Watercooling Advice

Alright, first time I'm ever asking for advice. I rarely ask but I don't want to spend my money on crap water cooling components. Basically I'll just be cooling the CPU for now and these are the parts I've considered getting.

This 5.25" Res
Chilled PC - Watercooling made easy, Over 400 products in stock

This CPU Block
Chilled PC - Watercooling made easy, Over 400 products in stock

This 2x120 Rad
Computer hardware and software at amazing prices, available online from Scan Computers UK


I think the XSPC black res would look cool under my dvd drive on my soon to be Antec 1200.

Tygon 1/2" tubing, I don't really know how long to get it.

2L of Feser Acid Green Coolant (2L too much? Res + 2x120 Rad)

I'm just undecided on the pump. I was thinking of getting a Laing DDC with an XSPC plexi top resevoir but for that price I can just buy a Laing D5 and save some money.

Which would you guys advise?

As for barbs I'm getting Danger Den 1/2" Fat Boy ones but I heard that their O-Rings squash out if you over tighten them. Does it really matter what brand of 1/2" barbs I get or does it affect performance?

CPU's a Q6600 so I'm guessing if I use a low pump it won't cool it well. But if I'm wrong correct me :)

Would I need a shroud or is it not needed. I was thinking of getting a 120 size rad for putting on the side panel of the case. Looky

Or would it be better to get a 2x120 size rad and place it on the back here

Cheers for any help on this.

From watercooled pcs admin....
'Laing DDC ultra with xspc top 18 watt
XSPC edge CPU block or EK supreme
RS 240 rad cooling cpu + chipset only Thermochill are the best available but at 2x the price they are expensive.
Dual bay res ball front
primochill tube or xspc High flex
feser coolant '

I'm doing the same as you just cooling the cpu for now, it comes out at about £165. Also you might want to look at the D-tech fusion v2, its the best cpu block.

My advise: Leave the reservoir and get a T-piece instead.

The problem with reservoirs is that they are EXTREMELY difficult to fully fill. I've persevered with mine for a while but its driving my nuts. You can never get all the air out of the system with any of the reservoir designs I have seen so far.

Air in system = annoying noise.

With UV reactive fluid and UV lights, a reservoir looks really really nice but you need to weigh the pros and cons up.

Have you spoken to Marci at Over-Clock UK He is a very friendly and helpful guy who will talk to you about the best in WC kit, he does some very technical equipment testing as well if you check his site out. Might be worth talking to him before deciding.

head over here WaterCooling Uk :: Index page and they will help you out.

However I would propose this set-up.

Laing DDC Pro/Swiftech MCP300 (more than enough for a CPU loop even if you add more blocks)
D-Tek V2 CPU Block (betters the XSPC edge)
240 RAD (new feser RADS coming out may beat thermochill and have 'normal' fan spacing and g1/4" threads)
Any RES (bay reservoirs are fine, ive never had probs with air - just circulate it out) I like these bay reservoirs but are slightly more expensive - Computer hardware and software at amazing prices, available online from Scan Computers UK
Computer hardware and software at amazing prices, available online from Scan Computers UK

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shaithis

My advise: Leave the reservoir and get a T-piece instead.

The problem with reservoirs is that they are EXTREMELY difficult to fully fill. I've persevered with mine for a while but its driving my nuts. You can never get all the air out of the system with any of the reservoir designs I have seen so far.

Air in system = annoying noise.

With UV reactive fluid and UV lights, a reservoir looks really really nice but you need to weigh the pros and cons up.

Have you spoken to Marci at Over-Clock UK He is a very friendly and helpful guy who will talk to you about the best in WC kit, he does some very technical equipment testing as well if you check his site out. Might be worth talking to him before deciding.

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Have you used the XSPC reservoirs? They feature 2 or 3 baffles inside which actually bleed your system in about 5 minutes. They really are great.

To the OP - Have you thought about the swiftech radbox? these can attach any size radiator to a 120mm fan hole. I would advise at least 240 rad - you'll only end up replacing a 120mm rad in the end.
If you need any advice - you can contact me through the shop ;) (chilledpc)

Not entirely sure about the choice of a bay reservoir...how you are you going to get to the fill port once it's in the case?

