My Bathtub Water Cooling System Project for Audio System

[BrightCandle]

The pressure is another possibility. Modern CPU blocks use very fine pine grids internally and they force the water between the pins. As the particles in the water get stuck the restriction will increase and the water flow rate will decrease. This will also have the net effect of increase the wear and tear on the pump. You might not see much CPU temperature change because you aren't really pushing the blocks very hard with these components and the impact is going to be gradual and accumulate over time.

 

[Agent11]

May want to check inside the blocks every few months for biological contamination as well.

I would not be surprised if you had a healthy colony of fecal coliform bacteria one of these days.

 

[aigomorla]

Also note cheeze...

ive had guys who caught pnumonia from leaving an BONG Cooler out and the build up of humidity.

I hope you got that in check.

 

[gus6464]

Cobalt's MJ's are the ones Marineland built in Italy before they switched manufacturing to China. So they basically just buy them from the old OEM.

Also, that is a powerhead and not a pump. Powerheads are not designed for that much head pressure so kiss that MJ good-bye in a couple of weeks. You need a big Mag Drive at the minimum for that application.

 

[Murloc]

This system with a non-closed loop sounds unreliable, high-maintenance and expensive long-term since this stuff is subject to stress and probably build up of stuff.

You should read this story and look at the stuff they did: http://www.pugetsystems.com/mineral-oil-pc.php

they used an acquarium filled with mineral oil as a PC case. This removes the need for waterblocks and stuff, because the oil is in contact with everything.

But it needs a radiator, unless the tank is big enough to dissipate like your bathtub does, you'll need some physics and experiments to find out how big it has to be probably.

I wouldn't try this if I don't have money because once your stuff is covered in oil there's no way to clean it.
Also don't submerge your hard disk.

 

[Ben90]

Mineral oil is just miles ahead when it comes to noise reduction. It is more quiet that fully passive because it also blocks coil whine and stuff like that.

 

[AdamK47]

Although entertaining, I never take Cheez threads seriously.

Problem: Old PC makes too much noise when playing HD content.

The Cheez Solution: Buy waterblocks for the old hardware. Pipe water from a constantly filled bathtub in the house.

The Logical Solution: Replace PC with low power cost effective parts good for HD content.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

Although entertaining, I never take Cheez threads seriously.

Problem: Old PC makes too much noise when playing HD content.

The Cheez Solution: Buy waterblocks for the old hardware. Pipe water from a constantly filled bathtub in the house.

The Logical Solution: Replace PC with low power cost effective parts good for HD content.

But the software only works with the old hardware /rolls eyes

 

[cheez]

Cobalt's MJ's are the ones Marineland built in Italy before they switched manufacturing to China. So they basically just buy them from the old OEM.

Thanks for stating something that I already know.

Also, that is a powerhead and not a pump. Powerheads are not designed for that much head pressure so kiss that MJ good-bye in a couple of weeks. You need a big Mag Drive at the minimum for that application.

Powerheads, pumps, same thing! 🙄 But thanks for posting comment. I am sure some others will find info about the pump useful. 🙂

This system with a non-closed loop sounds unreliable, high-maintenance and expensive long-term since this stuff is subject to stress and probably build up of stuff.

You should read this story and look at the stuff they did: http://www.pugetsystems.com/mineral-oil-pc.php

they used an acquarium filled with mineral oil as a PC case. This removes the need for waterblocks and stuff, because the oil is in contact with everything.

But it needs a radiator, unless the tank is big enough to dissipate like your bathtub does, you'll need some physics and experiments to find out how big it has to be probably.

I wouldn't try this if I don't have money because once your stuff is covered in oil there's no way to clean it.
Also don't submerge your hard disk.

Mineral oil is just miles ahead when it comes to noise reduction. It is more quiet that fully passive because it also blocks coil whine and stuff like that.

I heard about the oil submerging technique you described above. Question is how cool can you keep the liquid going around the component. I am not sure how this will have impact on sound, either negatively or positively. Hmmmmmmm~~~~~~ It is an interesting idea though. I might look into it further, but I feel there is no need as my current bathtub cooling has been working wonderfully.


cheez

 

[cheez]

Although entertaining, I never take Cheez threads seriously.

