WC Swiftech h2o compact

[jberzin3]

Hi All,

I'm n00b with water cooling stuff, did not notice info about what temperature loads can some setups approximately handle.

I plan to put swiftech h2o 120 compact (1x radiator) + 2x active radiator on the top of the case (one water cycle).

How many waterblocks would this handle?
CPU + Chipset
CPU + VGA + Chipset
CPU + VGA 2x + Chipset

VGA - some of 8 or 9 Nvidia series
CPU - E8400

Or VGA2x can be only done in two cycle configuration with two radiators and two pumps?

Let me know your considerations or some nice rtfm links.

Thanks for advice
jb

 

[Billb2]

Here's a guide on how to spec a Water system.
You don't have to use the parts they are talking about, but it will show you how the calculations are done.

You may want to consider a pre-made kit, like the swiftech H20-220 Apex "Ultra", or one from Petra's Shop.

A dual loop system is overkill. A good radiator with a good pump and good blocks will handle a CPU and two GPU's.

As you are finding out, water cooling is a learning process. Usually the third time you build a system, you get it right.

 

[DerwenArtos12]

Hello jberzin3, Welcome to AT.

Did you read through the stickied water cooling guide at the top? Has a lot of this kind of info. The swiftech compact could work for a cpu only loop but, not significantly better than a good HSF, though potentially quieter. To spec out a water cooling loop for you we first need to know budget to be honest as that will narrow down parts selection quicker than anything else.

 

[jberzin3]

Cool, thanks m8ts for info.
Billb2 link rocks!
Derwen: Yea, I read the cooling guide. There was not lotsa info on how much heat is removed by liquid and how to calc it. However it was a great guide to start me up, now I'm keen to get it

Also had some funny idea to queue 1x rad as intercooler between cpu and gpu:
pump(cpu) -> 1x radiator -> gpu -> nb -> 2x radiator.

ty
jb

 

[DerwenArtos12]

to be honest radiator placement doesn't matter so long as you have more radiator than you really need as far as temps go, and thanks to some recent testing we know most of the nicer radiators have super low pressure drops so, realistically, radiator placement makes little to no difference in performance, just plumb it the cleanest way you can, with no kinks and as little tubing as you can manage.

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: Billb2

A dual loop system is overkill. A good radiator with a good pump and good blocks will handle a CPU and two GPU's.

As you are finding out, water cooling is a learning process. Usually the third time you build a system, you get it right.

Well i try to help so they get it done right the first time.

Also why is a dual loop overkill?

Can i have you opinion. In my eyes it isnt because gpu and cpu are massive heat sources which can play an active role in the other component.

This is why i like to split the gpu and cpu up because i dont want a variable in which i have no control of in my cpu side when im overclocking.

The GPU's also they just need to be cooled = to air at the cost of less noise. Usually the end result is better then air cooling, at a fraction of the noise cost.

The compact kit WONT work on a multi block arrangement. The pump, Apogee Direct drive was not designed to take a multitude of blocks and assortment.

Also the 120x1 radiator is very inadaquit for a multi block arrangement. You are hoping too much off this unit. I dont even recomend memebers to go 120x2 on a multi block arrangement unless its a cpu + chipset block.

In short, replan your budget, and rethink the parts. If your lost, come here and ask for help. If you cant meet the minimum required budget, i suggest you stay in air until you do.

The minimum start budget for a cpu loop only is around 170 (swiftech compact 220 kit) not 120.

The average full setup, medium tier using 1 loop is around 250-300. Dual loops start at 300, and go up to 400. Tier 1 h2o system start at 375 and can cost as much as 700 dollars (mine) fully setup.


Just to clear up my ranking.

Tier 1 = the best from each part. Your getting what is known the best (also usually the most expensive) There are different catigories in tier1, silence, performance, and overall.

Tier 2 = Usually the medium setup. This is what i still call a air buster build. Usually designed from parts which are the best in the performance/price range. Medium tiers are still monsters, capable of raping air in performance /noise

Tier 3 = what i call starting tier. Usually cpu loops only, very simple using cheap but reputable parts. Usually match the performance of top Air setups.

Toys = This is where i throw zalman, some koolance, innotek, and any other junk h2o product that uses alu. Toys should be avoided, and like toys, you should grow out of them fast.

 

[jberzin3]

Well I initially planned to use 120, which is 1x radiator + add extra 2x radiator. I would mount the 1x at front where the air is drawn in, 2x at the top of case and air drawn out. Connection 2x->1x. So this would be almost 3x but not as good. Case SS TJ10.
Yes the performance of the pump is quite a consideration for me, as faster flow would improve heat transport in 1 loop + flow resistance of blocks, tubes.

I like having radiator/reservoir and pump/block in the same piece, of course this is not uubercool but convinient
Probably will leave the gpu on air.

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: jberzin3
Well I initially planned to use 120, which is 1x radiator + add extra 2x radiator. I would mount the 1x at front where the air is drawn in, 2x at the top of case and air drawn out. Connection 2x->1x. So this would be almost 3x but not as good. Case SS TJ10.
Yes the performance of the pump is quite a consideration for me, as faster flow would improve heat transport in 1 loop + flow resistance of blocks, tubes.

I like having radiator/reservoir and pump/block in the same piece, of course this is not uubercool but convinient
Probably will leave the gpu on air.

why not just get the 220? the 220 is more then enough for a cpu only loop. Could even take the chipset without much trouble.

Oh okey i understand your question now.

that setup would probably be good for:

CPU + Chipset + Gpu(non full card) no top end video card either or dualcards.

And you want to use the 120 because it doubles as a res/rad? Yea this will work. but adding the second card is asking for it.

Just to let you know, some people on XS have reported vibration issues caused by the direct drive. This in turn causes your case to emit a hummmmm noise. :T

 

[jberzin3]

Cool, thanks mate!
Humm sucks, not good news :/
On 220 you are right, to refill I have to remove the radiator from top mounts anyway. So no lazynes I thought i would be able to refill vertical one, however I would fill my case with remaining coolant lol.

Thanks mates!

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: jberzin3
Cool, thanks mate!
Humm sucks, not good news :/
On 220 you are right, to refill I have to remove the radiator from top mounts anyway. So no lazynes I thought i would be able to refill vertical one, however I would fill my case with remaining coolant lol.

Thanks mates!

anytime~

remember if your lost just ask us. Thats why were here.