watercooling advice pls

[zoomee]

Hi guys,

I wouldn't say I'm a complete noob to watercooling as I used to have both a wavemaster and stacker cases watercooled with custom setup which went something like this:

Eheim 1250 Pump
5.25x2 Bay Res
1/2" Tygon Piping
Danger Den CPU Block (939)
2 x Danger Den GPU Blocks (7800GTX's)
120.2 Rad

Wavemaster was setup by a local overclocking company but then I transferred everything to a new setup in my stacker myself - feels like it was a decade ago lol. I've still got a couple of bits kicking around but sold most my kit for parts.

Looking at getting another custom setup and would really appreciate advice from any hardened watercoolers.

spec is in my sig along with a Antec 902 case (I know pretty poor for watercooling) but I am planning on having the radiator external (at least the rad - may need to put res outside aswell)

Back to the point - What would you guys recommend as I'm after a 120.2 setup with what I am assuming is the best pump out there (Liang D5) - initially JUST for the cpu. Budget is MAX £200 as I intend on keeping it well into bulldozer days :> No need to worry about fans as I've got 3 x Noctua's lying around AND 2 x Apaches I'm using on my H50 at the moment

All this barb business is well confuzzling aswell! - I recall it was a pain at the time I had my last setup but the company I bought it from sorted all that out for me.

thanks in advance peeps- x

 

[TheCenturion]

Barb business shouldn't be confusing. Attach the barb, put the pipe on and then clamp it. Yes the D5 is an excellent pump. I'd get a 120.3 if I were you, and you could just get a bay res if space is an issue.

 

[zoomee]

Thanks dude,

I was contemplating a 120.3 but think it would be overkill just for the CPU. Not really interested in gfx card blocks as A)- They cost a fortune and B)- as you've discovered are a pain to fit!. To be honest my gfx cards get replaced to regularly to warrant watercooling them.

Barb business concern is due to the different thread and BSP etc sizes one gets..Anyone else anyone wants to add - whats the best block? etc.

 

[shadowscotland]

Threads are now almost univerally G1/4 so that not an issue anymore if buying new.
The D5 is a great pump for most build - but DDC is better for restrictive loops
Both need aftermarket tops to make them quiet / improve flow and compatability
Both are over priced - an EK-DCP 2.2 is fine for a highflow single block loop

First thing I's say is why are you watercooling? The usual answers are
Increased OC for 24/7 use / temp paranoia
Reduced noise or
bling / because i want too.

Each reason has a different set of 'best' hardware.
And 98% of the time if your only cooling one item a £50+ HSF will do it better.

I watercool for noise reasons - as it's the only way to cool a OC'ed pc with only one 800rpm fan.
Many hardened watercooler have move back to air, as it really is almost as good as water of most applications

 

[zoomee]

thanks shadowscotland - you've just confirmed what I was thinking Shows how long I've been out of the watercooling loop (heh!) as I went back to Air due to the hassle of constantly changing blocks and the fact my stacker case watercooled gave me siatica!!!! - Frikkin air bubbles!

Overlooking the barb issue, I want it to quieten my PC. Currently running a 1090T@4Ghz on 1.42v with 2 x apaches running full whack on a H50 to keep it JUST within operating temperatures (hit about 60Degrees C which is only 2 Degrees C below the limit of these Thuban chips).

Hoping a better custom kit, would allow a slight drop in temps to allow me to hit 2600+ on my CPU-NB (currently on 2400) AND to drop the sound levels (main aim) as this beast sits in my living room these days.

thanks.