The EK Titan/GTX780 water block comes in many different versions. Originally there was the first edition which came in the following versions:
Nickel/Plexi
Nickel/Acetal
Copper/Plexi
Copper/Acetal
Copper/Acetal XXL
Nickel/Acetal XXL
As well as some variations on the plain or CSQ finish. The Nickel/Plexi non CSQ version looks like this:
It is known by some as the “goldfish edition” as when filled with dye it looks somewhat like a fish:
There is no difference in performance between any of the first edition blocks, the choice is purely aesthetic and EK should be applauded for providing so many options.
The second edition “SE” block on the other hand re works the VRM area and keeps the GPU core cooling the same. It no longer has an XXL version because the XXL has now become the default across all versions:
EK packaging is similar for both versions the only difference is the size:
All EK packaging is consistent across the range which is nice. It gives you more confidence that everything else has been handled properly too:
Inside are the usual parts: Instructions, TIM, thermal pads, screws and stop fittings:
The block has raised areas where the thermal pads should be fitted for the memory and VRMs:
All the screws are the same type which is nice, and a screw/nut combination is provided to secure the metal bracket that surrounds the monitor connections to the PCB itself. The ports are located on a “bridge” style connector that is removable and can be replaced by a multi card bridge instead:
The backplate is bought seperately and does not come in a box:
It’s a plain simple black:
The product name and EK logo are in the corner and it comes with thermal pads for the rear VRMs as well as screws to mount it:
It is a full cover backplate unlike the Koolance:
Aesthetically the finish on both EK cards was very good and it’s certainly not ugly. The nickel plexi really cries out for some dye to highlight it’s design.
Internals
These are taken after testing so some wear and tear on the block is expected.
First Edition:
The staining is caused by EK coolant which was there for some prettier photos.
The plexi is hard to show the detail of the machining on, so this photo has severely raised contrast to try and help.
Second Edition:
No staining this time because no dye was used:
Performance
For detailed thermal results please see the detailed results page. Looking first at core temperatures for a single GPU loop it can be seen that the EK although at the bottom of the pack is less than 2C below the leader:
However when running 3 gpus in parallel the flow would drop and the EK block performs more poorly. Here it is 4.5C worse than the leading XSPC block:
EK’s thin thermal pads however bring it a lead when it comes to VRAM performance:
The same holds true for VRM temperatures where additional thermal pads on the inductors also help to keep the board cool:
The block is very high flow, a very close second place:
Fitting
Overall I had no problems following the instructions and fitting the block to the card . I did not notice any card warp or other issues. TIM spread was very good and it’s hard to find a fault with the block.
Conclusion
Thermally both EK blocks performed similarly so there’s not much value in getting hung up on first edition vs second. Both the blocks performed at the tail end of the results with respect to the GPU core, but at the very top where VRAM and VRM temperatures are concerned. I hope the low flow performance will be fixed on future GPU blocks from EK as this will go a long way to ironing out the last wrinkles in their design.
The price is good and it’s very high flow. The outstanding VRM thermal results make it a very good choice for the hardcore overclocker who is willing to modify their bios to achieve higher power limits. With the recent discoveries that can push Titan to 1.3V+ VRM temperatures are a much larger concern now than at launch.
A great block that does well at everything but is let down at the last post by the poor performance at low flow.
Gold Award – 9/10
Where to buy: PPCs $99-109, Backplate: $29
Next -> EVGA
