Watercooling Questions...

[RazR]

Hey i just had some questions about how to go about to setup my future wc'd rig. I read the guides on here and overclocking.net.

1. What are the general cost to set up a solid watercooling rig? i'm assuming between $300-700. Where should most the money be put towards? Are there any major manufacturers that i should keep a close eye on?

2. For pumps, I know that Low Flow = High Head Pressure and vice-versa. What is a good ratio or range (if any for that matter) that i should keep in mind when picking the right pump?

3. Any specific anti-corrosives that people use? Is there any sort of particular concentration that i should look for?
Also, when mixing the anti-corrosive with the distilled/de-ionized water, on overclocking.net they stated that there should be 95% water/ 5% addative per gallon/litre of water (though that was back in 2004). Do the same rules still apply or is there a range that would be sufficient enough to protect my setup?

4. For tubing, is Tygon worth the premium compared to clearflex or any other vinyl tubing? Will there be a significant temperature change depending on the tubing used?
In terms of the ID of the tubing, could i use 15/32" tubing (if there is such a thing) or would that be pushing it and that i would i just be better of to go with 3/8" or 1/2" tubing?

5. For clamps, are their any that are more superior than others in terms of sealence and longevity? (between plastic/nylon, worm drive, and spring clamps) Has anyone had issues with the worm drive cutting into the tubing causing leaks?

6. Are relay switches manditory?

7. T-line or Resevoir? What do you guys use/have used and why? I am aware that bleeding T-line setups do take a bit longer.

8. In regards to the prep before buidling, on xtremesystems they suggested that to get a clean setup that you should:

1. Flush the radiator with distilled water. I suggest getting 2-3 2.5gallon jugs and just start pouring about 2.5-3gallons of distilled through the rad. 2. Pour Distilled or De-Ionized water into radiator. - Pour until full, drain and repeat. Shaking the radiator when it is half full of water will help. Repeat this 3-5 times. 3. Following the same procedure as in step 2, repeat with vinegar. 4. Fill the radiator with vinegar, and let it sit for appx. 1 hour. 5.Flush the radiator, following the procedure of step 2. Repeat Step 3 as well. 6.Repeat Step 4. 7.Repeat Step 2.

Is 2-3 2.5gallon jugs of water REALLY neccessary?

9. Is a filter necessary or is it more of a personal preferance?


Thanks for your help in advance.

[David M]

Just an overall philosophy about overclocking; parts have become so darn fast that the difference between overclocking and not overclocking is hardly worth it anymore. If you want to overclock because it is fun then great, its lots of fun. Don't though expect huge percentage or performance differences anymore, not like there used to be in the past.

[liambl]

An exception to that would be overclocking your cards' shaders to increase folding performance.

[RazR]

Yes i am planning to OC. I wouldn't want to waste $300+ on something just to make it look "cool"