n00b title: Final Questions for System Being Built

[Quanticles]

I'm putting together a system (my first) and the hardest part to figure out seems to be cooling. Right now I'm planning on using...

Lian-Li v1000
DFI SLI
Swifttech H20-220 (Rev 2)

Ive been doing a lot of research online and on these threads, I was hoping you guys could help me figure out my last few questions.


1. Is it better to buy a kit or to buy the parts seperately?

2. I've seen a few posts saying the MCP650 is noisier than the aquaextreme z50. Do I have to worry about the pump with this kit, or is it "noisier" but still quiet?

3. Do I need a fan controller to keep this thing quiet? Can the DFI board do this for me? It'd need to control four 120mm fans...

4. How important is a flow indicator? It would suck for the pump to shut off or something and to fry the system.

5. I'm going to get a GPU waterblock (need to figure out what one to get for a 6800 yet), but do I need a chipset waterblock? It looks like if i get the swiftech chipset block it would get in the way of the video card...

6. Has anyone tried to cut the 2mm aluminum for that lian li case? I'd prefer to mount the radiator and fans inside the case if I can figure out how.

7. Would two radiators work better than one big one? It might be easier to fit two...


I think I have more questions but my brain is fried. When I put the system together I'll make sure to post it on the forum. The DFI board is backordered, just figuring out the last bits.

[MaxxxRacer]

1. Buy the parts seperatly. Its cheaper (usually) and you will get better perofrmance.

2. Some people say its relatively quiet, and others constantly complain about the noise. It is a very subjective thign. If your used to the fan noise of air cooling it should be a problem.

3.DO not under any circumstnaces power 120mm fans with the motherboard. It equals certain death for it. I most certianly suggest a fan controller. The sunbeam is the best one i know of. It is not like the nexxus fan controllers that use pwms... (PWM's use a funky way to control the voltage that is not the best for fans and alot of times can cause unwanted fan noise)

4. A flow indicator is not needed. You will be able to hear the pump running... if you want, run mbm5 or have your motherboard set to shut down the system at its lowest temp. for me i have my nf7-s set to autoshutdown when it reaches 50C on the cpu.

5. There are a few chipset blocks, but they are NOT needed. the nf4 can do up to 450mhz (record is like 500 i think) on stock cooling. dont bother with aftermarket cooling on it. I know it gets very hot but it is designed to.

Get the maze4 gpu (brass or derlin top, not the aluminum) or the silverprop fusion HL for the gpu. Do Not get the custom built 6800blocks as they are incredibly heavy and dont cool as well. They are also over 2x the cost of a maze4 or a fusion HL

6. The aluminum is easy to cut. you can do it with nibblers or with a dremel. In general aluminum is a very easy to cut metal. Which lian li do you have?

7. Two radiators would deffinetly not work better. first off they are not as effecient as one larger one, and they are also more restrictive due to the extra fittings and tubing involved in having two radiators

[Quanticles]

Thanks for the fast response. =)

I'm planning on getting the Lian Li v1000. It has a lot of good reviews and I like how the mobo is upsidedown ("Think Different"). Is it possible to buy a 12cm powerdrill bit and use that?

I guess I need to research a few more things for what radiator (twin 120) and CPU waterblock to get (I was only looking at kits before). It's better to run the entire system with 1/2" ID tubing, right?

Is there anything useful to have beyond the radiator, waterblocks, reservoir, and tubing, especially for filling/draining?

To save time, are there any obvious recommendations for the following:
CPU Waterblock
Radiator (2x120mm)
Reservoir
Tubing
Coolant

Sorry I didnt look harder before asking

[bacon]

Thanks for the fast response. =)

To save time, are there any obvious recommendations for the following:
CPU Waterblock
Radiator (2x120mm)
Reservoir
Tubing
Coolant

Sorry I didnt look harder before asking

6002
dual heatercore
Tline
tygon/clearflex 1/2"
zerex
AQX 50z pump

for cutting a 120mm hole, use a 114mm holesaw and appropiate arbor, my holes came out very well using a hole saw

[MaxxxRacer]

agreed with bacon but i would use a reservoir sitting right next to the pump.

I would have the radiator at the top of hte case. there should be plenty of room up there for you to put a dual heatercore or other dual rad if you like.

plumb it like this. pump>cpu>gpu>rad>res... usually i say different but the way you would have it this would lead to the shortest plumbing.. just have the pump right next the the cpu....

[Quanticles]

I'm numbering my questions again...

A - What about using the L35? Is there anything I should be aware with that (noise, reliability, connectivity, coolant)? I'd need to get adaptors...

B - Is there any problems with using an "AC Relay Switch" like the AC-RELAY-01? I ask because it seems cheaper to get the L35 w/ the relay switch than to get the 50z.

