset / VRM blocks for higher-end boards are available, but not for mine. Am I missing a trick here? I mean, are the higher-end boards in the ASUS range similar enough for blocks to be interchangeable? I'd not expect that to be the case. Is there anyway to adapt another block to fit my board that anyone has discovered?

The thing is, my CPU runs lovely and cool, both my GTX 570's run lovely and cool, the whole system is wonderfully quiet too! However, my chipset . VRM heatsinks - the ones around the CPU - get really rather hot to the touch. I know these are supposedly rated to 105c due the the "superior materials" or whatever the blurb is today, but keeping these bits nice and cool too has got to help with stability as the VRM's etc. get pushed harder when overclocking, hasn't it? I could turn my case fans up to 12v (they are currently on 5v) yet that would create a huge amount of noise relative to my near-silence currently.

Anyway, I'm sure lots of people here have the ASUS P8Z68-V Pro board, or the near-identical (to the eye) P68 boards - has anyone found a Chipset / VRM block that works with these boards? Ideally UK sourced as that's where I am.

Any responses appreciated.

Scoob.

 

[jamesriley94]

The P8/P9 boards are a bit 'professional' for watercooling.
It's only really the maximus/rampage/crosshair boards that get the waterblocks made for them.

However, I wouldn't really say your motherboard needed watercooling - not that any really need it. It only really comes in helpful when going for massive overclocks, which I can't imagine you'll be doing.

 

[Scoob]

Hi James,

Thanks for your reply.

Yeah, I'm likely being slightly paranoid - I'd go into details, but they're watching me right now! I'm aware that I'm probably fine with those particular bits getting hot, temps are well within what are considered acceptable levels, though those heat sinks feel hotter than the reported temps - I'll need to double check them I think.

I agree, it does seem to be the high-end that gets the blocks, I just sorta hoped that maybe one of those blocks could be adapted maybe. When I was buying £300+ seemed a daft price considering the results people were getting from my £140 board. Still, I guess you pay your money for that sort of thing.

I think in a way its an asthetic thing wanting to block the chipset etc. too - the job doesn't quite feel finished without it...though I know I'm just being daft.

Cheers,

Scoob.

 

[nepas]

http://www.aquatuning.co.uk/index.php/cPath/164_336_555/cat/c555_Asus.html/sortprod/2/page/2

 

[Scoob]

Wow, thanks nepas.

I cannot beleive I missed those as Aquatuning are on my bookmarked list. Just checking the various options out now.

Scoob.

 

[NRG!]

full kit available too http://www.aquatuning.de/product_in...6x-Deluxe-Set-Nickel-POM-Limited-Edition.html

 

[Scoob]

full kit available too http://www.aquatuning.de/product_in...6x-Deluxe-Set-Nickel-POM-Limited-Edition.html

Yep, that's basically the one I found on the UK site. I've been putting together all the extra bits I'd need for the changes my loop would need.

I also have a nice 850 Silverstone PSU wot I've just been given to try out - might help me push those clocks a little higher

Scoob.

 

[airdeano]

watercool as well with their heatkiller lineup.

 

[Scoob]

Here's the one I'll likely be going for:

Link

Just spec'ing up the other bits, which I'll be ordering from elsewhere, plus planning my tubing etc. though I have an idea to use SLI links + 90 degree connectors. However, I'm still yet to find an SLI connector with the same 1/2" ID as the rest of my pipework - this will result in a slight restriction vs. normal hose which concerns me. However it will look very neat...

Cheers,

Scoob.

 

[airdeano]

the SLI links have been used without real incident for years.
you may look into the bitspower crystal links, but they too are a 10mm ID. or
fashion what B Neg is doing with acrylic tubing, only caveat is finding fittings with
a larger OD to facilitate bigger tubing to reduce the restriction. but its kinda mute
as the internals in the GPU blocks are even a tighter restriction than battling from
the SLI connection.

 

[Scoob]

Hi airdeano,

Yeah, the SLI links are good ones. However, during some testing a little while back, I did prove that they are restrictive even vs. the smaller ID tubing. Basically I tested with SLI links in place, then I tested with custom chopped hose between the cards instead and noticed improved temps on the 2nd card, while CPU and 1st card stayed the same. As it's parallel flow the 2x SLI connectors do not seem to restrict the overall loop, just the one GPU block slightly. My mild concern was if the motherboard blocks are in serial, then I might compromise overall flow a little more. Again, the amount may be largely insignificant, but I like to get these things right, much as I like a silent PC when I could be cooler with a bit more noise.

Scoob.