Hey,
This is an evaluation of Koolance's new 8800GTS block. You'll find pictures below that show the inner channeling of the block, along with an evaluation of my experience with this cooler. I'll be posting performance data just as soon as I can drain the cooling loop in my rig and get this installed. I'm also going to throw in my opinion of the block itself on the basis of design and build quality. As a side note, while this is the GTS block, I believe it's safe to assume the channel design of the GTX block is the same.
On to the pics...
Out of the box:
Interface surface - look closely and you'll observe the more than noticeable markings where the mill bit passed by. It would have been nice if Koolance had taken the time to properly flatten the surface, either with machine or hand lapping, before the gold plating went on. You wouldn't see this on an EK, DangerDen or Swiftech product.
Screws out:
Top side of cover plates:
Bottom side of cover plates:
Inside the block. Decent channeling, though maybe not as deep as the competition. I did not measure and compare it to something else, so keep in mind it's just my observation. The square pin grid looks pretty good. It appears to offer more cooling surface area than many other full cover blocks, save for the EK. I've not seen the inside of DD's 8800 blocks, but I know this looks better than my Koosah. The pin grid should create a lot of turbulence too, and I like the fact it's roughly the size of the 8800 GPU, not just a small focused area in the center. The seal is a clear silicone type material, and is held lightly in place by a thin grease. Seems adequate.
I'm replacing the stock 3/8" Koolance fittings with Perfect Seal 1/2" fittings from DD. This shows how far the fitting protrudes into the channel, so I'll be spacing it out (see below):
Close up of the pin array:
Perfect Seal fitting with bronze washer and thicker o-ring. It fits tight to the threads, so I'm hoping it won't leak.
Fittings installed:
I'll be mounting it to the card next. Following that, I'm going to drain my cooling loop, install the card, and plumb this in. Of course it's going to take a couple days to bleed the loop, so I don't expect to have any performance figures posted until that time. I will keep the thread up to date with pictures as things progress.
Tom
This is an evaluation of Koolance's new 8800GTS block. You'll find pictures below that show the inner channeling of the block, along with an evaluation of my experience with this cooler. I'll be posting performance data just as soon as I can drain the cooling loop in my rig and get this installed. I'm also going to throw in my opinion of the block itself on the basis of design and build quality. As a side note, while this is the GTS block, I believe it's safe to assume the channel design of the GTX block is the same.
On to the pics...
Out of the box:
Interface surface - look closely and you'll observe the more than noticeable markings where the mill bit passed by. It would have been nice if Koolance had taken the time to properly flatten the surface, either with machine or hand lapping, before the gold plating went on. You wouldn't see this on an EK, DangerDen or Swiftech product.
Screws out:
Top side of cover plates:
Bottom side of cover plates:
Inside the block. Decent channeling, though maybe not as deep as the competition. I did not measure and compare it to something else, so keep in mind it's just my observation. The square pin grid looks pretty good. It appears to offer more cooling surface area than many other full cover blocks, save for the EK. I've not seen the inside of DD's 8800 blocks, but I know this looks better than my Koosah. The pin grid should create a lot of turbulence too, and I like the fact it's roughly the size of the 8800 GPU, not just a small focused area in the center. The seal is a clear silicone type material, and is held lightly in place by a thin grease. Seems adequate.
I'm replacing the stock 3/8" Koolance fittings with Perfect Seal 1/2" fittings from DD. This shows how far the fitting protrudes into the channel, so I'll be spacing it out (see below):
Close up of the pin array:
Perfect Seal fitting with bronze washer and thicker o-ring. It fits tight to the threads, so I'm hoping it won't leak.
Fittings installed:
I'll be mounting it to the card next. Following that, I'm going to drain my cooling loop, install the card, and plumb this in. Of course it's going to take a couple days to bleed the loop, so I don't expect to have any performance figures posted until that time. I will keep the thread up to date with pictures as things progress.
Tom