With the launch of the GTX 1080, we’ve seen some of our usual releases with hybrid coolers and AIO liquid cooled designs. MSI was the first with their GTX 1080 SeaHawk. Now, Gigabyte has joined the ranks of AIO liquid cooling GPU with their new Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 XTREME GAMING AIO Liquid Cooling. Unlike the WINDFORCXE 3X solution we’re expecting on the regular XTREME GAMING card, this one features an AIO liquid cooler.
Dubbed WATERFORCE, the cooler largely consists of a copper waterblock and plate of the GPU and VRAM. For the VRMs, an aluminum heatsink is provided with a copper heat-pipe to connect it to the copper base. The copper block is then cooled by AIO liquid cooler which leads to a thin 120mm aluminium radiator, and unique 120mm fan design that reportedly offers 23% more airflow. The tubing of the cooler is braided for extra protection. Unlike the SeaHawk, Gigabyte has opted for no fan on the card itself at all, going 100% liquid cooling.
Other included features are the extra connections for use with VR heatsets and of course the now backplate for high-end cards. Gigabyte has also included LED indicators to warn if the PSU is supplying abnormal power or if the PCIe power connectors are disconnected. Power delivery is robust with 12+2 phases and dual 8 pin PCI power connectors. No word has been given on pricing so far.
