Inno3D has revealed the first images of its upcoming Black Freezer GTX 470 and 480 graphics cards which feature a pre-fitted waterblock.
The rather neat looking cards have a near-full PCB waterblock factory-fitted by Inno3D, making them super-easy to integrate with an existing watercooling system without voiding the cards' warranties - and without the need to purchase third-part add-ons.
Strangely, the cards appear to still be double-slot in width - meaning that they'll take up both your PCI-Express slot plus the slot next to it - despite the waterblock having top-mounted connections and requiring no airflow over its surface. Whether this is due to complex internal construction that will ensure optimum performance from the waterblock is something that will have to await thorough testing.
Sadly, while Inno3D is eager to whet peoples' appetites with a sneak peak, it's being a little more cagey on the details: according to Fudzilla the company is being unnecessarily tight lipped about this upcoming release. What is known is that the Black Freezer watercooled cards will be available with both the Nvidia GTX 470 and GTX 480 GPUs, but the precise specifications of the cards are as yet unknown.
Another unknown is the construction of the waterblock: while guesses are made as to the material - most likely either aluminium or some form of plated copper - the company is again keeping quiet until closer to the launch.
Likewise, the company has yet to announce availability or - crucially - pricing for either card.
Does the idea of a pre-fitted waterblock take some of the DIY fun out of the whole watercooling concept for you, or could you see yourself in the market for a no-faff watercooled graphics card? Share your thoughts over in the forums.
The rather neat looking cards have a near-full PCB waterblock factory-fitted by Inno3D, making them super-easy to integrate with an existing watercooling system without voiding the cards' warranties - and without the need to purchase third-part add-ons.
Strangely, the cards appear to still be double-slot in width - meaning that they'll take up both your PCI-Express slot plus the slot next to it - despite the waterblock having top-mounted connections and requiring no airflow over its surface. Whether this is due to complex internal construction that will ensure optimum performance from the waterblock is something that will have to await thorough testing.
Sadly, while Inno3D is eager to whet peoples' appetites with a sneak peak, it's being a little more cagey on the details: according to Fudzilla the company is being unnecessarily tight lipped about this upcoming release. What is known is that the Black Freezer watercooled cards will be available with both the Nvidia GTX 470 and GTX 480 GPUs, but the precise specifications of the cards are as yet unknown.
Another unknown is the construction of the waterblock: while guesses are made as to the material - most likely either aluminium or some form of plated copper - the company is again keeping quiet until closer to the launch.
Likewise, the company has yet to announce availability or - crucially - pricing for either card.
Does the idea of a pre-fitted waterblock take some of the DIY fun out of the whole watercooling concept for you, or could you see yourself in the market for a no-faff watercooled graphics card? Share your thoughts over in the forums.
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