Looking for new, high-performance yet noiseless WC set

[HardWarrior]

Originally posted by: T2k
I don't mind having external pump(s), I just want silent operation. How Eheim vs Swift perform when it comes to noise (ie humming)?

When I was running fish tanks I don't recall ever hearing much from an Eheim, so I guess that sums it up. I ran my 2 655's in a test loop for a week. Beyond a very mild "whirring", they're both astoundingly quiet. I guess Laing took the complaints about the D4 seriously. D4's sound like electric razors. The 655 has the added benefit of being small, not generating much EMI and coming with 12v connections.

If you're going with an external mount then perhaps an Iwaki would be a good choice. Some models move a LOT of coolant (which won't hurt with the long runs you need for an external mount), and being that it'll be isolated away from your rig, you won't have to worry about the downsides I listed above. Plus, Iwaki's are pretty too. VERY macho! :laugh:

 

[Gagan]

my case is very very quiet, but also very expensive, pick up this badboy if you can stomach it!

 

[T2k]

Thanks for all the info. Let's start ordering...
So I guess I can't go wrong with Storm v2 as CPU block (as long as I buy strong pumps which I intend to do anyway) - how about VGA blocks? I was planning to order a DD one but then I found this interesting topic over @: http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1039412

EDIT: link fixed

 

[HardWarrior]

There's nothing wrong with the Maze4 as indicated by how many people use it. Lots of people seem to like this block as well.

I couldn't get into the link you posted. Too much ass-slapping and snide comments for my tastes.

 

[T2k]

Ooops... check the link again please, I scerwed up first time.

Well, I'd prefer a VGA block w/ memory cooling - like the above mentioned DD...

 

[HardWarrior]

I've got 2 DD full-cover blocks and they work just fine.

 

[T2k]

Yeah but you're running NVs. I'm planning to run X1900s... for a while just one, later I'll either buy another one or just upgrade to another card... and EK's VGA block seems not only better quality/fit but cheaper as well - heck, if I'd buy the CF version that'd cost only half the DD's price...

 

[HardWarrior]

Either way, you'll be fine. DD makes this, if you want more options.

 

[T2k]

So lemmesee'... I'll buy 1xStorm v2, 2xMCP655 *OR* 1xEheim 12V (more likely if enough), most likely 1xEK-FCX1800 - I have to check RD580-chipset yet to figure out the block, I also have to decide that I go for a huge automotive radiator w/ some custom mounted fan or just buy some 3x120 fan+rad combo (which one: DD BIE3 vs Swift?) or some huuuge passive... plus tubing: which one?

Originally posted by: HardWarrior
Either way, you'll be fine. DD makes this, if you want more options.

Yep, that's what those complaints were posted in the topic I've linked above.

 

[HardWarrior]

The EK looks like a fine block, though I've never seen it offered at any of the places I shop. Do you mean the Swiftech MCR rads? They seem to more "quiet" oriented (80CFM and below) than BIX rads, which would be just what you're shooting for. I've got a BIX 1 rad that actually "whistles" when you pull any more than 80CFM through it, which is at least what it needs to function well. Also, even though the EK looks real good, I wouldn't write off the DD full-cover. As a company they tent to adapt very quickly to screw-ups in their designs.

If you're so inclined, take a look at this rad. The reviews and testimonials are sterling. I've got the HE (an earlier model) that I've been very pleased with in terms of raw performance.

BTW, I'm really looking forward to seeing what you come up with, so be prepared to take loads of pics.

 

[slsmnaz]

Originally posted by: HardWarrior

If you're so inclined, take a look at this rad. The reviews and testimonials are sterling. I've got the HE (an earlier model) that I've been very pleased with in terms of raw performance.

BTW, I'm really looking forward to seeing what you come up with, so be prepared to take loads of pics.

