Water Cooling Help

Dork Knight · 7 Dec 2009 at 18:13

Hello All,

I was looking for some help with regards to water cooling as this is the first time I would be venturing down this route.

I would like to start with water cooling a ATI HD5970 with the option for the CPU in the future, I've currently got the Corsair H50 cooling it at the moment so the CPU can wait.

My budget would be £200 to £300, I guess I could knock £100 straight off the budget for a 5970 Block - Leaving the rest for all the other parts.

Would someone be kind enough to link to what I would require on the main Overclockers site?

I would be looking to fit the pump if at all possible in the bottom of the Corsair Obsidian 800D case.

I've had a quick scan of the FAQ but any help would be appreciated.

Cheers

shadowscotland · 8 Dec 2009 at 17:24

My first question is how may graphic cards have you owned in the last 2 years.
As a full cover block may not be a good investment.

And is sound level (how many/what type of fan do you currently have)
or temps more important to you.

I'm guessing that looks are also important as you have a case with a window

And finally you NEED to have more that a quick read of the FAQ
Watercooling is not rocket science but some things work well together and others don't - and a little basic knowlage goes a long way.

The watercooling gallery is also a good place to look as are the build threads in the 'case central' part of the forum.

Dork Knight · 8 Dec 2009 at 19:00

Thanks for the reply shadow...

My previous graphics card was used for four years or so.

I would like to keep the noise levels down, the 5970 I have has an awful sounding fan, as well as the temp - So long as the temps are kept low when the card is pushed for a few hours then I would be happy.

I have two stock 140mm Akasa fans and five Noctua fans at the moment.

Not too fussed on looks to be honest, the window on the case is a bonus but it would be ideal if there are some decent pieces of kit which would look good.

The reason I had a quick scan was the first two links I selected were dead, but I'll have to set aside some time later in the week and have a proper read.

It feels a little daunting to be honest, not know exactly what would be best and buying blind without others input.

Cheers

shadowscotland · 9 Dec 2009 at 09:29

Personally I try one of the Artic cooling VGA coolers first - you will have to e-mail them for compatability as the 5970 is so new. For £20-30ish it will drop the noise level massively.

If it's still not good enough and you want to go for a loop we'll be here to help.

Btw are the Noctua's the S12 or P12 - if S12 then they will be useless on a Rad but can be sold for 8-10 each second hand. Might be worth sticking with air, at least untill you have MM access in January if you build up your post count. (see forum FAQ at top of page for details)

Very tidy build with your case here

neo-omega · 9 Dec 2009 at 11:47

If you have the money then go for water cooling your 5970. You'll see a substantial drop in temps as well as much more overclockability (if such word exists!). Plus it's always nice to have as few fans as possible as that will reduce noise.