Looking to Watercool my PC

[imported_TheBob]

I've never watercooled but I've looked into it many time so I'm not completely ignorant on the subject. My girls is getting me a watercooling setup for my Bday and I need to be sent on the right path.
I want to cool my CPU and maybe my GPU but I'm planning on upgrading my 8800gts to a 4850 soon so I don't want to waist the money on a waterblock that won't be used in 2 months and it's not a selling point.
I have 1 120mm 1 80mm exhaust fans. I'd like a radiator on each. I want 1/2 inch tubing.
I don't know anything about waterblocks or pumps.
I have 2 free 5.25in. bays for a reservoir. Don't know much about them either.
If anyone could point me in the right direction. My budget is $200 MAX! The fact that she is letting me fill my computer with water took enough convincing, I can't go over budget.

Edit: I have read over the beginners guide in the forums.

 

[Gillbot]

Check out the FS/FT section and assemble the parts yourself. That's your best shot at decent cooling for your budget.

If you are going to do your CPU/GPU, go for the 3x120 radiator like the Swiftech MCR320, look for a Swiftech Apogee GT or D-tek Fuzion CPU block and get the accessories like tubing and fittings new. I'm sure others will chime in soon with their $0.02.

 

[WoodButcher]

+1 for Gill, you will need to get used parts to make the budget unless you stick to the cpu.
Swiftech 320, D5 pump, minimum, these will allow you to add the vid card later. Use a T-line to save the cost of a res. Many of us update blocks more often than needed so you may find a used Fusion ver 1 for cheap. Sorry, mine has been used in another build already.:frown: With persistance you'll find your parts. What case do you have?

 

[imported_TheBob]

I have a X-dreamer case. Where would I put a 320mm rad? and I'm thinking more to just CPU now. I'll check out the FS thread in a week or so.

 

[WoodButcher]

I'm not a fan but fleabay is an option too, as for where to mount a 320 check the case gallery for ideas, I have a bottom mounted 320 inthere that would work for you and there are many other ways. Lots of good ideas here and here as well.

 

[imported_TheBob]

Not a fan of ebay. Been scamed twice out of the 5 times I've used it. Thanks for the ideas. Gave me some good inspiration.

 

[WoodButcher]

Yeah, I got scammed once two but my win record is much better than yours. my wife and kids buy on my acct all the time and they have been warned. If it sounds to good to be true,,,,,
When mounting your loops your only limited by your imagination. There are basic rules but no good reason not to be different. I've picked peoples' brains, read guides and articles till my eyes closed. As Gill can attest, it's very satisfying when you finish and get the temps, even more so when it is your butchery that has done the job and not a kit.

 

[imported_TheBob]

Yeah I know I don't want a kit. I've got some good ideas now so I need to gets some parts in my head now.

 

[imported_TheBob]

How are the dangerden kits. I configured one fore 204.00. It had a black ice extreme II and a TDX waterblock.

 

[WoodButcher]

Post a link to it I may be wrong but I think the TDX is not so hot (cool) and the BI2 (a 240?) won't handle a vid card if you want to upgrade. You will need a triple rad to handle a vid card in the loop.

 

[imported_TheBob]

Ok so I've been looking into this hardcore for the last few weeks and I've desided not to get everything from one place like dangerden.

I've been thinking about using feser one coolant. I'd link to the site but its unusable because they play sound every time you do anything!!! I've also desided to to my budget and the fact that my GPU will be replaced soon and I'm not unhappy with the performance right now I will just be cooling my CPU. When/if I add gpu it will be a different loop.

I will be buying a radiator first maybe in a week. I'm going to go with the HW Labs Black Ice GTX 240mm. Unless you guys have grips with that rad.

Also I was wondering if there is a place I can find reviews on watercooling parts. I can only find old reviews(2005-06) It seems most sites are just reviewing kits like the bigwater. Something I couldn't care less about

 

[WoodButcher]

Aigo could give you a batter rundown on coolants, I use distilled water, couple drops of algaecide (fish type) and the feser dye. Straight distilled is best but if you like color and use UV light you need to beat algae.

Personally I'd recommend the swiftech rads for price/ performance, many others like the BI have tighter fins that need more airflow, more noise although we're not talking big differences in performance

I recommend this site to anyone building a loop.
http://www.martinsliquidlab.com/
and don't forget XS!
http://www.xtremesystems.org/f.../forumdisplay.php?f=70

 

[imported_TheBob]

Ok what about this one?
http://www.frozencpu.com/produ...P-K.html?tl=g30c95s161

Also this one is gorgeous
http://www.frozencpu.com/produ...360.html?tl=g30c95s161

My case is black with blue led fans. Let me know what you think of those. They both are cheaper than the HW labs rad. I'm thinking of going with the D-Tek Fuzion cpu cooler as well.

