Good Case/Kit To Start LC With?

[[cTxP]Riggs]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133024

Its around what I would want to pay, plus its a full tower case. Is it any good? I don't really trust the "Pro's" on newegg reviews, and I'm sure you know why. :ROTF:

How much do you think this would lower my temps from a stock intel cooler? (The crap skinny one) Just an approximate answer would be nice. My case right now is a CM690 with 2 fans. One's dead.

[sniperbob]

to be honest, buying a "kit" watercooled case that is already set up like the thermaltake or koolance is not the best option if you are looking for a cooling loop that will deliver maximum performance and cooling for the money you spend. I have an older Koolance PC2 tower with an integrated watercooling system and am now realizing that (yes while it WILL show an improvement in temps over a stock air-cooled set-up) that an "all-in-on" setup is only about as good as a decent aftermarket air-cooled setup. I am looking for upgrades now to slowly turn my old Koolance server tower into a sleeper-esque computer (as no one really expects Koolance parts to perform anymore.) My guess is that what everyone is going to tell you is to shy away from any TT stuff and to look at some other options, like consider a budget WC build in the case you already have?

[[cTxP]Riggs]

to be honest, buying a "kit" watercooled case that is already set up like the thermaltake or koolance is not the best option if you are looking for a cooling loop that will deliver maximum performance and cooling for the money you spend. I have an older Koolance PC2 tower with an integrated watercooling system and am now realizing that (yes while it WILL show an improvement in temps over a stock air-cooled set-up) that an "all-in-on" setup is only about as good as a decent aftermarket air-cooled setup. I am looking for upgrades now to slowly turn my old Koolance server tower into a sleeper-esque computer (as no one really expects Koolance parts to perform anymore.) My guess is that what everyone is going to tell you is to shy away from any TT stuff and to look at some other options, like consider a budget WC build in the case you already have?

I thought that too, but I'm a noob on this stuff, and just don't know what parts to pick out, I already looked at the FAQ guide thing, but could I get some help on what you guys think the best parts would be? I'm hoping to do a loop of the E7200 and 2x 3850's, but the 3850's already have a nice cooler on them (IceQ3). I already have those little liquid holes in the back of the case, but are ext rads and pumps better? Thanks for the help already!

It doesn't seem like I've got alot of room inside my case. Would this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835108100) be a good solution, for a cheap kit, for my CPU? Reason being, my temps are at 60 after 15 minutes of orthos at a 3.2 GHz oc, although I don't know why none of my games like crysis report the temps going that high, and I'm playing it on high settings lol.

[kumar]

Use This Look Awesome

http://www.svc.com/tech14x8-blk.html

[Jimmer411]

You can ALMOST get a MM UFO for that price ;) I think I payed $330~ for mine.

[naokaji]

a highend aircooling beats the crap out of those cheap wc kits, I'd say stick with air for less or invest in "real" watercooling, something along the line of a d-tek fuzion v2, thermochill pa120.2 (enough for only the cpu and saves lot of space) or a thermochill pa120.3 if you want to go all out and cool other stuff as well), you will easily get to 300$ or so just for the cooling though, but it would clearly outperform air or cheap wc.

[cian1500ww]

I'm getting that Kandalf case but I'm replacing the CPU block with a D-Tek Fuzion and adding an extra 120mm rad as well as a drive bay resevoir.

[septim]

just get the case or better case, then invest in some "real water cooling" like the one mentioned above, or just read a few threads here, and you'd notice the current favorite parts pretty quickly...

and say no to Thermaltake Water Cooling... I think Koolance might have better performance...

[kinghong1970]

get a Lian Li case, lots of room, easy to work with...
TJ07 is also very nice case for WC'ing...

forget the kits...

get Rocketfish and go spend more on better parts...

[cdawall]

sorry to steal a thread but no point in makeing a new one to answer the same question

i just snagged that swiftec kit for $30 on craigslist and i'm getting a DD heater core from flclisgreat any other suggestions?

[crazy1323]

You can make a great internal WC'ing setup on a CM 690 using a 360mm rad.

