BLT needs some help with WC

BLT · 15 Feb 2012 at 09:43

Hello overclockers, I know I might be cheeky in asking for some help with my very first post but I need it

I don’t have that large a clue about WC other then the bits I have read on here. So basically I was interested with setting up a system that could adequately cool a CPU and GPU and also fit a NZXT Phantom case.

Spec:
NZXT Phantom
ASUS Crosshair Formula V
AMD Phenom II X4 955 (OC @ 3.8)
AMD MSI HD 7970 (OC @ max CCC limits)
OCZ ZX Series 850W PSU

The only part that I know for sure I like the look of is the Phobya balancer 150 black nickel reservoir, unless someone can say something that’s better. Also as a side note I was planning on maybe upgrading the CPU to Ivy Bridge later on once its out if it fairs well with games. So that will likely be something to consider as a later thing of the WC system.

As for a budget was thinking of the £300 to £400 area but if that isn’t possible then I will think of maybe expanding the funds or just concentrate on cooling the graphics card and get the CPU items later. I had been looking at the kits on overclockers as well but wasn't sure if that would cool a system like mine well enough.

Cheers for any replies
BLT

eggcup · 15 Feb 2012 at 16:12

The only problem with the phantom (i used to have one) is the lack of space for a decent size rad. you can get a 240 size rad in the top, but if you can get a 120 in the back too, it may work.

Unfortuantly its not the best case in the world for watercooling.

BLT · 15 Feb 2012 at 18:46

eggcup said:
The only problem with the phantom (i used to have one) is the lack of space for a decent size rad. you can get a 240 size rad in the top, but if you can get a 120 in the back too, it may work.

Unfortuantly its not the best case in the world for watercooling.

Yeah I see what you mean. I have seen some very nice water cooled systems using this case but some modding has to be done like getting rid of the front drive bay at the bottom, then I would have some more room for a rad there.

So when you say it may work I take it you mean that the temps might be only ok?

JimInk · 15 Feb 2012 at 19:45

That's similar to what I'd like to do in a couple of months when I can afford to pick up the components. Really like the look of the phantom, but i was under the impression it had a fairly decent setup for water cooling. This thread makes me sad

BLT · 16 Feb 2012 at 09:36

JimInk said:
That's similar to what I'd like to do in a couple of months when I can afford to pick up the components. Really like the look of the phantom, but i was under the impression it had a fairly decent setup for water cooling. This thread makes me sad

Well I think there is certainly better cases that are more suited for water cooling but its still possible with the Phantom, just requires a bit of thought and some moding. There is a build log on the forums of someone watercooling their Phantom so I wouldn’t get too sad about it

Might just copy what parts they used to water cool theirs but just wanted to make sure that it could cool my system enough

Mr Ripper · 16 Feb 2012 at 11:07

When I look at a case I look at the photos with motherboards etc installed and work out what parts of it I'll be able to chop up! I like fixing a radiator to the top of a case after I've chopped out a nice hole to suit. I'd really look into DIYing a case.

I'm guessing you want a flash looking case though so you probably wouldn't be comfortable with chopping one up!

My next build will be using a Silverstone SG03 case and fitting a radiator to the top and to the front. Definitely looking forward to going smaller & with better cooling.

BLT · 16 Feb 2012 at 11:33

Mr Ripper said:
When I look at a case I look at the photos with motherboards etc installed and work out what parts of it I'll be able to chop up! I like fixing a radiator to the top of a case after I've chopped out a nice hole to suit. I'd really look into DIYing a case.

I'm guessing you want a flash looking case though so you probably wouldn't be comfortable with chopping one up!

My next build will be using a Silverstone SG03 case and fitting a radiator to the top and to the front. Definitely looking forward to going smaller & with better cooling.

The only reason I am often reluctant to do DIY when it come to a PC cases is the fact I normally balls it up and it looks crap

if I was more competent then I would have moded the Phantom by now. Even removing the HDD cage at the front I can see me messing that up.

I think that with the Silverstone SG03 case; once moded etc will be a good looking build. Just wish I had more confidence in the whole chopping parts of my PC up. Also lack of the proper tools to do it doesn’t help either

Mr Ripper · 16 Feb 2012 at 11:41

If you can find a case you like that you think would benefit from a nice looking radiator fitted to the top of the case mounted externally you don't even need to worry about the DIY being good. Just chop out the metal just leaving space for the holes and you fit the fans beneath inside the case.

It ends up looking like a nice feature and it's better to have the heat outside of the case anyway. Also you're less likely to hear the fans blowing upwards rather than in the path of where you might be sitting.

This way you're not so limited on cases with fixed position holes.

Cleeecooo · 16 Feb 2012 at 17:11

Bitfenix shinobi XL, Elysium are both good cases if you're in the market.

