i'm planning start my own liquid cooling loop to replace AiO liquid kits in the near future.
i'm having a bit of difficulty deciding between 2 very different blocks for my cpu, that would affect the mobo cooling.

to start off... this mobo comes with VRM heat-sinks, although they likely do not help in any way to transfer hear off the vrm's. just aesthetic stuff really.
something to note is that i've read a few comments around the web, that these VRM's can be hotter than most. i imagine due to the power phases, among other things i don't know.
it was these comments that lead me to debate which route to go.

mobo
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/tqKhP6/asus-maximus-x-hero-wi-fi-ac-atx-lga1151-motherboard-maximus-x-hero-wi-fi-ac

monoblock
https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-fb-asus-m9h-monoblock-nickel

nude block
https://nudecnc.eu/product/ncore-v1/


i'd rather use the nude block for obvious cpu benefits. but the over-all protection of a monoblock is also very enticing.
any thoughts? note: i do not plan to buy extra blocks for VRM's, even if i don't buy the monoblock.

edit: something else to note is that i have an open case with "ZERO" current case-fans.
if i don't buy the monoblock, i can attach 2x 75mm case fans over the VRM's.

This post was edited by tagged4nothing on Nov 22 2018 05:57pm

For piece of mind just get the monoblock

It's not going to greatly affect your CPU cooling, if that's what you're worried about.

Monoblock will be your friend. If you're concerned about it not transferring the same amount of heat as the nude, go to a thicker rad

there are a couple reasons ranging from stats to lack of experience.

with the nude block there is no need for the IHS, no need to add metals and reseal. it mounts directly on the chip. this is my lack of experience thing i worry of. i've never de-lidded before, which i'm not as worried about as i am re-lidding.
i'm sure i can handle it, but it would have been a nice step to skip i guess.

i've had plans for the monoblock since day 1 of my build though, so it's not like it's a step down to use the mono. it's just a step in a different direction.
honestly i think you guys are right though. i'm probably better off with the monoblock for all-around protection. especially in a fanless setup.

thicker rad will definitely help, but the nude block is so much closer to chip than any other cooling product.
the nude block is able to transfer the larger usage spikes at a much better rate than anything mounted to the IHS.

i could be wrong in my thoughts, but it's the spikes that worry more than general long-term usage. that's more the stats of why i wanted the nude block recently.
still, those extra 80mm fans over the VRM would be a bit tacky in this build. the monoblock would help keep this build fanless, outside of rad fans ofc.

Even if you de lid, it will still be flush with either block.

If you go thicker on the rad, be sure to check clearances. IE, 8 pin mobo area, RAM slots with fans installed, ect.

What GPU are you cooling?

This post was edited by HyphyIll on Nov 23 2018 12:49pm

i'm not sure i'm following you on the flush with block comment.

rads should have clearance with most options.

CASE
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/8jL7YJ/thermaltake-core-p3-se-atx-mid-tower-case-ca-1g4-00m1wn-02

it has a section dedicated purely to rad mounting.

GPU
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/z7RFf7/evga-geforce-gtx-1080-8gb-ftw-hybrid-gaming-video-card-08g-p4-6288-kr
my current gpu is the EVGA 1080 FTW hybrid. it's an AiO liquid and air cooling unit.
this gpu will be sold off and traded up for 2x gpu's in SLI or equivalent.

it will depend on pricing of certain gpu's when i'm ready to start.
i will likely settle with 2x 1080 ti's. but if prices somehow drop just before i start this, i may upgrade those to a titan variant.

This post was edited by tagged4nothing on Nov 23 2018 12:57pm

If you care about anesthetics go monoblock. I mean are you trying to go for a huge oc? Keeping your vrms cool can be a part of a stable oc

i'd like to push it's limits for a short time. i'm mostly just having fun with the build.
i'll go monoblock. tbh, i just wasn't sure if the VRM's really needed the cooling, since i was only going off a few peoples issues.

Unless you're going extremely high oc, don't bother with de lidding. Get a nice thick rad and some good fans and you're solid

well. my best stable OC is 5.235 during stress tests like cinebench. but as mentioned in a separate thread, i've dialed this back due to the season.

the highest aisuite III has taken this chip is 5.4, but it was jittery even in bios. i did not stress test that setting and just reset it.
delidding, i kind of want to do even if only for the experience of doing so. i am in debate over this though. it seems i got a rather decent silicone lottery pick on this chip.
if i could be running stable @ 5.3 all year long, with idles @ 32C and under... i could be wrong, but i think i really did kind of win the lotto with this one, would hate to ruin that on accident.