Build me a watercooling setup

[leegroves86]

REALLY NEED HLEP. I want to go watercooling route b/c I want total silence! I plan on running tubes inside computer but hiding the pump & radiater (hidden shelf on backside of desk). I want to cool the cpu & gpu. I won't be overclocking anything so I don't need anything to powerful. But, i do want it quiet. My cpu idles at 31-33C and my videocard idles at high 40s. The system needs to do the same, if not a little bit better (no worse!)

RADIATOR:
I guess I want a 2-3 120mm fan radiator. I'll want to put some nice quiet scythes on it. I'll be mounting this so that it hangs off the back of the desk so cool air won't be a problem. I'm going DIY so that I can upgrade the components in the future as needed.

PUMP:
I don't know whats good, something powerfull enough for at least cpu & gpu but possibly a third cooler in the future (sli or chipset). Also, since the pump is gonna be the loudest component, it needs to be fairly quiet. If i need to silence pump then I might build a carpeted box with a 120mm blowhole to enclose it.

Blocks:
DD is good from what i've heard, expensive too! As said, no overclocking to speak of, if i do it might, might be small lik 200mhz range.

Alas, since i want something quiet & not to powerful, I don't need anything expensive. I'm thinking $200 ish? I might just get a cpu cooler to start with and save the gpu for later so I can cut cost for now. If it cost less then great. If it would cost a bit more to get something a lot better then i'll do it if convinced its worth the premium.

3000+ venice
7800gt
a8n-e

 

[Kakumba]

total silence? get a REAL BIG passive cooler. watercooling isnt silent, but its less loud. grab a DD TDX for CPU, and maybe a Maze4 for GPU. The D5 pump will do, its not too loud from what ive read. as for the rad, you need to make sure its somewhere it will get plenty of airflow. check out the DD kits, they will get you going for a reasonable price.

PS, load temps? idle temps are no use....

Will finish this post when I get home, im about to finish work for the day...

 

[leegroves86]

ok, so total silence was being a bit sarcastic. with stock amd cooler, stock nvidia cooler & 2 80mm case fans the computer is a bit on the loud side. Most of that is from gpu & cpu.

$52 - DD TDX - a couple extra bucks than expected but thats ok. Anyone else have a better suggestion?

$44 - Maze 4. whats the diff between maze4 & the other DD "78/7900 series" coolers? one cost $45 the other cost $125, am I missing something? Do i need to wory about the ram not being cooled at all with the stock heatsink gone?

$45 - Black Ice pro III radiator. Read some reviews and its seems to do very well, has room for 3 12CM fans too!

$75 - DD pump seems a bit high. I knows it important but remember, i need something quiet that won't have to do much if any overclocking


The DD custom water kit sure seems nice and easy, but if you all reccomend components from a different store then i'm all in!

sorry i can' tell you the load temps right now. But everythin is stock so you can guess.

P.S. This store has the Black Ice pro III radiator for 45, DD has it for 75. Am I missing something
http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/bliceproiiit.html

 

[cleverhandle]

Total quiet with no overclocking = Zalman Reserator or some similar passive kit. Those run just a little over $200 and have everything you need. But it sounds like you enjoy the whole process of assembling stuff, which I can understand. Unfortunately, I don't think that any custom setup will get as quiet as one of those passive kits, especially for only $200. You could do something like Maze 4's on CPU/GPU (relatively low flow) along with a Black Ice Pro 3 with undervolted Panaflos (or Yate Loons or whatever). Then a D5 turned to lower settings would be a quiet pump, or maybe even an Eheim. There are specifically passive radiators out there that I've seen, but they're mighty expensive (~$125-$150). Unless you're set on building a custom setup, I think the Reserator or its cousins are the way to go, especially for the price.

 

[Kakumba]

I suggested the D5 coz last I looked it was a bit cheaper than an Eheim? As for diff between a Maze 4 and an NV-78, the Maze4 cools the GPU, and you put RAMsinks on the RAM, thats enough to keep ram cool, even when overclocking.

anyways, if you really want to build yourself, I would say: D5, TDX CPU block, or there was this one :http://www.dtekcustoms.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=137&HS=1, someone on here was looking at that recently.. older block, but a goody. BIPro3, and 3 Yate Loons undervolted. thats all you need to start, can add a GPU block later.

otherwise, there was a review of several water kits on Xbitlabs I think a little bit back (in the last week or so), Ill see if I can find it. Also, you arent gonna be able to rid yourself of ALL case fans. you really still want one aimed at your ram if you decide to OC, and also you really just need some airflow for your components. especially those mosfets.

 

[cleverhandle]

Originally posted by: Kakumba
I suggested the D5 coz last I looked it was a bit cheaper than an Eheim?

The 1048 is a bit cheaper than the D5 ($58 vs. $75). I also brought it up because the Eheims are so quiet, though they lack the head that the D5 pushes. But I'd be pretty cautious of trying to push through two blocks plus a big radiator with only a 1048, in which case you're up to the 1250 which costs the same as a D5. A 1048 might work if you use blocks with low impingement, but temps might get higher than you'd like. Still, it would be a cheap and quiet setup if you're not OC'ing.

