Hi Everyone Whats the best 5870 waterblock? I've never replaced a cooler on a graphics card before, but as long as it's straight forward it shouldn't be a problem, so no fiddly blocks. I'm also planning on using (1/2" - 3/4") 19/13mm Compression Fittings for my loop, so this has to be compatible with the block. Budget isn't a issue, but the cheaper the better. Oh, and I want a full cover block As a side note, whats the general concensus on Fluid these days?
I'd always look to EK first and the configurator is pretty nifty. http://www.coolingconfigurator.com/ If it were me I think I'd look to a Swiftech MCW60 or 80 with one of these http://www.swiftnets.com/products/HD5800 HEATSINK SERIES.asp or RAM sinks. At least you can reuse the block with that method. You might need 45º compression fittings for them though. I use deionised and anti-algae mainly because I had a bad experience with Feser gunking up my block and staining the res and tubing. Other coloured fluids might not be as bad.
Used the Ek configurator, but it doesn't have my version of the Sapphire 5870 1GB, only the new revised version. Mine should be a standard 5870, so which block will work best? Edit: Do all 5870's have RAM on the rear (top)?
I hope you're not planning to buy water online. Just walk into any automotive store and they'll sort you out, should save you a few quid. Where i live they also sell proper distilled water at pharmacies but they only give you so much...
The nearest Halfords is a trek away from where I live, and the bus would cost more than the cost of delivery... Plus its free delivery from the Halfords website...
for the 5870 and 5870 E6 you will want to use this block This block comes with thermal paste and heatpads for the ram and power. Also the key thing to when looking around to buy this block, look for this part number... 3831109835043 The 5780 E6 has some mem chips on the back of the card, however these have some heatpads which can be reused if carefull or use whatever is left from the water block kit, in which will stick to the black back plate fitted on the 5870 E6 as part of the stock cooler. The instructions for the block are quite clear and easy to follow with regards to fitting the block I would recommend this non conductive fluid should you be unfortunate enough to spring a leak.
If you want a non-conductive fluid don't add anything to deionised/distilled water. Even that, over time, will become conductive. If the block isn't listed on the EK Configurator I'd check with them to make sure which one fits. If there isn't a perfect fit for GPU, VRAM and VRMs you could have problems.
I ordered a load of deionised water Is the Nickle version preferable over the plain copper one, to stop galvanic corrosion?
You'd only get galvanic corrosion if you have aluminium in your loop which these days is unlikely. I personally think the nickel and delrin blocks look best. A nickel block doesn't tarnish either.
I use both a silver coil and King British Green Algae Control (from Wilkinsons) on the principle that it'll probably take a while for the silver ions to get assimilated in the water.
I've never been sure how long it takes for the silver ions to be effective which is why I put the algae control in as well. It only needs a drop per litre and costs under £4 with enough in the bottle to last roughly 300 years.