Watercooling system decision help. [Archive]

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pchangover

07-18-2006, 09:01 PM

Ok, I need some of your opinions on my parts selection for my new build. This will be a full blown, wallet crushing, killer comp! This expense is going to be part of my college loan, so I am not going to worry about it too much, lets just say I am not paying much for college. :)

Ok, now to the good stuff. I want this comp to be full of killer hardware and killer cooling, it doesn't matter if its expensive, as long as it isn't ridiculously expensive and not that much of an upgrade, I want to spend money, but not waste it. :banana:

Here is my current build config:
CPU:
Intel Conroe E6600 - ($369.68) already preordered from tankguys
Motherboard:
Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3 - $153.99 (ZZF)
Memory:
CORSAIR XMS2 2GB TWIN2X2048-6400C4 - $250.00 (ZZF)
Case:
GIGABYTE 3D AURORA GZ-FSCA1-ATB Black - $134.99 (Newegg) - Already Ordered
PSU:
Mushkin 550100 ATX12V 650W Power Supply - $214.99 (Newegg - $40 rebate)
Video:
POWERCOLOR 1900XT512MB Radeon X1900XT - $376.40 (Newegg - $30 MIR)
Monitor:
Dell 2407 FPW - $745.39 (Dell - more possible coupons)
Sound:
SENNHEISER HD580 - $154.99 (ZZF) - Already Ordered
Creative X-Fi Xtreme Music -$81.99 - (Newegg) Already Ordered
Hard-Drive:
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000KS 500GB x 2 = $429.60 (ZZF)

I am keeping my raptor from my current rig

Misc:
ATI TV Wonder Elite - $96.99 - (ZZF - $20 REBATE) - Already Ordered
Sony DDU1615/B2S 16X IDE DVD-ROM - $25.49 (ZZF)
SONY 16X DVD±R, 5X DVD-RAM Write DVD Burner - $60.45 (ZZF)
LOGISYS Computer SS101 Security Screws Kit - $9.48 (Newegg)
Canon PIXMA MP500 Photo All-In-One Printer - $164.99 (ZZF)
Logitech 980240-0403 Black 3.5mm Connector Desktop Microphone - $14.98 (Newegg)
Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 Speaker - $137.79 (BestBuy pickup)
Windows XP Professional - $139.99 (ZZF)

Hardware total: $3562.18
Rebate total: $90.00
Hardware total less rebates: $3472.18
Hardware money spent so far: $838.64
Remaining: $2723.54

Cooling:
Swiftech Storm Universal Waterblock Rev 2 - $83.74 (Jab-Tech)
DD - Tyee X1900 Waterblock - (DD) +
Thermochill PA120.2 - (DD) +
Thermochill Neoprene gasket - (DD) +
Plastic Snap Tubing Clamps - (DD) +
DVD Instructions - (DD) - 0.99 lol +
Polypropylene "T" - (DD) +
Dangerden D5 - (DD) +
Dangerden Delrin Fillport - (DD) +
7/16" ID (5/8" OD) Masterkleer Tubing - (DD) +
+ = Danger Den total with coupon - $307.24
YATE LOON 120mm Case Fan - D12SL-12 x 2 = $16.37 (Jab-Tech)
Coolsleeves - Blue 40" - For 1/2" OD tubing - $2.95 x 5 = $26.90 (Performance-PCs)
Black 5-1/4" PWM Control Kit - $30.95 (Jab-Tech)
2 x Pentosin G11 & some sweet "gel-stuff" thing - $17.02 (Petratechshop)
RadGrillz™ Stripes 2x120 Aluminum Black - $26.10 (Performance-PCs)
HoseCutter- $10 (Performance-PCs)

Cooling total: $501.95

Grand Total: $4064.13
Grand Total less rebates: $3974.13
Grand remaining: $3225.49

Now what are your guys opinions on this stuff? :stick:

This will not only be my question thread, but also my build thread. I want you guys to put the XS touch on my comp! Thanks again guys/gals!

:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

Dtess17

07-18-2006, 09:09 PM

pchangover

07-18-2006, 09:13 PM

A. Nice looking rig.
B. No need to spend that much on water cooling. You can do more for cheaper.
C. Lots of swiftech parts there, why not just get a H20 Premium or Apex Ultra for almost half the price you had listed...with all the parts and then some.
D. :banana:

ps. I know some people love newegg and all, i used too aswell, but you can find alot of that cheaper at monarch and ZZF...

Thanks! I looked at some of the kits, but the better ones only include dual rads, which wouldn't fit in my case, I think. I agree with the newegg comment, they are starting to charge a little more and aren't as great as they used to be. However, ZZF has a terrible design and is hard to navigate, as well as their customer service isn't as great in my experience. Monarch is a great company and is only getting better. I compared most of my items on my list and newegg was the cheapest.. unfortunately.

septim

07-18-2006, 11:32 PM

Cooling:
Swiftech Storm Universal Waterblock Rev 2 - $74.95 (Jab-Tech)
Swiftech MCW60 VGA cooler - $59.95 x 2 = 119.90 (Jab-Tech)
Good choices

Swiftech MCW30 Chipset cooler - $29.95 (Jab-Tech)
Black Ice GT Stealth 120 - Xflow - Black - $42.50 (Jab-Tech)
north bridge cooler, if you have spare cash around, else shave $30 for bigger better radiator
Black Ice Pro/ extreme or the PA120.2 by thermochill

Swiftech MCP655™ 12 VDC Pump - $79.95 (Jab-Tech)
or the ddc 18w pump with plexitop $105+++

Dangerden Fillport - Black - $11.95 (Jab-Tech)
black delrin fillport, you may have to wait a few cause these just came out of Danger Den

ClearFLEX 60 Tubing 1/2" ID / 5/8" OD - $0.85 x 15 = $12.75 (Jab-Tech)
you may also use masterkleer 7/16ID 5/8OD tubing
better than clearflex and cheaper than tygon reasoning
also it would fit 1/2 barbs more snuggly

RED LINE WaterWetter - 4oz Bottle - $3.50 (Jab-Tech)
also recommended pentosin or xerex coolant, depending on your color preference

Coolsleeves - Blue 40" - For 1/2" OD tubing - $2.95 x 5 = $14.75 (Jab-Tech)
120mm Panaflo fan H1BX - $13.95 x 2 = $27.90 (Jab-Tech)
92mm Panaflo U1A - $8.95 (Jab-Tech)
Black 5-1/4" PWM Control Kit - $21.95 (Jab-Tech)

go with 120mm yate loons silent at 12v veryvery silent at 7v

for other stores check out petra's tech shop, there are some ready kits available, recommended by the people here in liquid cooling.
http://www.petrastechshop.com/wacoki.html

Dtess17

07-19-2006, 07:37 AM

Thanks! I looked at some of the kits, but the better ones only include dual rads, which wouldn't fit in my case, I think. I agree with the newegg comment, they are starting to charge a little more and aren't as great as they used to be. However, ZZF has a terrible design and is hard to navigate, as well as their customer service isn't as great in my experience. Monarch is a great company and is only getting better. I compared most of my items on my list and newegg was the cheapest.. unfortunately.

If you don't mind a rather small mod to your case you can get a kit with a dual 120mm rad. the swiftech apex ultra comes with a radbox that lets you hang it off the rear of your case, all you have to do is drill two small holes.
that way the inside of your case stays clean and the rad benefits from the cooler outside air. Just a thought, it's what i decided on,

also as for newegg vs other shops.

although ZZF is a friggin pain to find stuff on if you go through the whole process of getting something like inluding shipping then it ends up being far cheaper.

eg. i bought a CM stacker 810 from ZZF. total price 165.00 w/ free 2 day fedex. on newegg to get that case with the same shipping got close to 200.

very similar situation with the 4 hard drives i just bought.

I'm not trying to get you away from Newegg, but i've just seen a hell of a lot better deals other places recently, and there is no reason to spend more than you have to.

pchangover

07-19-2006, 10:51 AM

Cooling:
Swiftech Storm Universal Waterblock Rev 2 - $74.95 (Jab-Tech)
Swiftech MCW60 VGA cooler - $59.95 x 2 = 119.90 (Jab-Tech)
Good choices

Awesome, glad you agree!

