Watercooling...

[tensim]

Howdy chaps,

Well, I've finally started purchasing bits and bobs for my new PC; just grabbed a Cosmos S for £145 on Scans 'Today Only' (gotta love it, and free shipping too! sweet )

So, now that I've pulled the trigger on a case, I need to think about what I'm going to put in it, and how I'm going to cool everything... I'm tempted to jump straight into watercooling (seeing as this case is so well setup for it), any thoughts/advice?

BTW, what are the best forums for watercooling advice (if this is not the best one )

cheers

[!TIMMY!]

I was in ur position (without the new case ) and I just jumped right into it. Not sure I can post links to other forums on here tho. Just google some guides.
Its nice to see my CPU idling @ 28C and my PC not being any louder than it used to be. Also when you upgrade ur PC all u have to change is the block bracket.

[BigFatCat]

Google's great but some W/C places get a bit much if you're just starting out.

Water's great, I can't see me going back to air now. I just need a new case with a better layout that the one that's evolved over the years.

I started out with an Alphacool setup, wasn't so expensive and has been a solid performer. What bits I've replaced will eventually migrate into the wife's PC, at some point.

[Webby]

The best advice you can get for going water is to research everything plan it all twice and then plan it again to make sure everything will fit!

You should tend to avoid kits as they do not contain the best components and replacing them in 6 months makes it a false economy.

My personal recommendations for a setup would be something like this,

Pump: Laing DDC 3.2 with XSPC top
Reservoir: XSPC Res top for pump or Swiftech Micro Res
Radiator: As big as you can get Thermochill are very well regarded the PA120.3 will do you well.
CPU Block: D-Tek Fuzion v2, XSPC Edge or Swiftech Apogee GTX (Cu topped version)
Chipset Block: Swiftech MCW30 (If you want one)
Graphics Block: D-tek Fuzion graphics or Swiftech MCW60 for just GPU, Full cover look for offerings from EK and XSPC
Tubing: 7/16" Internal Diameter, offers better routing than 1/2"
Barbs: 1/2" Hi-flow barbs from your manufacturer of choice.
Fluid: Distilled Water with a bit of corrosion inhibitor and biocide or Feser F1 if you want it easy.

Hope that is helpful you may want to have a look at Martins Liquid Lab the flow rate calculator is an invaluable tool

[tensim]

Just resurrecting this thread for a bit...

Unfortunately it would seem that the Thermochill PA120.3 isn't an option for mounting in the Cosmos S... doesn't fit in the roof (according to a review I read). Here's a list of the radiators that they say will fit, any ideas on which is the absolute best?

Compatible:
HWLabs BlackIce GT Stealth III
HWLabs BlackIce GT Xtreme III
HWLabs BlackIce Pro III
HWLabs BlackIce GT
Watercool HTSF 360
XSPC RS360
XSPC R120-T
Aquacomputer Airplex Evo
Aquacomputer Airplex Pro
Alphacool NexXxoS Pro III
Magicool Aluminium 360
Magicool Xtreme 360 Radiator
Magicool Slim 360 Radiator

Unfortunately reviews on radiators seem to be few and far between... so thanks for anyones advice

[dfour]

The mods are not bothered about posting other forum urls ( I asked). This place is invaluable for advice and help. Marci really knows his stuff.

http://www.over-clock.co.uk/ivb/index.php

[GoNz0]

i got a 120.3 thermo in my cosmos.. i had to cut a huge hole in the top to do it tho

all part of the modding fun !

mind you i also have a pa160 hanging off the rear fan mount lol, butit works

[tensim]

Hi GoNzo,

Just how much modding was needed to get the 120.3 in? I'd prefer to not cutup my case though I guess... If I don't go with jimmying in a Thermochill, any ideas on what the next best choice might be?

Cheers

PS: thanks for the link dfour, I'll check them out

[GoNz0]

well tbh i just cut a hole the size of the rad and took the top cover off to allow it, in reality it would fit internal with 2 holes drilled to take the mounting offset at one end, i wanted freeflow though so wanted rid of the mesh. i also brought a spare top so i can cut it and insert bits into the gaps to make the job look better, but havent got round to it yet.

[pc_geek]

Howdy chaps,

Well, I've finally started purchasing bits and bobs for my new PC; just grabbed a Cosmos S for £145 on Scans 'Today Only' (gotta love it, and free shipping too! sweet )

cheers

Man after my own heart got a CoolerMaster fluid/air hybrid cooler for my graphics to start, soon i be getting a Black ice "Dual core" GT Xtreme 240mmx120mm rad' , Swiftech Apogee CPU cooler and a decent little Laing DDC-1T 12v Pro pump with an acrylic top. Not too sure what reservoir to get though...

[pc_geek]

Watercooling UK should be your next stop as they've done something similar with that case

[GoNz0]

http://www.candccentral.co.uk/ is a very good and personal service.

always good advice on the phone as well

[Madafwo]

Bah... I really should stop reading threads like this. It's making me want to go back into water cooling. Nothing major mind.

In my opinion a triple Black Ice Extreme in the top of the case should be fine. You have to get a Laing DDC Pro/Plus/Extreme/Super Dooper pump (whatever they're calling it these days) wih one of the after market tops, I still have mine with the Petra's top on it, superb pump.

For blocks, the D-Tek Fuzion v2 is getting mighty good reviews, and depending what graphics card you get an how often you upgrade depends on what block, if you don't plan on upgrading for a while you may as well gow tih a full cover block, if you do plan on upgrading on a regular basis get a universal block and get the different mounintg hardware required for your card.

[!TIMMY!]

Martins Liquid Lab is a great place to start, the XSPC Edge got a good review.

[pc_geek]

Swiftech apogee GTX or D-tek fusion v2 for CPU?