New build, another water-cooled machine

[Bugbait]

Hmm I think I might wait for the 6000 series, or even just get one card if I find I can't!

That way if the 6000s require it, I could double Rad. I'm sure someone does nice auto stop connectors for easy linking to an off case rad right?

Maybe Hicks12 can cite a reliable source that the 6 series is due out later this year? Would be curious myself but it would be a break from the norm for recent ATI. Usually a manufacturing refinement will be released under a 5x90 code before the next "generation" is available. Given the current market competition a manufacturing improvement with tweaked clock settings would put the 5 series back in line or slightly ahead of the current Fermi's so again, doesn't seem to be a business reason to release the 6 series until 2011. Don't forget, there's always chance of a "soft" release (hmm, keep it clean) and then there's when you can actually get hands on real stock.

Skinnee Labs tested a few quick disconnects: http//skinneelabs.com/qdc.html for comparison. Some chatter on the Koolance ones at ChilledPC: http://www.chilledpc.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=12942.

[TAKTAK]

I'd go for (and did go for) the XSPC RASA, or EK Supreme HF Full nickel, over the Supreme LT

http://www.cclonline.com/product-inf...988&tid=frooct
http://www.scan.co.uk/Product.aspx?W...source=froogle

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=253470

I can't find any data on heatkillers 5970 full cover, but i would have thought it would be right up there...

But then again, the EK is no slouch anyway...

[badass]

Maybe Hicks12 can cite a reliable source that the 6 series is due out later this year?

http://www.thinq.co.uk/2010/6/8/rumo...0-coming-year/

Just rumours TBH, however it's been widespread knowledge that the Post Evergreen GPU's were originally supposed to be 28nm with new shaders but they've changed that as they don't trust TSMC to get 28nm right so have gone for the safe keep the current shaders and 40nm but change some other bits approach.

[Bugbait]

http://www.thinq.co.uk/2010/6/8/rumo...0-coming-year/

Interesting. However, 6 months is a long time in PC enthusiast terms .

[Hicks12]

Maybe Hicks12 can cite a reliable source that the 6 series is due out later this year? Would be curious myself but it would be a break from the norm for recent ATI. Usually a manufacturing refinement will be released under a 5x90 code before the next "generation" is available. Given the current market competition a manufacturing improvement with tweaked clock settings would put the 5 series back in line or slightly ahead of the current Fermi's so again, doesn't seem to be a business reason to release the 6 series until 2011. Don't forget, there's always chance of a "soft" release (hmm, keep it clean) and then there's when you can actually get hands on real stock.

Skinnee Labs tested a few quick disconnects: http//skinneelabs.com/qdc.html for comparison. Some chatter on the Koolance ones at ChilledPC: http://www.chilledpc.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=12942.

Sorry bug, was merely speculating on rumors . However it is possible for the 6000 series to be in this year, albeit it will be a refresh not a major improvement.

as taktak mentioned, the xspc rasa is a very good block and just lost its crown to the ek (by 0.1c or something stupid!). Both very good blocks, just the ek is more versatile in mounting so if you arent gunna change sockets then the rasa will be great.

[TAKTAK]

as taktak mentioned, the xspc rasa is a very good block and just lost its crown to the ek (by 0.1c or something stupid!). Both very good blocks, just the ek is more versatile in mounting so if you arent gunna change sockets then the rasa will be great.

But it's £20 for that 0.1c... And the RASA is much less restrictive.

And with the £20 saved you can buy the AMD mounting plate if you're that way inclined, which with it being an intel build, i doubt Alex will be.


I'd much rather take a less restrictive block with the same performance credentials of a more restrictive one...

You can lose/gain a swing of more than 0.1c just in mounting with the application of thermal paste, or ambient temperature differential, so 0.1c better is redundant unless you can categorically say that it is tested under exactly the same conditions...

Therefore the RASA is the better block...

[Hicks12]

LIES ALL LIES!!


