Yet another water-cooling post, I'm sure.

[Nemiro]

I recently moved into Uni dorms, and while I'm relishing the ability to leave the PC on 24/7 "because I can" (and also because it sometimes needs to do stuff overnight) the noise of the thing is getting to me. It never sounded so loud as it does at 1:00 in the morning when I'm trying to sleep.

Now, I'm aware that it is possible to purchase very quiet fans and I'll admit that it would be easier, but I am drawn inexorably toward water-cooling (that's not to say you can't un-convince me, but I do like the idea) and while I don't have a great deal of cash to spend, I am willing to accrue the necessary parts and experience over a period of time, so I am here more for advice on parts and setup than anything. While a lot of knowledge can be gained from reading around, actually discussing something always helps too.

To sum up:

• I would like to make my PC quieter, and am eyeing the prospect of watercooling with some interest.
  
• I do not have enough cash to make bulk purchases, so shopping lists will necessarily be subject to change as time passes.
  
• Similarly, cheap is not necessarily bad in my book, and I am not averse to doing things myself. I have a great deal of time on my hands.

Also, the PC is all stock speeds, and at the moment runs below 50°C at all times, so I am not looking for a huge system, although to be able to cool the CPU and GPU would be nice.

So, Hexus members, do you have any suggestions for me? (Besides, "google it" or "google better [link]")

[GoNz0]

don't google it but read the other posts such as AD15's thread it will save us all repeating whats already been said

as you say this is yet "another" water cooling thread

[Darren]

Have you looked at all the ways to make the system cooler with a new fan setup?

For example, Noctua fans are renowned for there quiet level of operation. Some sound insulation on the case. A few fan adjustments and you might find it becomes quiet enough without ludicrous expense.

I think liquid would be overkill for just making a system quiet at idle speeds.

[piggin23]

Also have a read through this

http://forums.hexus.net/hexus-hardwa...ercooling.html

[Nemiro]

Well, after much reading, I'm back, and as usual indecisive.

I gather that if you want quiet air-cooling, Noctua are the best. Quieter than.. well, a really quiet thing. But damn are they expensive! I currently have 6 120mm fans in my case, and while they're not Noctuas, they're not the real source of my ire. The blame for that lies with my GPU, which led me to water-cooling in the first place (and possibly my 92mm CPU cooler, but less so).
As only smaller fans can fit on a GPU cooler, I'm unsure as to how to proceed here. I did have a passive cooler on it, but the temperature was hitting 80°C when gaming, and I didn't like that. So now I have an Akasa Vortexx Neo, which sounds like a hoover (although only when I am trying to sleep).

Unfortunately, I see that GPU waterblocks are expensive, and so even if I did go down that road, it's likely that only the GPU would receive the treatment, at least to begin with. So now my question seems to be changing.. where to find quieter GPU coolers, or a way to tame mine?

[Darren]

Have you considered an upgrade of case?

A good air flow will reduce the strain and need for a high RPM on your fans.

The Fortress FT02 comes out within a month or two and features the same airflow as the Raven 02. That was capable of keeping core components below open air temps.

If you want a good value liquid cooler for your CPU try the Corsair H50. Just be aware of the intake fan and it's effect on air flow when mounting. The GPU is the tricky one.

[Pob255]

Watercooling as a whole is expensive

what is you're pc doing dureing the night? if you're just uploading/downloading or simular non-heavy stuff then you don't need a great deal of air flow

Just a simple fan controller could sort out most of you fan noise
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/NZXT-...Controller-525

you may be able to hook the Vortexx up to that as well

[djglenn]

Well, after much reading, I'm back, and as usual indecisive.
So now I have an Akasa Vortexx Neo, which sounds like a hoover (although only when I am trying to sleep).

If you buy a cheapish fan controller and drop the speed slightly on the Akasa Vortexx Neo then it is completely inaudible. Thats what I have done with mine. Tbh you could probably do this with most of your fans.

I find that most noise is generally from a power supply.

[Nemiro]

I'm unsure as to why I skipped the idea of a fan-controller in the first place. I guess it was the allure (or possibly danger ) of water-cooling.

I assume that the controller you linked is not a bad one, but what do you think of the Zalman ZM-MFC1 Plus ? It has the capability to control all my fans, which is something of a plus (CPU temp reading is borked with E0 stepping CPUs and the Abit IP35).

[ArtAddiction]

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/coo...rcooling_101/1

http://www.thecoolingshop.com/produc...oducts_id/3475

[Pob255]

I assume that the controller you linked is not a bad one, but what do you think of the Zalman ZM-MFC1 Plus ? It has the capability to control all my fans, which is something of a plus

Personally I like it, I like it so much I'm still using one
But scan no longer seem to sell it

The one I linked to controls only 5 fans but also has tempture sensors and auto control based on the readings of thoes temp sensors.
However it's more expensive, but only slightly

The other alternative would be the Akasa 3.5" bay fan controller, only 3 fans, but it does add another 2 front usb's assuming you have a spare header on the moterboard.
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/AKASA...2-USB-20-ports
For the rest of the fans get someof the resistance adaptors to slow them down.
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Shark...RPM-and-Noise)
or
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Zalma...our-3-pin-Fan)

I don't want to put you off trying water cooling, just giveing cheaper alternatives.
You can slowly add to you water cooling kit over time, which helps break up the cost, but just a basic loop, for the cpu is going to be around £100
So you are looking at around a minimum outlay of £100

Why things like the corsair H5O look like such a nice deal, hassle free and cheaper.

[Nemiro]

Personally I like it, I like it so much I'm still using one
But scan no longer seem to sell it

There seem to be plenty [of ZM-MFC1 Plus] on eBay.. and it seems like it'd be a worthy purchase whether or not I go the water route. I expect one to be winging it's way to me soon, if I can get it reasonably cheaply.

I don't want to put you off trying water cooling, just giveing cheaper alternatives.
You can slowly add to you water cooling kit over time, which helps break up the cost, but just a basic loop, for the cpu is going to be around £100
So you are looking at around a minimum outlay of £100

That's not a problem - I completely understand. For the moment, I'll be making attempts to tame my existing fans. Cooling isn't the major issue here, and the case has more than adequate airflow. Time will tell whether I start to stockpile water-cooling bits from ebay..