AIO Liquid cooling VS Custom Loop, 6 core 1366 socket, cooling in 800D

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

EDIT: Editing the Opening post for quick updating for new people to the thread

Parts ordered so far from Frozen CPU (yes they are taking phone orders) :

Heatkiller 3.0
Heatkiller Backplate
MCR 320 Drive Rev3

 

[BonzaiDuck]

You could start by investigating the Swiftech H240X modifiable-AiO toward some list of compatible cases. Also check the case compatibility list for the Corsair H110i's latest version/edition.

Were you using that case with the Megahalems? I think I actually use that cooler in a machine still. It had good performance for its day.

More than a few years ago I built a custom look for my Q9650. Today I am running a 6 core chip in an X58 system and I need some extra cooling headroom. I'm currently using a Megahalems and the chip cores still reach 90*c even at 4.2GHz with IBT and at 1.33v So I am toying the idea around for either figuring out how to do a new custom loop with some old parts and possibly some new ones, or just picking up a AIO loop setup to keep this chip cool. I am looking for a higher overclock, possibly 4.6-4.8GHz with this 6 core chip.

The custom loop consists of:
MCP355
EK Supreme LT 1/4" threads
Swiftech MCR 320
1/2" ID Dangerden Fatboy Barbs
XSPC res top for Laing DDC

The trouble today is anchoring down the MCR320 res with fans to the 800D I would need help figuring that out. And I would definitely do a quieter pump in a 5 1/2" bay reservoir. Those are the only two obstacles I would need to get around, or I can just pick up the best AIO cooling system for my chip. Either route I am not worried about the financial requirement. I am prepared to spend up to 150$ USD and I think that would be enough for the best AIO cooler setup too. If not I could go a little more.


What do you recommend?


What would you recommend for an AIO cooling solution? My GTX 670 purrs a little louder than quietly when gaming. This is a strict game machine only btw so it won't be running all the time.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

I'll just stick to the 120mm hole mounts on the 800D. I'm thinking of either of these two:

http://www.microcenter.com/product/427862/Hydro_Series_H105_Extreme_Performance_Liquid_CPU_Cooler

http://www.microcenter.com/product/...00i_GTX_Extreme_Performance_Liquid_CPU_Cooler

 

[ClockHound]

More than a few years ago I built a custom look for my Q9650. Today I am running a 6 core chip in an X58 system and I need some extra cooling headroom. I'm currently using a Megahalems and the chip cores still reach 90*c even at 4.2GHz with IBT and at 1.33v So I am toying the idea around for either figuring out how to do a new custom loop with some old parts and possibly some new ones, or just picking up a AIO loop setup to keep this chip cool. I am looking for a higher overclock, possibly 4.6-4.8GHz with this 6 core chip.

Hey BTRY...have to jump in to mention something is not right with the Megahalems/case airflow setup.

Running my 5660 with a Mugen 4 (with Noctua A15) at 4.25/1.32V with an ambient of 24C and cooler intake temp of 27C, the Xeon under full IBT load maxes at 68-71C.

The Mugen 4 is a decent cooler, but not any better than the Megahalems. A pair of GTs/Vadars/A14s on the Megahalems ought to be best my lowly Mugen.

That said, to hit 4.6-4.8 on the old Xeons really is asking for a custom loop. Wouldn't even consider any of the AIO disposable cooler junk. When aigomorla sees this post, he will jump in with the wet knowledge to help complete your loop. Paging Dr. Water....

If you wanted to air on the side of simplicity, A D15 or IB-E Extreme would likely keep your Xeon cool into 4.4-4.6 range. Assuming good clean front-to-back case airflow.

I'll report back my findings when I swap the Mugen for a D15 in the next month.

