Watercooling Spec Check Please

CBP · 29 Mar 2007 at 16:55

Hi All,

Never tried watercooling before, but will definately be my next purchase. The kit listed below will initially be used on my present skt939 Opteron 170 @ 2.5ghz.

EDIT - I am currently using a Tuniq Tower 120 on my 170 and the peak temp so far is 45c. Summer will be a nightmare, hence watercooling.

I only plan on watercooling my CPU at present, as my 7900gt is pretty cool with the zalman, but will be upgrading the whole rig in the near future (Next Gen GPU & quadcore).

I want as much feedback as possible, so that I don't get myself into a pickle.

Proposed Watercooling Setup:
Pump - Swiftech MCP655
Rad - Thermochill PA120.3 & Suitable Shroud
CPU Block - D-Tek Fuzion
Barbs/Fittings - 1/2" barbs for the rad
Coolant - Deionised water & Antifreeze mix
Tubing - Clearflex 60 1/2" ID tubing
Fans - 2x120mm fans (possibly yate loons)

I propose using a T-line instead of a reservoir to save space, with the rad mounted horizontally on top of the case.

Feedback welcome

MikeTimbers · 29 Mar 2007 at 22:47

Nothing wrong with that list. There are other options but everyone has their own favourites.

***F1ZZY*** · 30 Mar 2007 at 14:41

Agree, list is fine - apart from need 3 fans on a 120.3

Alternatives though below

Pump - 18w DDC with replacement top = smaller (potentially quieter and more powerful)
Rad - no alternative really
CPU block - consider the d-tek fuzion if you want other blocks in loop (less restrictive), also apogee extreme is being given a wideberth by some until reports are out and also concerned with mixed metals (even if plated)
Coolant - my preference is hydrx, some say non at all, antifreeze not the best for sure.
Tubing - get something cheaper if you can.

Don't forget fittings and clamps and stuff, fill tube etc

CBP · 30 Mar 2007 at 15:59

Strangely enough, somebody else mentioned the d-tek fusion too as an alternative block due to the restrictiveness of the apogee. I think I'll go for that instead now.

As for the pump you suggested. Is it one you can buy off the shelf, or one I will have to modify myself? How much are we talking about here?

Azza · 30 Mar 2007 at 17:05

I would change the following for the following.

Pump change to Laing DDC-12V 10w Pump around £55 or the Laing DDC2 12V 18w Pump which is around £50

The Alphacool Ultra one with the Plexitop is around £65 to £70 i think.

CPU block definatly go for the D-tek FuZion.

I take it you already have a 3rd fan for the rad.

The rest seems to be ok.

Hope this helps.

elfy · 30 Mar 2007 at 17:32

i've used the classic apogee in both single configuration and with other blocks, not much difference in temps. many people are saying the fuzion is better, many say the diff is not really that much, 1 or 2 c isn't really gonna matter.

CBP · 30 Mar 2007 at 17:41

Brilliant guys, exactly what I wanted!

Azza - Those pumps that you've mentioned, are you recommending them for their performance, or as an overall package?

I'm looking for a very quiet system, that also has the muscle to cool my next rig, hence my choice on the MCP655 as it has an adjustment screw.

I do have a spare 120mm 3rd fan, but it's not a particularly quiet one. Zalman ZF-3 that I will connect to my fan controller so that I can turn it on and off as and when I need it. Is this a sensible thing to do, or will it cause temperature increases?

w3bbo · 30 Mar 2007 at 18:55

The DDC 18w with alphacool/aftermarket top is one of the best pumps available - its also very quiet.

Cupra · 30 Mar 2007 at 19:24

w3bbo what watercooling setup have you got?

w3bbo · 30 Mar 2007 at 19:39

paul_64l said:
w3bbo what watercooling setup have you got?

2 loops

CPU Loop:

D-Tek FuZion
DangerDen 680i Chipset
DangerDen Dualbay reservoir
DangerDen clearflex60
Thermochill PA 120.3
Laing DDC Ultra 18w with alphacool top
Danger Den Highflow barbs
Pentosin G11
PT Nuke
Alphacool UV power fluid
Distilled water

GPU Loop

EK FC8800GTX (acrylic top)
EK 150 multi-Res
HWLabs BlackIce GT Stealth 120.2
EK Barbs
Laing DDC Pro 10w with alphacool top
DangerDen Clearflex 60
Distilled water
UV green dye
iodine

elfy · 30 Mar 2007 at 19:58

nice mountain mods case

i've got both of my loops in a normal tower

DaveMac · 30 Mar 2007 at 21:07

Shroud not worth the cost on the PA - gives very little improvement over stock, spend it on a grill instead.

CBP · 30 Mar 2007 at 21:46

DaveMac said:
Shroud not worth the cost on the PA - gives very little improvement over stock, spend it on a grill instead.

So you mean mount the fans directly onto the rad's casing?
Won't it be quite a bit louder?

DaveMac · 30 Mar 2007 at 22:22

CBP said:
So you mean mount the fans directly onto the rad's casing?
Won't it be quite a bit louder?

Slow / quiet fans on a fairly open core rad won't make much difference being closer by the depth of the shroud.

CBP · 30 Mar 2007 at 23:01

Brilliant!

Thanks for the input everyone. I've finally made the purchase. May need your help if I run into any problems fitting it all

Cupra · 31 Mar 2007 at 00:08

w3bbo said:
2 loops

CPU Loop:

D-Tek FuZion
DangerDen 680i Chipset
DangerDen Dualbay reservoir
DangerDen clearflex60
Thermochill PA 120.3
Laing DDC Ultra 18w with alphacool top
Danger Den Highflow barbs
Pentosin G11
PT Nuke
Alphacool UV power fluid
Distilled water

GPU Loop

EK FC8800GTX (acrylic top)
EK 150 multi-Res
HWLabs BlackIce GT Stealth 120.2
EK Barbs
Laing DDC Pro 10w with alphacool top
DangerDen Clearflex 60
Distilled water
UV green dye
iodine

i want one.. how much did the case cost?

Lolcb · 31 Mar 2007 at 00:16

The case is around £250 assuming you want something similar to Webbo's.

That is case ONLY without fans etc.

elfy · 31 Mar 2007 at 00:17

mountain mod cases are from the usa, between 300 and 400 usd, not including delivery. you can buy them from a uk dist but cost between 200 and 300 gbp.