Watercooling options for a New System Build

[DarthRoy]

Hello everyone,

I have just purchased some parts for my new computer and wish to implement water cooling. Here is a summary of my parts:

CPU: Q6600
RAM: Crucial Ballistix (4GB)
Mobo: ASUS P5K Deluxe
Vid Card: 8800 GTX
PSU: Ultra X3

All that is left for me to buy now is the case. I was heavily considering purchasing the Kandalf LCS (VD4000SWA) since a water cooling kit comes with the case. However, I am reading conflicting reports over the performance of the water cooling solution that comes with the Kandalf LCS. I would like to know if the Kandalf LCS is a good case for a water cooling setup. If I wanted to replace the water cooling parts that comes with the Kandalf LCS with more reliable ones, which one should I consider? I initially plan on just water cooling the CPU at first and will eventually add blocks to the video card and possibly ram and North Bridge.

Thanks in advance for all comments and help.

 

[Rike]

Please do not use ThermalTake water cooling, it's junk.

A kit like this Swiftech kit would be great. You can check out other great kits at Petra's Tech Shop.

 

[Nickel020]

Yes, if you don't know much about watercooling, the Petra's kits are great. They're actually pretty much what would be recommended here, while most other kits always have some "bad" parts in them.

If you want to cool the CPU and the video card, you need at least a triple radiator. With the quad a Thermochill (best radiators out there) would be a good choice.

 

[PCTC2]

Welcome to AT Forums.

what's your budget? you can have a good watercooling system for about $250 or a great one for $400.

For $250:
Swiftech MCR320 Radiator $55
Swiftech MCP655 $80
Swiftech MicroRes $20
Masterkleer 7/16" Tubing $10-15
ApogeeGTX water-block $70-100?

For $400
Thermochill PA 120.3 Radiator $140
DDCT-01s Pump @ Petra's shop. $100
Swiftech MicroRes $20
MasterKller 7/15" Tubing
ApogeeGTX Water-block

Cheers. Hope it works out for you.

 

[ChefJoe]

Originally posted by: Rike
Please do not use ThermalTake water cooling, it's junk.

A kit like this Swiftech kit would be great. You can check out other great kits at Petra's Tech Shop.

Both kits would be a great start for the OP's system (going to a 120.3 will take a little extra fitting planning compared to a 120.2... radiators that large require more creativity). If you just want to set it up and forget about it I would avoid a T line (instead buying a reservior). The reservoir should allow you to go many months to a year between any top ups (although it's not bad to take a peek and check for leaks once a month or so) but an open T line pretty much needs adding water once a month or so.

 

[DarthRoy]

Thanks everyone for the advice.

I went with the Kandalf LCS because I liked the case. I am willing to still buy the case and replace the Cooling system with another one. If anyone knows of a better case that is suited for watercooling please let me know. I thought the Kandalf LCS would be a good case given that it comes with space already ready for a radiator. My budget is pretty much wide open, so I have no problem spending a bit more for good parts.

 

[drakore]

If you wanted the watercooling internalized i would grab a coolermaster stacker 830-e. You may have to do some cutting but the case itself is amazing.

 

[JAG87]

silverstone TJ-07. water cooling bliss.

 

[drakore]

Also consider the D-TEK Fuzion instead of the Apogee GTX... stock they are both on par with eachother... the fuzion is also cheaper.

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: drakore
Also consider the D-TEK Fuzion instead of the Apogee GTX... stock they are both on par with eachother... the fuzion is also cheaper.

GTX > Fusion on Quads.


Op, i replied PM's back to you.

CM STacker T-01 would be your cheapest route in case.
SilverStone TJ-07 would be medium and would require the least amount of modding.
MountainMods UFO series would be the high end. And would require NO modding. However the MM case is only fitted for a PA120.3 up front. You would need to special order one to take a MCR320 up front.

 

[DarthRoy]

Thanks again for all the help guys. I'm going to go with the CM Stacker. Can anyone post exactly what all has to be modded to the case to get it water cooling capable (using the 120.3)?

 

[DarthRoy]

Another update:

Just ordered the GTX. Going to order the 120.3 rad, swiftech micro res with EK barbs and petrashop top tomorrow. Should I also order an addition 2 EK barbs for the rad? I only plan on water cooling the CPU for now, so will 15' of tubing be enough?

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: DarthRoy
Another update:

Just ordered the GTX. Going to order the 120.3 rad, swiftech micro res with EK barbs and petrashop top tomorrow. Should I also order an addition 2 EK barbs for the rad? I only plan on water cooling the CPU for now, so will 15' of tubing be enough?

problem...

no one carries the barbs ment for the Thermochill PA.

It uses 3/8 and not 1/4.


Alex, the owner of petras is currently looking for a replacement.

 

[aigomorla]

okey here is an update for you guys on the barb issue of thermochill PA series.

You need to get this adapter and then buy a EK barb.

http://www.xtremesystems.org/f...php?attachmentid=61472


I know it kinda blows having to use an adapter but this is the only solution if your located in the US.

Alex is still looking for the direct barb. :T i'll fill you in once i get more info.

 

[DarthRoy]

K, parts are almost in and I'll be building my WC rig soon. I've decided that its best to add a GPU waterblock to my loop now. Might as well do it now to avoid having to drain my system unnecessarily later. I am installing at 8800 GTX into my PC. What do you guys recommend I buy for the GPU waterblock? Also, is a dremel the best option for cutting a hole in the bottom of my stacker?