W/Cooling thoughts

Moron · 15 Feb 2011 at 20:55

OK so I'm currently using a standard air cooler on my 2500k CPU but have in the past had a W/C system setup - however due to moving the PC quite a bit air is just simpler.

I've decided to do a rebuild/mod of my water cooling during the summer and have started to think about what to do. I'm currently planning on modding my v2000 with bottom cut outs and a window.

The reason for the bottom cut out aren't as simple as an air intake or exhaust, but rather to give me more space in the bottom. I'm thinking of going with two Black Ice Sr-1 420 Rads in the bottom with push pull config with the fans. However the Fans plus the Rads are too thick for the bottom of the case so by having the cut out it will allow me to push the Rads further apart so the outside fans end up outside the case. I then intend on using some mesh to bend around the fans so they are covered - buts that another issue.

My questions are:

1: Having 2 of the radiators plus CPU block and GPU block, what's the best way to have the system setup. Dual loop or single loop? If single loop would my current 10w DCC pump be sufficient or will I have to go for a 18w one.

2: If I end up with two pumps would putting them in series or by getting a dual pump top be best. Would the fact I would have 10w and 18w pumps impact on doing either of the two options?

hlennie · 16 Feb 2011 at 08:55

U might be able to do the solder mod 10w to 18w I did saved a few pennies

I'd go single loop 2 loops a pain

I'm cooling 2 x 570 @ 925 core and a i7 950 @ 4.5

Using a 480 & 240 rads most I've seen my water temps go up to is 33 c

iamtheoneneo · 16 Feb 2011 at 09:03

Just go two separate loops not linked in anyway.

Moron · 16 Feb 2011 at 16:07

Ah problem, two opinions and each go for an alternative.

Given I'm only going to add the GFX to the loop when I upgrade my Gfx card just pre- BF3 release I will probably run with the two rads and one pump in a single loop with the CPU for a few months, then revisit the possibility of dual loops if it looks like the 10w pump is struggling.

dekez · 16 Feb 2011 at 16:24

Do you really need 2 420s? Sandybridge runs pretty cool, I would have thought a single loop and one 420 would be enough, which GPU are you planning on getting?

MikeTimbers · 16 Feb 2011 at 17:44

A 420 is very different from a 240! Yes, a 420 will easily cool Hell itself but a 240 probably couldn't!

Dual loops is complex and expensive and great for your e-peen but not enormously beneficial for your cooling. Do a single loop, use one rad until proven insufficient.

pastymuncher · 16 Feb 2011 at 18:56

Using a single PA120.3 here with the cpu and two 5850's watercooled with no probs.

Moron · 16 Feb 2011 at 19:55

I know one 420 would most like be enough but as part of modding my case I thought I'd go for something that looks really nice - or thats the aim anyway. I guess I've always gone for the value buy in the past but fortunately I'm in a position to spend what I want so two 420 in the bottom of a v2000 would look quite nice. I quite like the idea of 2x 420 with 6 140mm fans each.

No idea on the Gfx card as I'll just upgrade before BF3 comes out so depends on any new new tech between now and then and what Gfx blocks are available at the time.

I'll stick with one rad to begin with as it'll only be the CPU in the loop but then it always gives me the option to get a second at a later date along with the Gfx card.