Swiftech MCW30 Chipset cooler - $29.95 (Jab-Tech)
Black Ice GT Stealth 120 - Xflow - Black - $42.50 (Jab-Tech)
north bridge cooler, if you have spare cash around, else shave $30 for bigger better radiator
Black Ice Pro/ extreme or the PA120.2 by thermochill

Swiftech MCP655™ 12 VDC Pump - $79.95 (Jab-Tech)
or the ddc 18w pump with plexitop $105+++

Money isn't really an issue, do you think the chipset cooler is worthwhile, or no? OKay, I will get a better radiator. The DDC pump, I haven't seen it yet, is it worth the premium over the 655?

Dangerden Fillport - Black - $11.95 (Jab-Tech)
black delrin fillport, you may have to wait a few cause these just came out of Danger Den

ClearFLEX 60 Tubing 1/2" ID / 5/8" OD - $0.85 x 15 = $12.75 (Jab-Tech)
you may also use masterkleer 7/16ID 5/8OD tubing
better than clearflex and cheaper than tygon reasoning
also it would fit 1/2 barbs more snuggly

I have heard so much about this tubing that I think I will change to masterkleer.

RED LINE WaterWetter - 4oz Bottle - $3.50 (Jab-Tech)
also recommended pentosin or xerex coolant, depending on your color preference

Ok, I just randomly picked one. Last time I did a watercooling setup I used zerex, it wasn't too bad, but didn't really know the difference.

go with 120mm yate loons silent at 12v veryvery silent at 7v

Is the Yate Loon as good as the panaflo? I have heard nothing but fantastic stuff for the panaflo, and not much about the Yate Loon.

for other stores check out petra's tech shop, there are some ready kits available, recommended by the people here in liquid cooling.
http://www.petrastechshop.com/wacoki.html

Alright, will do. Thanks!

If you don't mind a rather small mod to your case you can get a kit with a dual 120mm rad. the swiftech apex ultra comes with a radbox that lets you hang it off the rear of your case, all you have to do is drill two small holes.
that way the inside of your case stays clean and the rad benefits from the cooler outside air. Just a thought, it's what i decided on,

That would be sweet, however, I will be moving my computer a lot back and forth from school, so I will need it to be "secure." I don't want a rad sticking out the back that can get knocked around during travel. Too bad my comp won't stay still, otherwise I would go with a stacker and a quad rad! :eek:

septim

07-19-2006, 05:15 PM

Quad Rad a Stacker would be overkilling the flow...

Dtess suggestion of mounting it out back is nice. you could even add your own
support mounting brackets besides the radbox to make it stronger for transporting.

SiGfever

07-19-2006, 05:27 PM

Quote:

"Cooling:
Swiftech Storm Universal Waterblock Rev 2 - $74.95 (Jab-Tech)
Swiftech MCW60 VGA cooler - $59.95 x 2 = 119.90 (Jab-Tech)
Swiftech MCW30 Chipset cooler - $29.95 (Jab-Tech)
Black Ice GT Stealth 120 - Xflow - Black - $42.50 (Jab-Tech)
Swiftech MCP655™ 12 VDC Pump - $79.95 (Jab-Tech)
Dangerden Fillport - Black - $11.95 (Jab-Tech)
ClearFLEX 60 Tubing 1/2" ID / 5/8" OD - $0.85 x 15 = $12.75 (Jab-Tech)
RED LINE WaterWetter - 4oz Bottle - $3.50 (Jab-Tech)
Coolsleeves - Blue 40" - For 1/2" OD tubing - $2.95 x 5 = $14.75 (Jab-Tech)
120mm Panaflo fan H1BX - $13.95 x 2 = $27.90 (Jab-Tech)
92mm Panaflo U1A - $8.95 (Jab-Tech)
Black 5-1/4" PWM Control Kit - $21.95 (Jab-Tech)"

__________________________________________________ ___________________________________
Personally I would go with a PA120.2 or PA120.3 rad, DDC Ultra Alphacool pump, a Delrin or brass fill-port, 7/16"id tygon R-3603 tubing. JMO

Dtess17

07-19-2006, 07:02 PM

you can mount the rad on the back and still move it around back and forth, it is screwed in to the case...unless you hit with a baseball bat i don't see it going anywhere...

septim

07-19-2006, 08:44 PM

yep yep mount it at the back, cleaner inside...

also a plus, if its a PA120.2, you can bleed it via bleed screw...

