watercooling help

[JH68]

I was thinking about getting a case with the water cooling kit in it. B/c im not sure if i have enough room in my current case with everything i have now in it. I saw this at frozencpu and i was wondering what all of the options i should choose. i dont know what all i need to get that is why im asking or is there a better option out there.

 

[HardWarrior]

Well, to be honest, it'll be kind of hard for someone to suggest what options you should choose. A lot depends on what you want to cool, what sort of configuration strikes your fancy, and how much you have to spend on the project. One painful lesson I've learned about watercooling is that the data available on the subject is vast, and most of it seems contradictory. You'll be better served if you get a good idea of what you want, and how you want to do it. After that, you'll be able to ask specific questions that'll be easier to answer.

As for the base kit at FCPU, it looks like a great foundation to build on.

 

[JH68]

im thinking about staying with my case and do this setup and just use it to cool my cpu
TDX Intel Socket 478 - 1/2" ID
Hydor L20 Pump
Micro 80mm Single Fan (Black)-Danger Den Black Ice Radiator
Clear Single 5.25"-Tundra Bay Resevoir
and all the fittings and stuff
Any thoughts?

 

[HardWarrior]

Let's see:

Your CPU block is fine (and not just because it's the same one I use). This one reviews very well and you might want to consider it.

The pump is a bit weak, especially if you decide on the TDX. Being that it requires high GPH to work best.
Consider a medium sized Eheim, L30-35, or the D4.

A single 80mm rad MAY have enough surface area to service JUST your CPU, but you won't have much surplus capacity. Worse case you'll have to use 2 high-speed fan (for and aft) to get good performance from it. Are you doing any overclocking? If you have a 120mm fan mounting, get a bigger rad, if you can.

Bay-res. I've got the dual version and have been very satisfied with it. Two other configurations you might want to consider are T-line and fill-and-bleed kits. Research both to see which of the three best suits your needs.

 

[JH68]

here is the case i have enermax if i got a bigger where can i put it?.
The Micro 80mm Single Fan (Black)-Danger Den Black Ice Radiator i was thinking about i was going to put at the top.
i was thinking about overclocking my cpu.
What do i need to do about these T-line and fill-and-bleed kits?
The cpu block you suggested is from the 3/8" ID section should i do that or 1/2" ID
I was looking in the Water Cooling Kits would there be one perfect for my needs?

 

[akira34]

I just priced out that case setting it up for just cooling a processor (Athlon64)... Came to over $435 WITHOUT a power supply... Bloody hell. I priced out a kit that has two 80mm fans (on either side, so up to four total) with over 660W of cooling, res., pump, CPU block, fluid, fittings, and the anti-kink tubing... Came to under $300 for the complete rig. That's also with the innovatek fluid and such. Granted, I didn't include fans, but I was planning on using some 80mm fans I have currently in the beginning and possibly adding others later. I'm planning on mounting the res outside the case so that I can get a read on how much fluid is left with just a glance. It will also show me if the pump is working, since I'll see the fluid moving (might see about getting something to show motion in the res.).

The biggest decision I need to make (in all reality) is where to put the radiator and res... I'm thinking either the top, right side, or rear of the case for the radiator. I'm looking at either the rear or right side for the res. IF I do the right side, I'll be fabricating a housing to protect the rad and res for when I work on the innards of the system. I'll either end up using decent thickness aluminum or steel for that, depending on what the local metal shops (and/or machine shops have on hand in the correct sizes). I might try and use some diamondplate for the side housing, since I know it's strong, and it would give the case an industrial look. I'd have the place I get it from cut the holes for the radiator fans, as well as for where the res would/will go...

I need to take some measurements and figure out where everything can/will go and move on from there. It should be a decent project for at least a few weekends. I'll post up about it when it's finished...

I guess the point I want to make sure to make about all this is to price the things out BEFORE you just purchase something. Just because someone else is doing the setup doesn't mean you can't. Also, you can probably use the same (or better) items inside your own case (or one that's not as expensive) and get away with spending less money.

