Hi Guys
Ok...XMS has put in an order for a guide on shopping for a watercooling set-up, and after careful research I have come up with my ideal H2O cooling components. This guide was quite interesting to write as this is what I intend to use as cooling for either my AMD (SLI) or Intel (478) system. Due to the vast amount of products available for both CPU manufacturer's and Graphics cards, I decided to be quite generic in my choices. You can only imagine the numerous possible choices available for both platforms, although where possible I have given info on both AMD and Intel variations. I have also scoped out info on some of the kits available, and there is a brief rundown on them at the bottom of the guide. Lets go shopping.....
#Note If price isn't an issue then go for a custom rig, it will outperform kits easily. The kits seem to either have small tubing size and/or have a really shitty cheap pump.
My shopping list
*CPU water block;
*GPU water block;
*Radiator/s;
*Reservoir;
*Chipset cooler;
*Pump, and
*Tubing;
CPU water block
I have chosen to use the Swiftech MCW6002 CPU Block for my H2O system, due to the exceptional bang for the buck and performance. Compatability with this CPU water block is outstanding due to the fact that conversion from one version to another is extremely simple, and only requires replacing the retention bracket (regardless of whatever platform you care to use). A further benefit is that this water block has 1/2" inlet and outlet pipes to facilitate better cooling efficiency. There are other options available, there is the Dangerden range and Cathar G5 ( little river waterblocks) which are regarded as the best in the world at the moment but you will have to wait to recieve one, and they are approximately twice as dear as the others. So if you want the best buy a Cathar G5....
GPU water block
For the GPU water block I have decided to go with the Dangerden Maze 4. Although it is quite expensive, the reviews I have read on this water block are a testament to its efficiency. The Maze 4 has the compatability with ATI Radeons from the 9500, 9600, 9800, and X800 series, but not for the "all in wonders". As far as the Nvidia camp are concerned there is support for the 6800 series and support for the "4" series on up to 59XXFX. Holes are available for the GeForce 2 and 3 series and should work also. The 6800 series uses the 4 bolt hold down style versus the standard two bolt pattern of previous cards. The Swiftech MCW-50 VGA water block would definitely be my second choice.
Radiator
My choice for the radiator cooling will be the Black Ice Extreme II Radiator
I chose the BIX2 purely and simply for the cooling capacity, and I have heaps of room in my case. If you don't own a CoolerMaster stacker, or similar large case, then the Black Ice Extreme will do the job. Although it is important to mention that if you want a 1x120 radiator you will need a higher speed fan for it to do the same job at full load, and expect your PC's temperatures to be up a few deg C on what it would be with a larger radiator. For the serious water cooling junkies there is also the use of heater cores for e.g. from a Toyota Camry, there are plenty of different sized heatercores if you feel like taking a look. And you can also save yourself some cash!!!
Reservoir
From all the research that I have done, I decided to shy away on purchasing a reservoir. Peeps I spoke to suggested that I should save myself the money and simply run a T-line (which is less then $2 to make) instead of using a reservoir. For those of you interested, Swiftech make a nice reservoir, with threaded ports that offer the versatility to use a variety of fittings, from 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" or 5/8" barbs to quick-connect adapters.
Chipset Coolers
Again, after researching thoroughly, I have decided to not purchase any chipset coolers either. This decision was based upon the idea that the more water connections... the greater the possibility for leakage and subsequent damage. The Northbridge fan on my MSI 875P NEO is barely audible at any rate. Also, I have read that having a chipset cooler really affects the flow, and therefore you experience a subsequent loss in performance from your H2O setup. If you want a good chipset cooler, my mate gives the Swiftech MCX159-R, the thumbs up.
The Pump
The pump is one area where it is crucial to not skimp on the dollars. I recommend the Eheim Series of pumps such as 1048 and 1250 models (the 1250 needs extra barbs too get both sides to 1/2 inch ). The 1250 has twice the pump flow, but it's a few dollars more. If you decide to take a slightly cheaper option and use the Swiftech MCP650, it works really well and is great if you are cramped for space or unless you're specifically wanting a pump to run off the psu.
Eheim Pumps
Tubing
I decided to get tubing that has thick walls, I was looking at 100 PSI pressure hosing with clamps to match. There are other options available, you can try ClearFlex tubing , or Coolsleeves 625. The Coolsleeves is great for the eye candy, if you are going to use a UV light.
Well there you have it, thats my main shopping list for my H2O cooling setup. Obviously there are other miscellaneous parts that are required, for e.g Coolant and anti algae water conditioner. Along with quick connect fittings, elbows, splitters and barbs. Sidewinder Computer systems have all the required parts, check 'em out.
Other H2O kits
ThermalTake Big Water
The TT Big Water uses 5/16 tubing, not like the 1/2 inch I am using in mine. Here is a review http://www.madshrimps.be/?action=getarticle&articID=270
Aquarius 3
http://www.overclockercafe.com/Reviews/cooling/Tt_Aquarius_III/
Aquagate
http://www.octools.com/index.cgi?caller=articles/coolermaster/aquagate/aquagate.html
Hope this helps, any suggestions or thing you think I may have missed. Pls don't hesitate to post...
