Newbie's Guide To WaterCooling

[WoodButcher]

Originally posted by: thepladfad
I didn't read through the ENTIRE thread to see if anyone else stated it, but perhaps it would be a good idea to add to the guide cases that are watercooling friendly?
If this is in the post I'm sorry and ignore me, but do not shoot me as I'm easy to hurt.

(edit: My 100th post and it's a possible stinker)

Haha, not a stinker, a valid question. Many manufacturers put two holes in the back w/ a couple of grommets then call it a watercooling case. To me the only watercooling freindly cases are those large enough to keep it all inside. Unless you've got space for the big towers you'll need to modify whatever case you get. I used a TJ08 for my quad, the TJ07 is one I would call WC freindly, or the Mountain Mod like Aigo has.

 

[Tim]

I'm going to start looking into selling my case and going with something that I won't have a super hard time with adding a water cooling setup. As of right now I'm using a thermaltake bigwater 760i, and I just don't like it. Don't get me wrong, it's doing the job, but I'm not feeling any satisfaction just throwing a kit that takes 20 mins to setup.

I might look into a tj08 or tj07 like you pointed out.

Perhaps a swiftec setup for watercooling, as I see a lot of people use their parts.

 

[WoodButcher]

Originally posted by: thepladfad
I'm going to start looking into selling my case and going with something that I won't have a super hard time with adding a water cooling setup. As of right now I'm using a thermaltake bigwater 760i, and I just don't like it. Don't get me wrong, it's doing the job, but I'm not feeling any satisfaction just throwing a kit that takes 20 mins to setup.

I might look into a tj08 or tj07 like you pointed out.

Perhaps a swiftec setup for watercooling, as I see a lot of people use their parts.

My TJ08 was a major mod, what I was trying to point out was something like an 07 would make water almost easy. When you've decided post your specs and Aigo will hook you up w/ the current "top dog" hardware.

 

[Tim]

After researching, it looks like the TJ07 would be the easiest to work with, So when I'm ready I'll go that route.

I've got a CPU and two nvidia cards to cool, so I'm thinking quad-rad, and the best pump possible.

Now to save up some $$ and make sure I plan during that time so that everything fits right.
When I'm ready to buy, I'll PM Aigo as you suggested.

Thanks :beer:

 

[DerwenArtos12]

Originally posted by: thepladfad
After researching, it looks like the TJ07 would be the easiest to work with, So when I'm ready I'll go that route.

I've got a CPU and two nvidia cards to cool, so I'm thinking quad-rad, and the best pump possible.

Now to save up some $$ and make sure I plan during that time so that everything fits right.
When I'm ready to buy, I'll PM Aigo as you suggested.

Thanks :beer:

A pair of MCR220's or an MCR220 and an MCR 320 depending on the video cards and whether or not you wat full cover or gpu only will work out quite well for you. You can fit dual PA series radiators in the bottom but, it gets pretty crowded pretty quick.

 

[Tim]

I am in love with this setup this guy made.
http://forums.techgage.com/showthread.php?t=2234
The end results are at the back of the thread, the first pics are just what he started with.
I wish I had the talent, time, and money to accomplish those results.
Thats the setup I long for.

 

[toslat]

Couple of observations/suggestions:
1. U might think of a table of contents and/or numbering the subsections (or using header styles) so as to make the structure more apparent e.g. its not apparent that the hobbyst Rad, Heater Cores and Passive are all types of radiators .

2. Think it would be better if the units were discussed in the order listed

3. Some pricing information

4. more info on pump specs, tubing sizes/thickness and types (kink resistance), CPU/GPU block & flow rate.

5. Under 'Okay, I am done bleeding, now what?' there seems to be a typo in the second paragraph: "..........u messed up on connecting a barb or a barb, or barb got loose from you..."

6. Reasons for Water cooling: some temp comparison with air coolers etc

 

[DerwenArtos12]

Originally posted by: thepladfad
I am in love with this setup this guy made.
http://forums.techgage.com/showthread.php?t=2234
The end results are at the back of the thread, the first pics are just what he started with.
I wish I had the talent, time, and money to accomplish those results.
Thats the setup I long for.

The back of his motherboard tray makes me a sad panda. I understand that out of sight is out of mind but, what in gods name is going to do if he ever needs to change something around back there. he's not going to be able to get to it. He's not going to know what things are. It's a terrifying rats nest back there. The front side is gorgeous though. :thumbsup:

 

[Tim]

Originally posted by: DerwenArtos12

Originally posted by: thepladfad
I am in love with this setup this guy made.
http://forums.techgage.com/showthread.php?t=2234
The end results are at the back of the thread, the first pics are just what he started with.
I wish I had the talent, time, and money to accomplish those results.
Thats the setup I long for.

The back of his motherboard tray makes me a sad panda. I understand that out of sight is out of mind but, what in gods name is going to do if he ever needs to change something around back there. he's not going to be able to get to it. He's not going to know what things are. It's a terrifying rats nest back there. The front side is gorgeous though. :thumbsup:

That did confuse me as well. All that attention to details on every aspect of the case, and he did that with the PS wires?

