Hi there,
 
I just pre-ordered the the EVGA GTX 1080 Ti SC Black Ed. GPU, and I have a couple of questions regarding practicality and aestheticism.
 
Firstly, I noticed that the step up from the GTX 1080 Ti SC Black(GTX 1080 Ti SC2) has EVGA iCX Technology, which apparently makes use of 9 or so built in temp sensors for more effective cooling config. What I want to know is if I plan to put a water block on the GPU anyway, does this extra feature even matter?
 
Secondly, Since I am clearly going to install a water block on my GTX 1080 Ti SC Black, I've been shopping around for one to buy. I really like the aesthetic of the EKWB GTX 1080 Ti water block, but so far they have only released one for the founders edition card, which does not accommodate the extra DVI slot that EVGA decided to add to the SC Black version. I'm sure EKWB will release another water block for the SC Black version of the GPU soon enough, but I really like the idea of having a single slot GPU, just looks cleaner. How difficult/risky would it be for me to try and de-solder/remove the DVI port, so I can use the current EK water block and go with a single slot setup?(I know this will void the warranty) Or is it simply too risky? I've considered cancelling my pre-order to just buy the Founders Edition card, but it just wouldn't sit well with me to know that I could've bought a GPU with better performance and a higher base clock than the Founders Edition card for the same price.
 
What are your thoughts?
 
Thanks and cheers,
 
KingK
 
Here is are some pics of the EKWB i want to use:

Wow that looks so damn clean I love it. Now you are making me rethink the SC card. I wonder if the SC edition of a ek wb would be single slot too? Maybe not bc of dvi idk

Thanks for all of your replies. I do really appreciate the insight. I'm still pretty torn though. What would you guys do? Single slot FE? Or keep the beefier card and just live with the dual slot design?
 

xaxas
Wow that looks so damn clean I love it. Now you are making me rethink the SC card. I wonder if the SC edition of a ek wb would be single slot too? Maybe not bc of dvi idk

Doesn't it? I think you are feeling what I am. I saw that design, now I just have to have it in my rig. It's awesome.
 

Scarlet-Tech
The black doesnt have icx technology. It has an icx cooler, there is a big difference that the black only has the cooler, not the sensors.

I'm aware, I was asking about the SC2 card which does have iCX Technology and whether it even mattered for people who are going to watercool. My guess is no.

Scarlet-Tech
I suggest getting the Titan X Pascal waterblock

I saw this option via EKWB's online configurator, but it has been confirmed by EKWB that they will release a water block for the SC and other versions of the card in late May 2017. Since EKWB etches the name of the card into the water block I'd rather have the one for my card.

My apologies about the black versus sc2 mixup.

I would be patient. If EK is releasing specific blocks for the Sc2 and black, I would definitely go for the SC2 in a heart beat.

You need to test the card on air for a little while anyway, to make sure it works properly, so a little bit of a wait wouldnt hurt anything.

bump

EVGATech_BrandonS
Personally, I would say just to go with the Founder's Edition if you're planning on adding a water block. Most of the time you'll get close to the same performance by overclocking yourself, and it will be easier finding a water block that will work. 

Yeah over the past few days I've been heavily contemplating it. It seems like just going with the FE card is a better option at this point. After some research it looks like for most of the graphic intensive things I'll be doing, the FE card will more than suffice. I tend to get big eyed rather than realistic at times :P