Rad and Fan help.

[King Damager]

Ok, whilst I understand (roughly) the whole fins per inch or whatever it is, I'm looking for some help

Basically, I'm still planning my wcing ideas in my head - may be a while before they materialise, but figure that rads and the such like can't advance tooo much in 4 months.

So, I'm looking for a few things requirements:
It's not particularly about cooling. I'm not going to be running a huge overclock. What I do want is silence (my 480 is doing my head in). Or as damn close to it as possible. If the PSU/HDDs is the loudest thing in the case I'll be happy.

Now I'll be cooling, CPU + anywhere between 1 GPU and an SLI of 2 GPU's. Might go for a 590 or similar. But I figure if I want to future proof, 2 GPUs should be the max I'd need.

Now, I'm thinking rad wise, I might start off with just CPU, so a 240, but eventually I'll be looking at anything from about 600 up to about 840 (total obv)....

Now I'm well aware that 840 would be complete overkill, however, it would mean that I could run much much slower fans or the such like, and try and get as much quietness as possible.

So what Rads, and what Fans are we looking at? Are we still thinking GTs? Or would something like some Noctua's actually be better? Price is something that isn't too much of a concern, however I might look to second hand fans or something, but that doesn't really matter, I just might have to clean them up first...

Also, quick question with regards to Rads and 2nd hand. Is there actually any issue buying a rad second hand? (so long as it's not spouting leaks all over the place)? I'm kind of presuming it's quite a hard thing to wear out, and doesn't really need replacing or upgrading anywhere near as frequently as other stuff....

Edit: Also, something that's always confused me is where as most people have curves in their watercooling, some people's are perfectly straight. Is this just a case of very careful planning, and some good 45degree fittings and the such like - and could you suspend a fitting theoretically in mid air from two pieces of tubing, to create the illusion of two pieces of straight tubing with one fitting in the middle?

kd

 

[ThePengu1n]

Basically you have to match the rad FPI to the correct fan, rads with low FPI will cool just as effectively with slower (and quieter) fans, though perhaps not as well as a high FPI rad (because some surface area is lost). However, if you use a high FPI rad, you need the fans to go with it, because it is harder to push (or pull) the air through the rad, you need faster fans (ergo, more noise).

Personally, I would go for lower FPI rads and quiet fans, something like the Black Ice SR1 series, paired with Akasa Vipers on a fan controller.

With regards to 2nd hand gear, I can't see a problem with 2nd hand rads, as you said, there is very little to go wrong with them. The only consideration would be what coolant the previous owner used, regardless, they would need a thorough flushing before putting in your system, but that is simple enough to do.

Hope this helps somewhat

 

[Cleeecooo]

No issues buyin second hand. Just be clear on the condition and any damage.

GTS are still the best

A thick 480 rad like the sr with slow running fans would be adequate and would still give silence.

I the tubing was taught enough, then what you're saying is possible, but remember, you need to have a g1/4 thread at the other end. It is a case of planning, depends what you like really. Some people prefer curves.

Did I miss anything?

~Clee

 

[King Damager]

More likely to be a 360 and 2x240s actually. The 360 may have to be LP, but not too sure yet, it all depends on roof space... But we reckon basically something like a Black Ice would be a good idea?

Fan controller will be possible, but that in itself will be a bit of fun, but I'm not going to reveal too much

I figured it was probably a case of Bitspower fittings and planning to be honest. I realise plenty of people prefer curves, and plenty of people will happily go with whatever works out best, but if I can I want to go for straight

kd

 

[Cleeecooo]

A 360 and 2x240 will easily be enough!!

Fan controller, your going to make your own aren't you?

Fittings don't have to be bitspower, barbs will do aswell. Just make sure they're not too taught incase they slip off.

Yes, the sr will probably be the best rad do silence.

I'd you want straight, then it's easily achievable, you'll just need to order fittings as you go along.

 

[King Damager]

Yeah, I figured it would be a case of large quantities of fittings.

For Fan Controller, yeah it's kind of a make my own/adapt, it's very confusing atm xD I'm waiting for Stigbourne/5UB to get back to me with answers to a couple of questions, but we shall see how that goes xD

kd