Cooling System

[whubbard]

Hello Again,

I am looking to add a water cooling system to my build (the nice computer in my sig). I have heard many times that it is a much better idea to make a custom water cooling system, than to buy a kit. I'm pretty lost at this point because i really don't know much about water cooling. I've heard Danger Den makes nice parts, and they have a block for my x1950, so I'm looking at their site now. However I assume that they don't make 'all' the best parts, and I'm totally up for mixing and matching.
My system can get a bit warm, and i'm going to overclock once I get the water cooling in. the hotest part of my system is my x1950 so i will want a really good block for it.
I also have 3 HDs which have a fan infront of them that blows air into the system, and helps keep them cool. (also adds nice looking light to the front of the case). What will I do with the fan? Also there is a fan on the upper part of the case, which helps keep dust out of the system, if i take it out...their is basically a hole for dust at the top. What should I do with that fan?

^^^IF YOU DON'T WANT TO READ ALL THAT^^^
...I would like a water cooling system for my build...can you help me out?... :p

Thanks

The Danger Den System I've Put Together:

Radiator: http://www.dangerden.com/store/product.php?productid=255&cat=90&page=1 $73
Reservoir: http://www.dangerden.com/store/product.php?productid=52&cat=27&page=1 $30 (With 2 Blue LEDs)
Water Pump: http://www.dangerden.com/store/product.php?productid=274&cat=0&page=1 $75 (Will I have room in my case?)
HD Cooling: http://www.dangerden.com/store/product.php?productid=197&cat=74&page=1 $99 (For the Raptors)
CPU Cooling: http://www.dangerden.com/store/product.php?productid=21&cat=61&page=1 $52
GPU Cooling: http://www.dangerden.com/store/product.php?productid=217&cat=18&page=1 $134 (With Voltage Regulator Kit)
Chipset Cooling: http://www.dangerden.com/store/product.php?productid=251&cat=46&page=1 $42
Tubing: http://www.dangerden.com/store/product.php?productid=172&cat=33&page=1 $2.80/per foot (Not sure how much I need) (X10 Maybe?)
Water Additive: http://www.dangerden.com/store/product.php?productid=228&cat=63&page=1 $34 (Blue of course)
Needed Parts: http://www.dangerden.com/store/product.php?productid=123&cat=38&page=1 $3 (Must Have) :D
Switech SmartCoils: http://www.swiftnets.com/store/product_details.asp?ProdID=293 $3.10 (40" each) (X3)
Tubing Clamps: http://www.dangerden.com/store/product.php?productid=62&quantity=21 $0.75 (X21)


Total is about $620...


....WHOA! (price is still setting in)

My concerns are:
1) Will that one radiator be enough. Its a very good radiator, but I'm still not sure if it will work. Where else can I add a radiator in my thermaltake?
2) Do I really need to cool my chipset? (Intel 975X)
3) Do I really need to cool my Raptors?

Silly Accessories:

Thermaltake Flow Indicator: http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=331980&Pn=210_Flow_Indicator_Liquid_Cooling_System $19

[whubbard]

Changing things a Bit:

Going to add two of these radiator to the side of the case: http://www.dangerden.com/store/product.php?productid=261&cat=90&page=1
Going for the Swifttech CPU block: http://www.swiftnets.com/store/product_details.asp?ProdID=432

That would make the total cost around $870, however I think it will let me cool the system without the use of fans on the radiators...atleast not loud ones.

[heymrdj]

No don't do that. Use the standard radiator and a good flowing 120mm, such as a Yate Loon. The 50cm that it puts out very quietly will not bug you in the least. You may however want to go the x2 series and mount two 120's to it, since you are cooling alot.

Unless you're doing video editing, you don't need HD coolers.

Remember that a system produces heat from other parts such as the CD drives, motherboard, PSU, ect; you will have to use at least one if not two case fans anyways to keep the system cool and power efficient. So you might as well just let the HD's cool themselves with the airflow of the case.