 

[Kakumba]

the TDX wont cut flow as much as many blocks. But depending on how far away he wants the pump and radiator, he may need a pretty powerful pump.... we really need to know about loop length...

and yeah, I would recommend a 1250 instead of the 1048.

Im starting to think maybe just getting a Scythe Ninja and an aftermarket vid card cooler would be better.... unless the budget gets bigger?

 

[leegroves86]

ok, ok. I know a scythe & accelero x1 would be cheaper, but where is the fun in that? Ok, so i get the TDX & Maze 4 & some ram heatsinks. I think I'm going to hide the pump, radiator and reservoir behind the desk. Its about 2-2.5 feet below the highest tubing point (TDX). I can mount the raidator so that it is suspened in mid air with tons of air. Then I was thinking about building a small box to enclose the pump in. The box would then have vent holes but would be carpeted to drown out the sound. If this pump enclosed in box worked out real well then I migh just hide it on the side of the PC so there is is very little altitude change in tubing. What do you all think of the pump in box idea?

The radiator can have three 120 fans on it. What if I buy 3 scythe s-flexs? thhey are rated at 20.1 DBs, 49 CFM and 1,200 RPM. OR they make them at 8.7 DBs with 33.5 CFM. I'd like to get the 8.7 dBs of course, but only if taht will be sufficient.

p.s. budget went up so throw me anything u got

gotta go to work..

 

[Agent11]

pugets

these guys get $$$$ for their work so I wouldnt buy thru them, but it may give you an idea if you need help still.

 

[Ping to the Pong]

Kakumba is right, the Whitewater is a great choice for a budget block. Should perform just as well if not better than the TDX. Only reason why people dont hear much about it is becuase its an old block. Probably better to spend 5 bucks more and get the limited edition white water for 34 bucks from PTS.

As for your tubing, just keep in mind that the more tubing you use, the more restrictive your overall loop will be. BIP is a decent radiator made for quiet fans, but you never really need more than a BIP II. i would suggetst putting some Yate Loons on.

The D5 is an great pump, to me its virtually silent. If you want to save some money, combo the white water with the CSP Mag but would still get the D5.

Lastly, the maze4 would be my recommendation for gpu block. All you need to get would be some ramsinks and you just saved yourself alot of money compared to the nv78

Here: http://www.procooling.com/index.php?func=articles&disp=131
click on the whitewater and the TDX, the whitewater is a better block at a much lower cost.

 

[Kakumba]

Yup, well said there Ping.

So, now that parts have been chosen, we need to see a diagram. if you want to go hiding the pump etc, you really need to plan this one. REALLY REALLY need to plan it... Im not kidding.

 

[leegroves86]

I can't find the digital camera at the moment, When I do find it I'll post pics of the computer, desk, etc. I'll show you where I'd like to mount the hardware and what you all think of it. Now, to figure out where to host the pictures.......

 

[cleverhandle]

Originally posted by: leegroves86
What do you all think of the pump in box idea?

I think you should try the D5 and see if it's really necessary. I don't have one myself, but everyone I talk to says it's a nearly-silent pump. "Pump-in-a-box" sounds like a lot of fuss for not much benefit.

 

[leegroves86]

Got the pump, blocks and tygon tubing picked out. Now, for the radiator... i'm getting the $55 (including shipping) Black Ice Pro III from: http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/bliceproiiit.html This one has 3 120mm fans so that should be good. Any objections to radiator?
The reservoir is next. Its pretty basic but I'm having trouble finding/picking one out. So far I've got a 5 1/4 bay reservoir from Dangerden. However, I wasn't planning on mounting it inside the case. As said earlier, i was wanting to hide most of it outside of computer case. If you all think I Should put it in the case I will. Any other reservoirs I should look out for?
List so far:

D5 pump +
TDX block combo = $108

Dangerden Reservoir = 18

maze 4 gpu block = $65

tygon tubing, 10 ft. = $28 (is this to much?)

Black ice III radiator = $45

TOTAL = $264

That doesn't include shipping of course. Let me know all your ideas!

p.s. Still trying to get some pics up online

 

[Kakumba]

ok, that rad is great. the resevoir, well, it doesnt really matter, just dont get one that leaks, and put it at the top of your loop.

 

[leegroves86]

So ur saying the Resevoir needs to be the Highest point in the system? I ask because someone said to do this b/c it gets any air out of the system. On DD's site i can buy the pump, resevoir, tubing, TDX & radiator for a bit over $200. Gonna hold of on the maze 4 for a bit due to lack of funds.

Also, the pump runs on a 4 molex connector. However, i plan on it being outside the case. What can I do to power it? Some kind of 12v converter? I'd rather run a shorter wire to an outlet then I would splicing wires back to the case.

Think i'm gonnna use water wetter, is that ok? I've seen everything from radiator fluid to HEET. What all should I combine?

Suggestions on water dye? Preferably blue dye with a red case light, think that would show up good?

Pics are gonna be on tommorow night with my ideas of mounting. check back!

P.S. thank you all so much, you've been a great help!

