The water block

The water block is quite large (Danger Den also offers a low-profile version), utilizes a copper base with a Delrin/Acetal top. This is an ideal combination that prevents corrosion, as well as keeping the total weight of the block down. The top is beautifully machined with a “DD” logo engraved into it. On two sides of the block, a “Warranty void if removed” sticker is present. This does not refer to the complete refund warranty, but to the fact that the block has been leak tested before it left the factory.


The bottom of the water block has several features. First, four big screws that hold the block together can be seen. Next, the area that makes direct contact with the core is raised above the level of its surroundings and is lapped (the rest of the copper is rough). Lastly, several holes are present for the mounting mechanism.

Installation

At first, I was going to install the block on a GeForce 6800 Ultra, but because I had done previous testing on a Radeon X800 GT, I decided to use that instead.



As the very first step, I removed the original heatsink from the X800GT, and cleaned up the thermal paste. I also removed the cellotape protecting the base of the block, and cleaned that too.



Next, I screwed the threaded rods into the block. I tightened them by hand, and then using a pair of pliers. I applied a thin layer of Arctic Silver Ceramique to the Radeon X800GT core. Lastly, I slid the block onto the core, clamped it down with the provided springs and nuts.

The mounting mechanism used is a very good one. As you can see from the pictures, I decided to reverse the brace. I did this just to make sure that it would not prevent the card from being fully inserted into the PCI-E slot.



I had to integrate the GPU block into my water cooling loop. Since my water cooling setup uses 3/8” tubing, I had to muscle it onto the ½” barbs. With everything in place, I filled the system, let it bleed, and observed it for 24 hours to check for leaks.