upgrading my water loop, have some questions

[alyarb]

I've just upgraded my CPU to a Q6700. It can do better than 3.60 GHz but it gets within 20 C of the max tjunction. I use a Koolance RM2-4U, which is basically an I-Star 4U rack with a 4x80mm radiator on one side. Coming from an old E6300, I would like to upgrade my coolant loop so that I can handle these 100+ watt processors, but I have a few questions.

1. The loop is 100% old school koolance, and all 1/4" ID tubing, which is a real pity. The CPU-305 waterblock is very restrictive compared to a modern design and I'd like to replace it with a Swiftech Apogee type. Is it bad to use inline reducers to scale the flow up from 1/4" to 3/8 or 1/2 inch? Which size should I go with? Would it be better to just buy separate G1/4 fittings and keep the entire system in 1/4" ID?

2. Bearing that in mind, I also want to install a second radiator that will go on the back of my case. I can do a single 92 mm or dual 92 mm radiator, but I would prefer the smaller one since it won't block my expansion bays. Since my current radiator is maxed out, will the new radiator really help my load temps?

3. Considering the new block, reducers, and radiator, should I also get a second pump to improve the flow rate while I'm at it? Right now I'm using these stock koolance pumps and I have no idea what they are rated for. If I install an inline pump, would it help, and where in the loop should I put it?

any input is appreciated. thanks

 

[WoodButcher]

Reducers don't cut it. Replace the pump w/ a D5 or 355 don't add another inefficient pump to an inefficient loop.
Change the barbs on your existing rad and add another, or do some modification and use a bigger rad.

 

[PCTC2]

The old Koolance stuff is Aluminum. I wouldn't mix it with any new copper blocks or radiators. Even with proper coolant, it is inadvisable. I wouldn't recommend upgrading the loop, rather replacing it completely.

 

[alyarb]

I was not thinking about getting a shitty pump. I was curious if an MCP355 inline with my current pumps would make a difference or not. Does higher flow rate always mean better performance?

The waterblock is a CPU-305.. and if the radiator truly is aluminum on the inside, then it is too late to worry about it now.

Can you please be a little more specific when you say reducers do not cut it? I am not able to build a perfect, showroom-quality rig. I am trying to piece together a frankenstein of old and new parts in this case and have it perform. I understand reducers are a cop out but they have a purpose when you are out of options. Do they drastically reduce the flow rate of an all-1/4" system? I cannot replace the pumps as they are built into my reservoir and are not removable. I cannot replace the barbs on the radiator. This is an all-koolance system from several years ago.

Here is a picture. maybe you recognize it. http://www.shoprbc.com/images/...Products/rm2-4u_02.jpg

Space is at an extreme premium in this case, and the construction is kind of thick steel. If I cut out a large section of where the 4x80mm radiator is, I may be able to place a 3x120 radiator. What tool would I use for such a job?

 

[WoodButcher]

Using a reducer is adding a restriction, what your trying to avoid by changing the block. What you would have going from a 1/4" to 1/2" at the pump outlet would be an immediate flowrate drop, at the other end back into the pump a restriction. Bad news from the start. A good single pump will do much better.

Good catch PCTC2, I forgot the aluminum.

To cut the steel a dremel will do if your patient, a jigsaw with a metal cutting blade will speed things up but my favorite is my 4" grinder. Any of these will require clean up with a file or sandpaper and touch up paint.
Be sure to measure twice!

Edit-
http://www.koolance.com/produc...nfo.php?product_id=185

gettin' past my bedtime, I need my beauty-rest but I'll look into it more in the am.

 

[PCTC2]

Definitely a grinder. Dremelling too fast will burn out the motor contacts and poses a potential fire hazard. I don't think a 120.3 (360+mm) radiator would fit (4x80 = 320), but a 120.2 radiator would probably. Replacing with a Swiftech MCP355 (not inline with another mediocre pump. One decent pump as WB said) with an XSPC top for the 355, a new reservoir such as an MCRes by Swiftech. You might be able to squeeze this all in with 7/16" tubing on 1/2" barbs.

 

[WoodButcher]

Yep, yup, yup. Swiftech 120x2 is 284 x128 x34 mm, the 120 x3 is 410mm. This magicool is a little smaller.

I use this pump top /res combo and it may just fit for you, Koolance also makes one and it may be cheaper but I know nothing about it. It looks similar in many ways but testing done by martin has shown the XSPC to be top dog.
It looks to me if that is a 92 mm in the back it could be enlarged to a 120, if so add a 120 rad to the back as well, you should have room inside if I'm not mistaken, like this.