Watercooling set-up check.

ChrisJSY · 14 Aug 2006 at 15:11

Looking to go watercooling and have been reading threads ever since I got my new conroe system, got an EE so obviously the plan was to overclock more in time, either that or phase, depending how thing happen in the next 2-3 months for me will be the deciding factor.

Too keep my mind at (hells) bay... I'd like to have something ready for when I do decide to purchase.

I read that many -ready to go- kits are pretty good but they are not the best, people tend to mix-match parts for better results, and this is what I have come up with.

Dangerden TDX (SKT 775) (Brass)
Swiftech MCW30 Chipset Waterblock(NorthBridge)
^^ Not so important^^
Laing D5-Vario (1/2") Pump
Thermochill PA120.3 Radiator
Danger Den Dual-bay 3.5" Resevoir
1/2" ID Tygon --
Scythe S-FLEX 1600RPM 120mm Fan (4pin)

I also just remember I need jubilee clips of some sort but that I can get from my local B'n'Q or something. Anything else i'm missing?

Is a resevoir needed? I'm not sure the exact reason for one but, is it when you start putting on more than one block, ie... cpu/gpu(/sli)/nb etc, but it can effect the flow rate for the pump having too....pump more around?

I might, or might not watercool my gpu, I bought a 7900GTX which was faulty on arrival so I got that rma'd and im' too afraid to buy another, was thinking of saving the cash for next gen and using my current 7800GT.
But that's a block I can always get later on depending which card i decide to go for.

The main problem of doing it this way is sourcing all the parts from different places, I'd go for a swiftech one from here if it was just as good as this (if it is any good) system...

Thanks,

Chris

satman · 14 Aug 2006 at 15:37

best to change the Dangerden TDX (SKT 775) (Brass)

for Alphacool NexXxos XP (Skt 775) .. better flow rate ...

and add 2 bottles of de-ionized water + Zerex Coolant ...

you can always use a Tee connector instead of the Resevoir ...

.

ChrisJSY · 14 Aug 2006 at 16:10

satman said:
best to change the Dangerden TDX (SKT 775) (Brass)

for Alphacool NexXxos XP (Skt 775) .. better flow rate ...

and add 2 bottles of de-ionized water + Zerex Coolant ...

you can always use a Tee connector instead of the Resevoir ...

.

What would be the purpose of a tee connector? I'm trying to imagine it in my mind, where the tubing would go etc O_O.

Sorry, first time herem on WC'ing and thank's for the advice.

w3bbo · 14 Aug 2006 at 16:17

If its your first time WC'ing I would keep the res for simplicity in bleeding/filling. A T-line is usually just before the pump and is used for filling the system with your chosen coolant. Think of a t-line as a T-juntion with one end capped off and only uncapped when filling/bleeding the loop. They can be a bit 'fiddly' to use but are generally better for flow rates than a res apparently. I noticed no advantage in using a t-line so added a res to my loop for ease of use and 'bling' factor.

Simon D · 14 Aug 2006 at 16:34

If this is your first time with water I would use a resevoir.

I using Alphacool NexXxos XP AMD CPU cooler, very happy with it

Important point is not to let the pump run dry when priming the system (remove the air from the system) and leak test before powering up the computer.

Creidiki · 14 Aug 2006 at 18:43

Yate Loon D12SL-12s cost less than Scythes, make less noise, and will give you better temperatures. Scythes have bad cfm-to-rpm performance. Get 'em off ebay, theyre like a fiver each.

And I'd suggest a Laing-Alphacool DDC-Ultra over a D5.

cypriobrit · 14 Aug 2006 at 20:14

Creidiki said:
And I'd suggest a Laing-Alphacool DDC-Ultra over a D5.

Modded with a Radiical plexi top with 1/2" barbs.

joeyjojo · 14 Aug 2006 at 21:55

So to summarise:

Alphacool NexXxos XP (Skt 775)
Laing-Alphacool DDC-Ultra (Modded with a Radiical plexi top with 1/2" barbs)
Thermochill PA120.3 Radiator
T line (OR Danger Den Dual-bay 3.5" Resevoir)
7/16" Masterkleer tubing
Yate Loon D12SL-12
2x bottles of de-ionized water + Zerex Coolant

Niiice

smids · 14 Aug 2006 at 22:12

If you are spending that much, why not Storm Rev2?

ChrisJSY · 14 Aug 2006 at 22:59

i'll check it out, btw.. vat free prices for me so I can, if you can say it 'spend a little more'?

Creidiki · 14 Aug 2006 at 23:05

There's been some discussion regarding the MP-05 LE (w. #3 injector plate) vs. the Storm on XtremeSystems, and the current thnking goes that the MP-05 LE might have a slight advantage on Conroe vs. the Storm, because of its slightly larger primary cooling area, and the difficulty of removing the IHS on Intels... kind of backed up by the enlargement of the primary cooling area that Cathar is going to implement on the Storm G7.

That is, if there is a difference in performance at all, since the non-LE MP-05 was only a hair behind the Storm in tests.

In any case, Storm Rev. 2 and MP-05 SP LE (delrin) cost the same in the UK, so its mostly about looks... and the fact that the MP-05 comes with metal barbs, and has slightly better mounting (stiffer springs).

smids · 14 Aug 2006 at 23:09

Is the Storm Rev2 not less restrictive though than the AqX MP-05? I know it's a little thing but with people with lower head pumps or more restrictive circuits, this can play a role, albeit minor. They are close anyway, I just chose the Storm as I generally like Swiftech products.

Creidiki · 14 Aug 2006 at 23:21

Well, a couple of very qualified XS people have reported less restriction with the MP-05 LE.

Its probably because of the larger number of pins on the MP-05 LE's injector midplate compared to the non-LE's injecotr plate, which were indeed more restrictive.

Keep in mind better performance does not always mean more restriction, as has been shown by the Rev. 2/3 NexXxoS XP (which are less restricitve and perform better than Rev. 1s).

As for people with weak pumps, well if anyone has an impingment block coupled with something weaker than a 50Z/D5/DDC on a multi-block loop, theyre using the wrong CPU block.

Choice of radiator counts a lot too, as 2 PAs are as or less restrictive than any other rad on its own.

smids · 14 Aug 2006 at 23:55

Point taken.

I personally have never liked the NexxoS blocks - just dont look right to me

though I know you aren't one for aesthetics!

.

I have to say, I also prefer the look/finish of the Storm compared to the MP-05.

cypriobrit · 15 Aug 2006 at 00:29

smids said:
Point taken. I personally have never liked the NexxoS blocks - just dont look right to me though I know you aren't one for aesthetics! .

I have to say, I also prefer the look/finish of the Storm compared to the MP-05.

I take it you mean the swiftech storm. Cos my original storm looks f'ugly!

smids · 15 Aug 2006 at 00:35

cypriobrit said:
I take it you mean the swiftech storm. Cos my original storm looks f'ugly!

But of course!

.

Still, you gotta love them. G5's look nice in Silver tbh, even if they are just rectangular blocks.

jellybeard999 · 15 Aug 2006 at 00:46

the G5 looks a lot nicer than the G4, the silver and black looks awesome