Lian-Li A17 Watercooled Log

rodo

rodo

rodo

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I just though I'd made a little log so I can ask questions as I go and show people pictures as I install the OcUK watercooling kit into my Lian-Li A17. The case is here. The kit is here.

Aim: To create a quiet and non-leaking loop with some minor temperature improvements (especially under load) so that I have the option to push to 3.2ghz.

Current temps are idle: 37,37,31,36
Load temps (Prime95 8hours+) 65,65,61,61

The load temps are high thanks to a lack of air entering the case at the front. With any luck thanks to having the rad located at the rear pulling air in the cooling liquid should stay cool :)

Current set-up.. In my sig!

I will put some photos up when I find some batteries. Going to head to tesco so I can get some. Dedication. I also intend to watch Arsenal since I have never owned sky sports till today :) so if not done by then there'll be a gap.

Back soon...
 
Currently:
dsc00128ah1.jpg


dsc001372pu4.jpg



The kit:
dsc001392ib7.jpg


My first query is does any have any recommendations as to flow for these components (although I am looking at other posts to try and find out).

Also the pump has a 3 pin power cable. Should this be connected to my motherboard? Just bit unsure as I only know of fan headers on it. I have never explored further...
 
Currently just checking how to fit the radiator inside. It doesn't look like it would be possible to fit it with the fan first then the radiator inside. The screws just aren't long enough. Would it be an issue to have the radiator mounted to the case and then the fan inside from it sucking air through the rad into the case?

I guess it doesn't matter is the tubing is at the top of the bottom of the rad? (see below)

dsc00140yq1.jpg
 
I believe the loop should be (and please confirm):

rad >> CPU >> Resevoir pump bay

If someone could confirm
 
Just tested fitting the rad to the back of the case to test it fits. I had to fit the fan on the inside to suck air through the rad into the case but I'm hoping this will be ok. My only concern is is it ok to have the tubes coming from the top of the rad as below in pic?

dsc00143mt3.jpg
 
Ok.. all components fitted (pic at bottom). Just need to put tubing in and fill up and leak test! I do however have some questions which I kind of want to know before I go any further:
  1. Is it ok to have the radiator input and output at the top of it when mounted vertically as I have?
  2. Is there a particular rad input or output or can I use either? I can't see them marked specifically as input and output
  3. How far should the resevoir be filled up to? From most pics I have seen it seems to have been around 4/5 of the way
  4. Is the right flow pump-resevoir >> Rad >> CPU >>
  5. Where should I plug in the three pin power for the pump - a fan header, fan controller?

Thanks for any advice. Once I have answers I'll crack on and put the tubing in!

dsc00144iv5.jpg
 
Last edited:
i have no idea on the 3 Pin thing. does it look like a 3 pin that should go on to the mobo (3 small holes?) For the flow that seems fine obv it'll go in the pump first -> then rad to cool -> and then CPU to take the heat away:) seems logical anways. It doesnt matter about the rad inputs being on top or not. Ive seen then on the bottopm and top and they've still worked fine. And you can fill you the pump as much as you want. Thing is with filling it to the op you may get a few are bubbles caught in the corner.
 
loops sequence doesnt matter as long as your res is above your pump in the loop.

YES
NO
YES
N/A
Not mobo header if its power! What pump do you have ?
 
Yeah. It's basically the same 3 pin as a fan would have. Just unsure where to plug it and also on the rad as to whether there is a specific input or output or either can used.
 
Just looked at your temps there, there is a massive gap between idle and loaded temps:confused: ive never seen a temp gap that big before! The fan that you have on the heatsink there, is it always on full or is it temp operated?
 
The noctua is at full. The reason there is such a huge gap is that the air intake is at the bottom of the case and is blocked by the HDs it is cooling.

No more of those worries now though.
 
bit more than a bit lol :) A cold/normal temperature day will be good. I hate summer. Give me miserable rain any day.
 
rodo said:
Is it ok to have the radiator input and output at the top of it when mounted vertically as I have?
Click to expand...

Yes, either way up is fine, but this way it'll be a lot more easy to bleed the rad (get all the air out) Air rises in water, thus the air will come to the top, which is where your tubes go in and out, and thus will beeasier to move around your system to the iflling area.


rodo said:
Is there a particular rad input or output or can I use either? I can't see them marked specifically as input and output
Click to expand...

Take your pick, either will do =)


rodo said:
How far should the resevoir be filled up to? From most pics I have seen it seems to have been around 4/5 of the way
Click to expand...

As full as possible really, i generally make sure mine are full, but i have yet to use a bay resevoir. As long as no more air is being sucked back through the system, then the resevoir is full enough.


rodo said:
Is the right flow pump-resevoir >> Rad >> CPU >>
Click to expand...

As long as the resevoir is before the pump, it doesn't matter, as your resevoir is built around your pump, then it just doesn't matter which way round you have it.


rodo said:
Where should I plug in the three pin power for the pump - a fan header, fan controller?
Click to expand...

More information is needed for this. Does the pump come with another connector? a 4 pin molex such as ide hdd/optical drives use? If it does, then this 4 pin is the power, and you don't need the 3 pin attached (as it will be for monitoring pump speeds instead)

If the pump doesn't have any more power connectors, then it WILL be the power connector, and you will have to check how many watts the pump uses, and how many watts you can use on your motherboard headders or fan controller.

Option 3 - if you're feeling brave - plug it in and cross your fingers :D (disclaimer: you cannot hold me accountable for anything that may or may not explode by using this option)

Hope that clears a few things up for you =)
 
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