 

[HardWarrior]

Originally posted by: JH68
here is the case i have enermax if i got a bigger where can i put it?.
The Micro 80mm Single Fan (Black)-Danger Den Black Ice Radiator i was thinking about i was going to put at the top.
i was thinking about overclocking my cpu.
What do i need to do about these T-line and fill-and-bleed kits?
The cpu block you suggested is from the 3/8" ID section should i do that or 1/2" ID
I was looking in the Water Cooling Kits would there be one perfect for my needs?

Based on your case specs you don't have the option of mounting a 120mm rad. Unless you want to cut the hole yourself, that is. However, you can mount two 80mm rads or a BIM 2. Be aware that the 80mm fans holes have to be standard cut. Meaning the actual mountings have to have about a third of an inch between them. If they're flush, the fans are RIGHT next to each other, you won't be able to mount the rads next to each other. Blowhole mounting of a single will work, but remember that you're going to need two HS fans on it for better performance.

This is a fill-and-bleed kit, used to get coolant in and remove bubbles from your loop. A T-line is a lot simpler, but has its problems too. Take a look at this.

Go with 1/2 inch. This gives you better flow. As to what's perfect for you, hopefully you'll be able to tell ME that pretty soon. Buying a kit is okay as long as you're satisfied with the individual parts.

 

[HardWarrior]

Originally posted by: akira34
I just priced out that case setting it up for just cooling a processor (Athlon64)... Came to over $435 WITHOUT a power supply... Bloody hell. I priced out a kit that has two 80mm fans (on either side, so up to four total) with over 660W of cooling, res., pump, CPU block, fluid, fittings, and the anti-kink tubing... Came to under $300 for the complete rig. That's also with the innovatek fluid and such.

You go akira!

 

[JH68]

there is a tiny space between the two back fans. after reading that article it confuses me which way to go about refilling and bleeding? how long does it take till you have to add water to your dual Reservoir? would it be smart for my setup to go through with it or stick with my fans? B/c i cant get 120mm Radiator, if i get a 80mm will that mean i dont cool my cpu as much?

 

[HardWarrior]

Originally posted by: JH68
there is a tiny space between the two back fans. after reading that article it confuses me which way to go about refilling and bleeding? how long does it take till you have to add water to your dual Reservoir? would it be smart for my setup to go through with it or stick with my fans? B/c i cant get 120mm Radiator, if i get a 80mm will that mean i dont cool my cpu as much?

Your confusion is normal considering where you are in terms of knowledge. That's okay. T-line is the easier of the three. I didn't go that way for a few reasons. I liked the way a bay-res looks. It bleeds bubbles from my loop much faster than the other 2 options. I like the idea of having a half-gallon of coolant in my loop. Once your loop is closed, evaporation really isn't something you have to worry about for a long while. As for whether you should stay with what you have, remember that you don't HAVE to do anything. Do some googling, READ, lurk some water-cooling forums and learn about how water works.

Take your time, there's no rush.

 

[JH68]

Originally posted by: HardWarrior

Originally posted by: JH68
there is a tiny space between the two back fans. after reading that article it confuses me which way to go about refilling and bleeding? how long does it take till you have to add water to your dual Reservoir? would it be smart for my setup to go through with it or stick with my fans? B/c i cant get 120mm Radiator, if i get a 80mm will that mean i dont cool my cpu as much?

Your confusion is normal considering where you are in terms of knowledge. That's okay. T-line is the easier of the three. I didn't go that way for a few reasons. I liked the way a bay-res looks. It bleeds bubbles from my loop much faster than the other 2 options. I like the idea of having a half-gallon of coolant in my loop. Once your loop is closed, evaporation really isn't something you have to worry about for a long while. As for whether you should stay with what you have, remember that you don't HAVE to do anything. Do some googling, READ, lurk some water-cooling forums and learn about how water works.

Take your time, there's no rush.