 

[ClockHound]

I'll just stick to the 120mm hole mounts on the 800D. I'm thinking of either of these two:

http://www.microcenter.com/product/427862/Hydro_Series_H105_Extreme_Performance_Liquid_CPU_Cooler

http://www.microcenter.com/product/...00i_GTX_Extreme_Performance_Liquid_CPU_Cooler

This is on your units to avoid list, right? :biggrin:

If you have to give into AIO, go Swiftech 220X/240X at least. But, ping aigomorla and flush out your custom loop.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

LOL, thank a lot for the suggestions and help! I could go either way with a loop. I had all my old h20 parts ready to be listed on eBay before I left for Ireland and never got around to it. The major issue with my old loop was fitting the res and the radiator on the Lian Li 1100. It was a Frankenstien setup; i drilled 3 holes in the top of the aluminum case with a 4 1/2" hole saw (LOL) it worked pretty good though. That was just the start of the cutting into the case. It was really scary but I didn't like the case and that's why I did it. With this case everything will have to be streamlined and made to fit without touching the case. I'm talking a 5 1/4" bay with a pump, and some kind of screws that will hold the MCR320 onto the case. I think that's the biggest "Wall of China" or mental road block to my thoughts about how to make it work, the screws.


The Megahalems sits long ways left to right. That's the only way it will fit with my motherboard because of the stupid NB heatsink. But I have a fan on top blowing air down onto the base of the heatsink and mosfets, then I have another 140mm fan sitting on top of my GPU blowing into the fins to the back of the case. I also have to 140mm fans on top of the case blowing air from the outside into the case with one 140mm Cougar fan pulling the air out. Those temps I gave you are with the side panel off. (90*c)


My i7 970 can do 4.6GHz under Intel vcore max spec but it gets too hot to finish stability testing. I think it might be able to finish any test if the temps were atleast no higher than 75*c. Either way I'm about to test out a W3690 with an unlocked multi, basically its the same thing as an 990X - I hope it overclocks well


Ok, report back and let me know what you find, Thanks!

Cheers

 

[YBS1]

The Corsair will get the job done. The Swiftech will get it done with less noise. As you've said though you have most of the parts required for a more customized loop already should you choose to go that way. I personally think that Swiftech is a pretty good deal as it comes with a high end block and superior radiator for hardly any more money than competing AIOs.

 

[ClockHound]

The Megahalems sits long ways left to right. That's the only way it will fit with my motherboard because of the stupid NB heatsink. But I have a fan on top blowing air down onto the base of the heatsink and mosfets, then I have another 140mm fan sitting on top of my GPU blowing into the fins to the back of the case. I also have to 140mm fans on top of the case blowing air from the outside into the case with one 140mm Cougar fan pulling the air out. Those temps I gave you are with the side panel off. (90*c)
Cheers

I'm trying to picture this...and now my head hurts. Visions of cross-draft theatre.. ;-)

Could you post an actual picture or a gifted artist's rending?

So is the MangledHam cooler pointing bottom to top in the case, rather than front-2-back? If so, and if I understand the fan placements...it's pushing air into the cooler from BOTH sides (Top/Bottom). If so, that's not so good...basically the hot air stagnates inside the cooler until it's exhausted around 90c. ;-)

What MB are you using? Maybe a high compatibility cooler like the D15S or TR TS 140 Rev A or IB-E will clear you northbridge (while cooling it a little) and get some smooth front-to-back airflow action going.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

The top fan blows downwards over the base of the heatsink and mosfets, the fan on the GPU blows towards the back of the case, the rear fan sucks the air out, those two fans on top blow cool air into the case.. all that really doesn't matter cause the side panel is usually off, hah

That's an EVGA E760 A1, rev 1.0 with a Westmere mod

Oh! Here is the NB heatsink with the CPU Heatsink. With it orientated vertically (air flow from front to back) it just about doesn't fit

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Awe dude, I might be getting the 320 version of this: Swiftech H20-320 Elite


EDIT: Yeah, I'm starting to think real hard about customizing a Swiftech setup, what's got me thinking is cooling for the Mosfets and Chipset. Anyone know where I can get those and for how much?

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

So here is what I'm thinking after I sell off a few of those old loop components.


Swiftech MCR-320 Drive Rev3 Series Heat Exchanger w/ Pump & Res from:

Frozen CPU 169$
or
Sidewinder Computers 169$

The only question I have about this rad with the res and pump is about the pump. Does it cause extra vibration from the pump?


