Second Build - First liquid cooling attempt, advice, tips, and recomendations :)

[zharbison]

Hello all, this will be my official (hello im a new member) and also an advice/progress thread.

I already have my own computer, that is air cooled and a relatively simple gaming rig, this rig however is for my girlfriend who will be less apreciative of the work i will have put in it, but, none the less, who wants to take steps backwards when building their second rig? So, this rig will be better, faster and flashier.

Here are the starting components of what will be the "RAVEN RIG"

CASE: Silverstone Raven RV02E - White

http://pctuning.tyden.cz/ilustrace3/...02-e-white.jpg

CASE: ASUS P8P67 LE (REV 3.0)

http://www.advanced2000.com/mmTEST_S...ages/P8h67.jpg

Power Supply (in white of course): NZXT HALE90

http://www.dvhardware.net/news/2010/...le90_1000w.jpg

VIDEO CARD: HIS Raedon 6950

http://i1-news.softpedia-static.com/...deo-Card-2.jpg

RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB)

HARDDRIVE: Seagate Baracuda 2TB

PROCESSER: SB i5 2500k



The only thing that has been bought out of this entire package has been the case, so there is a lot of room to move around and shift things when and if needed.

WATER COOLING

What i know: very little

who wants to help? Any particular place i should start my adventure? I plan on WCing the video card, CPU and possibly the north bridge....ANY (and i do mean any) tips or advice is encoureged.

Thanks again guys and i will update this thread as everything gets underway

[Khalil]

Hello and welcome to pcmech forums!

I am not keen on NZXT power supplies, they are of poor quality. We recomend Antec, Corsair or Seasonic.

Seagate is not the recomended brand on this forum because we have seen a lot of firmware problems, we recomend Western Digital Black.

That memory is flawed and have had major issues, we recomend Corsair, Kingston, Crucial or ADATA for memory.

Excellent choice for a motherboard brand and Processor!
Good looking case.

[zharbison]

thank you for the heads up with the PSU RAM and HD, i will look into finding alternatives

[Khalil]

I forgot to mention, I don't recomend liquid cooling. I have tried everything out there and have yet to find a reliable system that can give you more than a 5 c temp benefit. Air cooling is the way to go.

[zharbison]

Although I am convinced enough to look into your previous suggestions I still intend to pursue liquid cooling for 2 reasons, 1 being the option of upgrade, especially with my crossfire and sli options within my gpu set up, and 2nd to continue my education within the field of pc building

[Masaki 7-11]

If you planning on building a custom loop for all the parts you listed above (CPU, video card and northbridge), you'll probably spend a good portion over $200. You're also not going to notice much difference between water cooling and good air cooling. The only thing that makes sense for water cooling imo is pre-sealed units like Corsair H100 since they're pretty safe and are as good as the best air cooling without all the weight.

[glc]

If you are thinking of SLI or Crossfire and you are using a "K" series processor, you should be getting a Z68 board, not a P67/H67. I'd recommend an Asus P8Z68-V or P8Z68-V Pro. For a performance boost at relatively low cost, you can get a small SSD (40gb or so) and use it to "cache" your main hard drive with the Z68.

That particular NZXT power supply is a good one. JonnyGuru reviewed its 850 watt little brother and had nothing bad to say about it. If you want a white PSU to match your case, no reason not to get it.

Best ram match for Sandy Bridge is DDR3-1600 1.5 volt, I prefer Corsair Vengeance. As a matter of fact, Corsair has Vengeance with white heatsinks - it runs at 1.35 volts which should be compatible with a Z68.

[zharbison]

Originally Posted by Masaki 7-11 If you planning on building a custom loop for all the parts you listed above (CPU, video card and northbridge), you'll probably spend a good portion over $200. You're also not going to notice much difference between water cooling and good air cooling. The only thing that makes sense for water cooling imo is pre-sealed units like Corsair H100 since they're pretty safe and are as good as the best air cooling without all the weight.

Ya but will it look as cool? Lol, remember this is for the gf, lots of pretty pink neon and fancy colored tubes that she doesn't know what for

[David M]

Then be prepared to spend the money on a custom liquid cooling system. Don't go cheapo on this or you can expect leaks and less than stellar performance. The brands I would stick with are Dangerden and Koolance.

[zharbison]

Originally Posted by David M Then be prepared to spend the money on a custom liquid cooling system. Don't go cheapo on this or you can expect leaks and less than stellar performance. The brands I would stick with are Dangerden and Koolance.

this is what i was planning from day 1, any suggestions on blocks etc?

