Recommended Waterblock to Replace Thermaltake CL-W0010?

[AuDioFreaK39]

I am in dire need of a replacement for my broken/corroded/rough-surfaced Thermaltake CL-W0010 waterblock that came as part of my Thermaltake BigWater 745 kit that I bought a year back. I'm looking for something with sleek aesthetics to match my case as well as performance for under $65. This is what I'll be working with:

Thermaltake BigWater 745 Liquid Cooling System (with new waterblock)
PrimoFlex 3/8" ID 1/2" OD - UV Green
Fluid XP+ Ultra Non-Conductive w/ z7 - UV Green

Abit IP35 Pro motherboard (P35 chipset)
Intel P4 550 3.4GHz (later will be a Core 2 Quad Q9550 2.83GHz)

This is what my system looked like after I disassembled it for its upcoming modifications:
(pics taken 1 year ago)

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/8602/100032616ca.jpg
http://img457.imageshack.us/img457/8381/hpim27931ko.jpg

In addition to my new Abit IP35 Pro, I also bought some Crucial Ballistix Tracer (DDR2 1066MHz) sticks that will really light up the case (4 x 1GB sticks)
http://www.virtual-hideout.net...acer_PC2-6400/main.jpg


So far, I have been closely considering either the Apogee GT or the new Thermalright XWB-1, but I'm not even sure if I'm looking in the right places. With that said, can anyone recommend me something that will be appropriate for this build and budget? Thanks in advance.

 

[WoodButcher]

Jabtech,
Apogee or D-Tek, it really doesn't matter as long as you get away from TT. If you wish to use this water loop for future builds upgrade to parts that will do the job. When you have the budget replace the pump and rad as well.

 

[AuDioFreaK39]

Well, now I'm contemplating between the Thermalright XWB-1 and the Apogee GT, as they don't require high flow/high pressure. I need to make a decision within an hour or so.

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: AuDioFreaK39
Well, now I'm contemplating between the Thermalright XWB-1 and the Apogee GT, as they don't require high flow/high pressure. I need to make a decision within an hour or so.

D-tek Fusion -> lowest pressure droppage of all the blocks you listed and some.


you really should look into replacing that Rad. And that pump. But that would require you to change the entire kit.

I really wouldnt trust TT. It maybe a better idea to tos water entirely and just go air, until you can get a better waterkit from grounds up.

Also you said corrosion. I wouldnt drop ANY waterblock in a corroded loop. You're seriously asking for problems down the line.


Also about that Thermalright waterblock:

Pros:
- Best out of the box performance in a high end CPU only loop
- Great aesthetics
- LGA775 backplate included to prevent motherboard flexing
- Includes everything you need out of the box for LGA775
- Instruction manual was simple and clear.

Cons:
- Price seems a little high considering the latest Swiftech price drop on the APOGEE GTX
- Included barbs, although of excellent quality, are 3/8" OD, which is not what most enthusiast users have in their systems right now. Many people will need to replace them.
- Proper AM2 mounting hardware was not included. Perhaps it would work with other style backplates, but not with ours.
- Higher performance drop with a GPU block in the loop than either of its closest competitors.
- The most restrictive CPU block we've ever tested.


Bah... dont like that block. My Copper Top ApogeeGTX would spank it.

 

[gingerstewart55]

Second the D-Tek Fuzion suggestion.

Also, I'd really think very seriously about NOT using the Fluid XP any longer. While it comes in pretty colors, I just wonder why you want to sacrifice so much cooling potential of your system by using the Fluid XP? Seriously think about moving over to distilled water with an appropriate mix of something like Pentosin G11/G12 or Swiftech HydrX or Zerex....damned near anything but that XP....and a couple of drops of PT Nuke. I honestly think you'll find your temps, both idle and load, would be quite noticeably lower vs. what you're getting with that Fluid XP crap.

Cruise over to Petra's Tech Shop and look around......Petra's handles pretty much the better choices in water cooling componentry.....and you won't find Thermaltake, Thermalright, Koolance watercooling junk for sale there.

www.petrastechshop.com

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: gingerstewart55
Second the D-Tek Fuzion suggestion.

Also, I'd really think very seriously about NOT using the Fluid XP any longer. While it comes in pretty colors, I just wonder why you want to sacrifice so much cooling potential of your system by using the Fluid XP? Seriously think about moving over to distilled water with an appropriate mix of something like Pentosin G11/G12 or Swiftech HydrX or Zerex....damned near anything but that XP....and a couple of drops of PT Nuke. I honestly think you'll find your temps, both idle and load, would be quite noticeably lower vs. what you're getting with that Fluid XP crap.

Cruise over to Petra's Tech Shop and look around......Petra's handles pretty much the better choices in water cooling componentry.....and you won't find Thermaltake, Thermalright, Koolance watercooling junk for sale there.

www.petrastechshop.com

no that would be very bad news because he's mixing metals.

I would recomend you stick with an aftermarket coolant with good corrosion protection.

Promochill would be my top favorate. Or even the XSPC coolants are a good alternative.

In all, ginger is correct. Fluid XP is crap. It leaves a waxy residue on your tubes and blocks. They corrected this with the new Extreme and + versions. But its still crap.

Promochill or XSPC coolant FTW!