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12-23-2015 04:28 AM #1
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Liquid Cooling Your ASUS Graphics Card The Easy Way
Building a custom liquid cooling solution requires time and money, things that not every enthusiast has. But the benefits of liquid cooling are accessible to many users thanks to the existence of AIO liquid coolers. As a matter of fact, they have gotten so popular over the years that nowadays one can find specialized units on the market for cooling graphics card as well. But perhaps the biggest drawback with closed loop liquid coolers is the lack of expandability. If the plan is to cool both the processor and the graphics, the user would need to buy two different AIO liquid coolers to accomplish this task. In the end, this results in spending more money and ultimately requiring more space inside the computer case to accommodate both units.
The ideal situation would be to invest in a single AIO liquid cooler that gives the user the option for expansion. That’s where the new EKWB Predator 360 comes to mind. It’s a 360mm liquid cooling unit that is capable of cooling the processor and graphics card simultaneously. But the most innovative feature is the Quick Disconnect Connector (QDC) that is built into the hoses that allows users to expand their loop without having to drain the whole system.
Liquid Cooling Poseidon Graphics Cards
The Poseidon graphics cards are probably the easiest models to liquid cool because they already come with an integrated waterblock. The user isn’t required to buy and install an aftermarket waterblock to get it up and running. The model used in this demonstration is ASUS’s latest GTX 980 Ti Poseidon.
The GTX 980 Ti Poseidon utilizes 2 industry standard G1/4” threaded ports making it compatible with the EKWB Predator 360. In order to connect the graphics card to the AIO unit, it is necessary to order the expansion kit from the EKWB store. The expansion kit comes in the form of 2 EK-AF Angled 90° G1/4" Nickel adapter fittings, 2 EK-ACF 10/16mm Nickel fittings and the EK-Tube ZMT Matte Black 15.9/9.5mm that contains the QDC.
Installation is pretty much straightforward. The first step is to connect both tubes to the GTX 980 Ti Poseidon’s threaded ports by screwing in the EK-AF Angled 90° G1/4” fittings. This can be done inside or outside the case.
Once the tubes are connected to the GTX 980 Ti Poseidon and the graphics card is installed inside the case, the next step is to connect the tubes to the Predator 360. To do so, the user must locate the connector button to release the connectors. Then all that is left to do is insert the male connector from the Predator 360 into the female connector on the GTX 980 Ti Poseidon and vice versa.
This is how the final result looks like. The entire installation process requires little to no effort and can be done within a few minutes.
Liquid Cooling Standard ASUS Graphics Cards
Integrating the other ASUS models to the Predator 360 will require a little more work. Overall, the steps are identical. The only difference is that the user must remove the stock heatsink and install the aftermarket waterblock. EKWB sells full cover waterblocks for most of the ASUS models. A handy Cooling Configurator is available for users to choose an adequate waterblock for the model that they own. The graphics card used in this demonstration is the ASUS Strix GTX 980 along with the EKWB Nickel waterblock.
At the moment of purchase, EKWB gives the user the option to have the waterblock pre-filled and equipped with the QDC making it ready to connect to the Predator 360. However, this service requires a small fee but is very practical for users who want the easiest installation possible.
Removing the stock heatsink and installing a waterblock can be overwhelming and scary at first. So it’s recommended to read the installation manual a few times before tackling the task. In a nutshell, the procedure consists of:
- Removing the screws to take off the stock heatsink
- Cleaning the GPU
- Applying fresh thermal compound to the GPU and thermal pads on the chips
- Attaching the waterblock to the graphics and tightening screws
With the Strix GTX 980 installed into the case, the user will proceed to release the connectors using the special button. Then connect the tubes from the graphics card to the AIO unit and the other way around.
While the installation process for non-Poseidon models might take a little longer to carry out, the benefits certainly outweigh the work.
How Does It Perform?
Under liquid cooling, the graphics cards perform slightly better at stock and at overclocked speed. But given the less than 1% difference, the results can be considered within the margin of error between each benchmark run.
The biggest gain from liquid cooling the graphics card is the significant reduction in GPU temperature. Typically, lower temperatures result in longer device life as well as more margin for overclocking. With sufficient cooling, the temperature is removed from the overclocking equation. The end result comes down to the quality of the chip.
On stock cooling, the fans are in charge of maintaining the operating temperature as low as possible. But when a heavy workload is present, the fans have to spin faster than normal generating more unpleasant noise. With liquid cooling, the noise is eliminated. In the case of the Poseidon models that can function on both cooling methods, the speed for the fans decreases significantly when using liquid cooling.
Last edited by Chino; 12-23-2015 at 04:32 AM.
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12-29-2015 10:29 AM #2
Vlada011 PC Specs Motherboard Rampage V E10 (BIOS 1903) Processor Intel®i7-5820K (4.5GHz 1.325V) Memory (part number) CMD16GX4M4A2666C15 Graphics Card #1 ASUS GTX1080Ti Poseidon Sound Card Sound Blaster ZxR Monitor Samsung P2450H Storage #1 Samsung 970 EVO PLUS 1TB Storage #2 Samsung 850 EVO 1TB/WD Black 2TB CPU Cooler EK RGB Monoblock RVE10 Case Lian Li PC-O11 WXC Power Supply EVGA 1200 P2 Keyboard Deck 87 Francium PRO - MX Brown DS PBT Mouse Logitech G900 Mouse Pad Steeseries QCK Headset/Speakers CREATIVE T5900 5.1 OS Windows 10 Pro x64 v1903 Accessory #1 iPhone SE Space Grey Accessory #2 EK XRES D5 Revo 100 Glass PWM + CoolstreamPE 360 Accessory #3 Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM x3 (radiator)
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I will done exactly that with Pascal. EKWB Predator 360 CPU+GPU.
