Custom WaterCooling Kit

[SpyderX]

Since I'm upgrading my "main parts" of my PC and I'm going to overclock, I'm at first going to use the SLK800 + YS Tech fan to start out with... and then when I have the money, I plan to buy the parts to make my watercooling kit.
I was just wondering what are the parts needed for watercooling,
I know you need at least the
-water block for the processors, video cards and etc
-pumper
-special liquid

Bleh, i forgot can someone please list them or link me to a great reference page?
Also, how much is a decent watercooling kit (custom built, i mean using all at least decent parts) and the same for a better watercooling kit? Thanks!

 

[Gretzky]

Im a newb in watercooling also but I did some research and I really like the innovatek watercooling kits.

Especially the Innovatek Water Cooling Kit 3 - Socket 478 and it costs 254 dollars at frozencpu. It comes with everything except the chipset waterblock.

When i build my new system sometime in the summer I will first go witht he stock hsf from intel and then buy the watercooling kit. Saves me atleast 50 bucks on buying a seperate heatsink and fan. I read many threads with people having nice overclocks with the stock heatsink and fan.

 

[BigJ]

Originally posted by: SpyderX
Since I'm upgrading my "main parts" of my PC and I'm going to overclock, I'm at first going to use the SLK800 + YS Tech fan to start out with... and then when I have the money, I plan to buy the parts to make my watercooling kit.
I was just wondering what are the parts needed for watercooling,
I know you need at least the
-water block for the processors, video cards and etc
-pumper
-special liquid

Bleh, i forgot can someone please list them or link me to a great reference page?
Also, how much is a decent watercooling kit (custom built, i mean using all at least decent parts) and the same for a better watercooling kit? Thanks!

Waterblock is only completely necessary for the CPU, Swiftech and the Maze series of waterblocks are quite nice.
You'll also be needing a reservoir (which you can just have as a bucket of water with the pump placed inside inside your case if its big enough). Make sure that the reservoir is air tight so if you accidently hit your system nothing spills.

Also, you're going to need a radiator which draws the heat from the water running through it (radiator will usually come with at least a 120mm fan).

Also, make sure you get proper tubing. Try to get around 1/2" tubing, either way make sure that all your measurements add up (pump tube diameter, waterblock diameter, tube size, etc).

As for liquid, you don't need anything else besides DISTILLED water and a few drops of a solution called Water Wetter. That will protect your water from allowing anything to grow in it. Do not use regular tap water unless absolute necessary.

For an average watercooling kit, look around $140-$150, if you want a real nice one, look to spend about $200-$220.

Anyone whos got more information feel free to critique anything I said here.

 

[SpyderX]

Originally posted by: Gretzky
Im a newb in watercooling also but I did some research and I really like the innovatek watercooling kits.

Especially the Innovatek Water Cooling Kit 3 - Socket 478 and it costs 254 dollars at frozencpu. It comes with everything except the chipset waterblock.

When i build my new system sometime in the summer I will first go witht he stock hsf from intel and then buy the watercooling kit. Saves me atleast 50 bucks on buying a seperate heatsink and fan. I read many threads with people having nice overclocks with the stock heatsink and fan.

Oh yeah that's true...*slaps myself* And I was going to buy a SLK800 + YS Tech fan to use until I get the watercooling kit...although with stock hsf ill have to be careful o/cing...

 

[SpyderX]

Originally posted by: BigJ2078

Originally posted by: SpyderX
Since I'm upgrading my "main parts" of my PC and I'm going to overclock, I'm at first going to use the SLK800 + YS Tech fan to start out with... and then when I have the money, I plan to buy the parts to make my watercooling kit.
I was just wondering what are the parts needed for watercooling,
I know you need at least the
-water block for the processors, video cards and etc
-pumper
-special liquid

Bleh, i forgot can someone please list them or link me to a great reference page?
Also, how much is a decent watercooling kit (custom built, i mean using all at least decent parts) and the same for a better watercooling kit? Thanks!

Waterblock is only completely necessary for the CPU, Swiftech and the Maze series of waterblocks are quite nice.
You'll also be needing a reservoir (which you can just have as a bucket of water with the pump placed inside inside your case if its big enough). Make sure that the reservoir is air tight so if you accidently hit your system nothing spills.