I totally agree it looks alot better b/c you can add the dye and stuff and have more water when needed. i mean doing the bay-res can you have any problems? I dont see how you can. In your option if i went with Micro 80mm Single Fan would that do the job? I understand if i could get bigger it would be better but it should cool it if i use the dual bay-res right? but i will keep reading around

 

[akira34]

Are you planning on overcocking your system or just want to improve the cooling and/or reduce the noise level?? If you can swing it, either money wise, or space, I'd go with the Black Ice Micro Dual 80mm Radiator (on frozencpu too)... It has over 2x the cooling capability of the single 80mm unit. That would allow you to use the same radiator even if you decided you wanted to install a GPU cooler too, or overcock your system.

 

[HardWarrior]

From what I understand, the older models of bay-res's fell apart over time due to sealant breakdown. FCPU was admanant that the Tudra units were free of this defect. I guess I'll have to watch closely and SEE. Yes, the 80mm would work, but remember you need to force a LOT of air through it to compensate for its small surface area. With my BIM 2 I get about 34c idle and 36-38C under heavy load, and that's with two blocks (GPU at 412/365), so a small rad will work if you treat it right.

 

[HardWarrior]

Originally posted by: akira34
Are you planning on overcocking your system or just want to improve the cooling and/or reduce the noise level?? If you can swing it, either money wise, or space, I'd go with the Black Ice Micro Dual 80mm Radiator (on frozencpu too)... It has over 2x the cooling capability of the single 80mm unit. That would allow you to use the same radiator even if you decided you wanted to install a GPU cooler too, or overcock your system.

Yup.

 

[JH68]

how would this work? Radiator that would take care of my problem

 

[HardWarrior]

As long as you don't expect to cool anything other than your CPU this will work fine. It'll give you some overheat for overclocking too.

 

[JH68]

Originally posted by: HardWarrior
As long as you don't expect to cool anything other than your CPU this will work fine. It'll give you some overheat for overclocking too.

All i was going to use the water cooling for is my cpu and overclock my cpu to 3.GHZ which isnt a large step up

 

[HardWarrior]

Then you're good. You should start getting an idea of what your coolant mixture will be. This aspect of water-cooling is VERY important.

 

[JH68]

Originally posted by: HardWarrior
Then you're good. You should start getting an idea of what your coolant mixture will be. This aspect of water-cooling is VERY important.

what do you suggest for the mixture?

 

[HardWarrior]

Originally posted by: JH68

Originally posted by: HardWarrior
Then you're good. You should start getting an idea of what your coolant mixture will be. This aspect of water-cooling is VERY important.

what do you suggest for the mixture?

That's another HUGE question. For my 1/2 gallon of coolant I used steam distilled water, 3-ounces of Redline water wetter and 6ml of algaecide just to be sure. There are LOTS of available options though, and people who will swear that the one they use is best.

Just plain tap water: The majority of data says that this is a BAD idea. Tap is full of sediments, myriad other contaminates and spora. One guy at procooling claims that by virtue of the blocks he uses, Silverprop, he has no problems at all with tap. I asked him about it, but he's yet to respond. Plus tap is VERY conductive of electricity.

Homebrew coolant: Most people use this in some form. You start with distilled or deionized water, slap in a volume dependent amount or some type of water wetter (protects the metal in your loop from corrosion/errosion, kills algae and other organics, improves the waters ability to get into tiny places and MAY increase coolant efficiency). This is probably your best option in that most people go this way and are happy with the results. There are other potential mixtures as well.

Specialized commercial coolant: FluidXP and InertX fall into this catagory. They work at least as well as homebrew in all catagories and have the added benefit of being fill-and-forget. Supposedly, you can hose a powered system down with this stuff and everything will be just fine. :Q Plus, from what I understand, it lasts for a VERY long time. Now for the downside, it's fairly pricey. I think FluidXP goes for $100 a gallon, InertX even more.

There you go, coolant 101!

 

[0roo0roo]

if you want quiet, your going to have to get a bigger radiator. atleast 2x 120mm. leading it outside the case is always an option you know.

 

[HardWarrior]

Do you use a HC Oroo?

 

[HardWarrior]

Thanks for your help Oroo. It makes things so easy when long-timers participate in discussions when ASKED.

 

[JH68]

thanks for all your help HardWarrior when im ready to take that step. hopefully i will have the right idea for my setup.

 

[HardWarrior]

Anytime dude. If you're so inclined, PM me on your progress and experiences.