Upgrading built-in Tai Chi for LGA 1156

[demon0]

I have a Tt Tai Chi case, which came with a complete built-in WC loop (rad, pump, waterblock for CPU). I used the setup to clock my Pentium D 805 from 2.66 to 3.8 and was pretty happy with the temperatures. I do feel like the pump may be a little lacking compared to a DIY loop, but it seems good enough.

My problem is that the Tai Chi setup's water block and included H-plates don't work with the LGA 1156 which I am going to upgrade soon (to a Core i5 750). It seems like their support in general for the Tai Chi has all but vanished.

One obvious option would be to simply get a new water block. I was looking at the Danger Den MPC-CPU block because it's only $42.95. It has fittings appropriate with my current setup, so it should be as simple as dropping it in the loop and being done with it.

My question is this... should I go that route -- getting a new cheap water block like the MPC-CPU, or while I'm at it should I try spending a bit more? For example, I could get a quality air-cooling solution like the Megahalem w/ push-pull or Noctua NH-D14 and completely forget about the water cooling? Or I could get a better water block like the Swiftech Apogee XT?

Thanks in advance for any input,
demon0

[Boogerlad]

no. TT watercooling is garbage. The pentium d makes a fraction of the heat compared to an i5, especially once overclocked. Just stick with air.

[Utnorris]

If you are going to stick with water cooling, then you should change from the TT to a more well established setup like the Swiftech or Danger Den.

[demon0]

Yes, I am well aware that TT is garbage when it comes to water cooling products. And I think it is over my budget to construct a whole new quality water cooling loop. I guess that leads me to air cooling. I think I'll browse around this forum to see what kind of luck people have had with air cooling my processor.

Thanks to both of you for the input.

[millertime359]

It looks like that case might have some potential. I don't know what your budget is, but you might be able to make it work. It looks like a Swiftech MCR220-QP can fit where the rad is at no problem. For a Core I5 CPU only loop, that should be fine. You might even be able to do a mod and install 2 MCR220-QPs on that door. If you take some measurements and are not afaird to mod, A MCR320-QP could possibly fit on the floor, or in the front drive bays. You would need to measure for that.

For your rads, a MCR220-QP is $40 and a MCR320-QP is $50: http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/swqupora.html

Your pump is around $50 for a Swiftech MCP350 (http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=59_201&products_id=2539) That is a nice pump. It will have plenty of flow. The MCP355 is about $15 and is better, but if you don't have the money, don't worry about it. This res top (http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/xsacreforlad.html) is nice as it combines a pump top and res in one neat like package. $35 for that.

You already know about the CPU blocks. I would recommend the Swiftech as it is the best performing out atm. The Danger Den is old technology, but if it is more pleasing for the wallet, go for it. :)

I like PrimoChill PRO LRT (http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=59_413_292) for tubing. You are looking at about $2 a ft for that, but PVC tubing (http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/othertubing.html) works great too and that is only about $1 a ft. 10 Ft is a good round number, so $10-$20 there.

Barbs is the cheapest fitting and some things include them, but say about $2 a piece, so about $12 for 6 of them. Enough for a CPU rad, and pump/res.

Yate Loons (http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=36_49&products_id=22033) are some cheap fans at about $7 a fan. I like Gentle Typhoons, but those are more expensive. at $15-$19 a fan. S-flexs are nice too at $14 a fan: http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/120mmfans.html

So you are looking at about $200 for a CPU only loop. A really nice air cooler is about $100 dollars with fans.

[faster3200]

Your pump is around $50 for a Swiftech MCP350 (http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=59_201&products_id=2539) That is a nice pump. It will have plenty of flow. The MCP355 is about $15 and is better, but if you don't have the money, don't worry about it.

Or you could mod the 350 and save $15.

Pretty solid advice.

[demon0]

Wow thanks for the extensive reply. That gives me everything I need to start pricing out and considering a much better water cooling solution. It's good to hear that some quality rads can fit with the case I have. Definitely something I will have to think about.

[millertime359]

Wow thanks for the extensive reply. That gives me everything I need to start pricing out and considering a much better water cooling solution. It's good to hear that some quality rads can fit with the case I have. Definitely something I will have to think about.

Yep, that will be a solid build. I knew you were going to get attacked for wanting to try to reuse some of your old TT, its not worth it, but you can still get a nice solid custom setup for a fair price.

Faster brought up a good point, a little solder will have that MCP350 modded to a MCP355. If you want to do it, just do a forum search and you will find the post on it.

Your better off getting a MCR320 for your CPU, but if you don't want to mod the case, then the MCR220 will still offer you some fair temps. If you want to add GPUs is where it will get a little tricky and cost a bit more as the MCR220 will only work at stock speeds with a GPU hooked up.

Think things over, develop a budget, goals of what you want to have watercooled, take some measure measurements, and read through the forums a bit. :)

[Waterlogged]

Or you could mod the 350 and save $15.

Pretty solid advice.

This is what I normally do but it seems that P-PC's is getting mixed 350 shipments from Swiftech. I ordered 1 on 11-27-09 and got the old PCB that you can do the mod on but Burninator ordered before I did and got a different PCB model 350 (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=4108625&postcount=9). I'm still not sure if the mod can be done to the newer model yet. I need to find some time so I can chat with someone @ P-PC's to see if I can make certain I get one of those new ones when I order again so I can play around with it.