I would like from parts but that's max I can afford and temps are fine for gaming.
But this Poseidon is very cool because you don't need to pay GPU waterblock, only to connect him on EKWB Predator.
At the moment no faster for installation, easier and better for beginners CPU-GPU watercooling solutions than
EKWB Predator + Poseidon.
It's ideal for people who build first time loop.
Only need 20-30 euro more investment in two 45 angled adapters for CPU, shine quick dicsonnect and maybe
2-3 90 adapters. And tubes could look really nice. I mostly like clear with red liquid, black and red tubes.
Strix is excellent with Predator as well because she don't need to be overclocked at all, same as Matrix and Matrix
Gold. Only need investment in GPU waterblock.
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03-01-2016 10:47 AM #3
Daddy arcanjo PC Specs Motherboard Asus MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA Processor Intel Core i7-6700K Memory (part number) Gskill Trident Z DDR4-3000MHz 4x8GB (F4-3000C14D-16GTZ) Graphics Card #1 Asus STRIX GTX 980 ti DC3 OC 6GD5 Graphics Card #2 Asus STRIX GTX 980 ti DC3 OC 6GD5 Monitor Asus ROG SWIFT PG278Q Storage #1 Samsung Evo 840 SSD 2.5 SATA III 240GB Storage #2 Kingston SSDNow V300 2.5 Sata III 240GB CPU Cooler Corsair H110i GT Case Thermaltake Core P5 Power Supply Corsair AX860 - 80+ Platinum Keyboard Corsair STRAFE RGB Cherry MX Silent Mouse Corsair M65 Headset Corsair VOID Wireless Dolby 7.1 Mouse Pad Razer Goliathus Extended Control Edition OS Windows 10 Network Router TP-LINK Archer C7 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router
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Hello Chino,
i am thinking in get poseidon GTX 980 ti and i can´t figure on EKWB site the expansion kit you say it´s needed to WC the gpu. Is there a kit or i have to select the parts individually?
Thx in advance
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03-01-2016 04:27 PM #4
Minsekt PC Specs Motherboard Rampage V Extreme / Maximus VIII Formula Processor i7 5820K 4.5Ghz - 1.183v / 1.8 VCCIN / 6700K - 4.7GHZ - 1.360v Memory (part number) F4-2400C15Q-32GRK @ 3000-15-15-15-35-T2 / F4-3000C14D-16GTZ @ 3600 - 16-16-16-32-T2 Graphics Card #1 MSI 980ti 6G Gaming Graphics Card #2 MSI 980ti 6G Gaming Sound Card Creative Soundblaster ZxR Monitor ROG PG348Q Storage #1 Samsung 950 Pro 256GB Storage #2 Samsung 850 Pro 500GB CPU Cooler EK WB R5E Monoblock / Supreme FX Case Vector VBC01 Power Supply Corsair AX1200i Keyboard Ergodox / Atreus Custom Mouse Logitech G900 Headset AKG K712 Pro Mouse Pad Logitech G440 Headset/Speakers Klipsch RP-260 OS Windows 10 Pro x64 Network Router ASUS RT-AC87U Accessory #1 360 Rad Accessory #2 2x 240 Rad Accessory #3 Dual Laing D5 w/ Custom Pump Top
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i cant find the kit either. they dont offer the qdc connector separately, so we cant select the parts individually.
right now im using the predator 360 with a monoblock on the r5e and i have connected a second radiator to it. i also bought a prefilled fullblock for my 980ti which has the "expansion kit" prefilled installed, so its just plug and play. im propably just selling the card once the pascal equivalent to a 980ti poseidon gets released and use the kit for it.
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03-02-2016 03:04 PM #5
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Hello Daddy arcanjo and Minsekt,
The QDC Kit is not available in the EKWB store at this moment. But it can be purchased separately if you request for it. Please send them an email at support@ekwb.com and they will gladly send you a quote for the QDC kit.
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03-03-2016 11:40 AM #6
Vlada011 PC Specs Motherboard Rampage V E10 (BIOS 1903) Processor Intel®i7-5820K (4.5GHz 1.325V) Memory (part number) CMD16GX4M4A2666C15 Graphics Card #1 ASUS GTX1080Ti Poseidon Sound Card Sound Blaster ZxR Monitor Samsung P2450H Storage #1 Samsung 970 EVO PLUS 1TB Storage #2 Samsung 850 EVO 1TB/WD Black 2TB CPU Cooler EK RGB Monoblock RVE10 Case Lian Li PC-O11 WXC Power Supply EVGA 1200 P2 Keyboard Deck 87 Francium PRO - MX Brown DS PBT Mouse Logitech G900 Mouse Pad Steeseries QCK Headset/Speakers CREATIVE T5900 5.1 OS Windows 10 Pro x64 v1903 Accessory #1 iPhone SE Space Grey Accessory #2 EK XRES D5 Revo 100 Glass PWM + CoolstreamPE 360 Accessory #3 Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM x3 (radiator)
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Excellent topic... Graphic card GTX980Ti and CPU are on 360mm radiator. CPU is Haswell-EP or Skylake
EKWB Predator is so cool but I would change him a lot.
10/13mm fittings. Primoflex LRT Onyx Black, 2x EK AF 45 Angled Nickel and 2x 90 Angled just in case and off course two Koolance Quick Disconnect Couplings. Without discussion this simply this is best cooler for CPU, GPU on market.
I look on Predator as liquid cooler for Processor and Graphic card.
I really can't remember before how many years I played games in complete silence. Many years on reference graphics, than fabric overlocked and all of them produce heat and air cooler can't silently to cool them down.
Nothing best when you play 2h and your CPU and GPU are not over 55-56C and you can't hear fans because they spin on 1500RPM.