By my estimate that loop will have a volume of around 1.5L +-200ml, so you should be fine with 2L of coolant, although it's usually a good idea to have more handy, so maybe consider getting 3L.

In regards to the pump, if you get a Laing D5 Vario you'll have the most powerful pump on the market, which will be handy if you want the option of upgrading later whilst maintaining performance. You'll also have the option to run it at slower speeds to reduce noise without necessarily impacting performance. I can't say for sure you'd see much difference in practice between the DDC and the D5 though since there's little flow rate vs performance data out there.

Different brand barbs shouldn't have different performance if they have the same internal diameter, no. Pressure losses due to straight barbs are generally minimal anyway.

Can't say if you'd get any benefit from using a radiator shroud, generally they aren't used because (I would assume) they're quite big - the Thermochill ones look like they double the depth of the radiators. A radiator on a side panel?.. That would be a royal pain in the rear to plumb in....

Hope some of this helps :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Main

Not entirely sure about the choice of a bay reservoir...how you are you going to get to the fill port once it's in the case?

In regards to the pump, if you get a Laing D5 Vario you'll have the most powerful pump on the market, which will be handy if you want the option of upgrading later whilst maintaining performance. You'll also have the option to run it at slower speeds to reduce noise without necessarily impacting performance. I can't say for sure you'd see much difference in practice between the DDC and the D5 though since there's little flow rate vs performance data out there.

Different brand barbs shouldn't have different performance if they have the same internal diameter, no. Pressure losses due to straight barbs are generally minimal anyway.

Can't say if you'd get any benefit from using a radiator shroud, generally they aren't used because (I would assume) they're quite big - the Thermochill ones look like they double the depth of the radiators. A radiator on a side panel?.. That would be a royal pain in the rear to plumb in....

Hope some of this helps :)

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Well the fill port is near the rear side of the reservoir, I had in mind of removing the CD drive and with the spare tubing I have left over, slip it in there and fill it through that tube. If I get the XSPC DDC top Res I can fill it from there.

I was thinking of whether to get the Vario or a DDC, a Vario for CPU cooling would be overkill wouldn't it? I would probably hand over the DDC to another system in the house if I did make the switch though. On the Antec 1200 the water cooling holes are at the bottom and usually they are near the top so the rad can hang off the back but I won't be able to do that with this case. I was thinking of just using the shroud to keep it mounted.

Thanks for that advice, I guess no rad on the side panel then, I hadn't realized that yet :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by welshtom

Have you used the XSPC reservoirs? They feature 2 or 3 baffles inside which actually bleed your system in about 5 minutes. They really are great.

To the OP - Have you thought about the swiftech radbox? these can attach any size radiator to a 120mm fan hole. I would advise at least 240 rad - you'll only end up replacing a 120mm rad in the end.
If you need any advice - you can contact me through the shop ;) (chilledpc)

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Yep I seen the swiftech radbox, but I was looking for one thats 2x120 size. Can the Swiftech Radbox hold a 2x size rad? (2x120)

I was thinking of getting a T-Line but I was thinking if theres more coolant in the system doesn't that mean it takes longer for it to heat up by 1C?

Thanks for the help guys, ackrite and shaithis I'm reading up on those links. Cheers.

Moogle, what are you using the reservoir for? If you end up getting the DDC Ultra (very good pump that's more than enough for single block loops) the XSPC reservoir and top are excellent and will bleed the system very well. If it fits in your system the top fill port will be easily accessible too. If you just want the bay reservoir for bling then that's another story :).

As someone else said the D-Tek Fusion V2 is the best CPU block at the moment but good luck getting one! Last time I checked ChilledPC welshtom didn't have any ETA on more stock.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bugbait

Moogle, what are you using the reservoir for? If you end up getting the DDC Ultra (very good pump that's more than enough for single block loops) the XSPC reservoir and top are excellent and will bleed the system very well. If it fits in your system the top fill port will be easily accessible too. If you just want the bay reservoir for bling then that's another story :).