C - If I did that I'd want to go w/ the DD TDX, correct?

D - Running at this pressure I'd need to get clamps for all of the connections, right?

E - With a T Line are you suppose to cap the end somehow or just be extremely careful to never tip the case on its side? (Or are water cooled rigs very fragile in general?)

F - Zerex is made for cars... will that screw up an aquarium pump?

[idleuser]

A - You will modify your L35 for it not to leak>
B - Just get a 12v pump with high head they will beat almost any 120v->220v pumps out there with the exception of some Johnson pumps and Iwaki
C - Go with the DD TDX for easier tubing or go with the TDX
D - You should ALWAYS secure the hoses with clamps and teflon tape around the barb fittings
E - I would never tip it on the side while the computer is being turned on.
F - Zerex is made for cars but can be used for pumps. Go to you local pepboys and pick up a 14.5fl oz for 2.49 cents (same stuff as dangerden)

[koei]

L35 is a decent pump, but the intake cap seems kinda flimsy so best to take some teflon tape and some pipe sealing compound or silicone and seal it. The pump is very quite, I am using it as a secondary pump in my loop and no problems so far. I also have the relay kit and it works perfectly, took me 2 minutes to install.

You are probably better off just getting a 12V pump tho since it requires nothing more than plugging it.

Zerex is more or less an alternative anti-freeze. It's not as thick as the tyipcal anti-freeze and you can create mixtures with difference portions of water to get different freezing points. I am using the Formula1 version of the stuff and water chiller, and it works well. Definately freezes far below 0.

[Craig]

Stay with the 50Z, it's higher head rate (pressure) is a real advantage over the Hydor.

If pump is on case's floor I'd suggest.

pump->CPU->GPU->Rad->Res->pump

Always keep the line routing as straight & short as possible. KISS

[MaxxxRacer]

I would stay away from the L35.. I need to change my pumps thread. Apparently it has reliability issues that I was not aware of at the time of writing. Its a good value but the quality is not the greatest.

[Quanticles]

After many hours (literally) of research, thought, sweat, pain... i bring you rev3 of my cooling system.

<table border=1 cellpadding=3><tr><td><b>Item</b></td><td><b>Choice</b></td><td><b>Price</b></td><td><b>Store</b></td></tr><tr><td>Pump</td><td>z50</td><td>$79.00</td><td>Cooltechnica</td></tr><tr><td>Radiator</td><td>Dual 120mm Heater Core</td><td>$35.00</td><td>Danger Den</td></tr><tr><td>Shroud</td><td>Dual 120mm Heater Core Shroud</td><td>$14.00</td><td>Danger Den</td></tr><tr><td>Tubing</td><td>ClearFlex - 12 feet</td><td>$12.00</td><td>Cooltechnica</td></tr><tr><td>CPU Block</td><td>MCW6002-64</td><td>$45.00</td><td>CrazyPC</td></tr><tr><td>GPU Block</td><td>Danger Den BrassMAZE4</td><td>$50.00</td><td>Danger Den</td></tr><tr><td>120 mm Fans</td><td>2x 120x38mm Panaflo</td><td>$31.00</td><td>FrozenCPU</td></tr><tr><td>Clamps</td><td>Plumbing clamps</td><td>?</td><td>Hardware Store</td></tr><tr><td>Teflon Tape</td><td>Teflon Tape</td><td>?</td><td>Hardware Store</td></tr><tr><td>Thermal Paste</td><td>Arctic Silver 5 - 3.5g</td><td>$7.50</td><td>Cooltechnica</td></tr><tr><td>T-Line</td><td>Plain T-Line</td><td>$1.00</td><td>Cooltechnica</td></tr><tr><td>Fan Controller</td><td>Sunbeam</td><td>$30.00</td><td>FrozenCPU</td></tr><tr><td>Coolant</td><td>Zerex</td><td>?</td><td>Car Store</td></tr></table>

I'm going to have an open 5 1/2" bay, is it really not worth getting a reservoir?

Shipping's going to suck, but many of these things were sold out at all but once place. If anyone knows a good way to save cost... or another store that i dont know about, that'd be cool. We're already running $300+

For the CPU block, the picture CrazyPC has doesnt show the mounting screws and springs. Does anyone know anything about that? They're the only one not sold out of this block, and maybe that's why.

Please consider all answers carefully =)

-----

EDIT - My apologies for the table. For some reason it worked when I posted it (even though it shouldnt have). "HTML code is Off" - Dont allow those tables!

[EnJoY]

FrozenCPU's prices are so ridiculous. Shame on them for their price gouging.

