Calling all water cooling Guru's :)
Watercooling a new rig. I haven't bought the rig (looking at AMD Hexa + single 58xx) so am not bothered about the water blocks just yet, and my current 939 system will be hitting silicon heaven. I don't plan to OC and the system will be installed into a CM-Stacker ATX/BTX sans light modding.
The main reason for this is that I've wanted to build a water cooled system for years; consider this a hobby project.
I've already got the tubing (1/2" ID 5/8" OD), anti-crink coils, radiators (incl barbs) and fans (3x 140).
Basic plan is;
Res > Pump/Top > Rad (240) > CPU > Rad (160) > GPU > Res
Fill and drain lines off the reservoir, and filled with distilled water.
The fans will be installed on the rads with "custom ducting" i.e. plastic tubing and plenty of gaffer tape. I've forgone a fan controller as I can't see how I can fit one at the moment - there's just not enough room to slip one into the front of my Stacker with the 240 radiator vertically mounted - I may consider placing it horizontally over the grill at the bottom and relocate the PSU to the top of the case, but that may not work with the 160 rad up there.
Any input on the design and planned components would be gratefully received;
1x 12V Laing DDC-1T+ Ultra 18W (MCP355)w/XSPC V3 Acrylic Pump Top
- 2x 1/2" Hose Tail
- 1x Laing DDC 4 Point Anti-Vibration Damping Kit
1x EK Multioption RES 150 Rev2
- 4x 1/2" Hose Tail
- 1x EK Anti Cyclon Plate - Large
1x 1/4 Fillport
- 1/2" Hose Tail
2x Silver Anti Algae KillCoils by iandh
2x PrimoChill Black Steel Spring Clips - 5/8" OD - 10 Pack
1x 1/4" BSPP Ball Valve
1x 1/4" BSPP - 1/2" Hose Tail
I'm a little confused about the reservoir regarding the optional top with BSPP fitting, but it looks like that comes as standard if I order through Specialtech. The 3 fittings in the bottom of the res aren't enough if I want it inline with the fill/drain lines coming off it.
The best part of this project? The missus is paying for it :)
Many thanks in advance!
Re: Calling all water cooling Guru's :)
My input, FWIW etc
I have a CM Stacker STC-T01 with i5 @ 4GHz and a 4890 with about 10% o/c. I have a closed loop for the cpu/gpu with a PA120.2 sitting on top of the hole at the bottom of the case (with the grill removed) which is pretty much perfect fit. The pump sits under the HDs so it goes pump->tee to fillport @top of case->CPU->GPU->rad->pump. Fanwise I have 4 1200rpm S-FLEXs, 2 on rad, 1 on HDs and one at the back. It's almost silent and temps never get above 45 after pretty long gaming sessions.
1) I don't know why you need 2 rads? Seems like complete overkill if you're not o/cing. Every component (plus the xtra tubing) is another pressure loss, so best to keep it simple imo. Altho I guess you bought them now:)
2) closed loops are so much easier than a res, even if they take a little longer on the initial fill - I check the level every few months, and maybe top it up every 6. It's also less tubing/components in the case taking up space. Have you considered using a closed loop?
3) don't bother with expensive additives - they are a ripoff, just use distilled water with a dollop of antifreeze in it. I've not had any algae in the last 5 years with this mix and it costs pennies from the local garage.
4) no idea why you're using 140mm fans? Or a ball valve for that matter (in my experience these leak)?
5) I prefer using the plastic toothed clips, nice positive lock (I would not want to be relying on a spring personally) and no chance of any short circuits (the tubes on my gpu maze4 get well close to the board)
all of this is imo, feel free to ignore/mock.
Re: Calling all water cooling Guru's :)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
dmuz
My input, FWIW etc
Heh, total n00b here (as will become apparent with my responses) so all input welcome!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
dmuz
I have a CM Stacker STC-T01 with i5 @ 4GHz and a 4890 with about 10% o/c. I have a closed loop for the cpu/gpu with a PA120.2 sitting on top of the hole at the bottom of the case (with the grill removed) which is pretty much perfect fit. The pump sits under the HDs so it goes pump->tee to fillport @top of case->CPU->GPU->rad->pump. Fanwise I have 4 1200rpm S-FLEXs, 2 on rad, 1 on HDs and one at the back. It's almost silent and temps never get above 45 after pretty long gaming sessions.
1) I don't know why you need 2 rads? Seems like complete overkill if you're not o/cing. Every component (plus the xtra tubing) is another pressure loss, so best to keep it simple imo. Altho I guess you bought them now:)
yep!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
dmuz
2) closed loops are so much easier than a res, even if they take a little longer on the initial fill - I check the level every few months, and maybe top it up every 6. It's also less tubing/components in the case taking up space. Have you considered using a closed loop?
I figured that using a res gives a little more flexibility and makes things easier... 2 plus points since I've never don't this before.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
dmuz
3) don't bother with expensive additives - they are a ripoff, just use distilled water with a dollop of antifreeze in it. I've not had any algae in the last 5 years with this mix and it costs pennies from the local garage.
Was planning on just using distilled water. Gives me a reason to buy a distiller... purely for the purposes of producing pure water of course....
Quote:
Originally Posted by
dmuz
4) no idea why you're using 140mm fans? Or a ball valve for that matter (in my experience these leak)?
Working on the principal that big is beautiful. Slower spinning, quieter etc. Plus got a load of gaffer tape hanging around that needs to be rid of! The ball valve was intended for the drain line. Better off using another fillport?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
dmuz
5) I prefer using the plastic toothed clips, nice positive lock (I would not want to be relying on a spring personally) and no chance of any short circuits (the tubes on my gpu maze4 get well close to the board)
Good point... well presented!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
dmuz
all of this is imo, feel free to ignore/mock.
Many thanks!