I have a Black Ice GTS 360 mounted inside my CM-690 with a D5 vario and a D-tek Fuzion V2 and an 5.25" bay reservoir

[[cTxP]Riggs]

You can make a great internal WC'ing setup on a CM 690 using a 360mm rad.

I have a Black Ice GTS 360 mounted inside my CM-690 with a D5 vario and a D-tek Fuzion V2 and an 5.25" bay reservoir

How much did that setup cost? I'm not too sure about water cooling my system as much anymore, as I see low FSB walls for the DFI DK X38, and extremely high voltages needed to pass 4GHz on an E7200, I'm just not sure if it would be worth it. This is what I've been looking at, (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233001) and maybe add it on to a different case with better airflow, I'm going to sell this to a buddy most likely, who has a different setup, as my 3850's are quite crammed in this case.

[[cTxP]Riggs]

Alright, I found one, but this is a much more quality case, and its not thermaltake... :)

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=262&products_id=21097

Its got good reviews, and its a pretty good price considering it comes with a case, and its preassembled. Seems to be high quality! Only for the cpu, but might add northbridge later on.

Kit comes with,
- Apogee Waterblock - 50$
- Microres Resevoir- 20$
- QP 120 Rad- 35$
- MC350- 75$
- Hydrx- 3$
- Smart Coils- ~17$

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/images/products/qp-p180_02.jpg

Its a nice looking case.

Case- I'd say it would be worth around 170 considering its got the little side window showing res liquid, and holes for tubing throughout the case.

If you added that together it would be around 360-370$. Which I think it would be worth it to have them get all the parts installed!

I think this is the case, but I just want to be sure if you think its alright...

[Eddie3dfx]

Don't get thermaltake cases.
They are heavy, sharp, and dangerous to work with.

I like that kit but there are much better kits for the price imho

can you do any modding or does the case have to be stock?

[[cTxP]Riggs]

Don't get thermaltake cases.
They are heavy, sharp, and dangerous to work with.

can you do any modding or does the case have to be stock?

Yes, I know not to get thermaltake, but look at the above post, this one is a Swiftech Liquid kit with an Antec P180 case. Silence is a nice thing with all the rubber dampeners on that case! :D

[Eddie3dfx]

Yes, I know not to get thermaltake, but look at the above post, this one is a Swiftech Liquid kit with an Antec P180 case. Silence is a nice thing with all the rubber dampeners on that case! :D

There are better for the price. Can you do any modding?
I personally recommend a tagan black pearl or v2000.

The tagan black has mount for 1 Single radiator and a 220 radiator.

The tagan will be silent, as it doesn't have perforated holes in the front like the v2000 has. Plus the fan controller is great. Silences based on rpm speed.

http://www.bjorn3d.com/Material/revimages/case/Tagan%20Black%20Pearl/PR_Case.jpg

[[cTxP]Riggs]

Also, I dont want to spend 80 more dollars just to get a side panel window, if I mod the panel, but something goes wrong, can I just get the stock P180 side panel, or does it have to be a special one?

[[cTxP]Riggs]

There are better for the price. Can you do any modding?
I personally recommend a tagan black pearl or v2000.

The tagan black has mount for 1 Single radiator and a 220 radiator.

The tagan will be silent, as it doesn't have perforated holes in the front like the v2000 has. Plus the fan controller is great. Silences based on rpm speed.

http://www.bjorn3d.com/Material/revimages/case/Tagan%20Black%20Pearl/PR_Case.jpg


I cant really afford that, because 250-300 for a case would only leave me 100$-150$ for the liquid cooling, and I only have 400$ to spend.

[Eddie3dfx]

Also, I dont want to spend 80 more dollars just to get a side panel window, if I mod the panel, but something goes wrong, can I just get the stock P180 side panel, or does it have to be a special one?

This has a clear side window, rubber grommets, fan controller, BUILT In 220 grill on TOP!

$239 for case $160 for kit

mcr220 radiator = $35.99 newegg.
Cpu Block = $55
Tubing = $10
Pump D5 = $65
Resevoir T Line = $5-10.
2 yate loon fans 88cfm = $12
-------------------------------------

$177

Considering it has a built in grill on top, you don't have to do an ounce of cutting, drilling, modding or anything.