Also, you're going to need a radiator which draws the heat from the water running through it (radiator will usually come with at least a 120mm fan).

Also, make sure you get proper tubing. Try to get around 1/2" tubing, either way make sure that all your measurements add up (pump tube diameter, waterblock diameter, tube size, etc).

As for liquid, you don't need anything else besides DISTILLED water and a few drops of a solution called Water Wetter. That will protect your water from allowing anything to grow in it. Do not use regular tap water unless absolute necessary.

For an average watercooling kit, look around $140-$150, if you want a real nice one, look to spend about $200-$220.

Anyone whos got more information feel free to critique anything I said here.

Wow, I was thinking about $300 or so for a really good one. $200 isn't too bad *No I'm not rich xP lol i wish i was* and we're talking about custom watercoolers right, where we make the kit ourselves (more like buy different parts ourselves) and it's not a package...

 

[lastig21]

From what I've read, the Innovatek w/c systems are incredibly nice for ease of install/looks/and noise reduction. They do leave some to be desired in performace though. I have owned/used a generic waterblock, a maze 2, and a Swiftech MCW-462. The swiftech is far superior in looks/overall quality. It performed only slightly better than the maze 2 though, so the Maze 3 would probably match it. They both greatly outperformed the generic waterblock.

A reservoir isn't necessary, but helps out immensely. It acts as an air trap to bleed your lines, and also makes filling a snap.

Don't skimp on the radiator. If you need something cheap, buy a heatercore from a local auto-parts store. If you want something that looks nice and is easy to mount in a case, I suggest the Xtreme Ice from DangerDen.

The innovatek kit would probably be a good starting kit for you, especially if you just want the great looks and noise reduction. If you want some better performace, design your own system with quality parts.

I'm currently using:
Swiftech MCW462-UHT for the block
Eheim 1250
homemade reservoir
DangerDen Xtreme Ice radiator
all 1/2" tubing

 

[SpyderX]

With watercooling, I don't plan to skimp on anything especially since I'm overclocking, I would really like to see how far I can o/c without burning (probably wont try that extreme but ...)

 

[SpyderX]

Last question - Would it be better to buy a kit that has almost/everything you need for watercooling or just buying different parts to make the kit yourself?

 

[Technonut]

Last question - Would it be better to buy a kit that has almost/everything you need for watercooling or just buying different parts to make the kit yourself?

Personally, I like choosing the right components for performance and to fit the particular case I am installing the gear in. You have to plan on the radiator size carefully. (heatercores take up much space) Also 120mm fan openings should be available or have room to be put for the radiator. Most kits that I have seen usually include something that I would want to change. Short answer... purchase the parts separately.

 

[SpyderX]

Keep the coolers outside or inside of the case?

 

[Technonut]

If you are talking about the radiator, pump, and fans... Well, you could build an external enclosure if you want to. I prefer to have everything inside my case. I do have an acrylic setup that I had a custom made bottom enclosure built for. (I am still working on it) Picture I do like to use reservoirs, and have this Bay Reservoir installed in one of my rigs.

EDIT: Fixed links...

 

[SpyderX]

Would everything fit in a Lian-Li 60 case? I think it's Mid-Tower... It's not a FULL tower... Thats the problem. Might have to be outside right?
BTW what are some really great OCing sites and some OCing guides for beginners, and the same with watercooling? I already forgot what all the parts I need for watercooling.

 

[Technonut]

Overclockers.com

Overclockers Forums

Procooling Forums

Those should get you started....

 

[SpyderX]

Well, when I get my new components and watercooling kit, I definitely want to clean up the inside of my case. I checked out rounded IDE cables but it only has one input, opposed to regular IDE cables that has one end to the motherboard and two "output" one for master and the other for slave/secondary. Is there such a rounded IDE cable with 2 output for slave and secondary?

 

[Technonut]

A basic watercooling guide is Here and another one Here

 

[SpyderX]

Reading a lot of reviews on some name-branded watercooling kits could also give me an idea of what is needed and how everything works right? (Of course depends on the article but I think it would be help) *THINK