Water Cooling...

[Wal-Mart Security]

I've always wanted to do water cooling in one of my machines some day. I kind of want to start getting into it. I have plans for a new computer and I think I may try doing water cooling for the CPU. For this one anyway I want to get a water cooling kit that can be in the case because I often bring my computer around and it would just make it harder trying to carry around a radiator and such with it. I have never done water cooling before and I'm mostly making this thread because I want to learn. I know some of you out there do have a water cooled PC and I would like to learn about it if anyone hear has anything to teach me. I got the basics down on it anyway. I know how it works and that you need tubing, a reservoir, a radiator, a pump and so on. I'd mainly like to know how to maintain a water cooling system, what are good brands, how to refill reservoirs, and the the do's and dont's of it all.

Thanks
- Wally

 

[M3dley]

http://www.xoxide.com/water-cooling.html

my friend buys stuff from this site. there legit. also a pretty good article on explaining stuff.


also check: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/a-beginners-guide-for-watercooling-your-pc,1573.html

 

[Havegooda {A|R}]

A watercooling "kit" comes with a radiator, if it's a good one.

Watercooling without a radiator is strongly discouraged. What's your budget?

~Gooda~

 

[Wal-Mart Security]

In my post I wasn't saying I don't want a radiator, I was just giving an example of something external I don't want to carry around. Saying I want a kit thats all internal. I could go anywhere from $100 - $200. You could still recommend some external parts as well so I know what to look for in the future. Also, the computer I want to build will have an AM2+ CPU. I would like to get a kit or block that is compatible with AM2/AM2+ and LGA775 just in case I change my mind about what I'm building.

Thanks M3dley, I've shopped at Xoxide before and love the place. I've looked there before but didn't see that water cooling guide

 

[Havegooda {A|R}]

Crap, misread again.

You could try a 120 or 120.2 rad if it's a CPU only loop...that should fit in your case nicely. If you got a full tower, you might even be able to squeeze a 120.3 in there.

What case do you have?

~Gooda~

 

[Wal-Mart Security]

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811103011
(Full Tower)

I got tons of room in this thing

Also, Im open to a kit or if I can find parts to make a custom water cooling system that would probably be more of my style.
As far as either 1/2" to 3/8" tubing, what would you think would be better for a gaming PC? I would guess 1/2
I'm also open to modding my case to perhaps get a radiator on the top of the case or something along the lines of that.
(Drilling holes and so on...)
Im also thinking of going with 120.2 or 120.3, it all depends on what we find.

 

[Havegooda {A|R}]

CPU Block: D-tek FuZion V2 (http://www.petrastechshop.com/dfuv2uncpuwa.html)
Radiator: Thermochill PA120.3 (http://www.petrastechshop.com/thpara2.html)
Pump: Laing D5 Vario (http://www.petrastechshop.com/swmcin12pu.html)
Res: Whatever you like, or you can use a T-line to cut on costs
Coolant: 100% distilled water, color of choice, and a few drops of PT Nuke

Use 1/2" tubing, much better flow.

~Gooda~

 

[dr4gon?]

It's definitely a good choice to go if you are considering it. Haveagooda has given you a nice setup!

Here's a picture of mine:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3073/2569759426_bc60c780b9.jpg

Dtek Fuzion
HW Labs GTX360
D5 Vario
MCW60
Swiftech MCRes Micro Reservoir

 

[Wal-Mart Security]

Hey Havegooda, could I get some links if possible?
(And is Swiftech stuff good? (I've heard they where) Im asking because all there parts are on Xoxide and Newegg which would make it a little easier to shop for) Id like to do shopping at Xoxide and Newegg if there stuff is decent as well.
Also: Do you think I need a 120 or a 120.2 radiator if its just for the CPU?

How about a system like this?:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835108086
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835108093
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835108082
http://www.xoxide.com/swiftech-mcres-micro.html

These are all good from reviews I have seen...

 

[dr4gon?]

Newegg and xoxide won't have everything.

Check out Petra's Tech Shop at shoppts.com or Jab-Tech at j-t.com

They have the good stuff

I would recommend at least a 240mm radiator for a cpu loop and atleast a 360mm for a CPU and a GPU. Swiftech's are alright, just not great.

 

[Havegooda {A|R}]

Edited my last post with links.

You may be able to get by with a single 120, but it all depends on what CPU you have. If it's anything that's equal to or greater than a P4, you'll probably want a 120.2 (two 120mm) radiator, or your temps will be on par, or higher than air.

The PA120.3 is the best radiator for low CFM fans, which = less noise. You'll get great temps with it.

And I hear that Swiftech blocks are very restrictive...but I guess that won't matter much if it's a CPU only loop. The FuZion V2 is by far the BEST CPU block on the market today.
~Gooda~