 

[aigomorla]

DD Cpu blocks is okey block made for water cooling. BUT I dont see why you'd want to use that. If your looking for a awesome block, nothing, and i mean NOTHING will beat the swiftech STORM. Also, a fairly good pump would be the D5 pump from liang. Both swiftech and DD make these. Lastly, your rez only needs to be at the top if its a cheap one, or a inbay rez. This is because of bubbles. But the newer rez's like the new swiftech can be placed right in front of the pump. This is actually a easiler and better method because it makes priming the thing extremely easy and with less tubes being used in your loop, it will restrict the flow less. Anyhow here are the main components im running.

Pump: MCP655 D5 pump from Liang

Res: I was running a bay Rez, but i got really bothered by the SLOUCH noise it made, upgraded to a MCRES-Micro, and i love the thing to death. Good luck finding it, its always sold out and i had to wait 2 weeks for the stupid thing to get back in stock.

Rad: Swiftech MCR-220. Quiet series, there optimized for medium to low CFM. I currently have 2 nexus's on it and i bearly hear those things.

CPU block: the BEST and i mean BEST! Swiftech Storm. I heard a lot of good reviews for there cheaper version called APOGEE. Its the 6000 series under swiftech.

GPU: NV-78SLI, i know a lot of people will say this is a really bad block, but i got it as a gift from a friend, and i like how its has a prebuilt parallel setup, so it makes my tubing job look much cleaner.

Anyhow, the technical stuff ur waiting for:
My delta from idle to load is about 5-8 degree's. Currently its a nice day, the outside temp is around 65F. too lazy to do C conversion but you do the math for me . My idle temp sits around 26, with loads at 31-33 depending on how many hours i decide to push it at max. When i was priming for 24 hours the highest ive seen it go was 34-35, but that was priming both cores at 24 hours on torcher test.

Also the famous recipies for coolant
My personal favorate is 10% antifreeze 90% nano pure water. Nanopure is the same as double distilled, double RO'd treated with UV so the water is close to 100% pure h2o. I was fortunate to work in a lab with a nanopure machine and i just took 2 liters of it, which is wayyyyyyyyyyyy more then enough, but it also tastes good. :X j/k If you have 2 different metals like cooper and aluminum, make sure u put a wetter in it or your gonna have a really nasty oxidation on your aluminum side. Dyes are in my opinion usless, because the antifreeze makes it look pretty enough as it is.

oh also: www.Jab-tech.com FTW!! there cheaper and i like there service.

 

[HardWarrior]

Originally posted by: leegroves86
ok, so total silence was being a bit sarcastic. with stock amd cooler, stock nvidia cooler & 2 80mm case fans the computer is a bit on the loud side. Most of that is from gpu & cpu.

$52 - DD TDX - a couple extra bucks than expected but thats ok. Anyone else have a better suggestion?

$44 - Maze 4. whats the diff between maze4 & the other DD "78/7900 series" coolers? one cost $45 the other cost $125, am I missing something? Do i need to wory about the ram not being cooled at all with the stock heatsink gone?

$45 - Black Ice pro III radiator. Read some reviews and its seems to do very well, has room for 3 12CM fans too!

$75 - DD pump seems a bit high. I knows it important but remember, i need something quiet that won't have to do much if any overclocking


The DD custom water kit sure seems nice and easy, but if you all reccomend components from a different store then i'm all in!

sorry i can' tell you the load temps right now. But everythin is stock so you can guess.

P.S. This store has the Black Ice pro III radiator for 45, DD has it for 75. Am I missing something
http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/bliceproiiit.html

If you can, order the TDX directly from DD. This way you won't have to worry about getting the updated gasket. Don't fret about the D5 being quiet, it is. Don't forget to mount it on the neoprene mat that should come with the unit. If quiet operation is important, and since you had a large rad, low-volt some good fans and you'll be very pleased with the results. As for the rest, it looks good.

 

[VballCoach]

Originally posted by: leegroves86
Got the pump, blocks and tygon tubing picked out. Now, for the radiator... i'm getting the $55 (including shipping) Black Ice Pro III from: http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/bliceproiiit.html This one has 3 120mm fans so that should be good. Any objections to radiator?
The reservoir is next. Its pretty basic but I'm having trouble finding/picking one out. So far I've got a 5 1/4 bay reservoir from Dangerden. However, I wasn't planning on mounting it inside the case. As said earlier, i was wanting to hide most of it outside of computer case. If you all think I Should put it in the case I will. Any other reservoirs I should look out for?
List so far:

D5 pump +
TDX block combo = $108

Dangerden Reservoir = 18

maze 4 gpu block = $65

tygon tubing, 10 ft. = $28 (is this to much?)

Black ice III radiator = $45

TOTAL = $264

That doesn't include shipping of course. Let me know all your ideas!

p.s. Still trying to get some pics up online

get the same rad here for $29.99
http://store.yahoo.com/directron/icepro3.html

suggest 7/16" tubing from mcmaster p/n 5233K44 @ $.38/ft. get 20 ft. to be safe.

use a T-line instead of a res if want to save some money...