Meh, I still love it.

 

[mrblotto]

After reading all these posts, along with other ones on xtremesystems.org, I'm gonna get me one of those TJ07's for my new(ish) build. Also, I'm sure aigomorla will be pleased to know I'm not gonna stay with Koolance any longer. It just limits my selections, and they can pretty much charge whatever they want. After looking around at different rads, resevoirs, blocks, and pumps, I'll have more choices when picking WC components. I'll start with air for now, but hopefully soon will be back up in WC land..........

 

[DerwenArtos12]

Originally posted by: mrblotto
After reading all these posts, along with other ones on xtremesystems.org, I'm gonna get me one of those TJ07's for my new(ish) build. Also, I'm sure aigomorla will be pleased to know I'm not gonna stay with Koolance any longer. It just limits my selections, and they can pretty much charge whatever they want. After looking around at different rads, resevoirs, blocks, and pumps, I'll have more choices when picking WC components. I'll start with air for now, but hopefully soon will be back up in WC land..........

The TJ-07 really isn't a very good case for air-cooling. It'll work, don't get me wrong but, so do those tiny dell cases with only one fan. Great air cooling can be had for $19AR when the MC690 goes on sale, or for about $50 the rest of the time. It's not going to be as pretty as the TJ-07 or work as well for water cooling but, it's among the best for air cooling. The TJ-07 is pretty much the king of water though, why not just go all the way all at once?

 

[mrblotto]

Originally posted by: DerwenArtos12

Originally posted by: mrblotto
After reading all these posts, along with other ones on xtremesystems.org, I'm gonna get me one of those TJ07's for my new(ish) build. Also, I'm sure aigomorla will be pleased to know I'm not gonna stay with Koolance any longer. It just limits my selections, and they can pretty much charge whatever they want. After looking around at different rads, resevoirs, blocks, and pumps, I'll have more choices when picking WC components. I'll start with air for now, but hopefully soon will be back up in WC land..........

The TJ-07 really isn't a very good case for air-cooling. It'll work, don't get me wrong but, so do those tiny dell cases with only one fan. Great air cooling can be had for $19AR when the MC690 goes on sale, or for about $50 the rest of the time. It's not going to be as pretty as the TJ-07 or work as well for water cooling but, it's among the best for air cooling. The TJ-07 is pretty much the king of water though, why not just go all the way all at once?

Cost (fundage) is the primary thing holding me back from going all W/C from the get go. It'll give me more time to research different WC components as well as ask around finding out 'how many blocks can I run with such and such setup'. I'm liking the 'all internal' W/C setups I've seen here and there, but dont know too much about their 'coolability' and such yet......

 

[DerwenArtos12]

Originally posted by: mrblotto

Originally posted by: DerwenArtos12

Originally posted by: mrblotto
After reading all these posts, along with other ones on xtremesystems.org, I'm gonna get me one of those TJ07's for my new(ish) build. Also, I'm sure aigomorla will be pleased to know I'm not gonna stay with Koolance any longer. It just limits my selections, and they can pretty much charge whatever they want. After looking around at different rads, resevoirs, blocks, and pumps, I'll have more choices when picking WC components. I'll start with air for now, but hopefully soon will be back up in WC land..........

The TJ-07 really isn't a very good case for air-cooling. It'll work, don't get me wrong but, so do those tiny dell cases with only one fan. Great air cooling can be had for $19AR when the MC690 goes on sale, or for about $50 the rest of the time. It's not going to be as pretty as the TJ-07 or work as well for water cooling but, it's among the best for air cooling. The TJ-07 is pretty much the king of water though, why not just go all the way all at once?

Cost (fundage) is the primary thing holding me back from going all W/C from the get go. It'll give me more time to research different WC components as well as ask around finding out 'how many blocks can I run with such and such setup'. I'm liking the 'all internal' W/C setups I've seen here and there, but dont know too much about their 'coolability' and such yet......

well, just to give you an idea, any tripple 120mm currently on ther market will fit in the bottom of a tj-07 and you can even cram a tripple 120mm and a dual 120mm side by side in teh bottom, with fans and all to run a dual loop. Just a tripple 120mm radiator, if a good radiator(there are 3 that really reside at the top) will cool a cpu and gpu well. A dual radiator set-up will cool CPU, GPU, NB and mossfets with ease. Depending on fans of course.

 

[mrblotto]

Thank you for the info. I'll start a new thread when I have all my ducks in a row............

 

[DerwenArtos12]

Originally posted by: mrblotto
Thank you for the info. I'll start a new thread when I have all my ducks in a row............

I'll keep an eye out, good luck.

 

[rocketmen2k5]

Does it make for better cooling if two fans are used for cooling......by this I mean one on the front and back of the radiator?

 

[HardWarrior]

Originally posted by: rocketmen2k5
Does it make for better cooling if two fans are used for cooling......by this I mean one on the front and back of the radiator?

In theory, yes. Push-pull, as it's called, focuses/straightens air-flow through your rad.