I paired the PA120.2 w/ some Yate Loons and it is very quiet. Paired w/ a fan controller but I haven't needed to turn them down yet. Very easy to mount too, since it works without a shroud.

 

[HardWarrior]

Originally posted by: slsmnaz

Originally posted by: HardWarrior

If you're so inclined, take a look at this rad. The reviews and testimonials are sterling. I've got the HE (an earlier model) that I've been very pleased with in terms of raw performance.

BTW, I'm really looking forward to seeing what you come up with, so be prepared to take loads of pics.

I paired the PA120.2 w/ some Yate Loons and it is very quiet. Paired w/ a fan controller but I haven't needed to turn them down yet. Very easy to mount too, since it works without a shroud.

There you go! You can't beat the opinion of a person who's been there.

 

[T2k]

Yeah, EK is from Slovenia: www.ekwaterblocks.com
That PA120.3 looks amazing. I'll check out further (ie fan/noise, fitting options) but I'm already halfway convinced...

WRT pumps I've figured I'd rather keep it on 12V, most likely inside the house - question is which way would you go? Dual 655 or single Eheim? How bad is Eheim's EMI problem (ie is it still bad even if it's somewhere in top of the case, far from the mobo)?

Another foggy area is the tubing and such - what do I need? "1/2 ID" means half inch internal diameter, right? that's well over one cm... hmm, that should be enough, I guess.

 

[HardWarrior]

I went dual 655's because I wanted to feed my Storm all the pressure it needs, not have to freak about tubing length and to mount it all internally. If you're going external you have lots more options in terms of pumps because the EMI it generates won't be near your hardware. Yeah, 1/2 inch ID refers to internal diameter. 3/4 inch OD is usually preferable in that size because it doesn't kink as easily. So, 1/2 inch ID, 3/4 inch OD is probably what you're looking for. Don't forget to select the correct sized barbs on your blocks.

Take a look here.

Tygon 3603 is great tubing, but ClearFlex 60 isn't bad either.

 

[T2k]

OK I've ordered EK-FCX1800 for the VGA.

I'm ready to order so far:

1x Storm v2
1x MCP655 (I've yet to see how necessary is a second one - most ppl say it's stronger than a 1048...)
1x DD M4 EXPERT (depending on CFX3200's layout MCW30 could fit too)
~10ft 1/2" ID Tygon
~dozen or so clamps and such
and some foam against vibration and noise.

Hmm, it'll be well over $300 already at this point... I have yet to come up with A) reservoir/filler and B) 3x 120mm noiseless fan and C) to see a performance comparison PA120.3 vs MCR320-QP-K vs BIXIII... Swifty one costs half as much as the Thermo but even the Black Ice is a lot cheaper and even Thermo guy said somewhere PA120.3 doesn't mean too much unless you have a very high load setup with SLI/CF...

PS: I have a Canon Rebel XT, don't worry about the pics.

 

[HardWarrior]

You can easily wait and see how satisfied you are with your temps before considering a second 655. Remember, the type of fan you want to use should be balanced with the style of rad. Thick/dense core rad = 120x38 for best performance 120x25mm not very good, thin core rad = 120x25 good performance (even low-volted) OR 120x38mm great performance. You can even slap a rheobus on your fans and dial-in higher performance (if needed) at the expense of more noise.

The Thermochill guy is right. SLI, especially full-covers, will spike your coolant very fast.

 

[T2k]

1. I see, thanks. So a BIXIII + 3xnoiseless 120mm should be enough, right? TBH I'd still rather go for some HUUUUUUUGE passive heatcore... Currently it's only my DC Opty and a single X1900XT, chipset is the new RD580, with very low (few W) TDP...

2. I can't find MCRES-Micro res anywhere in stock except @Swiftech - but I don't want to pay extra shipping and Swiftech doesn't sell Tygon etc... do you know something similar reservoir, at this same cheap price (under $20)?

