Help me get a QUIET watercooling system

[sparkle]

I am finally going to water cool, more so for noise, than for performance.

Today is the first time I have ever seriously looked at cooling kits, and was surprised to see there are still fans involved. Since I am concerned with noise, this was a big shock to me. Which leads me to the first question. Are the pumps loud?

That being said, I would really appreciate advice on a cooling system that is as quiet as possible and offers some flexibility. IE: I would like to replace my video card fan, and possible add HDD cooling into the mix, if possible.

If there are any pre-boxed kits let me know, I am also open to the idea of buying misc. pieces. I would like to budget $150-$200

Almost forgot to mention, I would like to be able to fit all this inside my case if possible. (Lian-Li PC65)

Thanks in advance!

 

[Tiamat]

1. Zalman reserator (does not fit in your case)

2. You will have to mod your case for 120mm radiator (120mm fans are quieter than 80mm)

3. I dont see how internal water cooling can possibly be quieter than a quiet air cooled system. (XP120 + yateloon D12SL, 2x D12SL as exhaust and intake, Seasonic S12 430, new case that supports 120mm fans vs: radiator + 120 x 38mm fan, pump.)

 

[sparkle]

I thought water was supposed to be quiter than air. Perhaps I should look into quiet air stuff?

I really just want this thing to be quiet. I guess depending on cost i could replace the case...

 

[Tiamat]

air cooling can be just as quiet as water cooling. Only benefit to water cooling is added overclocking ability.

If you get a zalman reserator and have a S12 430 as psu, the loud part of your computer will be your harddrives (assuing you have water cooled NB)

2x Nexus 120mm fans = 32$ -- i couldnt find the D12SL
3x Zalman Fan controller = 15$
Thermalright XP-90 = 30$
Panaflo 92mm L1BX = 8$
S12 430 = 83$

Check out svc.com, jab-tech.com, pcalchemy.com

A good case would be the antec 3000B ~ 55$

 

[Operandi]

Originally posted by: sparkle
I thought water was supposed to be quiter than air. Perhaps I should look into quiet air stuff?

I really just want this thing to be quiet. I guess depending on cost i could replace the case...

I would say air is just as quiet or even quieter then water, due to pump noise.

 

[musgrattios]

Pumps vary in noise, but most are quieter than a fan. For the quietest PC possible, I would do water with a CPU and GPU block, get a good quality pump, and go find the quietest fan possible. Replacing the GPU fan, which is probably the loudest thing on your computer, makes it worth it from a noise level standpoint. Don't water your hard drive; it's a waste of money. Instead, use that money to get a better pump or CPU block.