Actually, is it really that much more expensive? I thought they were both like £50, if not then yes the value for money is on the rasa(i didnt know you could get mounting plates, adds value for me). from the skinnelabs review it seemed that the ek was a less restrictive block than the rasa and had less impact on the gallons per minute pumped through the loop.

However, i am probably wrong so i will recheck this!. Bare with me .

[Hicks12]

My apologies TakTak, i cant seem to find the review i was looking at a few weeks back and the one at skinee labs doesnt show the rasa so maybe i mixed it up with the swiftech apogee

But i must say that the ek using plate 1 provided temps ~1.5C lower than the heatkiller and provides a similar flow rate (believe its 0.01 better, negligible). Either way, both blocks are probably the best blocks available at the moment, budget and personal taste takes presentment when deciding between them haha

[TAKTAK]

LIES ALL LIES!!


Actually, is it really that much more expensive? I thought they were both like £50, if not then yes the value for money is on the rasa(i didnt know you could get mounting plates, adds value for me). from the skinnelabs review it seemed that the ek was a less restrictive block than the rasa and had less impact on the gallons per minute pumped through the loop.

However, i am probably wrong so i will recheck this!. Bare with me .

The Supreme HF Full Nickel is shown as being slightly better, by that 0.1c as mentioned.

Which best price seems to be SCAN at a tad over £60.

Whilst the RASA is coming in at a tad over £40.

And then flow rate:



158 vs 173 litres per hour

with the Supreme HF and LT coming in at different prices and values

RASA brackets if that way inclined:

Black: http://www.watercoolingshop.co.uk/Ra...ack_AS31W.aspx
Chrome: http://www.watercoolingshop.co.uk/Ra...ome_AS31V.aspx

£5.99 each

[Hicks12]

ah damn, must of missed that .

Does it mention what plate they used in testing?. Going by them im assuming its the first plate, most restrictive, does affect the flow rate in a considerable way i see that now. Had a look at another and using plate 4 produces performance about the same as the heat killer 3.0 (actually, .3C better) and the flow rate from plate 1 to plate 4 is a difference of 1.4GPM ( 1.92 GPM plate 2 and 1.78GPM plate 1).

However as the setups are different it makes it very hard to compare . I dont know if you have a clue but does the EK Supreme HF full copper perform the same as the nickel? because its £5 cheaper and was the one i was planning on getting in a week or so . Also, do you happen to know where i can find these mounting plates for the rasa for am3 boards? Cause i am planning on moving sockets next year which was why i avoided the rasa but if its cheaper and performs better along with the ability of mounting to a different socket i want it!.

[TAKTAK]

Also, do you happen to know where i can find these mounting plates for the rasa for am3 boards? Cause i am planning on moving sockets next year which was why i avoided the rasa but if its cheaper and performs better along with the ability of mounting to a different socket i want it!.

See my edit

[Hicks12]

Yes!. Now its a real hard decision , if my parents aint got me the ek as a little (albeit expensive) birthday present then i will purchase the rasa . and special tech do the mounting plates for £4.39 if purchased with the block... damn this is looking like a nice find!.

Thanks for your post, it has now shown me a better alternative . Last question though, will it fit compression barbs that take 1/2" ID 3/4" OD tubing? I know the heatkiller wont let you so im hoping this doesnt have a similar problem?

[TAKTAK]

Yep, i've got compressions on it

it'll fit any of them , although bitspower fittings are left with minimal clearance



http://forum.watercoolinguk.co.uk/sh...d.php?p=165273


If price weren't involved, then i would get the EK as it looks better, however that is all it holds over the RASA , and £20 isn't worth it just for the looks...

[Hicks12]

right cheers , now just to see if scan will stock it because its £53 delivered at special tech with back plate . Or ill just flip a coin as they both look like nice blocks haha.

[TheAnimus]

hmm this has been a most useful insight!

I think I might end up just building it peicemeal, that way I can get the i7 + mobo + 1xGPU with my current RAD + Pump before seeing how much further I need to go