Adding another Rad

[kerochi]

Please check out my rig below.

At 288Mhz on full load I'm getting temps 60-65C (including GTX8800 in the loop at 48C)

It seems rather high and it's the only thing holding me back from overclocking anything over 300Mhz.

I think the only solution I have is to add another Rad in the loop. I still have space (thank god) for a rad 120cmx2 in the front of my thermaltake case.

I was just wondering if I would need another pump (esp if I were to get my hands on another GPU). If so, how powerful/what model and where would be the best to place it in the loop?

Thanks

 

[Uncle_Fluffy]

The temps look a little high for the OC you have! What are you using to measure the temps?

My setup is similar to yours and at 300MHz FSB mine didn't break 60°. It now maxes out at 57°, 58°, 67° and 69° on each core at 3.2GHz (400*8) with 1.4125v on vcore!

It's possible you need stronger fans cos the PA120.3 has more than enough capacity for your CPU & graphics!

 

[Aqua-Pc's]

In answer to your question about the pump it should hack that no problems

 

[kerochi]

I'm using 3 Scythe S-FLEX 1600RPM fans on the rad

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FG-005-SY&groupid=701&catid=57&subcat=4

I guess higher temps is what you pay for having a quiet setup. I will only get the delta as a last resort!!!

 

[kerochi]

I think I'm goin to try changing my fluid as well.

Is this anygood? http://reviews.pcapex.com/cooling/fluidxp_ultra_-_non-conductive_coolant.php?page=4

 

[Ham]

I guess higher temps is what you pay for having a quiet setup.

Nailed it there. My temps suck really, but my machine is quieter than my external hard drive.

 

[Yeungster]

Remember that the PA120's are most efficient when using low cfm fans (<100cfm).

If you're going to be strapping on anything greater, then you will find better performace in an alternative rad.

 

[kerochi]

Would the order of the setup affect the temps?

Because at the moment the gpu comes right after the rad, not the cpu. If I switch it around, will temps be better for the core? I really cant think why my temps are so high.

Likewise, where is the best place to include the next rad into the setup.

At the mo, its:

Rad>gpu>cpu>res>pump>Rad

Would the best place for the next rad be between the cpu and gpu?

Or it doesnt make any difference where it comes in?

 

[Allsorts]

I don't think the coolant temperature varies by more than ~1°C from one component to the next (once everything has reached equilibrium), so rearranging the order of your loop probably won't help that much.

I bet moving from water to Fluid XP will cause your temps to go up.

Maybe remount the CPU waterblock incase you've just got a bad mount?

 

[Yeungster]

I don't think the coolant temperature varies by more than ~1°C from one component to the next (once everything has reached equilibrium), so rearranging the order of your loop probably won't help that much.

I bet moving from water to Fluid XP will cause your temps to go up.

Maybe remount the CPU waterblock incase you've just got a bad mount?

Agree with all off this. Component placement within a loop will have no impact on the over temperatures.

They also say the best liquid to use is water, so you'll be moving further away from it with Fluid XP.

Did you thoroughly clean out the components before you built the rig? All sorts of swaf could have become lodged in waterblocks, reducing efficiency

 

[kerochi]

I just ordered the industrial cleaner that plumbers use (recommended in another post somewhere) which should flush out all the gunk in the loop.

Also I spent ages mounting the arctic silver so I'm pretty sure its not that (unless youre supposed to use a lot of that stuff....i only gave it a thin white layer...)

So last question, 2nd rad in the loop - doesnt matter where it comes in and shouldnt affect pump performance and temps?

 

[pja123]

Personally i'm an advocate of putting them in series, i've always found that gives me better temps, no drastically better but 2-3c or so. In the pic below (earlier build) the rads are in series/sequence.

I'm sure some would argue distributing them around the loop would be better, but all in all, the loop is a closed system, pressure and flow tend to be constant metrics in such an environment regardless of what comes first or second. I'm more concerned with achieving the most convenient tube routing nowadays to be honest.

 

[Yeungster]

Having a 2nd rad in a loop will have a negative effect on pump performance, in that theres more of a restriction, thus reducing flow. However, the gains you may gain from having a second rad, may well outweigh this penalty.

 

[Marcus]

Having a 2nd rad in a loop will have a negative effect on pump performance, in that theres more of a restriction, thus reducing flow. However, the gains you may gain from having a second rad, may well outweigh this penalty.

As long as you've got a decent pump you wont have any problems.

When I day decent im talkin about a DDC Pro/Ultra with a custom top or a D5.

In that Lian Li V2000B job ive just done thats got 2 rads, 4 blocks, res, flowmeter and 2 T-Pieces. The flow meter goes bezerk with the DDC Ultra so I wouldnt worry about it

 

[kerochi]

Took apart the loop, took apart all the blocks, cleaned the blocks & cleaned the tubes, cleaned the pa120.3 rad, added another 120x2rad, added distilled water w/ 10% anti-freeze, hooked up 3 Scythe S-Flex SFF21F fans to the PA & another 2 thermaltake 1200rpm fans to the new rad.

@288Mhz on full load, CoreTemp shows: 65 65 56 58.... LOL WTF!!!!!!!!!!!

WHAT IS GOING ON!!!!!

ok fk quietness im getting 3 x Panaflo FBA12G12H

Note: I cleaned the rad using vinegar but im still seeing minuscule white particles floating around. Next step: use limelite on the rad?

How much articsilver are you supossed to use on the block? a thick or thin layer?

 

[Allsorts]

What make is your new rad? If it's a Thermochill then flushing with warm water is sufficient.

IMO 10% anti-freeze is far too much, especially if you aren't mixing metals in your loop. If not, then try 2-3 drops of anti-algae instead?

A very thin layer of TIM is all that's needed, don't spread it on like jam!

Are there any obvious kinks in your tubing that would restrict flow?

 

[kerochi]

"What make is your new rad?"

Its a crappy thermaltake rad that came with my armour case. I used it bcoz it fits into the metal frame at the front (where all the HDDs go) I wasnt sure if anything else would fit you sure.

No obvious kinks....

I guess my last option is to get 100 cfm fans.

the scythes are only rated at 63cfm

 

[Allsorts]

Ah ok. I should have added that maybe the higher temps is due to air trapped in one or more of the rads? Could be worth tilting the rads/case to see if any air burps out.