14 DAY TRIAL // The air-based cooler on the ASUS GeForce GTX 980 Strix graphics card is pretty strong compared to the reference model, and should be able to run more silently too, but it might not be enough for overclockers, so EK has developed a water block for it.
Then again, it's not like overclocking is the only reason you might want water-based cooling instead of air-based one. The silent operational benefit is a pretty strong incentive itself.
Besides, some people might already have a water cooling system, so the chance to include the new video card in it is always welcome.
The problem is that water blocks aren't as interchangeable on graphics cards as they are for coolers. The PCBs are too different.
Fortunately, there is no shortage of cooling companies, so there are water blocks and even all-in-one, closed-loop liquid coolers for most high-end video cards.
EK releases the EK-FC980 GTX Strix
The ASUS Strix GeForce GTX 980 video board was released back in September, along with the Strix GTX 970, the latter of which doesn't have any bearing on today's news.
It has GPU clocks of 1,178 / 1,279 MHz Base/Boost, instead of the standard 1,126 MHz base / 1,216 MHz that NVIDIA settled on.
It also has 4 GB of GDDR5 VRAM operating at 7 GHz (this wasn't changed from the original NVIDIA specification at least).
The new water block from EK, called EK-FC980 GTX Strix, fully covers the printed circuit board (PCB), making direct contact with the GPU, the RAM chips and the voltage regulation module (VRM).
With water flowing directly over those areas, the temperature is sure to stay lower than what the dual-fan cooler can achieve.
Even liquid cooling systems with weak water pumps will be able to properly use the EK-FC980 GTX Strix, as will reverse water flow.
As for materials, the base is made of nickel-plated electrolytic copper, while the top can be acrylic or made of quality POM Acetal material.
Availability and pricing
As is customary for EK water blocks, the EK-FC980 GTX Strix can be accompanied by a backplate if you're willing to pay extra (€29.95 / $29.95 for a black normal one, €37.95 / $37.95 for a Nickel one). The block itself is priced at €112.95 / $112.95 (Nickel) or €114.95 / $114.95 (Acetal+Nickel).
Sales of the product will begin in early December 2014, through the EK Webshop and Partner Reseller Network.