[[cTxP]Riggs]

I dunno, I still really like that Swiftech kit, I dont need hyper low temps, but I want reasonable ones that would show some improvement over my Stock Intel HSF. Its also already preinstalled, leak tested, super quiet, and all I've gotta do is put the block on and I'm good to go.

[Kibbler]

Problem is that kit you posted has no room to grow. Without modification, P180 is too cramped for decent WC. You would be stuck with a single 120 rad, even if you wanted to WC a graphics card later, etc.

[kinghong1970]

This has a clear side window, rubber grommets, fan controller, BUILT In 220 grill on TOP!

$239 for case $160 for kit

mcr220 radiator = $35.99 newegg.
Cpu Block = $55
Tubing = $10
Pump D5 = $65
Resevoir T Line = $5-10.
2 yate loon fans 88cfm = $12
-------------------------------------

$177

Considering it has a built in grill on top, you don't have to do an ounce of cutting, drilling, modding or anything.

Riggs, Eddie's recommendation is very nice...

and it's not that much diff from your Swiftech Kit case...

[Eddie3dfx]

I dunno, I still really like that Swiftech kit, I dont need hyper low temps, but I want reasonable ones that would show some improvement over my Stock Intel HSF. Its also already preinstalled, leak tested, super quiet, and all I've gotta do is put the block on and I'm good to go.

yes, but a $130 kit and a $130 case for $400?

1. It has a single mcr120, 3/8 tubing, Mcp350 pump (not 355) in a steel case, with an APOGEE, not gtx or gt waterblock.
For $400 you might as well go to a snake oil salesman. Not to be rude, but $400 for a slight decrease in temps is just not worth it.

[[cTxP]Riggs]

Alright, you guys are convincing me. I'll look into those solutions. Thanks, its just hard to change my mind when it looks so nice, but I guess its not that top of the line.

[Eddie3dfx]

Alright, you guys are convincing me. I'll look into those solutions. Thanks, its just hard to change my mind when it looks so nice, but I guess its not that top of the line.

Heres the first question.
Do you want a smaller case, mid-tower, server?

What kind of cpu are you cooling and what size radiator do you want?
$400 can get you something quite special. I would even look into that rocketfish lian li alternative and get the top panel for radiator mount.

[[cTxP]Riggs]

So, I'm looking at the DD TDX for 775, what size should I get? If I get 1/2 In Barb, does that mean I get the 1/2 ID black ice rad?

Now that I am getting a custom kit, I think I'm going to LC my nb too.

[Eddie3dfx]

So, I'm looking at the DD TDX for 775, what size should I get? If I get 1/2 In Barb, does that mean I get the 1/2 ID black ice rad?

Now that I am getting a custom kit, I think I'm going to LC my nb too.

You just need to purchase 1/2" barbs for all your components.
If you want silence, I would recommend a switech radiator over a black-ice, as it cools better and works nicely with lower rpm fans.
Tdx is a nice cpu block. I believe martin uses one.

[[cTxP]Riggs]

I was looking at the Rocketfish and loved it, I'll have to call my local best buys and see if they've got any! Thanks for the help.

So, I'll want a larger case, because if I am going into liquid cooling, I may want to cool my 2 3850's(or future cards) also. I'll start out by cooling my E7200, and possibly my X38 northbridge, if you guys think thats a good idea.

Depending on the case, whichever the best radiator is a good idea in your mind. I'm not good with liquid cooling(as you can see) so whatever is high quality in your guys mind, and will last a while and has the least chance of failure, is good in my opinion too!

[Eddie3dfx]

I was looking at the Rocketfish and loved it, I'll have to call my local best buys and see if they've got any! Thanks for the help.

So, I'll want a larger case, because if I am going into liquid cooling, I may want to cool my 2 3850's(or future cards) also. I'll start out by cooling my E7200, and possibly my X38 northbridge, if you guys think thats a good idea.

Depending on the case, whichever the best radiator is a good idea in your mind. I'm not good with liquid cooling(as you can see) so whatever is high quality in your guys mind, and will last a while and has the least chance of failure, is good in my opinion too!

