Need Watercooling Advice

[jellyrole]

Specs:
i7 920 CPU
ECS X58B-a Motherboard
XFX GTX280

I might be getting a GTX285 for SLI when they are out. I want 1 loop dedicated to the CPU, and another to the GPU(s). Money is no matter, but I want the best performance possible. Please list some parts and why you chose them. Thanks a million!

 

[Infrnl]

Koolance-350, cause Aigo says so, J/K
I would choose K-350, EK-Supreme, or Swiftech GTZ. But Aigo really will recommend the K-350.

I think rad would be either Thermochill or Feser; I believe these are about as good as you can get. Swiftech's are recommended and widely used cause they offer very good performance for very little money.

I think the MCP-355 pumps are whats being recommended with XSPC res/top orXSPC top with separate res.

I am sure you will here from Aigo the most as he is the Guru.
My recommendations are from research and what was recommended to me by Aigo.

You may also want to list what case you plan to use as well.

 

[PCTC2]

I would second the Swiftech Apogee GTZ, but only because that's what I bought for my system. I haven't tested it out, but I used the Swiftech Apogee GTX for a year and thought it was a good block.

As for radiators, it depends on how much room you have. I would recommend the Thermochill PA 120.3, Fesser X-Changer 120.3, and the Swiftech MCR-320-QP.
The Thermochill and Fesser are around $140, and the Swiftech is around $50. The Swiftech definitely gives you the best bang for the buck. The Thermochill would be best for low-flow fans if you want silence. The Fesser is a good copper rad.

The Swiftech MCP-355 is a good pump w/ a top, as Infrnl suggested, and another good pump is the MCP-655.

As for reservoirs, you could get the XSPC res/top for the MCP-355 as Infrnl also suggested, or the Swiftech MicroRES is another good choice.
Don't forget a T-line for easy draining.

Look at DangerDen full cover blocks for the GTX280.

Just a side note, you won't be able to SLI a GTX 280 w/ a GTX 285.

 

[jellyrole]

Ok, but I can use the GTX280 for PhysX and folding! Anyone else have anything to say?

 

[Infrnl]

nothing new to add atm, but I have found the Thermochill 3x120 for $120 plus shipping. would have to see which site it was. Feser's are about 135-140 plus shipping.

Not sure if you are a member, but I think XS has a lot of usful info as well. over there and here from mainly Aigo is where I am getting all my info from. <[ H]ardforum also has some stuff, but I dont seem to get as much from there.

Edited for the H tag.
Anandtech Moderator
Gillbot

 

[Gillbot]

Hard Forums' [ H] logo is also the FuseTalk tag for highlighting text. You cannot use it without either inserting spaces, like this:

[ H ]

 

[Infrnl]

Originally posted by: Gillbot
Hard Forums' [ H] logo is also the FuseTalk tag for highlighting text. You cannot use it without either inserting spaces, like this:

[ H ]

Oh, :laugh: thanks for the fix. I usually dont even write it like that; just felt like being different.

Also wanted to update the block for CPU. Go with the Koolance-350. My source is really recommending this block; however it is very restrictive so you would want your CPU on its own dedicated loop.

I still stand by the MCP-355 with either XSPC res/top or XSPC top and external res (EK-250 (may not be right prt #), or micro res V2)

BitsPower fittings
I think Danger Den Barbs are recommended (high flow) maybe the fat boys, something like that.

MasterKleer tubing. I think a lot of people are running 7/16"ID 5/8" OD with no loss of flow compared to 1/2" tubing.

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: jellyrole
Specs:
i7 920 CPU
ECS X58B-a Motherboard
XFX GTX280

I might be getting a GTX285 for SLI when they are out. I want 1 loop dedicated to the CPU, and another to the GPU(s). Money is no matter, but I want the best performance possible. Please list some parts and why you chose them. Thanks a million!

uhh money is no object eh?

are you sure about this statement... my h2o gear can easily total 4 figures you know.

some advice?

Take away some budget from your watercooling gear, and upgrade your board. That would merit the best upgrade.

Then come back with whats left, and let me know how much you have remaining.

Water my friend is not air, 100 dollars is probably the upper cap at air, but it will only buy you 1 pump.

Also what PSU are you running? Vendor and wattage please.

 

[jellyrole]

OCZ 700W GameXStream.

I am a reviewer for Bjorn3d.com and that is why I have this motherboard. I'm taking money out of each of my paychecks from work for water cooling. $500 if you can let that be the max.

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: jellyrole
OCZ 700W GameXStream.

I am a reviewer for Bjorn3d.com and that is why I have this motherboard. I'm taking money out of each of my paychecks from work for water cooling. $500 if you can let that be the max.

500?

The gpu block alone will cost you 150, when you get the GTX295 expect that to be near 200+. :X

The cpu loop, id go with what everyone i recomend is going with. Simple cpu block like the D-tek fusion, or GTZ, or if you have the budget the KL-350 is really nice on a i7 but needs to be on its own loop.