Problem: Old PC makes too much noise when playing HD content.

The Cheez Solution: Buy waterblocks for the old hardware. Pipe water from a constantly filled bathtub in the house.

The Logical Solution: Replace PC with low power cost effective parts good for HD content.

But the software only works with the old hardware /rolls eyes

Adam, read what YamTomato said. He explained it clearly. Adam you joined the game too late. Perhaps read all posts in this thread to find out what's going on and why I went with the bathtub cooling.



Guys, it's been running fine with the new pump. It's been 1 month, pump running 24/7, constant service. System stays running 24/7 so the capacitors get warmed up and optimize themselves for improved sound.

The water flow looks good and I don't see anything building up in the tubing. The tubing has been used for over 2 months now. Guys, stop worrying about the build up. There is no build up. Plus I have many years of experience with this as explained before. And if the pump fails, I will report. It's a promise. 😉 I am not trying to prove anyone that this pump is the best solution. I am doing this as an experiment. If it lasts forever, good! if not, oh well. Get a different pump! 🙄 🙂


The ONLY problem I am having is the vibration and noise caused by the pump. Even with the sponge foam placed under the pump it still makes vibration and noise as it is touching the bottom of the tub. The noise transfers to the wall, and other side of the room, my living room so I can still hear the noise. Another problem is my power supply that's mounted on top of my wine cooler cabinet is making fan noise (defective fan / bearing). It's really annoying, both PSU fan and pump vibration. I am totally broke to buy anything right now. I wish I had the fanless power supply.

As for the pump, I need to come up with better ideas. It needs to be lifted from the tub so that it won't touch the bottom of the tub causing vibration. I need get something that can be mounted above the tub, run a string down to the pump and tie it.

My full size Listerine plastic bottle is getting close to empty. I could use this to float on the water. Run the string down to the pump. This might work, but it will look unprofessional don't you think??

Another option is to get a Pirate ship. It's expensive though, $85 or something?:\

I could use that anchor on the ship tie it with a string and run it down to the pump so it can be lifted. This may be a great idea. But I don't have $85. I just spent money on a Panasonic Lumix LX7 camera. Now I'm broke... 🙁



cheez

 

[WilliamM2]

My full size Listerine plastic bottle is getting close to empty. I could use this to float on the water. Run the string down to the pump. This might work, but it will look unprofessional don't you think??

I don't think it could possibly look any more unprofessional than it does now. Good for a chuckle either way.

 

[AdamK47]

Oh yeah, it all makes complete sense now. I've seen the light. There's nothing wrong with bathtub PC water cooling. It's perfectly sane.

 

[smackababy]

For the vibration, you might not have to actually float whatever you are tying the string to. Try putting something like a stick across the rub and hanging the pump from that. It won't eliminate all vibrations, but it should dampen them enough to not make noise.

 

[cheez]

I don't think it could possibly look any more unprofessional than it does now. Good for a chuckle either way.

Well I meant artistic. 😀

Oh yeah, it all makes complete sense now. I've seen the light. There's nothing wrong with bathtub PC water cooling. It's perfectly sane.

Thanks 🙂

For the vibration, you might not have to actually float whatever you are tying the string to. Try putting something like a stick across the rub and hanging the pump from that. It won't eliminate all vibrations, but it should dampen them enough to not make noise.

Actually I thought about that before the boat floating idea. I would need much longer string for that... I tried searching at Amazon by the glossary term "strings" and it returned with items for guitar strings.....D:

Yes that would be the cheapest solution. I can't seem to find long skinny strings....... Oh wait, may be check with my Mom? She may have some strings...


EDIT: Oh I might have misunderstood what you meant. If I place a stick across the tub it might still make some vibration. I haven't tried it. May be I should test that first. Previously I was thinking of mounting a stick across the curtain rod that's way above the tub. Which is why I mentioned the long string.....


cheez

 

[smackababy]

For strings, just go to a Hobbby Lobby, Michael's, or any arts and crafts kind of store. They should have large balls of twine. Local hardware stores might also have them.