I am thinking about either keeping my old EK LT block which looks like the inside is starting to corrode from the copper, or selling it off and getting the Apogee Drive II 144$

With the money I make off the old components I would be content. I'm hoping to make about 100$ for the old parts [MCR320 QP, MCR 120 QP, EK LT, MC355 pump non variable, and a few reservoirs.]


Does this look like a good loop? I have all the barbs and Masterkleer tubing. I think I still have a silver coil for crud in the lines.. gotta find that

 

[ClockHound]

The top fan blows downwards over the base of the heatsink and mosfets, the fan on the GPU blows towards the back of the case, the rear fan sucks the air out, those two fans on top blow cool air into the case.. all that really doesn't matter cause the side panel is usually off, hah

That's an EVGA E760 A1, rev 1.0 with a Westmere mod

Oh! Here is the NB heatsink with the CPU Heatsink. With it orientated vertically (air flow from front to back) it just about doesn't fit

Ah...thanks for the images. Now my head really hurts. ;-)

Poor little Megahalems trying to run semi-passive. Boxed in on all sides. Intake airflow from the barely-touching-the-sink top fan into the cooler gets smushed into that thermal blockade, er, NB sink already pre-heated by the GPU and chokes the flow. The angled mid-case fan is kinda pushing the heated air back into the cooler on its convoluted way to the rear exhaust fan.

How many GPUs are installed?

Getting a waterblock on that Xeon is probably the best solution.

An offset high-compatibility cooler like the D15S/TS 140A/IB-E would be good too. Would need to confirm the space from the center of the socket to the edge of the thermal blockade sink. If it's 67mm or more the D15S will fit in the proper front-to-back layout.

Alternatively, a few minutes alone with that NB sink and a large hammer would be the most satisfying.

If X58 boards weren't so scarce, I'd opt for the latter. ;-)

Or...replace that sink with a more reasonable one. Or put it under water. The NB sink on my Sabertooth is small(ish), low and out of the way - with a 92mm GT on them, temps are in the mid 40s.

Impressive how that combo manages to make that big case look so cramped. What an awesome challenge!

Would love to be there with you to tweak into total coolness. But, you probably wouldn't want my help and my little airflow helper, Mr. Ballpeen. ;-)

 

[ClockHound]

Awe dude, I might be getting the 320 version of this: Swiftech H20-320 Elite


EDIT: Yeah, I'm starting to think real hard about customizing a Swiftech setup, what's got me thinking is cooling for the Mosfets and Chipset. Anyone know where I can get those and for how much?

Here's an EK full board block on ebay

Jeez....one block the same cost as a great air cooler...But so worth it - hammer time! ;-)

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Here's an EK full board block on ebay

Jeez....one block the same cost as a great air cooler...But so worth it - hammer time! ;-)

Oh you shouldn't have! haha, actually I was bidding on a X58 Classified board last night that has the full kit on it. It went for more than 115$ but I'm seriously considering that EK full board block you posted.

What do you think about those other parts I listed on post 11?

 

[aigomorla]

More than a few years ago I built a custom look for my Q9650. Today I am running a 6 core chip in an X58 system and I need some extra cooling headroom. I'm currently using a Megahalems and the chip cores still reach 90*c even at 4.2GHz with IBT and at 1.33v So I am toying the idea around for either figuring out how to do a new custom loop with some old parts and possibly some new ones, or just picking up a AIO loop setup to keep this chip cool. I am looking for a higher overclock, possibly 4.6-4.8GHz with this 6 core chip.

The custom loop consists of:
MCP355
EK Supreme LT 1/4" threads
Swiftech MCR 320
1/2" ID Dangerden Fatboy Barbs
XSPC res top for Laing DDC

The trouble today is anchoring down the MCR320 res with fans to the 800D I would need help figuring that out. And I would definitely do a quieter pump in a 5 1/2" bay reservoir. Those are the only two obstacles I would need to get around, or I can just pick up the best AIO cooling system for my chip. Either route I am not worried about the financial requirement. I am prepared to spend up to 150$ USD and I think that would be enough for the best AIO cooler setup too. If not I could go a little more.