[idleuser]

wow dude you can get those panaflo here http://www.inflowdirect.com/pan12x38casf.html you can pick up zerex at your local pepboy store for 2.49 for a 14.5fl oz, teflon tape is about 69 cents here for a little roll but it's enough to use over and over just for barb fittings as for hardware and tubing get it at your local hardware store... I paid 12 bucks for 20ft of tubing, 8 clamps, zerex, and all the other misc hardware.

[Quanticles]

Good call on the fans.

I missed putting one other question. Do I have to get memory heatsinks for the video card now that i'm running the water block? A couple stores mentioned it, but I didnt know if it was necessary.

[The Mofo]

I cannot believe DD wants $50 for that little GPU cooler. Absolutely insane.

[MaxxxRacer]

Yah dont buy from frozen cpu unles you have to.. they price gouge like crazy... i only got my res from them because DD Was out and i wanted to setup my system quickly.

I dont suggest the DD shroud.. it basicly does very little of what a shroud should do. it seals it up ok, but since it is so low it cuases extra noise that you dont want.. you would be better off getting a weapon/malph shroud for the DD core... the DD core is a 2-199...

[idleuser]

I would get ramsinks :) if you could, get the vantec iceberq i'm currently running those on my computer they cost 10 bucks and shipping should be 3-5 dollar... they're really nice and high quality i'm currently using it to cool my 6800nu.

http://www.case-mod.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=822

btw, the mofo it cost that much because it's a full brasstop you can get it for cheaper for a few bucks but ofcourse the brass is alot more worth it imo.

[tinker77]

It looks good, except for the hit on the wallet...ouch.

[MaxxxRacer]

yah but you pay for quality... storm g5=210 smackers...

[voigts]

Order your clearflex 60 from Mcmaster.com . You can buy twice as much feet of 1/8" wall for what you would pay at Cooltechnica. The stuff they sell is probably only 1/16" wall. The thicker wall bends a lot better with far less kinking.

http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=370037

[Quanticles]

Order your clearflex 60 from Mcmaster.com . You can buy twice as much feet of 1/8" wall for what you would pay at Cooltechnica. The stuff they sell is probably only 1/16" wall. The thicker wall bends a lot better with far less kinking.
The stuff from cooltechnica is $1.00/foot and is 1/8th inch walls, 1/2 inch ID.

http://www.cooltechnica.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Category_Code=Tube&Screen=PROD&Product_Code=CF60


Yah dont buy from frozen cpu unles you have to.. they price gouge like crazy... i only got my res from them because DD Was out and i wanted to setup my system quickly.

I dont suggest the DD shroud.. it basicly does very little of what a shroud should do. it seals it up ok, but since it is so low it cuases extra noise that you dont want.. you would be better off getting a weapon/malph shroud for the DD core... the DD core is a 2-199...
The prices on these items were all the lowest I could find, unfortunately. I'm also trying to order from as few places as possible to save on shipping.

How do I go about getting a shroud from Weapon, do I just PM him? Any idea how much that would cost?



It looks good, except for the hit on the wallet...ouch.
Everything is relative. If I'm going to drop $500 for a graphics card, I might as well spend less than that to make the system perform well. Besides, it should be fun. ;)


<hr>


Has anyone ordered that 6002-64 from CrazyPC before? I'm still worried it's not going to come with the mounting screws/springs.

Anyone know where to get that Sunbeam cheaper? FrozenCPU was actually the cheapest place I found... lol. To be honest, I think CrazyPC is more expensive than they are.

If everything goes right, I should be ordering tonight or tomorrow. :D

[voigts]

Quanticles, the same size is .68 at mcmaster. Read the link.

[MaxxxRacer]

just send a pm to weapon. ill pm you with the pricing on the shroud. its more expensive but the quality is just absolutely amazing. i was stunned when i got mine.

I know there is a better place to get the sunbeam than frozen. lots of places sell it.

[Quanticles]

Quanticles, the same size is .68 at mcmaster. Read the link.

I was trying to say that it might be cheaper to go with cooltechnica becase I'm ordering other things from them so I'd save money on shipping.

[Quanticles]

For anyone interested in how this project turned out... this is the finished product.

I'll post some better (non-cropped, higher quality) images in the systems thread once I get some hosting set up.


Current Stable System:

3500+ Winchester @ 10x 280
Corsair TwinX DDR550 @ 2.5 4 4 8
6800 GT @ 445/1022
DFI NF4 SLI
Raptor 74 GB
Seagate 200GB
Audigy 2 ZS
OCZ 520W
Klipsch 5.1 Ultra


Plz dont make fun of my memory timings yet, I havent had a chance to play with them (and I need to update the bios).

Overall, I think it turned out pretty well. :woot:

[MaxxxRacer]

looks good man....