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Universal GPU Block or Stock Heatsink?

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System Name Joel's Rig
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I'm currently planning my first watercooling loop for my system, but my card (look in my specs) isn't supported by any full water block.

I could either get a universal block (EK-Thermosphere), which would ensure that more of my system is watercooled (what I want) and will be quieter, but won't cover most of the circuitry and will give off a messy look, or just stick to the stock heatsink which will be louder but would look a lot cleaner.

I'm really stuck with which option to choose.
 

INSTG8R

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Surely Aqua Computer do a full block`?
 
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System Name Joel's Rig
Processor Intel i7-6700K (4 Cores, 4GHz)
Motherboard MSI Z170A GAMING M5
Cooling 3x 140mm Case Fans, Cooler Master Hyper TX3 Evo
Memory Kingston HyperX Fury (DDR4, 2x 8GB, 2133MHz) 16GB
Video Card(s) MSI AMD Radeon R9 290X (8GB VRAM)
Storage Samsung 840 EVO 120GB SSD, Samsung 850 EVO 250GB SSD, WD 3TB HDD
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Surely Aqua Computer do a full block`?
Nope, looked on a configuration website and it states that there are no full blocks for my GPU.
I've also looked on various online part stores and can't find any.

EDIT

Turns out there is one by Aqua Computers, cheers buddy :)
 
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You don't need a full cover block. They are mostly just for looks, although they do cool the whole card. The vrm and memory are easy to cool.

I know you just found a full cover block, but you would be just fine with a universal block and some of these.
 
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System Name Joel's Rig
Processor Intel i7-6700K (4 Cores, 4GHz)
Motherboard MSI Z170A GAMING M5
Cooling 3x 140mm Case Fans, Cooler Master Hyper TX3 Evo
Memory Kingston HyperX Fury (DDR4, 2x 8GB, 2133MHz) 16GB
Video Card(s) MSI AMD Radeon R9 290X (8GB VRAM)
Storage Samsung 840 EVO 120GB SSD, Samsung 850 EVO 250GB SSD, WD 3TB HDD
Display(s) Samsung U28E590D (28-Inch, 4K, 60Hz)
Case Corsair Carbide 600C
Audio Device(s) Realtek HD (Integrated)
Power Supply Corsair RM750i (750W)
Mouse Roccat Tyon
Keyboard Razer Blackwidow Chroma
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I'm concerned about the looks though, that's the issue, as this project is (at least) half about the appearance of my rig :)

Another query: I can't find any CPU blocks that support the Intel 1151 socket for my Skylake CPU. I'm currently using a heatsink that didn't say 1151 support, which I've managed to install, but with a lot of bending and a permanent warp to one or two of the securing pegs.
The CPU blocks that I've found support 1155 and 1150, like with my current heatsink - will I be able to fit them onto my socket?

EDIT
False alarm! Just read that the socket holes on the 1151 are placed the same as for the 1150 and 1155 sockets.
 
Last edited:
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Processor Intel i7-6700K (4 Cores, 4GHz)
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Cooling 3x 140mm Case Fans, Cooler Master Hyper TX3 Evo
Memory Kingston HyperX Fury (DDR4, 2x 8GB, 2133MHz) 16GB
Video Card(s) MSI AMD Radeon R9 290X (8GB VRAM)
Storage Samsung 840 EVO 120GB SSD, Samsung 850 EVO 250GB SSD, WD 3TB HDD
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Case Corsair Carbide 600C
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Something else I'm unsure about: I've just found a waterblock that fits over the VRM and CPU, which is stated to be made for the MSI Z170A M7 motherboard, I however, have the M5 version.
I've looked at where VRM's are on both boards, and they look to be in very identical places, but can people with more experience check and see what they think?

EK-FB MSI Z170G Monoblock
 
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I think your best bet with that would be to ask EK themselves about the dimensions. You could also ask MSi for the dimensions of the two boards and the VRM relative to CPU cooler holes, but they are pathetically slow in giving proper responses.
 
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Location
Swanmore, United Kingdom
System Name Joel's Rig
Processor Intel i7-6700K (4 Cores, 4GHz)
Motherboard MSI Z170A GAMING M5
Cooling 3x 140mm Case Fans, Cooler Master Hyper TX3 Evo
Memory Kingston HyperX Fury (DDR4, 2x 8GB, 2133MHz) 16GB
Video Card(s) MSI AMD Radeon R9 290X (8GB VRAM)
Storage Samsung 840 EVO 120GB SSD, Samsung 850 EVO 250GB SSD, WD 3TB HDD
Display(s) Samsung U28E590D (28-Inch, 4K, 60Hz)
Case Corsair Carbide 600C
Audio Device(s) Realtek HD (Integrated)
Power Supply Corsair RM750i (750W)
Mouse Roccat Tyon
Keyboard Razer Blackwidow Chroma
Software Windows 10 Pro
I think your best bet with that would be to ask EK themselves
Already done this and am awaiting a response.
I really hope this monoblock is compatible, because it would save so much money!
 
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