As someone else said the D-Tek Fusion V2 is the best CPU block at the moment but good luck getting one! Last time I checked ChilledPC welshtom didn't have any ETA on more stock.

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:laugh:

I want the top bay for a bit of bling but also I'm keeping it in basket as I'll be adding more components to the loop over the year.I can't decide between Laing D5 Vario or Laing DDC with the Plexi Top Resevoir. The DDC costs more but pushes less per hour. Plus the Antec 1200 isn't exactly wide so I'm still choosing and switching parts.

Like you said the Fuzion is out of stock everywhere. I wanted the XSPC Edge because it's a clear block so you can see the liquid inside. I know it's silly. But I really would prefer that. Also the fuzion is a bit more restrictive than the xspc edge, would the ddc be able to cope with it? The only other acrylic block is the ek supreme one. Which ones the best I have no idea.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by moogle

Like you said the Fuzion is out of stock everywhere. I wanted the XSPC Edge because it's a clear block so you can see the liquid inside. I know it's silly. But I really would prefer that. Also the fuzion is a bit more restrictive than the xspc edge, would the ddc be able to cope with it? The only other acrylic block is the ek supreme one. Which ones the best I have no idea.

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I understand the preference for a clear top, that's a must for me as well which is why I never moved to the Fuzion. I like to see my fluid flowing! Well, you can't really but still like to see it :).

The DDC Ultra does quite well with restrictive blocks. I use the Cuplex Di which is very restrictive and it runs fine. Martin's Liquid Lab tested the Cuplex on par or pretty close to the Fuzion V1. I think it's a good looking top but your tastes might be different.

My loop is even more restrictive since I've added unnecessary bling in the the form of an inline temperature sensor and flow rate meter. However, the flow is still high enough to cause turbulence if the wrong top is used (covered in other posts). If it fits, get the D5. I only use 10mm tubing so getting fittings for the D5 was too much hassle for a lazy slob like me.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bugbait

I understand the preference for a clear top, that's a must for me as well which is why I never moved to the Fuzion. I like to see my fluid flowing! Well, you can't really but still like to see it :).

The DDC Ultra does quite well with restrictive blocks. I use the Cuplex Di which is very restrictive and it runs fine. Martin's Liquid Lab tested the Cuplex on par or pretty close to the Fuzion V1. I think it's a good looking top but your tastes might be different.

My loop is even more restrictive since I've added unnecessary bling in the the form of an inline temperature sensor and flow rate meter. However, the flow is still high enough to cause turbulence if the wrong top is used (covered in other posts). If it fits, get the D5. I only use 10mm tubing so getting fittings for the D5 was too much hassle for a lazy slob like me.

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Yea I'd just like to see it there :laugh:
It'd help though if the pump stopped and I'd see the water start boiling ;)

The D5 would fit, it's just I'm still stuck on choosing. I'm glad that most of the parts I chose or thought of choosing were recommended. Just got to wait for the case to arrive now...

Stuck between this
Chilled PC - Watercooling made easy, Over 400 products in stock
and this
Computer hardware and software at amazing prices, available online from Scan Computers UK

The one from Scan has more depth (surface area) and has more specifications on. Which one is better the one from scan or the XSPC RS240.

i'd go with the scan one personally, mainly because i trust alphacool more than other companys (no idea why :S)

but when i was looking into watercooling i was looking at an alphcool radiator becuase it had really good reviews over on bit-tech (/hides from bannage :P) but in the end i couldn't justify what would probably be a 3-9c temps lowering for £200+ even if it is silent... so i opted for a TRUE and 2 fans in push pull alignment (although they havnt turned up yet :( so i can't really comment on whether that was actually a better choice or not)

good good thats made me happy with my choice :D
I know the RS240 has the least pressure drop which is great, I hope the Alphacool isn't too restrictive but it's good to have second opinions. I've cut mine to £190 right now, yea it's alot but I'm giving my TRU120 to my Dad. I'm planning to keep this PC for a while now and I want it to be wicked :D

Rant:
My CPU IHS is curved I'm assuming. I don't wanna lap it because then I'll void my warranty.. Annoying at how Intel make a great chip but fail at the last mile when making the IHS, wish they'd lap it as smooth as Zalman blocks, I know there must be a id and info on the chip but what I'm thinking is why can't they etch it on the pcb of the cpu like underneath, I mean they can make transistors so small why can't that be done so we can lap our cpu without voiding the warranty. arghh..