CRXican

07-20-2006, 07:28 AM

unfortunate that you have to move around often

the Tsunami blows

Dtess17

07-20-2006, 08:21 AM

even though it might be bigger and such if you haven't bought the case and still want to stay with thermaltake...the armor is a better case. I like the one without the silly side pannel but i guess that is all a matter of taste.

Brodel

07-20-2006, 08:49 AM

Just out of interest, why are you spending so much on video cards when dx10 isn't that far off? Are you cool with upgrading again by then?

pchangover

07-20-2006, 09:00 AM

Well I realize DX10 isn't too far off... so would it be worth while just getting one video card and saving the other $400 for a DX10 card whenever they do end up coming out?

Also on the cases, I listed this in my other general hardware thread. I have it narrowed down to the following cases:

Thermaltake Tsunami:
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16811133132

Thermaltake SOPRANO VB1000BWS:
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16811133145

Lian Li PC-6070Bplus II:
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16811112102

People haven't said much about the PC-6070, though it looks to be the best option for mounting the PA120.2 at the top of the case.

Thanks,
Brody

majestik

07-20-2006, 09:24 AM

\Karting_freak

07-20-2006, 09:24 AM

well, the p5wd2e prem wont work with conroe. only p5wdh will ;)

Dtess17

07-20-2006, 10:11 AM

if you are dead set on those cases get the lian li...

ghent915

07-20-2006, 10:39 AM

To answer your question on the DDC+ pump:
Yes, it is better than the D5. It has higher head pressure (especially when modded w/ the plexi/radiical top), and lower heat dump. Not to mention it's smaller, so easier to place in your case.

I would also second going with the MasterKlear tubing from McMaster-Carr. It's roughly $0.40/ft, and shipping is nice too. I actually prefer it over Tygon, and not just for the price. Also, get 7/16" tubing. It's better...trust me. (Science and facts and whatnot that I can't remember atm as to why...just trust me).

I'm not familiar with your case, so I'll hold verdict on that.

I would save your $$$, and only get 1 vid card atm, so that you can upgrade to a dx10 card if need be. Also, that $400 will go a long ways to other college expenses that you might not foresee right now, or a good dremel tool if you don't have one (get one!).

Yate-Loon fans are quite good. A lot of people swear by them for low-noise systems. I have 2 myself that I'm running on a BIPII rad that are quite nice.

Don't get an X-flow rad. They make tube routing a bastard, and have little/no performance boost.

I'm not sure if the chipset cooler you selected will work with your choice in boards. I'd hold off on that, and wait to let someone else try it out.

Delrin T-Lines (from DD or Petra's) are a good choice, better than aluminum ones IMHO. However, I'm a fan of using a res, just due to personal taste. I like the swiftech Micro-Res.

Since you seem to like blue (the blue coolsleeves), check out Pentosin. It's a blue anti-freeze, that works quite well. I use it, and have never had a problem with little nasties in my loops. Not to mention it's BLOO.

Stupid question, but what is the 92mm fan for?

-Ghent

pchangover

07-20-2006, 07:18 PM

To answer your question on the DDC+ pump:
Yes, it is better than the D5. It has higher head pressure (especially when modded w/ the plexi/radiical top), and lower heat dump. Not to mention it's smaller, so easier to place in your case.

Is it really worth in your opinion an extra $30+? Also, how is the noise level on this pump?

I would also second going with the MasterKlear tubing from McMaster-Carr. It's roughly $0.40/ft, and shipping is nice too. I actually prefer it over Tygon, and not just for the price. Also, get 7/16" tubing. It's better...trust me. (Science and facts and whatnot that I can't remember atm as to why...just trust me).

I decided to go with that tubing earlier, thanks for backing my change up though!

I would save your $$$, and only get 1 vid card atm, so that you can upgrade to a dx10 card if need be. Also, that $400 will go a long ways to other college expenses that you might not foresee right now, or a good dremel tool if you don't have one (get one!).

