How to tell if GPU has reference pcb before buying?

[jappe66]

So I'm upgrading my water cooling build and I was just wondering how could I tell before buying a gpu if it had reference pcb or not. I have a few options in my mind and I'm planning to plant a Watercool water block on the card.

Waterblock: http://shop.watercool.de/epages/WatercooleK.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/WatercooleK/Products/15550

GPU Option #1: http://www.jimms.fi/tuote/ZT-90101-10P
GPU Option #2: http://www.jimms.fi/tuote/N97V-1SDN-M5DSX

Now the Inno3D model has the HerculeZ X2 cooling on it so it might or might not have reference pcb.

 

[thismafiaguy]

Unless the card manufacturer specifies it, the only other way that I know of is to look at the back of the card itself. If you're wondering whether it will fit your block, you should mainly be concerned with where the mounting points are.

 

[jappe66]

Yeah, thanks for the tip. But that means I still have to order a card first and open the box to see the mounting holes and if it doesn't fit my block I don't think I can return the card anymore because the package was opened :/

It was easier with my current card because I had it before I had the block and Watercool had a custom block for sale made for XFX's custom pcb.

Edit: I tried EK's cooling configurator and it said their block fits both of those cards listed above. So I'd guess Watercool's block fits there as well. Though EK has those nice plexi blocks so I could try one of those this time

 

[thismafiaguy]

Well I was going to say that you could easily find images of the PCB for both of these cards on Google and unboxing videos for them on YouTube. But looks like EK has done that for you!

 

[jappe66]

I'll keep that in mind for the future! Thanks for your reply.