The subject of coolant: Homebrew coolant is no longer the politically correct solution for everyone. For the extra cash you get a tried and tested solution, no guesswork needed. If you ask what the best homebrew is in a dedicated WC forum it's possible to be presented with a different mixture for every post, and every poster will be dead-sure that his is the right recipe. There's also the issue of regular flushing. Homebrew should be flushed twice a year. High-quality specialty coolant has a conservative pump-life of 3-years. I run a bullseye res and a T, and the idea of flushing still sucks. There are other benefits as well, like a known Ph value.

Cheap isn't ALWAYS the best option. The choice of what to slap in your loop should be based on your wants/needs/preferences, not just how cheap the option is.

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

What is this I keep reading about "base stepping" in reference to water blocks? I first noticed it in this thread (I would post over there, but I registered and am still waiting for a mod to do something to join--I don't know). I tried googling but came up with nothing.

 

[HardWarrior]

My understanding is that it has something to do with the configuration of a CPU block, but that's all for now. If you see anything detailed please post it Choco, and I'll do the same.

 

[WoodButcher]

Choco, HW, look to the thread you linked, I posted your question. Machining the base.

 

[hsfnewbie]

Hi,

I've posted here a while ago and now I'm very close to building a new WC setup and just need to stamp out some details.

My future build that i expect to run the loop through:
mobo: Abit IP35-Pro
cpu: E8500 or E8600
case: Silverstone TJ-09 with Radsupport09 (http://www.modernopc.com/store...info&products_id=1202)

For my video card, I am expecting to get the 8800GTS. I wont be running WC through the because i probably would have to run a second loop and don't want to spend another 150$ on that setup.

My goals:
- Quiet system!
- Will NOT be OCing but possibly in the future. If i do OC, I wont be aggressively OCing

I was looking over at Petratech and this is what I came out with:
1) Petra'sTech CoolKit Elite - Rev.2
? D-TEK FuZion v2 Universal CPU Waterblock
? (1) Laing DDC-3.2 Pump w/Petra'sTech DDCT-01s Acetal Top
? (1) Swiftech MCR220-QP Dual 120mm Radiator (w/fittings) <==== NOTE: I will ask them to replace it with the BlackIce Stealth 240 instead because that's the radiator that was tested with the RadSupport09 in the TJ09
? (2) Yate Loon D12SL-12, D12SM-12, or D12SH-12 120mm x 25mm Fans
? (10') 7/16" ID (5/8" OD) Masterkleer Tubing
? (1) 1/2" OD Polypropylene T-Fitting
? (10) Stainless Steel Worm-Drive Hose Clamps
? (1) Danger Den Machined Acetal Fillport/T-Line Cap
? (1) Swiftech MCB-120 RadBox
? (1 bottle) Pentosin G11 (UV blue) Coolant Additive
? (1) Petra'sTech Water Cooling Setup Guide
2) Swiftech MCRES-MICRO Hi-Flo Reservoir (will probably add 2 Dtek hiflo barbs)


^^ What do you guys think? Does it meet my goals?

Thanks

 

[HardWarrior]

hsf,

Other than buying your worm clamps local to save some shipping weight, if that's important to you, your selections look fine. You don't need a second loop if you decide to WC your video card in the future. Consider a 120.3 rad if there's any possibilty that you might want to expand sometime. Go with high-quality, high-flow metal barbs if you're inclined to spend the extra $. Things like O-ring retainers and retention rings on barbs can seem sort of frivilous when you're looking at the bottom line, but they really pay for themselves during assembly and over the long-term operation of your loop. Choose your fans carefully based on the configuration (FPI, thickness) of your rad.

Good luck with your loop! :thumbsup:

 

[hsfnewbie]

Hard Warrior,

the list of stuff I've posted there is part of the Petra kit. It sounds like I need to also consider buying additional high flow metal barbs. i definitely wont skimp out on this stuff.

As far as the 120.3 rad is concerned, my future case (TJ09) will not have room for that. It only has room for a 120.2. I did a search on my previous conversations with Aigor, and they made it sound like having a 120.2 rad with a loop that goes through the CPU/vid is fine. It's still better than air cooling.

 

[hsfnewbie]

*edit* started a new thread.. dont want to threadjack here

 

[HardWarrior]

Originally posted by: hsfnewbie
Hard Warrior,

the list of stuff I've posted there is part of the Petra kit. It sounds like I need to also consider buying additional high flow metal barbs. i definitely wont skimp out on this stuff.

As far as the 120.3 rad is concerned, my future case (TJ09) will not have room for that. It only has room for a 120.2. I did a search on my previous conversations with Aigor, and they made it sound like having a 120.2 rad with a loop that goes through the CPU/vid is fine. It's still better than air cooling.

It's all variable, you'll see. You can compensate for a smaller rad by blowing it really well, or using push/pull with less powerful, better designed fans. I can understand warmer temps as a trade-off for not buying more expansive components (large rads, well-designed fans, high-flow blocks and barbs, etc.), it's just hard for me to suggest parts that deliver less than what I would consider adequate.

I'm old hsf, and set in my ways! Your loop will be fine.