[David M]

Look through Dangerden's and Koolance's websites? Sorry, but this is something you have to do on your own since there are so many choices with a liquid cooling system. The sites list which cooling blocks are compatible with which heat sources. List your parts once you have an idea of what you want and we can take a look.

I would also research what makes a good liquid cooling system. There are numerous ways of screwing this up. I have done two liquid cooling systems in the past and have made my mistakes. I have never squirted liquid on a live component though... I don't do liquid anymore because it is a PITA and air has caught up to liquid as far as efficiency at removing heat....with really high end air coolers like a Silver Arrow compared to medium efficiency liquid coolers like the Corsair H100....which you actually might consider.

Koolance

Dangerden

[zharbison]

Originally Posted by David M Look through Dangerden's and Koolance's websites? Sorry, but this is something you have to do on your own since there are so many choices with a liquid cooling system. The sites list which cooling blocks are compatible with which heat sources. List your parts once you have an idea of what you want and we can take a look. I would also research what makes a good liquid cooling system. There are numerous ways of screwing this up. I have done two liquid cooling systems in the past and have made my mistakes. I have never squirted liquid on a live component though... I don't do liquid anymore because it is a PITA and air has caught up to liquid as far as efficiency at removing heat....with really high end air coolers like a Silver Arrow compared to medium efficiency liquid coolers like the Corsair H100....which you actually might consider. Koolance Dangerden

I will take a look and consider my options, thanks for your input, ill update later with more info

[zharbison]

Okay, took a look at Koolance's H20 cooling systems, and here's what i came up with so far

RP-1000BK for my reservoir and pump
Reservoir and Pump, RP-1000BK, Black [no nozzles] - Water cooling systems, pc liquid cooling kit, cpu, video card, hard drive

HX-442 Radiator
Radiator, 1x120mm 18-FPI Aluminum [no nozzles] - Water cooling systems, pc liquid cooling kit, cpu, video card, hard drive

CPU-370 cooling block (for my i5 2500k)
CPU-370 (CPU), 1.5mm Midplate [no nozzles] - Water cooling systems, pc liquid cooling kit, cpu, video card, hard drive

VID-AR697 (Radeon HD 6970/6950) cooling block (for the HIS Radeon HD 6950)
VID-AR697 (Radeon HD 6970/6950), Rev.1.1 [no nozzles] - Water cooling systems, pc liquid cooling kit, cpu, video card, hard drive

this is what i have picked out so far....what i am still confused on...

how to find the correct block for my northbridge, also, tubing (width thickness etc), valves and nozzels....???

help please

[David M]

I almost feel guilty, like am leading you astray encouraging a liquid cooling system. But hey, this is what you want and have been warned.

If you want to get serious then get a radiator with more surface area. You will be cooling a CPU and a graphics card. I bought this one a few years ago. You have to cut a hole in the top of your case and you need a big case...but it sure looks cool.
http://www.koolance.com/water-coolin...roduct_id=1163

You will need tubing, a flow indicator and coolant. You will also want valves so you don't drain your coolant everywhere when you have to disconnect a coolant block. You will also want spiral wrap for your tubing so it does not kink around sharp bends.

You might also want to think about colored sleeving for your wires.

If you want to light it up like a disco then get the fluorescent coolant along with uv lights. Two colors at most. One will be you major color like blue and a minor color like a little bit of red...I think that looks best.

Call Koolance or Dangerden about your chipset cooler. My experience with both is that they very helpful on the phone.

[zharbison]

Originally Posted by David M If you want to get serious then get a radiator with more surface area. You will be cooling a CPU and a graphics card. I bought this one a few years ago. You have to cut a hole in the top of your case and you need a big case...but it sure looks cool. http://www.koolance.com/water-coolin...roduct_id=1163

can this be confirmed when using the Raven RV02E? This case is massive and i would prefer since it will be a limited edition case to not go hacking away any major parts.....any alternatives to up sizing my radiator but still being able to hide it relatively well?

[zharbison]

K dumb question, how do I know if I want 1/4" 3/8" or 1/2" tubing? Does it matter?

[flanzig1]

The water blocks and radiators support either 1/4 & 3/8 or 3/8 &1/2. Would go with 3/8.
Did some quick adding up of the parts you listed and the rest that you will need, looks like the cost is climbing to the $600 range for the cooling system. Just a thought on warranty, if you remove the stock heatsinks on the motherboard and video card, that could void any warranty.

[zharbison]

Originally Posted by flanzig1 The water blocks and radiators support either 1/4 & 3/8 or 3/8 &1/2. Would go with 3/8. Did some quick adding up of the parts you listed and the rest that you will need, looks like the cost is climbing to the $600 range for the cooling system. Just a thought on warranty, if you remove the stock heatsinks on the motherboard and video card, that could void any warranty.

