i7bigrig

Is there any performance benefit to be had by watercooling the new 5870s? After doing some research I see most people reaching the limit due to voltage, and not temperatures. Can anybody shed some light on this, as I'd like to know whether to go with stock or liquid cooling for the 5870s

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BlackHoleSon

I would say get whatever 5870 you can get your hands on.

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ChielScape

not sure. how hot do the VRM's get?

MrLinky

well the 5870s run pretty cool with the stock cooler. But i read an Anandtech article where the 5970 overclocks were crashing because the VRMs were hitting the 120C point. They pointed out that the 5970 and 5870 have identical cooling designs AND that the auto cooling fan speed is baised on core temp ONLY, and not the ram or vrms. If you wanted to oc for benching, then air is fine. But if you wanted to oc for games, i'd say water. Plus, ati is supposed to be releasing an updated catalist control center with better overclocking features soon.

Riou

Take these stories with a grain of salt. Another user on this forum has a 5970 that goes to 1GHz core clock and his VRMs only get to 99c with Furmark. Stock cooler. Definitely something was wrong with their cards.

MrLinky

very true, but also keep in mind that not everyone will be getting these golden 1GHz-on-air 5870 and 5970s. Its also heavily dependent on case air flow and ambient temps.

I guess, if you consider it on a mhz per dollar basis, then no, water wont let you go too much farther than air... i'd guess no more than 100 or 200 mhz extra. But if you have a large budget, or you're a hardcore enthusiest, then go for it.

EDIT: case in point: http://translate.google.com/translat...39%26page%3D11
On ln2, they got to 975mhz core clock. Now that 1000mhz air core clock is looking pretty spectacular

i7bigrig

Eh thats just sad, whats the point of WC these days

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Clockadile Dundee

The VRMs are a better match for the current on the 5870, so people haven't had any issues from what I have heard.

i7bigrig

Hey clock can i ask what rad you are using for your gtx 295 and i7?

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