LOL.. I have a dremel! I have had a dremel since I was like 8! :) I am a modder at heart and have done a few custom cases in my day.. my dremel is my sword! Anyway, I think I agree with you and I will just put that extra money back for a DX10 card. Thanks!

Yate-Loon fans are quite good. A lot of people swear by them for low-noise systems. I have 2 myself that I'm running on a BIPII rad that are quite nice.

I am also going to get Yate-Loons now. They are a lot cheaper than the Papst or Panaflo fans.

Don't get an X-flow rad. They make tube routing a bastard, and have little/no performance boost.

I decided to get a PA120.2 rad.. looks fantastic!

I'm not sure if the chipset cooler you selected will work with your choice in boards. I'd hold off on that, and wait to let someone else try it out.

which Alphacool chipset cooler is this? Because I know it will work,as the german site says it will.. just can't understand german.
http://img385.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc007464xr.jpg

And if so.. where can I buy it?

I found this mosfet cooler that will work on performance pcs:
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=241&products_id=4519

Delrin T-Lines (from DD or Petra's) are a good choice, better than aluminum ones IMHO. However, I'm a fan of using a res, just due to personal taste. I like the swiftech Micro-Res.

What is the difference between the Delrin and the aluminum? Is the Delrin made ENTIRELY out of Delrin??

Since you seem to like blue (the blue coolsleeves), check out Pentosin. It's a blue anti-freeze, that works quite well. I use it, and have never had a problem with little nasties in my loops. Not to mention it's BLOO.

Will do!

Stupid question, but what is the 92mm fan for?

Thats for the side fan of the tsunami.. but I will probably be getting the lian-li, or now the Aurora 3D, since its only an inch taller than the lian-li and has a lot more room.

For the Aurora 3D.. do you think there is enough room to mount the PA120.2 on the INSIDE rear of the case with the 2 120mm exhaust fans?

Thanks!

septim

07-20-2006, 07:40 PM

PA rads is like 1 1/2 rad, it cools better with the right cfm fan as quoted from someone
Color wise it comes rather flat black, (had to repaint mine)

DDC pump is quiet, small, (and a lot stronger?) than the D5, with the right top...
(correct me if i am wrong)

Delrin is prefered for fillport because mixing aluminum and copper is a no no
mixing these two would lead to corrosion of blocks...

for the Aurora 3d, i dont think it would fit inside rear, cause the PA is a little lengthy... it would hit the PSU and your Vid card slot...

sephiroth8748

07-20-2006, 08:09 PM

Have you considered the CM Stacker? Great case IMO http://svc.com/cmstacker-19.html

Dtess17

07-20-2006, 09:05 PM

stacker is another good option, i'm waiting on mine...hopefully within a day or so. Once i get it in i'll try and take some pics and post.

pchangover

07-20-2006, 10:58 PM

Okay, I updated my first post with all the new parts/prices! Now am I ok with what I have with no mixing of aluminum/copper?

septim

07-21-2006, 01:15 AM

BTW guys i think he forgot something to buy...
A stroller... to carry all that heavy pc/watercooling around...:clap:

Cooling:
Swiftech Storm Universal Waterblock Rev 2 - $83.74 (Jab-Tech)
Swiftech MCW60 VGA cooler - $68.74 (Jab-Tech)
Alphacool SNB-I Silver Northbridge (12316) - $36.10 (Voyeurmods)

Thermochill PA120.2 - $112.06 (Jab-Tech)
Good Choices above

Swiftech MCP655™ 12 VDC Pump - $88.74 (Jab-Tech)
DDC+ with plexiTop, since your spending for the Best

Dangerden Delrin Fillport - $18.11 (DD)
Don't forget the Tee
Definitely no mixing of Aluminum and Copper

7/16" ID (5/8" OD) Masterkleer Tubing = $13.02 (DD)
Coolsleeves - Blue 40" - For 1/2" OD tubing - $2.95 x 5 = $26.90
i think this should be the 5/8 OD tubing your buying

YATE LOON 120mm Case Fan - D12SL-12 x 2 = $16.37 (Jab-Tech)
just 2? most here change every fan, including the case fans...

Black 5-1/4" PWM Control Kit - $30.95 (Jab-Tech)
hmm isn't the rheobus cheaper?, maybe even tbalancer would interest you...

