GTX 1060 Hits 2,202 MHz with DIY Copper Pipe Cooling System, Achieves 13% Performance Boost

BigGo Editorial Team
GTX 1060 Hits 2,202 MHz with DIY Copper Pipe Cooling System, Achieves 13% Performance Boost

An innovative DIY cooling approach has breathed new life into the aging Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060, demonstrating that creative thermal solutions can unlock significant performance gains even in older hardware. The project showcases how unconventional cooling methods can push graphics cards well beyond their stock specifications.

Benchmark results showcasing the performance improvement of the overclocked GTX 1060 with custom cooling
Benchmark results showcasing the performance improvement of the overclocked GTX 1060 with custom cooling

Custom Copper Pipe Cooling System

Overclocking enthusiast TrashBench developed an elaborate custom cooling solution using copper pipes sourced from a home improvement store. The setup involved crushing and reshaping copper piping to ensure optimal contact with critical components on the graphics card's PCB, including the VRM modules and VRAM chips. These copper elements were secured using G-clamps and integrated into a water cooling loop that featured a jerry can filled with ice water serving as the reservoir. The entire cooling apparatus was positioned away from the main PC using an extended riser cable for safety and practicality.

Record-Breaking Overclocking Results

The custom cooling system enabled the Asus GTX 1060 6GB to reach a stable core frequency of 2,202 MHz while maintaining stock BIOS settings and voltage levels. This achievement was accomplished through careful tuning using MSI Afterburner software, with continuous temperature monitoring throughout the process. The overclocked configuration proved stable enough to complete full benchmark runs, demonstrating the effectiveness of the unconventional cooling approach.

Benchmark Performance Gains

The performance improvements were substantial and measurable through 3DMark Fire Strike testing. The stock-cooled GTX 1060 initially achieved a respectable score of 12,675 points before the modifications. Following the installation of the custom cooling system, the same card reached 14,302 points, representing a nearly 13% improvement in overall benchmark performance. This significant gain highlights the thermal limitations that typically constrain graphics card performance under stock cooling conditions.

Competitive Rankings Achievement

The overclocking success translated into impressive competitive standings on official benchmark leaderboards. TrashBench's modified GTX 1060 secured positions in the global top five rankings for systems equipped with Intel Core i5-12600KF processors. More remarkably, the enthusiast managed to claim all six top positions in the GTX 1060 category, demonstrating consistent performance across multiple benchmark runs and establishing dominance in this specific hardware configuration.

Future Projects and Expansion Plans

Building on this success, TrashBench has announced intentions to apply similar modification techniques to other graphics cards, with the GTX 1080 Ti identified as the next target for experimentation. The upcoming project may incorporate additional modifications beyond cooling improvements, including potential voltage adjustments to further enhance overclocking capabilities. This progression suggests continued exploration of extreme cooling solutions for legacy graphics hardware, potentially inspiring other enthusiasts to pursue similar modifications.