The stick over the tub solution won't completely eliminate the vibrations, but it is fairly low cost and easy to implement and try, and if it doesn't work, you have string to try a floating method.

 

[serpretetsky]

cheez, have you tried just holding the pump suspended in the bathtub with your hand. I'm worried that the vibrating noise may not actually be from direct transfer via solids, but is simply the sound travelling through the water. If that were the case you need to find some sort of underwater sound dampening materials.

 

[cheez]

For strings, just go to a Hobbby Lobby, Michael's, or any arts and crafts kind of store. They should have large balls of twine. Local hardware stores might also have them.

The stick over the tub solution won't completely eliminate the vibrations, but it is fairly low cost and easy to implement and try, and if it doesn't work, you have string to try a floating method.

Thanks. I will try that.

cheez, have you tried just holding the pump suspended in the bathtub with your hand. I'm worried that the vibrating noise may not actually be from direct transfer via solids, but is simply the sound travelling through the water. If that were the case you need to find some sort of underwater sound dampening materials.

I tested it by simply resting the pump on the tub under water without the sponge. It rattled like crazy and was 3 times louder. But when I just held it with my hand in the water it was quiet. This pump doesn't vibrate that much, it's a little cutie Italian pump. :thumbsup:


cheez

 

[Agent11]

I would suspend the pump in the water for sure.

As long as the pirate ship was buoyant enough to bear the added weight of the pump it would work, although you may want to fashion an anchor for it so that it does not drift to a wall.

 

[gus6464]

Powerheads, pumps, same thing! 🙄 But thanks for posting comment. I am sure some others will find info about the pump useful. 🙂


cheez

Once again a powerhead is not the same thing as a pump. It's obvious you know nothing about aquarium equipment so there's no point in trying to educate you.

 

[Agent11]

You know you could probably string a line from the curtain rod to the pump to the faucet or something else and suspend it that way, no stick which may vibrate or pirate ship required.

 

[cheez]

Once again a powerhead is not the same thing as a pump. It's obvious you know nothing about aquarium equipment so there's no point in trying to educate you.

Stop your whining. You didn't get the point I was getting at about the pump in the first place. 😉

I would suspend the pump in the water for sure.

As long as the pirate ship was buoyant enough to bear the added weight of the pump it would work, although you may want to fashion an anchor for it so that it does not drift to a wall.

Ha ha that's a good point! I didn't think about the ship getting drifted to a wall. 😀 I also wondered if the ship might sink if it can't handle the weight. I don't know what their floating strength is. The water tubing that's connected to the pump is help preventing the pump from moving so that shouldn't be much problem. All this would make my bathtub look pretty to look at. A pirate ship, pump with tubing, maybe throw in a couple of duck tubs on there too. I bet the kids would love this. In any case regardless which way I go I will take video and post it later.

Yes I already tested by suspending the pump in the water and it was quiet. Right now I only have $59.93 left in my bank account. That's barely enough to pay for gas for two weeks!


cheez

 

[serpretetsky]

I deleted this post:

It's actually better suited as personal PM since it has little relevance to the rest of this thread.

Cheeze, check your pm

 

[Phanuel]

Serpretetsky, honestly you just wasted your time putting those facts together for him. He will ignore them entirely. Most of the board already knows what he is and just walks away.

 

[QueBert]

You all can say what you want about this uhh experiment, but if he was to build a Lego pirate ship and having it floating around his bath tub with the pump on it. I would give this build a huge thumbs up. I don't care if everything about this from the start's just crazy and stupid overkill. The pirate ship would push it over the top and make it something awesome.

 

[aigomorla]

You all can say what you want about this uhh experiment, but if he was to build a Lego pirate ship and having it floating around his bath tub with the pump on it. I would give this build a huge thumbs up. I don't care if everything about this from the start's just crazy and stupid overkill. The pirate ship would push it over the top and make it something awesome.

AHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHA

Most definitely... Lego Pirate Ship => EPIC!

He could personalize the name of it and call it the "Jack Sparrow" edition... lol..

Or he could also float a imperial star destroyer too, as that would be epic...