Well I have scratched the north bridge idea, a little too invasive for now, also thanks for the price check, i try and keep an eye on it but it can easily get away from you. Im looking right around $2000 or less for the entire build.

[zharbison]

PURCHASED ITEMS THUS FAR:

ASUS P8Z68 (thanks GLC for the tip)

Corsair TX850w PSU (thanks Khalil)

Silverstone Raven RV02E White

8gb Corsair Vengeance RAM (thanks again GLC)

Intel i5 2500k

STILL NEED TO BUY:

Hard Drive

SSD

All water cooling equipment

HIS Raedon 6950

[glc]

Which Corsair 850?

[zharbison]

Originally Posted by glc Which Corsair 850?

I believe it is the TX850

[glc]

Good choice.

[zharbison]

hello again everybody, have a pretty offical update on the WC set up im looking to impliment....here are the parts i have picked out, i do not believe i shold need anything else, please let me know if i will.

Reservoir and Pump
Reservoir and Pump, RP-980BK, Black [no nozzles] - Water cooling systems, pc liquid cooling kit, cpu, video card, hard drive

CPU H20 Block
CPU-370 (CPU), 1.5mm Midplate [no nozzles] - Water cooling systems, pc liquid cooling kit, cpu, video card, hard drive

GPU H20 Block
VID-AR697 (Radeon HD 6970/6950), Rev.1.1 [no nozzles] - Water cooling systems, pc liquid cooling kit, cpu, video card, hard drive

Rad (already have 3 high preforming fans)
Radiator, 3x120mm 18-FPI Aluminum [no nozzles] - Water cooling systems, pc liquid cooling kit, cpu, video card, hard drive

Tubing (10ft)
Tubing, Clear UV-Reactive PVC, 1ft/30.5cm [ID: 10mm (3/8in); OD: 13mm (1/2in)] - Water cooling systems, pc liquid cooling kit, cpu, video card, hard drive

Coolant
Liquid Coolant Bottle, High-Performance, 700mL (Blue) - Water cooling systems, pc liquid cooling kit, cpu, video card, hard drive

Nozzles (8 total, 4 pairs)
Nozzle Pair, Compression [For ID: 10mm (3/8in), OD: 13mm (1/2in)] - Water cooling systems, pc liquid cooling kit, cpu, video card, hard drive


Here is my hopeful configuration, had trouble at first finding room for the rad however by removing 2 stock 180mm fans from the bottom, i should be able to squeeze the rad (length of 3 120mm fans) right into its place. In case my labeling is hard to read....

tube one (cyan) leaves rad for pump/tank, tube two (blue) leaves tank for GPU, tube 3 (purple) leaves GPU for CPU, tube five (green) leaves CPU back to rad, completing the loop, there will probably be a flow meter in there somewhere, do not know where yet. See any flaws? any improvements? please let me know.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y29.../RavenWC-1.png

TOTAL COST FOR WC SET UP AT THE MOMENT IS $450

i think i got off pretty nicely for a solid first set up.

[Deathdiesel]

I hate to kick a dead horse, but i really agree with the other guys. I would heavily advise against water cooling. These guys really know their stuff here, and have full reason to vote against water. Also didnt you say this computer was for your girlfriend? Water cooling requires maintenance, and should generally be done so by someone who knows a lot about the system.

[zharbison]

Originally Posted by Deathdiesel I hate to kick a dead horse, but i really agree with the other guys. I would heavily advise against water cooling. These guys really know their stuff here, and have full reason to vote against water. Also didnt you say this computer was for your girlfriend? Water cooling requires maintenance, and should generally be done so by someone who knows a lot about the system.

To counter argue your well stated point, i will start by telling you that The PC will be maintained by me, I live with her and will be able to provide all required maintenance. Second, although i do highly respect the members of this community and especially those who have taken time to comment on my thread, I still plan on following through with my original idea of WCing for reasons already listed (i.e going to be upgraded soon to crossfire GPUs and multiple Hard Drives) so in the end the PC will NEED WC, it simply will be packed to tightly not to have it, and on a final note, doing it now also allows me to not fall behind on the learning curve when it comes time to WC my entire system

[birddog_61]

If its something you want to play with (water cooling) then go right ahead and play with it. You sound like an enthusiast and that is the market water cooling is aimed at, if done right you can end up with a very nice cool quiet system. If done wrong you can end up with a box full of parts that are ruined, so just be careful and take your time choosing the parts and then double and triple check your connections before firing it up.