Try using this radiator: http://www.dangerden.com/store/product.php?productid=256&cat=90&bestseller=Y

You COULD get a single triple fan radiator if you think you need it. But in NO WAY do you need two. These Radiators dissipate hundreds of watts of heat.

Two or three of these fans will keep you nice and cool, and blingin, at the same time :) :http://www.nexfan.com/yate-loon-120mm-clear-case-fan-with-four-blue-leds-d12sl-124b.html

[whubbard]

thats kind of why i was thinking of getting two. Then i might not really need fans, and it would look nicer. I will also keep the case fans in...and I'll just turn the fan controller down.

[heymrdj]

No, radiators need moving air to function properly, same as the radiator of a vehicle. Its a waste of money to attempt to make a fanless design. Use a two or three fan option and use some low db 120's.

[Mr.Ferrari]

Here are my comments. You are correct that Danger den does not have the best quality in everything.

Looking at your case, I do see a mesh front covering. I have seen others place as big as triple fan rad's in the front through creative means i.e velcro without modifying anything. But that big door cover in the front might hinder airflow. One other possibility could be using Swiftech's RadBox.

-For the radiator, go with a Thermochill PA120.X series. They are designed for low cfm (quiet) fan use with very high performance. Such as THIS (http://jab-tech.com/ThermoChill-PA120.2-pr-3263.html) or THIS (http://jab-tech.com/Thermochill-PA120.3-pr-3264.html).

-Try to go with this reservoir instead: Swiftech MCRES Micro (http://www.petrastechshop.com/swmchire.html). Its been proven tougher and isnt as prone to leaks compared to the dangerden.

-The Laing D5 is a fine pump.

-Hard Drive blocks are a waste of money. Hard Drives will be more then fine with just a little air going through them. A very low cfm fan should do the work.

-The TDX is a poor performing block. If you want something thats has no impingement or is not restrictive, go for this: D-Tek Fuzion (http://www.petrastechshop.com/dfuuncpubl1.html). Or if you want something more restrictive go with this: MP-05 SP LE (http://www.petrastechshop.com/aqmpspliedun.html)

-Full Cover Blocks are ok, a bit expensive but its on personal taste. If I was going out for a full cover block, I would get the best possible. That would be one of Eddy Ek's blocks. Via www.ekwaterblocks.com. Its cheaper too, and much higher quality. His shop is based in Slovenia though.

-If you can fit a northbridge block into the loop then ok. But I personally suggest against one.

-I personally prefer 7/16'' tubing for everything except the pump barbs. Its cleaner looking and has a tighter hold. Get 10-15 feet either way. 1/2'' is good too.

-Stay AWAY from fluid XP. Truth be told, you dont really need any additive. But if you MUST, go with Pentosin. Available at www.petrastechshop.com.

-FYI, the smartcoils are for smaller bore tubing. Meaning, they probably wont go on the 1/2'' tubing.

-Last but not least go for some of these worm drive clamps instead. Much tighter hold. But remember, not to tight! link. (http://www.petrastechshop.com/ststwohocl.html)

1) See above for answer. And its recommended that you take a double fan radiator for a CPU and GPU loop.

2) See above. No.

3) See Above. No.

****Whatever you do, STAY FAR, FAR away from that Flow Indicator. It will DESTROY your flow and pressure.

[whubbard]

....ahhh....
YOU ROCK FERRARI

[andper10]

If you are set on water cooling, then so be it. But over $500 for some overclocking seems extreme. I would look into getting some nice (and quiet) air cooling instead:
-Turniq tower ($55) is suppossed to be a really nice CPU cooler and pretty quiet too
-You could get a zamlan or some other brand cooler for your video card
That would probably be about $100 even if you get really nice heatsink/fan combos. And if you are going to have to leave a few fans with a water cooling system, it might be about the same sound level too.

[whubbard]

I have a nice air setup right now, im just looking to water cool.