November 27, 2008

The 2008 geek gadget gift guide: GTX 200 Waterblock

Don't let your superhot graphics card overheat

Why you must have it: Your PC is tricked out with the ultimate graphics card, the EVGA GeForce GTX 260 or 280, using every one of those 500 watts in your monster power supply. But does that card get superhot, radiating like a supernova. EVGA's GTX 200 waterblock piggybacks on the GeForce, using water and copper to dissipate the heat, so the GeForce's performance is not compromised.

Your chances of having the first one on the block: Fair, since extreme gamers knew about the waterblock add-on as soon as it became available earlier this year.

What you must know: If you have a GeForce already, you know that your system can handle its voracious power needs. If not, be sure you have a handle on the 500W power supply and other specs.

What you need: A Windows PC with a GeForce GTX 260 or 280 graphics card, a free PCI slot next to it, and enough power and venting to run the GeForce. The GTX 200 costs $179.

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Galen Gruman is executive editor of InfoWorld for features and news.
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