VRM heatsinks are essential for managing heat in power supplies, ensuring stable performance and longevity.
VRM heatsinks are essential for managing heat in power supplies, ensuring stable performance and longevity.
I was considering buying the EK x MSI z490 motherboard and monoblock setup for a fresh build. I’m interested in setting up a custom loop for the upcoming 3000-series GPUs and wondered how feasible it would be to use air cooling on a 10900k CPU with stock heatsinks until then.
MSI Z490 is a motherboard model from MSI, designed for various computing needs.
https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-quantum-msi...ek-x-d-rgb its msi z490 carbon ekx
It looks like a poor choice, a 10900k might consume more than 200W, reaching 300 when overclocked.
https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/MPG-Z490-CARBON-EK-X never heard of it but it's a thing. couldn't find anything about it's vrm and how efficient they are, but from what i can see, the vrm heatsink is a separate thing from the block, so you can maybe remove the block and keep the heatsink, as if the mofets can stay cool without a heat sink when cooling a 10900k, im not sure as i wasn't able to find anything about it's vrm.
Thank you for the input. I hadn't intended to proceed with overclocking until I established the loop configuration. If it remains uncertain, I can simply purchase a standard motherboard and explore a CPU block later once I'm prepared to set up the loop.
It's a Gaming Carbon design without VRM heatsinks—that's really odd. I'd prefer another board instead. Water-cooled VRMs don't make sense when better VRMs are available, and they're not necessary here. The Z490 Gaming Edge WIFI matches the same VRMs and handles a 10900K with stock heatsinks and some airflow in the case, all for about $200. I'd opt for a Z490 Unify, which offers stronger VRMs that won't need water or fans directly on them, even under heavy load.
Absolutely, I see now it might be the same VRM but definitely similar. Strong agreement with that. @ObeyFrank it seems like a gaming pro carbon with a block on it, which wouldn't handle a 10900k without a heatsink. Consider getting a better board or just using the same one but removing the block and adding one.