For the pump a DDC-3.2 with a XSPC res. This will give you nice pressure and have a res built in.

The rad id get the MCR320 because its the best all around bang for the buck rad. Your gonna need the fund blanket for the gpu sector.

The gpu loop, your talking about MASSIVE heat, another MCR320 will be required at the least on that side. The pump anything will do, personally id grab another DDC-3.2 /w xspc res.

Tubing keep it simple and cheap, once again conserve budget, so get 7/16ID 5/8OD Masterkleer.

Do you need recomendations for stores? What country are you located in?

 

[jellyrole]

United States, thanks for all the help!

 

[Infrnl]

here is the list of stores Aigo recommends if you need it

Jab-tech.com Owner: John
sidewindercomputers.com Owner: Gary
Performance-pcs.com Owner: Hank
Shoppts.com Owner: Alex

The top 4 stores i recomend to get your parts at.

 

[jellyrole]

Ok. I am 17 and working part time at Office Max. My CPU budget will be $500 and anything leftover is towards GPU. I'm setting aside a bit of each paycheck for this so that I'm saving money yet building up a fund for it.

Once again, thanks for all your help. I'll be posting soon with links to make sure the setup I configure will work and take more suggestions.

 

[Nemesis 1]

I see Froozen Cpu was left off the list. But they have everthing one needs also. I like Froozen cpu. I haven't ever seen them spam the forums like the others do.

OP you said money was no object. My daughter recently took a build using a normal server case. Something I am against. We have a good box. But $$$ was a factor. Which means nothing to me. Afford what we have or buy elseware. But it was a friend that didn't want to spend $10,000 on a Nemesis system.

So she bought this case.

http://www.performance-pcs.com...=204&products_id=23958

I liked the case its nice. Than she had the side door lazer cut with the dragon from the nemesis theme. Nemesis enemy = dragon. But its cool dragon so it works pretty nice.

Now if you look at that case inside. She removed the Hard drive bays. In the front were the 2 fans are she installed a 2x120mm rad . than if you would notice next to that on left side she installed another 2x120 rad. In the top she installed 3x 120mm rad.

She used these pumps X3
http://www.koolance.com/water-...nfo.php?product_id=280

The cpu freezer.
http://www.koolance.com/water-...nfo.php?product_id=756

The gpu freezer
http://www.koolance.com/water-...nfo.php?product_id=731

The pS.
http://www.koolance.com/water-...nfo.php?product_id=665

She is waiting on this part for Asus M/B.
http://www.koolance.com/water-...nfo.php?product_id=772

The case is being reanodized. So as to polish the Aluminium than reanodized without sealing. Than it will be Air brushed than sealed. $$ is no problem You say. This is actually a cheap water system. But will = anything out there but Nemesis system. This guy had a problem He couldn't build his own dam PC. SO payed to Have more than a dell. But still couldn't afford Nemesis system. Not many can She has sold only 4. But she making jewelery like crazy. She driving me nuts. I did warn her not to promise 60C water temps with that pump. No way can that pump put 2GPM of water threw that Water block even tho its single loop. She can't understand why the nemesis system with 1 pump and 4 loops can push 2gpm threw the 350 freezer and a single loop cant. with one pump. I just LOL at her . Shake my head and say I spent how much on your education . Many don't understand the true nature of head or rise. its a funny business .

But anyway OP$$$ being no problem isn't a wise thing to say. Price on the PC above after its finished $7500. The price just for the parts is high. Than you start modding . Look out the sky is the limit. Hell this China guy is selling Luxury PC's for $70,000. Diamonds rubies and such. But NO water cooling LOL.

 

[Nemesis 1]

Sorry OP about above I kinda go crazy when people say $$$ is no object,

The point is OP. I was impressed with Dars choice of cases. Her Rad locations are excellant. She can cool with 3 loops. I was not impressed with her Pump choice . But her friend liked them so they blew that money. $200 way to much. $600 dollars for 3 pumps . I just put head in hands and shook head. Could have done the same with 3 cheaper pumps. But on the run threw build the Interior does look as I would want it to. That surprised me. SO the all in one pumps has its place but $200 bucks give me a break. Shame on you Koolance.

Point is OP if your going two loops and $$ isn't a problem upgrade mother board . and go three loops and get the water cooled PS. and run the third loop threw PS and the chipset. Than you will have 3 loops with flow control as those pumps can cgange V. threw the screen. But you will still not get 2GPM threw the 350. The 350 is my choice also . Just because its design is so basic to what heat sink design is all about. Not the best but its dam good. Looks win it for me.


Op since the 350 seems to be targeted a little here. I know your not new to watercooling so think about this its true. and its why I try to stay out of this section.