Can you stretch to £600 including a new case?

BLT · 16 Feb 2012 at 19:38

Mr Ripper said:
If you can find a case you like that you think would benefit from a nice looking radiator fitted to the top of the case mounted externally you don't even need to worry about the DIY being good. Just chop out the metal just leaving space for the holes and you fit the fans beneath inside the case.

It ends up looking like a nice feature and it's better to have the heat outside of the case anyway. Also you're less likely to hear the fans blowing upwards rather than in the path of where you might be sitting.

This way you're not so limited on cases with fixed position holes.

Yeah I think I will have a look to see if I can maybe do some DIY on the Phantom case or maybe order a cheaper one to practic on. I have ordered a Coolermaster Elite 334U Case for the GF but guess I could see if that is easier to mod with and give her the phantom

Then again maybe not

Cleeecooo said:
Bitfenix shinobi XL, Elysium are both good cases if you're in the market.

Can you stretch to £600 including a new case?

Well I suppose I could, interested to see what you muster up

Cleeecooo · 16 Feb 2012 at 20:21

BLT said:
Well I suppose I could, interested to see what you muster up

YOUR BASKET
1 x Xigmatek Elysium Full Tower Windowed Case - Black £139.99
1 x OcUK Tech Lab - D5 Vario Pump & Alphacool Clear HF D5 Top Value Combo £84.98
1 x EK-FC7970 Full Cover Waterblock - Nickel Plexi **EN Nickel Plating** £79.99
1 x Phobya G-Changer 360 Ver. 1.2 Black £62.99
1 x EK Supreme HF CPU Waterblock - Nickel Plexi £56.99
1 x EK Dual Bay Spin Reservoir - Acetal £46.99
1 x Lamptron FC5 V2 5.25" Bay Fan Controller - Black £34.99
1 x Mayhems Pastel - Blueberry Blue Coolant 1L £14.99
3 x Scythe Gentle Typhoon 120mm 1450 RPM - 3 Pin £12.98 (£38.94)
1 x Masterkleer Hose Pack PVC 15,9/11mm (7/16ID) Clear 3.3m £10.88
1 x OcUK Tube Cutter Aluminum 3-14mm £8.50
10 x OcUK 1/2" G1/4 - FatBoy Style - Black Nickel - Barb Fitting £1.68 (£16.80)
1 x OcUK Value PSU Bridging Connector (24 Pin) £1.30
Total : £616.04 (includes shipping : £14.75).

Use a 420 rad with 140 mm apaches, also, change GPU block to suit your card

JimInk · 16 Feb 2012 at 22:57

Using a cheaper case to practise I is what I intend to do. I have a really old Dell with a tiny case, so I shall try cutting it up and see how neatly I can do it.

Roll on a few more paydays then I'll actually be able to afford the bits to build my very first watercooled pc

Cleeecooo · 16 Feb 2012 at 22:59

Nice

BLT · 17 Feb 2012 at 09:21

Thank you Cleeecooo

I see you selected the bay reservoir; are there any advantages to using that instead of a tube one? It’s just that I rather like the tube ones and also if I could fit 2 Hardware Labs Black ICE GT Stealth 240 Radiator and 1 Hardware Labs Black Ice GT Stealth 120 Radiator into the Phantom, would that be able to cool my system adequately enough? If not I think the changing case route will have to be the one

JimInk said:
Using a cheaper case to practise I is what I intend to do. I have a really old Dell with a tiny case, so I shall try cutting it up and see how neatly I can do it.

Roll on a few more paydays then I'll actually be able to afford the bits to build my very first watercooled pc

That certainly makes sense to me and if its a case thats not being used then you might as well. Will hopefully make it look better then what it does currently because from what I remember the older Dell cases never turned heads with its looks

but maybe yours is different to ones I have previously seen/had

Cleeecooo · 17 Feb 2012 at 13:31

Res wise, it's pretty much all looks.
Rads, that should be enough, but the black ice GTS' are crap rads, get the XSPC EX rads instead.

JimInk · 17 Feb 2012 at 14:45

The old Dell case is ugly as all hell, but it means absolutely nothing lost if I cant do some capable cutting whilst i practise. Plus, if I can successfully mod it into something unique and usable all the better.

BLT · 5 Mar 2012 at 17:18

Cheers for the help but sadly I went with a Corsair H100 as the thought of having to clean the WC system kind of put me off (I’m a bit lazy sometimes) but I will keep in mind the suggested items in case I change my mind later

JimInk said:
The old Dell case is ugly as all hell, but it means absolutely nothing lost if I cant do some capable cutting whilst i practise. Plus, if I can successfully mod it into something unique and usable all the better.

Think a build log with loads of pics are in order if you successfully pull that one off

and good luck to you