Originally posted by: slsmnaz
I paired the PA120.2 w/ some Yate Loons and it is very quiet. Paired w/ a fan controller but I haven't needed to turn them down yet. Very easy to mount too, since it works without a shroud.

Which ones you're using and what fan controller?

 

[HardWarrior]

1. Actually just the opposite. A rad like this would pair a lot better with quiet, low static-pressure fans. A BIX 3 with the same sort of fans would actually perform worse, being that it takes a muscular fan to pull air through its dense construction.

2. The MCRES-MICRO is out of stock at all the places I looked. Which implies that Swifty is either reworking the design or discontinuing it.

 

[T2k]

1. Excellent, then I'd go with BIPIII *or* some big passive one... I'll figure out.

2. Hmm, I have to find a replacement then...

3. Let me go back to the pump for a sec. I've checked and this MCP655 adds a pretty significant amount of heat to the water, around ~15W, according to this topic over @ProCooling: http://forums.procooling.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=10825
Here's an excerpt from the conclusion:
Dual 120mm radiator: First choice: Iwaki MD-20RZ, Second choice MCP600. Silence Choice: Eheim 1048 or 1250
Larger radiators: Iwaki MD-20RZ all the way, with the MCP600 as a good second option.

This Iwaki is a great piece but an Eheim is less noisy - then I found this 420g/h unit:
http://www.aquadirect.com/store/product.php?productid=495&cat=224&page=1
* Quiet. Quieter than Iwaki
* Sealed Motor. For long-lasting pump life. Can last over ten years.
* Pressure Rated. Stands up to the best. Again, compare charts to the Little Giant 5MDQ, Iwaki and GRI
And $109... hmmm, very tempting, even with a $20 relay switch...

 

[slsmnaz]

Originally posted by: T2k
1. I see, thanks. So a BIXIII + 3xnoiseless 120mm should be enough, right? TBH I'd still rather go for some HUUUUUUUGE passive heatcore... Currently it's only my DC Opty and a single X1900XT, chipset is the new RD580, with very low (few W) TDP...

2. I can't find MCRES-Micro res anywhere in stock except @Swiftech - but I don't want to pay extra shipping and Swiftech doesn't sell Tygon etc... do you know something similar reservoir, at this same cheap price (under $20)?

Originally posted by: slsmnaz
I paired the PA120.2 w/ some Yate Loons and it is very quiet. Paired w/ a fan controller but I haven't needed to turn them down yet. Very easy to mount too, since it works without a shroud.

Which ones you're using and what fan controller?

I am using these fans and the Rheobus controller. The LED's on it are bright but it's pretty good.

Have you considered a t-line instead of a rad?

 

[HardWarrior]

Originally posted by: slsmnaz

I am using these fans and the Rheobus controller. The LED's on it are bright but it's pretty good.

Have you considered a t-line instead of a rad?

slsmnaz, is that rheobus PWM? Also, you meant res, right? But yeah, a T-line is a viable option too.

 

[HardWarrior]

Nice link, T! Pumps are a lot of fun to talk about, especially with knowledgable guys like Cathar.

 

[slsmnaz]

Originally posted by: HardWarrior

Originally posted by: slsmnaz

I am using these fans and the Rheobus controller. The LED's on it are bright but it's pretty good.

Have you considered a t-line instead of a rad?

slsmnaz, is that rheobus PWM? Also, you meant res, right? But yeah, a T-line is a viable option too.

No it's not (I think). Yes, I meant res, oops! I just figured a t-line might knock off a few $$.

I also read quite a bit by Cathar and felt like he was a pretty reliable source

 

[T2k]

Thanks, slsmnaz, I guess I'll go with these fans.
T-line? TBH a T-line would only mean 10 savings over the Swifty res but thx anyway.

 

[HardWarrior]

I seem to remember seeing a Sunbeam that was PWM. I've been itching to buy a rheobus, but I'd like one that's manual and/or temp controlled. That would be deeply sweet.