Need Advice on Closed Loop Liquid Cooler

[crazymonkeyzero]

I needed help deciding which closed loop liquid cooler to get for my lga 2011 build. I was debating between the Corsair H60, or Intel's (or rather Aseteks) offering. I really don't care about the price difference, but rather just between performance. The H60 allows for easy push pull (which I would definitely add a fan for), unlike the Intel, however, if I were to buy the Intel one, I would also add some good after market thermal compound such as AC MX4 or Noctua NTH1, which I would not consider for the h60 due to the hassle of properly removing the pre-applied stuff. So if anyone can give me some advice or their opinion on the matter, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks!!!

Here are the two coolers as reference

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835181015

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835203006

 

[dma0991]

Its difficult to tell from the pictures but I assume that the Intel version has a thicker radiator, should be a bit better in terms of cooling capacity over the H60. The H60 is something that I would hardly even consider in an overclocked build. I would reserve that for casings with small dimensions but still require good cooling.

However, it is a little bit tricky to install with the original Asetek designed circular mounting bracket. I prefer the improved method from Corsair. I wonder, why not consider air coolers like the Noctua NH-D14 or Thermalright Silver Arrow?

 

[Agenesis]

Did Corsair/Asetek stop applying shin etsu on their closed loops? If anything the TIM on the Corsair/Intel cooler should be the same - it uses quality preapplied paste.

I'd say go for the Intel one.

 

[Aikouka]

What's your price ceiling? You talk about wanting performance, but you link two coolers with a vast (including rebate) difference in price.

The H100 is ~$10 more than the Intel cooler, and should out-perform both:
http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Series...dp/B0051U7HMS/

It is a larger radiator, and that may cause problems for you.

There are other brands that may cost slightly more (~$120) and may perform slightly better. I was looking into Thermaltake's Water 2.0 Extreme, but I haven't found any reviews yet.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Thermaltake has a bad rep when it comes to water solutions. I'd avoid it for that reason alone.

 

[pepperbegs]

Hi,

I just got a H100 closed loop system and would appreciate any general install advice.

Specifically, I know I should do a test before I install the H100. Is it okay to just hook it up to an working computer to test for pump noise and leaks?

I thought I would try a side panel installation (I saw a video of such an install and it looks like it would work with a 120 mm couple of holes in my Lucite window.

 

[dma0991]

Hi,

I just got a H100 closed loop system and would appreciate any general install advice.

Specifically, I know I should do a test before I install the H100. Is it okay to just hook it up to an working computer to test for pump noise and leaks?

I thought I would try a side panel installation (I saw a video of such an install and it looks like it would work with a 120 mm couple of holes in my Lucite window.

You should try installing it in a blow in orientation, drawing in cool air through the radiator will get you the best results. H100 is a closed loop WC, you don't necessarily need to test it for leaks as it should be leak proof from the factory. If there are any anomalies with the unit, RMA it.

Installing it on the side panel is not advised even if it possible to do so, most side panel on cases do not have the 15mm radiator spacing. Removal of the side panel for regular maintenance becomes a hassle and if the case isn't wide enough, the thickness of the radiator with the fans will even block some regular height GPUs.

 

[xxthe_remedyxx]

You should try installing it in a blow in orientation, drawing in cool air through the radiator will get you the best results. H100 is a closed loop WC, you don't necessarily need to test it for leaks as it should be leak proof from the factory. If there are any anomalies with the unit, RMA it.

Installing it on the side panel is not advised even if it possible to do so, most side panel on cases do not have the 15mm radiator spacing. Removal of the side panel for regular maintenance becomes a hassle and if the case isn't wide enough, the thickness of the radiator with the fans will even block some regular height GPUs.

Wouldn't this orientation blow hot air INTO the case? I only ask because I have my h100 blowing air OUT of the case and was wondering if flipping the fans would result in better cooling.

BTW - I have 2X 140mm fans as intake in front of the case and 1X 140 side panel fan as intake as well... Cool air in from the 3 fans, h100 takes that fresh cool air and blows it upwards and out of the case cooling the rad.

 

[dma0991]

Wouldn't this orientation blow hot air INTO the case? I only ask because I have my h100 blowing air OUT of the case and was wondering if flipping the fans would result in better cooling.

BTW - I have 2X 140mm fans as intake in front of the case and 1X 140 side panel fan as intake as well... Cool air in from the 3 fans, h100 takes that fresh cool air and blows it upwards and out of the case cooling the rad.

It will blow hot air into the case but that isn't an issue to anything other than the GPU. If it is sucking air from the case and exhausting it out, the cool air that you draw from the front and side will mix with the hot case air from the GPU and all of that gets dumped through the radiator. I'm not sure if Corsair recommends this orientation of drawing in cool air from the outside for the H100 but this is true if you want the best performance for the single radiator H50, H60, H70 and H80.

I'm not too worried about having hot air being blown in from the top towards the GPU as I have a single 120mm at the back as an exhaust which is quite close to the top radiator. The only downside of having it blowing inwards is that you're making it into a dust magnet, not so with my case as I have filters for it.

 

[pepperbegs]

Thanks for pointing out the possible conflict with the video card. I saw a Canadian guy reviewing the H100 and he was using a side panel mount.

I'll mod a case later. Today I bought the Fractal Design Core 3000 ATX Mid Tower Computer Case on Newegg for $50.00. This will make things easy.(I hope.)

 

[crazymonkeyzero]

If you want to run push pull (radiator sandwiched between 2 sets of 120mm fans to double airflow)on the h100 now or in the future , definitely check top clearance. Also if you decide to replace the stock fasn that come with teh system, make sure they have ample static pressure (atleast 2mm mmh20 or more) as opposed to just cfm. Static pressure helps direct teh airflow through teh radiator effectiveely and leads to better temps. I recommend corsair air series sp, or noctua focus flows.