PV
Ok...XMS has put in an order for a guide on shopping for a watercooling set-up, and after careful research I have come up with my ideal H2O cooling components. This guide was quite interesting to write as this is what I intend to use as cooling for either my AMD (SLI) or Intel (478) system. Due to the vast amount of products available for both CPU manufacturer's and Graphics cards, I decided to be quite generic in my choices. You can only imagine the numerous possible choices available for both platforms, although where possible I have given info on both AMD and Intel variations. I have also scoped out info on some of the kits available, and there is a brief rundown on them at the bottom of the guide. Lets go shopping.....
#Note If price isn't an issue then go for a custom rig, it will outperform kits easily. The kits seem to either have small tubing size and/or have a really shitty cheap pump.
My shopping list
*CPU water block;
*GPU water block;
*Radiator/s;
*Reservoir;
*Chipset cooler;
*Pump, and
*Tubing;
CPU water block
I have chosen to use the Swiftech MCW6002 CPU Block for my H2O system, due to the exceptional bang for the buck and performance. Compatability with this CPU water block is outstanding due to the fact that conversion from one version to another is extremely simple, and only requires replacing the retention bracket (regardless of whatever platform you care to use). A further benefit is that this water block has 1/2" inlet and outlet pipes to facilitate better cooling efficiency. There are other options available, there is the Dangerden range and Cathar G5 ( little river waterblocks) which are regarded as the best in the world at the moment but you will have to wait to recieve one, and they are approximately twice as dear as the others. So if you want the best buy a Cathar G5....
GPU water block
For the GPU water block I have decided to go with the Dangerden Maze 4. Although it is quite expensive, the reviews I have read on this water block are a testament to its efficiency. The Maze 4 has the compatability with ATI Radeons from the 9500, 9600, 9800, and X800 series, but not for the "all in wonders". As far as the Nvidia camp are concerned there is support for the 6800 series and support for the "4" series on up to 59XXFX. Holes are available for the GeForce 2 and 3 series and should work also. The 6800 series uses the 4 bolt hold down style versus the standard two bolt pattern of previous cards. The Swiftech MCW-50 VGA water block would definitely be my second choice.
Radiator
My choice for the radiator cooling will be the Black Ice Extreme II Radiator
I chose the BIX2 purely and simply for the cooling capacity, and I have heaps of room in my case. If you don't own a CoolerMaster stacker, or similar large case, then the Black Ice Extreme will do the job. Although it is important to mention that if you want a 1x120 radiator you will need a higher speed fan for it to do the same job at full load, and expect your PC's temperatures to be up a few deg C on what it would be with a larger radiator. For the serious water cooling junkies there is also the use of heater cores for e.g. from a Toyota Camry, there are plenty of different sized heatercores if you feel like taking a look. And you can also save yourself some cash!!!
Reservoir
From all the research that I have done, I decided to shy away on purchasing a reservoir. Peeps I spoke to suggested that I should save myself the money and simply run a T-line (which is less then $2 to make) instead of using a reservoir. For those of you interested, Swiftech make a nice reservoir, with threaded ports that offer the versatility to use a variety of fittings, from 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" or 5/8" barbs to quick-connect adapters.
Chipset Coolers
Again, after researching thoroughly, I have decided to not purchase any chipset coolers either. This decision was based upon the idea that the more water connections... the greater the possibility for leakage and subsequent damage. The Northbridge fan on my MSI 875P NEO is barely audible at any rate. Also, I have read that having a chipset cooler really affects the flow, and therefore you experience a subsequent loss in performance from your H2O setup. If you want a good chipset cooler, my mate gives the Swiftech MCX159-R, the thumbs up.
The Pump
The pump is one area where it is crucial to not skimp on the dollars. I recommend the Eheim Series of pumps such as 1048 and 1250 models (the 1250 needs extra barbs too get both sides to 1/2 inch ). The 1250 has twice the pump flow, but it's a few dollars more. If you decide to take a slightly cheaper option and use the Swiftech MCP650, it works really well and is great if you are cramped for space or unless you're specifically wanting a pump to run off the psu.
Eheim Pumps
Tubing
I decided to get tubing that has thick walls, I was looking at 100 PSI pressure hosing with clamps to match. There are other options available, you can try ClearFlex tubing , or Coolsleeves 625. The Coolsleeves is great for the eye candy, if you are going to use a UV light.
Well there you have it, thats my main shopping list for my H2O cooling setup. Obviously there are other miscellaneous parts that are required, for e.g Coolant and anti algae water conditioner. Along with quick connect fittings, elbows, splitters and barbs. Sidewinder Computer systems have all the required parts, check 'em out.
Other H2O kits
ThermalTake Big Water
The TT Big Water uses 5/16 tubing, not like the 1/2 inch I am using in mine. Here is a review http://www.madshrimps.be/?action=getarticle&articID=270
Aquarius 3
http://www.overclockercafe.com/Reviews/cooling/Tt_Aquarius_III/
Aquagate
http://www.octools.com/index.cgi?caller=articles/coolermaster/aquagate/aquagate.html
Hope this helps, any suggestions or thing you think I may have missed. Pls don't hesitate to post...
PV