Lets say a fellow comes on line and says I am building a H2O system and am using the Koolance 350. Than He ask . What size tubing should I use. Your won't believe the number of people that will say 1/ 2I.D. The dumbest ans. possiable. It drives me insane. Same as people calling whats going on inside the 350 infection. Thats just nuts. Their is NO nozzles There is NO injectors. ITs an orifice or a restictor. In this case restritor would be wrong term because the object is to raise pressure not restict. In racing its referred to as a restictor. In this case its simply an orifice with the downside of causing flow loss. Thats why I LOL at THE 1/2 I.D. tubing. The Freezer makers don't want to use proper terms, Because of the downside. But I have seen nothing in this 350 block that you can term as an injector or nozzle. Just orifice is all I am seeing. Injectors LOL.

Point is OP . You can build a nice water setup for over $500. AND still screw the pooch. Think always in terms of Flow. The 350 is my choice on a single loop hands down. But unless your willing to spend the $$ don't run in a 2 block setup. You will get great results @ 1 1/2 gallons a minute single pump can handle that.

SO op I know you know your way around. So in closing asking advice on what you should do . Should be done only after you understand the relationships of the components in a closed loop system Rise(Head) Run length of tubing . Flow of all components at given head. What if any orifice are in the system . Makesa differance on tubing size. Tubing size itself. After ya know all this it comes down to 2 words Flow maintenance. AIR threw the rads and water threw the system. You understand this . and cost cutting is easy.

 

[aigomorla]

frozencpu is an excellent store.

There just a bit more expensive then everyone else, but non the less a very excellent store.

 

[Infrnl]

I find that Sidewinder has the best prices and have most of the major items needed.

There is NO 1 stop shop. you have to get a little here and a little there, etc.
I use Newegg mostly for all my main rig items. But we are talking water cooling here.

Frozen cpu does have quite abit but are mostly more expensive than everyone else as Aigo said

Also how did the OP go from being a reviewer to working at office max?

 

[jellyrole]

Because I do both..Thanks guys, been a little busy lately.

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: Nemesis 1
Sorry OP about above I kinda go crazy when people say $$$ is no object,

ROFL...

i could of opened him with this:

http://i125.photobucket.com/al...aigomorla/IMG_0119.jpg

http://i125.photobucket.com/al...aigomorla/IMG_0161.jpg

http://i125.photobucket.com/al...aigomorla/IMG_0001.jpg

^ setups which i held no budget..

of course the cooling aspect costs more then some people's entire system.

But i realized the op didnt know what he was talking about with water.

 

[Gillbot]

Originally posted by: Infrnl
I find that Sidewinder has the best prices and have most of the major items needed.

:thumbsup:

Jab-Tech is usually a close 2nd.

 

[jellyrole]

Here is what I have so far, keep in mind, CPU first and I'll do the GPU later.

Block and mount:
http://store.yahoo.com/sidewin...ters/swapgtzexpew.html
http://store.yahoo.com/sidewin...ters/swapforincoi.html

Pump:
http://store.yahoo.com/sidewin...ters/swmc12vdcpuw.html

Radiator:
http://www.performance-pcs.com...21c29bbca6a2004c2ae203

Reservoir:
http://www.performance-pcs.com...info&products_id=24649

After that, I'm lost. Could someone please tell me what size of hose I need, and anything else that I need to get? I have the Coolermaster HAF and am wanting to use UV Red hoses, or UV Red coolant. If you wouldn't just giving me a link that would be great as well! Thanks for your help.

 

[jellyrole]

Please? So many people here on this site..not one person can help.

 

[Nemesis 1]

As for the cpus blocks The top 10 are close so by the one that you like the looks of the best. 1-2 C means nothing.

Radiators good advice was given I would look hard at XSPC . The new ones.

As for Pumps I wouldn't recommend any of those . My daughter would tho LOL.

I can't believe I even sugjested the XSPC but I didn't see it listed but didn't read the entire post. I am not the type that recommends 1 brand over the other. To much of that shit going on. I consider it very close to spamming. I like the The 350 water block . I like the luna I like all that were mentioned they do the job . Decide for yourself what you want. If it comes to flow threw the block than check the weird numbers posted on the forums. Basicly PUMP selection is the Key . I have my own thoughts on those and I won't pollute this thread with ideas no others except.

As for what size of tubing I seen the block you choose its a good one. But ask yourself this . Is that block restrictive. If so than smaller tubes look nice and won't change flow threw the block. I am not much of a fan of artificialy raising pressure at the block and dropping pressure after the block . But thats what people are selling and buying

 

[aigomorla]

use UV Red hoses.

Fesser and Promochill both make them in red.

As for what else you need...

You need barbs for that rad, because it comes with 3/8, unless you have the option to use 1/2.

Also since your going red tubing, you'll need some clamps.

 

[Nemesis 1]

Hay if someone would tell me how to download A pic from my PC . I show ya some really nice clamps we stock . If ya want even nicer ones We have our billet clamps we sell in the automotive industry. I can't sell them here threw spamming . But maybe you would like to lok at them . I can link to places who sell them .