Edit: What do you think of reservoir/pumps like this one
http://www.xspc.biz/baypump750.php

 

[WoodButcher]

I havent heard anthing good, bad or indiferent about the XSPC rads. In my new box I used an MCR320 w/ the fusion v2 and an MCP355/ XSPC res top on my q6600. My temps are around 30c at idle, 40 load. I have a Thermochill 120.3 and chose to use the Swiftech for the size. It's a little thinner, a MCR220 would do an admirable job of cooling a cpu alone so the 320 is more than I need. If you plan to add a vid card the 320 will do, if you plan for SLI you will want a second loop so the 220 would be enough for the cpu loop.
I like overkill, you can add a rad but they don't stretch well.

 

[imported_TheBob]

Ok so I'll look up some review on the XSPC rad. If I don't find anything great about them then I'll go with the swiftech. I'm pretty much decided on the fusion v2. I'm thinking I want a submerged pump to shut out noise. I heard that the fusion likes high pressure pumps though.

Edit: Were is the best place to buy watercooling parts?

 

[WoodButcher]

Sumps add heat to the loop, the motor being underwater. A decent pump like the 355 or 655 makes very little noise when the loop is bled properly. My two can't be heard over the fans w/ the fans at 5v. When I did the leak test w/ no fans I was astounded at the quiet, these are my first 355's and unless my head was within 18" I couldn't hear them. You hear water at startup but that is it.
Fans are the noise problem. My next will be the Sythe s flex line. I currently have 3/ 1900 Slipstreams and 3/ 3000 Ultra Kaze on a controller. Ute SS get noisy when they push air and the UK's make an airflow sound that I don't like. Yates so far are the best fans I have used for quiet personally but the search continues,,,,

 

[imported_TheBob]

I'm not sure what the 355 or 655 pumps are. Can you point me to a few good pumps? Also how much should I be spending on a pump?

 

[WoodButcher]

http://www.performance-pcs.com...h=201&products_id=3112
w/ speed control
or better yet-
http://www.performance-pcs.com...=201&products_id=20655
with a top-
http://www.performance-pcs.com...=201&products_id=22700
or the res top combo-
http://www.performance-pcs.com...info&products_id=23357

for the best performance according to Martin's testing.
You really need to spend some time reading his site. He has done a great deal of testing and comparisons and that flow rate estimator will help you to detemine the better blocks and rads for your loop.
http://www.martinsliquidlab.co...FlowRateEstimator.html
It works with open office spreadsheets if you don't have excel. I get a kick out of his disclaimer, "This is for educational purposes only! " and he downplays his own work. I've excanged a few emails and donated a fitting or two to the cause but the guy is phenominal, Tests and retests for turkeys like us that are unable or unwilling to do the work.

 

[imported_TheBob]

Thanks I have been reading through his site. The guy is crazy! I'll check out the flow rate estimator.

 

[aigomorla]

seems like my pal WB is taking care of ya.

Anything in particular you want me to explain?

 

[imported_TheBob]

Yeah he has been great! If you could let me know some info on pumps. I'd like to know what makes a good pump what the best ones are. How much I should spend. Also I'm thinking of adding a northbridge cooler. So if you could point me to a few good ones. I've read over your newbie guide. Great info.

 

[WoodButcher]

Aigo! I was wondering if anyone else would help out here, I mean,, I can put together a decent loop but I know my thoughts don't always concur with popular opinion!
Like the BIX- I don't care for them, but in over a year I haven't looked at them, I'm really not that current in all things wet. I try not to look too hard at new toys so I'm not tempted to buy like my Dtek ver2:roll:
I'm not good with details of how and why and don't explain myself well. If a helper were to ask why I drive a nail w/ a hammer,, I'd like as not rap his thumb w/ the hammer and ask him, " because feels better when I hit the nail, don't it???"

here's one-

Originally posted by: WoodButcher
Aigo could give you a better rundown on coolants, I use distilled water, couple drops of algaecide (fish type) and the feser dye. Straight distilled is best but if you like color and use UV light you need to beat algae.

 

[Gillbot]

I use straight distilled and i'm a fan of the MCR220/320 rads. As for fans, I get mine wholesale from an electronics warehouse. Sunon 7w, 110cfm for $4 each.

 

[imported_TheBob]

Oh WB you have been great! I'm getting the MCR320 and D-tek v2. I just don't know much about pumps. I look at the links you gave me I just don't know what the different between them are.

 

[Gillbot]

I use the 655, couldn't be happier. Some have recommended the 355 to me but i've never tried it.