The Xspc Rads have started to get a good rep, here's one review - theres more if you google - (the new Xspc Cpu block is getting good reviews also) -
XtremeComputing - #1 For Hardware News And Reviews
I've bought lots of stuff from Tom at Chilled Pc and have to say great customer support and advice too.
My own experience of bayres 5.25" reservoirs is they are really easy to set up and good for bleeding air but for me make a little too much noise in use.

Just in case you haven't come across it yet you may want to have a gander at this site,

Martin's Liquid Lab

Good testing methodology for pressure drop and lately thermal performance of CPU blocks.

The flow rate estimator is useful as well, definitely worth a fiddle if your are serious about water cooling will show you (in relation to pumps) that it is the curve that is important not the max pressure head/max flow rate figures.

If you go for the DDC pump then the XSPC top is the best on the market (well just behind the XSPC res top which you don't need if you are getting a bay res).

Personally I would be buying the following kit,

Laing DDC 3.2
XSPC DDC top (or res top)
XSPC Edge or D-tek Fuzion v2
Rad of your choice Thermochill PA120.2 if your feeling flush :)
1/2" barbs
7/16" tubing (easier routing and a better seal on the barbs)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TAKTAK

i'd go with the scan one personally, mainly because i trust alphacool more than other companys (no idea why :S)

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I have no idea why either - Alphcools products of late havent been that great.

XSPC radiators are getting a great rep - they have been shown to beat black ice and swiftech (and alphacool since they are rebranded older revisions of black ice)

If you want performance, its Thermochill - price vs performance XSPC are looking hard to beat at the moment.


Fuzions should be back in stock in the UK next week

moogle with the IHS curvature, i think it may be the D-Tek blocks that are actually not flat and they are curved to account for the curvature on the Intel's IHS. They may have changed them since I read that about that though.


Use 1/2" barbs but use 7/16" Masterkleer tubing. :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by welshtom

I have no idea why either - Alphcools products of late havent been that great.

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yeah but to be fair, it was almost a year ago since i was looking at a LCS so things could well have changed like you say (i maybe should have mentioned that fact in my previous post)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Azza

moogle with the IHS curvature, i think it may be the D-Tek blocks that are actually not flat and they are curved to account for the curvature on the Intel's IHS. They may have changed them since I read that about that though.

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As far as I'm aware all blocks are flat, or their aim is to be as flat as possible. Trying to compensate for IHS curvature would be very tricky and not worth the effort on the part of the HS/block manufacturer.

Swiftech sell the Apogee GT and GT extreme with an additional oversized O-ring (for you to install if you want) which bows the base of the block slightly which has been shown to improve CPU temps when used with non flat IHS but made little or no difference when used on a lapped CPU.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Webby

Just in case you haven't come across it yet you may want to have a gander at this site,

Martin's Liquid Lab

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Yep, I've been reading from Martins Liquid lab when I started researching,
I suppose I will get an XSPC RS240 Rad. I'll have a look at 7/16" tubing. Does 1/2" just slip over the barbs that easily? I'll have hose clips to tighten them.

Thats sort of my list

Laing DDC 18W + XSPC Plexi-Top Reservoir
XSPC Black Reservoir 5.25" Bay
Swiftech Radbox
XSPC RS240 Radiator
2 x 120mm Fans (68 C.F.M at 21db Xilence Fans) - I got one and they are quiet and push alot of air.
12-20mm Hose Clips

Dunno whether to get Clearflex, Masterkleer, XSPC tubing (PVC) or Tygon. Most likely not gonna keep the tubes for years to come so I suppose that rules out Tygon.