Real Quick.
See if you can google if the rocketfish is the exact same dimensions the lian li 75.
If it is, you can get a window panel, or even this for $79... a fully custom triple radiator panel!!!!! That thing would looks so beautiful with the nice 120mmm black mesh
Check all over the internet, bestbuy, classified, for the rocketfish.
If you can't find it at bestbuy for the clearance, check around.. most got em for $45 and selling them for slight bit more

http://www.frozencpu.com/images/products/large/cas-314.jpg

[[cTxP]Riggs]

According to [HardForum] (http://www.hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1032291118&postcount=117) it does work. Looks like I'll be getting a triple rad then. Do you have a instant messanger? Then we can talk more about this a little easier. :)

Edit: Bummer that my local best buy doesnt have it, one of them sold theirs 1 week ago. Its not on their website anymore either. :(

So, what else could I use for a cheap, but good size tower for liquid cooling?

[[cTxP]Riggs]

How about the Coolermaster Cosmos 1000? It looks like its got room for a 240 rad on the top? And for that Rad, can I just get the one with the included res inside of the radiator? Or is that not a good choice.

[Logos4]

I like this thread; very typical of XS :up: OP was fancying a TT with shiny ready kit, and XSers are coming to the rescue to show the right way. I was going to join the troupes here; but sounds Riggs was already convinced ;)
Lian-Li cases are probably easier to watercool than others, but I saw some brilliant builds recently in the WC gallery with a Cosmos S. That's your choice Riggs ;)

[IanY]

I would suggest that you look at a Lian Li PC-G70B. It may be a bit bland to you, and it may be quite old school and therefore a little boring. However, its a very versatile case and quite capacious. Its also one of the cheapest full sized Lian Li cases, besides the Rocketfish.

[[cTxP]Riggs]

Yes, I've had a change of heart thanks to you guys. It was so tempting to see a Liquid Cooling like that and jump on the TT bandwagon lol. I dont even want to know what would've happend to me if I would've bought that.

[[cTxP]Riggs]

I would suggest that you look at a Lian Li PC-G70B. It may be a bit bland to you, and it may be quite old school and therefore a little boring. However, its a very versatile case and quite capacious. Its also one of the cheapest full sized Lian Li cases, besides the Rocketfish.

Its kinda a bummer, that if I wanted to add a Triple Rad mount onto it, it would cost 150$. :S

A MM is starting to look nice for a lc setup. Would a Twice7 have enough room for a 240 Rad?

[IanY]

You do know that a hole saw and a mandrel cost... about $25 max? That assumes you already have an electric drill.

Forget MM for now. MM is not for the budget constrained.

[RealRedRaider]

MM is the ULTIMATE case for WATERCOOLING....... :up:

[[cTxP]Riggs]

You do know that a hole saw and a mandrel cost... about $25 max? That assumes you already have an electric drill.

Forget MM for now. MM is not for the budget constrained.

I'll talk to my dad and see if he can do it at work. Are there any other Lian Li's that can fit a dual or triple rad on the top? With or without modding, doesnt matter. I dont know if I really like the look of that case.

MM is the ULTIMATE case for WATERCOOLING....... :up:

Somehow I knew you would be the one to say that! :rofl::ROTF:

[Eddie3dfx]

I'll talk to my dad and see if he can do it at work. Are there any other Lian Li's that can fit a dual or triple rad on the top? With or without modding, doesnt matter. I dont know if I really like the look of that case.



Somehow I knew you would be the one to say that! :rofl::ROTF:

Yes, tagan black pearl (it's a lian li v2000 + watercooling grill, fan controller, side window, grommets, etc)
Mcr220 mounts perfectly


http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=68149&stc=1&d=1196631293

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=68153&stc=1&d=1196631352

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=68154&stc=1&d=1196631352

[[cTxP]Riggs]

I think I'm going to get that case, my mom loves it too! :) Alright, so, my birthday is coming up this saturday, we're going to order that case for it. So, the cheap water cooling kit is now not cheap, as I will be paying for it. Budget for just the LCS= ~250-300$ Can you guys throw me together the best stuff for that much?

I was thinking this pump (http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=201&products_id=22020), which is 1000lph, could that power through a cpu, northbridge setup?