What do you recommend?

Do you already own the parts you listed?

i dont see why u dont just recycle most of it.

Why do you have problems anchoring down the MCR320?
The top mounts do not line up?

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Do you already own the parts you listed?

i dont see why u dont just recycle most of it.

Why do you have problems anchoring down the MCR320?
The top mounts do not line up?

The trouble has always been finding a way to clamp down the res and pump. I don't want to do that with this case. I will be getting a radiator with a res built in or a radiator with a res built in with a pump mounted to it, and i'm considering a block with a pump mounted to it.

I am selling off all the old parts.

I am thinking about the MCR 320 Drive Rev3 and the Apogee Drive II. Which I listed in post 11. What do you guys think?

 

[aigomorla]

neither...

get a MCP355 bay res, and combine it that way.

Problem with other said components is...

the MCR drive res can only be mounted in 1 direction.
Having it in another direction makes bleeding very difficult.

The apogee Drive II also has its problems as well.
Very selective amount of parts which you can use to repair / mod it.
Once your platform is done, very difficult to take to another platform without buying a swiftech mount.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

neither...

get a MCP355 bay res, and combine it that way.

Problem with other said components is...

the MCR drive res can only be mounted in 1 direction.
Having it in another direction makes bleeding very difficult.

The apogee Drive II also has its problems as well.
Very selective amount of parts which you can use to repair / mod it.
Once your platform is done, very difficult to take to another platform without buying a swiftech mount.

Do you have a link for the MCP355 bay res? Are you talking about a 5 1/4" Bay res with a pump mount?


I was intending in bleeding the loop while out of the case in the same orientation as it would be sitting in the case. It would be a 2 component loop and I think it would be pretty easy.


Does my EK LT also mount on a 2011 platform? I was thinking if I do upgrade my system it will be to a 6 core system again and it might be a 2011-3. I do realize the constriction with buying that Apogee Drive II. I was thinking about it for 2 reasons, one would be because the mounting system is WAY better than the EK block because you have the potential to crack the board if you put too much pressure on the screws, and two for the redundancy with the pumps.

Is the only issue with the Apogee Drive II is the ability to transfer it to another platform, or are there other issues with that block and pump?

 

[YBS1]

I am thinking about the MCR 320 Drive Rev3 and the Apogee Drive II. Which I listed in post 11. What do you guys think?

Well you don't need both. Both items feature integrated pumps, though I think you can get the radiator with or without the pump included. Personally if that were my choices I'd rather have the pump radiator combo and a stand alone block than the block with integrated pump.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Well you don't need both. Both items feature integrated pumps, though I think you can get the radiator with or without the pump included. Personally if that were my choices I'd rather have the pump radiator combo and a stand alone block than the block with integrated pump.

That thought crossed my mind also and i figured maybe i'll re-use my EK LT, but I remember the EK has a terrible mounting system. If you tighten the screws too much say goodbye to the board.

I was also thinking of pump redundancy. Only concern is if there will be any vibration and case resonance coming from the pump on the radiator.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Are there any other choices for a CPU Block + Pump combo, or is this Apogee Drive II the only one out there?

 

[aigomorla]

koolance has a single bay drive res...

Swiftech also has a dual bay, as do most other vendors.


And the apogee drive II is only by swiftech.
It was originally a swiftech design which got discontinued and brought back.
The original apogee drive according to gabe had problems with the feet breaking off, making the entire unit useless, hence gabe originally pulled it off the shelf.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Just curious, how is this Res and pump combo? It's an EK dual bay with a D5


Also, can a DDC and a D5 be mixed in a loop or is that not a good idea?

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

How would this combo be:

Swiftech MCR320 Drive Rev3

Heatkiller Rev 3.0

HK Hardware Set - not sure if this is needed (help)

I would consider losing pump redundancy for a better CPU Block. I'm also curious if I need any other parts with the block. Reviews say to get the backplate?

 

[YBS1]

FYI....Frozen CPU is out of business, and I'm concerned Sidewinder may be as well, I haven't seen anything new on the site in quite some time and out of stock stuff doesn't seem to be getting replenished. Anyone know?