As for the CPU block, it's good to hear the Fuzion v2 is coming back in stock next week. I've been stuck on which to get. AFAIK the XSPC Edge is nice and clear, low resistance with good performance. The D-Tek Fuzion v2 is a bit more restrictive (not so as the EK) and gives good performance. From old reviews the EK Supreme beats the old Fuzion but is the most restrictive.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bugbait

As far as I'm aware all blocks are flat, or their aim is to be as flat as possible. Trying to compensate for IHS curvature would be very tricky and not worth the effort on the part of the HS/block manufacturer.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Azza

moogle with the IHS curvature, i think it may be the D-Tek blocks that are actually not flat and they are curved to account for the curvature on the Intel's IHS. They may have changed them since I read that about that though.

Use 1/2" barbs but use 7/16" Masterkleer tubing. :)

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techPower said that the EK Supreme's are curved

techPowerUp :: EK Water Blocks EK Supreme Review :: Page 3 / 6

Check bottom right picture. So I'm thinking of getting that. It's a fairly recent review as well.

So it all depends on whether my case arrives before the Fuzion V2 is back in stock or not. If not I think I'll be going for the Edge or EK.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ***soul-edge***

good luck with the water cooling.

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Thanks :mrgreen:


By the way will UV Green be a major difference to UV Acid Green (Both Feser)
I don't want it to be an opaque coolant as it makes it look more dull (well for me)

I'd like it to look kinda like this

http://enfieldhammer.homestead.com/files/sideopen.JPG

So which would be better Green or Acid Green.

Thanks

Knew it was some block. :)


Acid green looks awesome... Ill try and get some decent pics of mine if I can.



---------------------->

best pic I could get of it atm in the dark... got 4 x 12" UV just thrown in around the bottom of the case for you. Only one loop has acid green in by the way, the nearest res you can see. Ill get some shots of it in light if you want. :)



http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x.../SS100864a.jpg

In the darks fine Az thanks :)

Acid Green it is then :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by moogle

techPower said that the EK Supreme's are curved

techPowerUp :: EK Water Blocks EK Supreme Review :: Page 3 / 6

Check bottom right picture. So I'm thinking of getting that. It's a fairly recent review as well.

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Interesting. Curious how well that applies to a large sample on CPU's.

Green? So "normal". Go orange or something different :).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bugbait

Interesting. Curious how well that applies to a large sample on CPU's.

Green? So "normal". Go orange or something different :).

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It's the only one that looks kewl :D

Blue and Orange wont mix :(

Plus blue case fans signify Intel's blue color (cpu), and the green coolant is green like nVidia (gpu) :mrgreen:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by moogle

It's the only one that looks kewl :D

Blue and Orange wont mix :(

Plus blue case fans signify Intel's blue color (cpu), and the green coolant is green like nVidia (gpu) :mrgreen:

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Then go blue! :) I've tried pink (old Asetek stuff), green (Thermaltake - gah), blue (Coolermaster + Zalman), and currently testing purple. Although I was too lazy to drain the green properly so it's purple at night and greenish during the day. I should fix that...

but all 1 colour is bland isn't it?
I thought a blue/green mix would look nice. Been looking at all these show your rig off threads and it's the only one I've liked so far. Still looking though ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by moogle

but all 1 colour is bland isn't it?
I thought a blue/green mix would look nice. Been looking at all these show your rig off threads and it's the only one I've liked so far. Still looking though ;)

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Multiple loops or am I missing something? Or are you simply trying to match the fluid to existing colours/lights?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bugbait

Multiple loops or am I missing something? Or are you simply trying to match the fluid to existing colours/lights?

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I mean blue fans blue coolant doesn't look nice does it? It's gonna be 1 loop for now. The Blue Led fans against the acid green would look nice I'm saying.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by moogle

I mean blue fans blue coolant doesn't look nice does it? It's gonna be 1 loop for now. The Blue Led fans against the acid green would look nice I'm saying.

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Guess it's personal taste. For me, I'd keep it one colour, maybe I'm just boring. I don't have any lights in my system at the moment, other than the ones on the motherboard.