[[cTxP]Riggs]

How cramped would it be if I just used my current case, the CM690, and got this kit (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835108076&Tpk=apex%2bgt)? Then I could afford GPU blocks as well.

[gabe]

Problem is that kit you posted has no room to grow. Without modification, P180 is too cramped for decent WC. You would be stuck with a single 120 rad, even if you wanted to WC a graphics card later, etc.


I installed a dual rad at the back of my home system, using a Radbox, so there is room to grow in that system if you are willing to keep the PC a few more inches away from the wall. I use a QX6600 @3.5, and two stealth-cooled 8800 GTX's.

[[cTxP]Riggs]

Hey gabe, how is the original Apogee performance compared to the Apogee GT?

[Chewbenator]

Almost all ATX Lian Lis can fit a dual rad under the top. I think someone here just put a 4x rad on top of PC-70

Hell my A05 has enough room for a 3x on the bottom and a 2x up top.

[Eddie3dfx]

How cramped would it be if I just used my current case, the CM690, and got this kit (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835108076&Tpk=apex%2bgt)? Then I could afford GPU blocks as well.

Thats a nice kit.

Your coolermaster case is just fine if you want to watercool.
Pickup a swiftech radbox and mount the radiator in the back.

[[cTxP]Riggs]

Yup it comes with a radbox too!

[[cTxP]Riggs]

Call me dumb, but I went against your guys recommendations. I got the coolit eliminator, and I actually dont know why you guys hate these so much! :O


http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc288/hochwasserhose/nicetempswithcoolit.jpg

Ambient temps- 26c

Old temps with stock cooler- 45c

Not planning on quad so I dont really need the spew on how they cant handle them...

I'm just happy I got it in time for my birthday.

[errorhead]

Sure, they work with a stock 65W dual core cpu...

[barfastic]

Don't get thermaltake cases.
They are heavy, sharp, and dangerous to work with.


ive shredded my fingers trying to build 3 systems for my brother (non liquid cooled) using thermaltake cases.

[Utnorris]

I thought that too, but I'm a noob on this stuff, and just don't know what parts to pick out, I already looked at the FAQ guide thing, but could I get some help on what you guys think the best parts would be? I'm hoping to do a loop of the E7200 and 2x 3850's, but the 3850's already have a nice cooler on them (IceQ3). I already have those little liquid holes in the back of the case, but are ext rads and pumps better? Thanks for the help already!

It doesn't seem like I've got alot of room inside my case. Would this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835108100) be a good solution, for a cheap kit, for my CPU? Reason being, my temps are at 60 after 15 minutes of orthos at a 3.2 GHz oc, although I don't know why none of my games like crysis report the temps going that high, and I'm playing it on high settings lol.


I had the CM690 and used the Swiftech H120 compact to cool my E6750 which was overclocked to 3.6Ghz @ 1.47v. It did great and I was able to keep everything internal.

Utnorris

[scottc19]

Watercooling with no overclocking... I'm lost... oh wait thats basically how I started out too :P

[[cTxP]Riggs]

Sure, they work with a stock 65W dual core cpu...

lol, k

http://www.motherboards.org/reviews/hardware/1784_1.html

[errorhead]

well, I have had both the eliminator and the freezone. Their are ok, but not some sort of a miracle. Noisy are they too, without some sort of modding. But if it works for you that is all that matters :) crank it up and show us some load temps..

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/picture.php?albumid=92&pictureid=210

[[cTxP]Riggs]

I will when I get back home, didn't have time to check at home much, but I was running wprime for 5 min, and load temps didn't go above 26 with it at medium. Noise is acceptable, alot quieter than my old cooler.

[aspire.comptech]

Damn, and a guy I know on another forum is selling a ABS Black Pearl for 130 shipped with a free x1900xtx...

And yes, he is legit, bought from him many times before...

Sadly it looks like I wasn't in time...

PM me for a link if anyone is interested.

Looking back at that link to a review of the eliminator.

They say that the e8500's stock speed is 2.5ghz... Which is wrong and makes the eliminator look way better than it should. 2.5 to 4.4 is amazing. Reality is 3.16 to 4.4 isn't.