CM 690 II - cooling potential using Internal rads

[Scoob]

Hi,

Well I'm really torn at the moment and cannot decide what to do. I've got a 2nd 570 now, working great in SLi. The temperatures are fine for the most part, but that's because the fans are working very hard.

Now, Tom pointed me torwards a very nice free-standing rad that'll more than do the business. I'd not really considered an external rad before, this is the first one and it'd do the job so it's definately an option.

My other option is to bring forward my new case plans and get a TJ07 NOW (Caselabs stuff is working out rather pricy!) and migrate my build to that adding a 480 in the base and a 360 in the top, with modding if required. This would be a more elegant solution, all internal as I like.

Both options would work, but I was hoping for a tidier all-internal solution and I think that'll cost me!

I'm leaning towards the TJ07 route, though that is basically bringing my plans for Ivy B. to my current build. However the large 360x360 rads or the even larger 420x420 rad would provide better cooling than a 480 plus a 360, but not such an elegant build.

I'd to see what you guys have to say on the matter as I'm really struggling to make my mind up here.

Any thoughts or views anyone has is welcome.

Cheers,

Scoob.

 

[daniSAUR]

If you can, I'd go for the TJ07 case. You'll have a much better airflow in comparison to the CM690 as it's a larger case all together.

I'd definitely have a look at other TJ07 water cooling rigs to get an idea on how much you can really hide and show off great in the case.

 

[Scoob]

If you can, I'd go for the TJ07 case. You'll have a much better airflow in comparison to the CM690 as it's a larger case all together.

I'd definitely have a look at other TJ07 water cooling rigs to get an idea on how much you can really hide and show off great in the case.

Hi DaniSAUR

Yeah, I think you're right. I fretted for hours thinking how best to fit internal rads into my CM 690 II that'd cool what I had at the time (CPU & one GPU) but that was only barely adequate cooling. Now I'm SLi it'd not have a chance! The external rad would doubtless work very well, but it's still a bit of a clunky solution to my mind.

Actually it was looking at some custom TJ07 builds that made me really want to go 100% water and do a proper build for my next rig, Plans have moved to this rig good & proper now though lol. I think I'll do exactly as you say & find some more builds using the TJ07. Then, gulp, I'll go check some prices...of course I need case, rads, blocks, tubing, fixtures & fittings - the works basically. I'm going to blow £600 easily aren't I?

I'll end up with the near new CM 690 II though, I'll need to sell that to claw some money back!

Scoob.

 

[daniSAUR]

Hi DaniSAUR

Yeah, I think you're right. I fretted for hours thinking how best to fit internal rads into my CM 690 II that'd cool what I had at the time (CPU & one GPU) but that was only barely adequate cooling. Now I'm SLi it'd not have a chance! The external rad would doubtless work very well, but it's still a bit of a clunky solution to my mind.

Actually it was looking at some custom TJ07 builds that made me really want to go 100% water and do a proper build for my next rig, Plans have moved to this rig good & proper now though lol. I think I'll do exactly as you say & find some more builds using the TJ07. Then, gulp, I'll go check some prices...of course I need case, rads, blocks, tubing, fixtures & fittings - the works basically. I'm going to blow £600 easily aren't I?

I'll end up with the near new CM 690 II though, I'll need to sell that to claw some money back!

Scoob.

Yeah I mean, with my other setup I originally had two dual rads to cool CPU and GPU which worked fine, in all honesty. But my old GPU was a 9800gt, which hardly does the temps of a 570gtx, which runs pretty hot. Also the air int he CM690 wouldn't really accommodate for the SLi and as you've mentioned, seeing as all the fans are near to running at 100% that's probably the only reason for why they're at normal temps, otherwise I'd say they'd climb a little with the fans running lower.

Definitely go for a TJ07 though, it's supposed to be an amazing case for general air cooling and water cooling. I'd say as you have SLi and aim to get 2x480 rads inc. the case, maybe a little less than £600 (maybe £500-£560

) but yes, near enough the mark. Although... it'll be well worth it mate, guaranteed.

Not sure how much you'd get for even a near new case. I'd probably say (as it's the lite version) it'd be around £45-£55 to sell, but that's just an idea. You may be able to get it for more via e-bay.

 

[Scoob]

Yeah I mean, with my other setup I originally had two dual rads to cool CPU and GPU which worked fine, in all honesty. But my old GPU was a 9800gt, which hardly does the temps of a 570gtx, which runs pretty hot. Also the air int he CM690 wouldn't really accommodate for the SLi and as you've mentioned, seeing as all the fans are near to running at 100% that's probably the only reason for why they're at normal temps, otherwise I'd say they'd climb a little with the fans running lower.

Definitely go for a TJ07 though, it's supposed to be an amazing case for general air cooling and water cooling. I'd say as you have SLi and aim to get 2x480 rads inc. the case, maybe a little less than £600 (maybe £500-£560

) but yes, near enough the mark. Although... it'll be well worth it mate, guaranteed.

Not sure how much you'd get for even a near new case. I'd probably say (as it's the lite version) it'd be around £45-£55 to sell, but that's just an idea. You may be able to get it for more via e-bay.

Actually my 8800GT in what's now my Gateway PC runs hotter than my 570 generally, though it can't idle like newer stuff. Also my hotter 570 hits low to mid 70's in benchmarking, low-70's playing something like Crysis 2 and low 60's or less in older, less demanding titles. I've set my fans to equal temperature so I hit about 70% on the fans on the hotter card, so not too manic.

I know I should be able to fit a pair of 480's in the base of the TJ07, but that'd mean one blowing warmer air onto the other, which isn't ideal. Might work fine though

Planning to be done for sure, part of the fun though right? It's the actual buying of the kit that hurts...actually that's not true with plastic...unfortunately..with that it hurts a month later lol.

Gonna run with what I have for a while, in the meantime pulling a list together of the bits I want, then I'll buy in a couple of months. If you have any recommendations re: water cooling bits then I'd be interested in hearing about them. Alternately if there are parts I should avoid then that's even more useful.

Cheers,

Scoob.