2 x Pentosin G11 & some sweet "gel-stuff" thing - $17.02 (Petratechshop)
RadGrillz™ Stripes 2x120 Aluminum Black - $26.10 (Performance-PCs)

HoseCutter- $10 (Performance-PCs)
use a sharp scissor/blade, cheaper...

pchangover

07-21-2006, 09:02 AM

BTW guys i think he forgot something to buy...
A stroller... to carry all that heavy pc/watercooling around...:clap:

Hahah.. I will be able to handle it just fine :) :banana:

Cooling:
Swiftech Storm Universal Waterblock Rev 2 - $83.74 (Jab-Tech)
Swiftech MCW60 VGA cooler - $68.74 (Jab-Tech)
Alphacool SNB-I Silver Northbridge (12316) - $36.10 (Voyeurmods)

Thermochill PA120.2 - $112.06 (Jab-Tech)
Good Choices above
Okay.. so all of these are copper then right? Oh and the thing is I wanted to get this: http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=241&products_id=4519
to cool down the mosfets since I am taking OFF the heatpipe. It says that it is copper and nickel plated. So that will be ok right?

Swiftech MCP655™ 12 VDC Pump - $88.74 (Jab-Tech)
DDC+ with plexiTop, since your spending for the Best

Is this the pump you are talking about?
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=201&products_id=4509

Dangerden Delrin Fillport - $18.11 (DD)
Don't forget the Tee
Definitely no mixing of Aluminum and Copper

Yeah, I will be picking up Tees and worm gears at my local Tractor Supply store.

7/16" ID (5/8" OD) Masterkleer Tubing = $13.02 (DD)
Coolsleeves - Blue 40" - For 1/2" OD tubing - $2.95 x 5 = $26.90
i think this should be the 5/8 OD tubing your buying
Wait? I was told to get 7/16" ID.. why would I want the 5/8"? I think the coolsleeves will easily fit the 7/16" since it is smaller than 1/2"

YATE LOON 120mm Case Fan - D12SL-12 x 2 = $16.37 (Jab-Tech)
just 2? most here change every fan, including the case fans...

Yes I was thinking about getting 5 of them to replace every fan in my case.

Black 5-1/4" PWM Control Kit - $30.95 (Jab-Tech)
hmm isn't the rheobus cheaper?, maybe even tbalancer would interest you...

I like the PWM Control Kit because it also has 2 on/off switches built in for some cathodes. What is the tbalancer?

HoseCutter- $10 (Performance-PCs)
use a sharp scissor/blade, cheaper...
I like to make life easy on myself.. plus I like tools! :)

Thanks,
Brody

EDIT* Updated first post again. People are trying to talk me out of watercooling it.. I need some spiritual guidance here XS! :)

Dtess17

07-21-2006, 11:21 AM

let no one talk you out of watercooling...you will love it.
If fedex comes here sometime before my next birthday i'll be underwater soon too. I can't wait.

pchangover

07-21-2006, 11:48 AM

let no one talk you out of watercooling...you will love it.
If fedex comes here sometime before my next birthday i'll be underwater soon too. I can't wait.

let me know how it goes with that P180.

Dtess17

07-21-2006, 12:47 PM

no i'm gonna be using a stacker 810.

the p180 is being turned into a general use media pc

pchangover

07-22-2006, 06:04 PM

no i'm gonna be using a stacker 810.

the p180 is being turned into a general use media pc

Are you getting that limited edition black stacker? Looks sexy!
Err.. or is the blue the one thats "limited edition?" :slapass:

septim

07-22-2006, 06:51 PM

try searching for mcubed tbalancer
nice controller for your fans with thermal sensors incluced...
(this item is optional)

Regarding coolsleeves sizing, my bad, post 12am z z z

Regarding i like tools, yah me too, had to buy my own dremel online, waiting on the right attachments now...

Regarding the PA120.2 rad out back, i'll be making some Aluminum support bracket myself, added support to insure no accidents...

pchangover

07-30-2006, 06:48 PM

Okay, I updated my parts list.. getting ready to order later this week!

SiGfever

07-30-2006, 06:55 PM