Test Platform Specifications:Liquid3D's Test Setup |
| CPU | Intel Pentium 4 S478 3Ghz “Prescott”
- Arctic Silver 5 |
| Mainboard | Asus P4C800-E Deluxe (BIOS 1017) |
| Memory | Kingston HyperX PC3200 2Gb Kit |
| Other Components | Sapphire X800 Pro
OCZ PowerStream 420W PSU
TTGI USA TT-561 Case (without side panels) |
Water Cooling Components:
CPU:
- Cool Cases CC Magic Silver CPU
- Hydor L40, Double heatwear Core
- 2x120mm/92CFM Sunons
- 1/2” tubing.
GPU:
- Danger Den MAZE4 GPU block
- Hydor L30 (320Gph)
- Black Ice Xtreme
- 2x120mm/92CFM Sunons
- 1/2” tubing.
Ambient Room Temp 15°C !
Case/SYS temp 20°C
Now let's take a look at the temperature differences between stock GPU-HSF and the MAZE4. As I stated earlier, the L adapter allows the return feed from the MAZE4 to be angled, so no tension is placed on the graphics card. The height of the Black Ice radiator’s outlet which feeds the MAZE4 happens to be ideally suited.
The first screenshot below exemplifies the temperature with stock HSF on the Sapphire X800 Pro.
Not a bad temp actually, of course GPU's will run much hotter when stressed then any other chip. A CPU might idle at 35°C to 50°C, however; it won't raise much more then 20% to 30% of its default operating temps when pushed. GPU's on other hand will easily rise from an idle temp of 35°C to 55°C, running 30% to 50% above its default operating temp under duress (intensive 3D cycles).
Our next Screenshot exemplifies idle temp after the installation of the MAZE4
This is an excellent temp, and has opened my eye to the potential of water cooling the GPU. To determine the accuracy of the internal thermal diode in the R420 core I decided to insert a thermistor as close to the core as possible without disrupting thermal contact.
Using TTGI USA SF609 Fan Master with its external temperature probes, I measured idle and load temps.
Idle corresponds closely ATI's R420 internal thermal diode, as can be seen below. If you recall the internal diode read 24°C
To clear up any confusion the 40°C temp on the display, it is one of the adjustable alarm temperatures on the SF609's. I'm inclined to trust the 26.1C temp as indicated by the SF609 thermistor. I inserted the thermistor and remounted the MAZE4 GPU block several times to insure placement was as accurate as possible. The next photo is the temperature reading looping 3DMark03.
This is an excellent temp given the fact it was the fifth consecutive 3DMark03 loop, and the card was simultaneously overclocked to 500Mhz core and 483Mhz speed. The crop below indicates the overclocked speeds and 3DMark03 score. Prior to installing this water cooling my scores hadn't surpassed 11K.
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