Spec me a water cooling loop

Slinkie

Slinkie

Slinkie

Associate
Joined
21 Oct 2002
Posts
1,680
Location
UK
Hi Folks,

I currently have the following spec

E8400 @ 4ghz cooled by a Noctua NH-U12P with 2 fans on it.
4870 512mb with an accellero and a 120mm fan on it.
2 case fans.

I am thinking of trying my hand at a water cooling set up. I think just for the moment I'd just cool the cpu with it altough cooling the gfx card is tempting. I'd also be looking for a new case too as my current one is really battered. My ideal set up would be very quiet with a similar cooling potential as I already have.

I have specced the following for the build.



I haven't added the barbs and pipes I was hoping someone could suggest some.

I don't have loads in my case, only a dvd-rw and 2 hard drives.

Question is could I add a gfx cooler to this loop?
Is the case good for water cooling? I don't want to do any cutting of the case so the rad might have to go outside, what do I need to do this?
Is there a better case for the job? I'd ideally like a window but really it must be small and quiet.

Thanks

Matt
 
If your spending £100 on a case its gotta be a mid tower lian. The rad is kinda crappy so i doubt you will get that great temps adding a GPU to it as well. Cant comment on the pump but its half the price of others so i cant see it been that great either. Why cant you cut the case?
 
I have the 750 pump, it runs fine etc, only problem is the volume, if I leave it over night its very noticeable. having the pump submerged makes filling easier though. I would have a look at the EK Supreme blocks, although restrictive they're very good. I havent looked at reviews recently, but the XSPC delta 3 looks good also
I mainly went for it due to it being my first WC settup
 
Last edited:
I ideally want a case that has a seperate area for the psu. I don't really want to cut the case etc just because it is added expense having to buy the tools to do it.

I'll have a look at other pumps, rads and cases,

Can you recommend any?
 
Rads = Thermochill PA120.2 or TFC double both will handle your cpu and GPU at a later date.
Pumps = DDC (10w or 18w) or D5 then say just a mcres. Or If strapped for cash then maybe a Bay res pump combo?
Cases = Silver but black is a little more expensive. Or this with this side window. All way nicer cases than that hiper. A lian-li is for life not just for christmas! :)

Any reason you want a part separate for the PSU? It been in the main part of the case should help take the hot air and pull it out the back.

Not sure what case this fits but if you really dont wanna cut the case then something like this may let you keep it all internal.
 
Last edited:
High quality block linked with low-quality pump/res and lowish quality rad.

I'd lower the block to say, the OCZ HydroFlow HF-MK1 CPU Waterblock, get a nice little DB-1 pump, a Swiftech MC-Res and a proper radiator like a PA120.2 or even 3. The radiator part of water-cooling will last you for many years so don't skimp on it. This would stay at roughly the same pricing but be a better match of components and last you longer.

Remember, a good block and weak radiator will result in higher temps than an average block and a great radiator.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom