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External Rad - Advice request

E

EnsignFodder

Senior member
I wanted to WC my Lain Li PC-7B and after looking around (top mount or rad box) I thought about a external enclosure. I have looked all over the web for a tool/photography kit/case that would be the right size for the rad with 1/side or 2/side 25mm or 38mm fans. That being said my search turned up some options but for cost sake I think I might need more options. I was thinking about using some sort of mini-ax or itx tower case (a la ThermalTake Rhythm) or doing some custom fab (scary but willing to try) with plex or such.

I am open to other idea's but I just do not think I can get my parts (listed below) in the case in a clean and orderly fashion. Of course I could replace pump res top with a normal top, but I have always liked the idea of having the rad external to the case.

Thanks for any advice, opinions, etc.


Rad: BIX II 240
Pump: Corsair 500 (MCP350 modded to MCP355) without ears
Pump Res: XSPC Reservoir Top
Primary Res: Danger Den Clear Single 5.25" Bay
Fans: Undetermined 120mm
 
I don't know if the BI fits but I've always liked the idea of using one of these or making something similar. If you decide to go this way do the homework before you buy make sure it will fit your rad. This is the diagram for the 3 fan shroud.
 
Think I will go with a acrylic sandwich.

Acrylic, fans, rad, fans, acrylic.

Using pre-fab for initial build and will dress up later if I like it.

Basic 2x120 Blowhole

Suggestions on fans? I would prefer 38mm to give more clearance for fittings, but 25mm might work if I extend the fittings and do a panel mount on the acrylic.

Thanks!
 
Originally posted by: WoodButcher
I don't know if the BI fits but I've always liked the idea of using one of these or making something similar. If you decide to go this way do the homework before you buy make sure it will fit your rad. This is the diagram for the 3 fan shroud.
Click to expand...

WoodButcher,

Thanks for the suggestion, I looked but did not see a 240, only 360's.

Thanks again.
 
Any suggestions on fluid additives. I would want something bio-degradable and possible non-toxic. I use Fluid XP in my main rig, and would like something similar but not in a pre-mix. I would be looking for anti-corrosive, anti-biological, etc.

Thanks!
 
Provided you have an all copper loop distilled water and PT Nuke, if not get a gallon of anti freeze and use it 2 parts distilled water to 1 antifreeze. I have found no additive or dye that I like.
The Scythe kaze fans are good for 38 mm but make noise when downvolted, panaflows are what I'm using now, I have both but prefer the sound of downvolted panaflow, they both sound like jets when at 12v. 25mm? Yates....
 
Originally posted by: EnsignFodder
Think I will go with a acrylic sandwich.

Acrylic, fans, rad, fans, acrylic.

Using pre-fab for initial build and will dress up later if I like it.

Basic 2x120 Blowhole

Suggestions on fans? I would prefer 38mm to give more clearance for fittings, but 25mm might work if I extend the fittings and do a panel mount on the acrylic.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

You can also use 25mm fans with spacers. For spacers, I use dead 25mm fans and just cut the insides out.
 
Yeah - I thought about that and was thinking "Do I have any or have I tossed them?" I am sure the FS/FT forum would allow me to acquire all I would need.

Thanks for the advice - will update when work begins.
 
i tried.

The koolance external box wont take the MCR320 size without some modding.

Also i wish it was a few mm more thicker. Then we could really make use of them.

I should hound dean and see if they can do a revision.

Another method i was thinkn about was adding spacers so you could fit a larger class rad.


My ultimate advice tho is learn how to use a jiggy and bust out pieces of wood, and fabricate it.

Im sure woodbutcher will show you the basics on how. That would be by far the cleanest approach.
 
Wood doesn't seem to fit with a metal case, I have done a couple of risers for the bottom and a high gloss black paint over oak looks ok for the base but on top I'd do plastic or metal, or a combination of both. One day I'll bend one up.
 
You may be able to do it just using M3 or M4 (dependant on your rad) threaded bar cut to the right length.

Essentially you would have to:
Cut two circular 120mm dia holes in the top panel of the case located correctly for the fans on the rad.
Cut 8No. bolt holes in the correct pattern for the rad/fan.
An additional two holes (3/4" perhaps) for the inlet and outlet on the rad.
Then it would become: Threaded bar, nut and washer -> case top panel -> fans -> rad -> fans. You could even include a fan grille for safety sake.

Oh and rubber grommets in the holes in the top panel to protect the inlet and outlet tubing from chaffing.

So the threaded bar would screw through the top panel and bottom fan into the threaded flange on the bottom of the rad. The top fans would bolt down on to the top threaded flange of the rad.

Alternatively, would it be possible to fabricate the double fan shroud out of fibreglass with a gelcoat finish? I'm sure you guys will tell me if this is a feasible/practical suggestion.
 
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