Watercooling an Antec Mini P180

[scook9]

Hi all, first post here.

I am interested in watercooling my system housed in an Antec Mini P180. I am using an Asus Rampage II GENE motherboard with an Intel Core i7 920. My graphics cards are 2x EVGA GTX 275 cards. I think I want to watercool the graphics cards and CPU for sure, and maybe the chipset as well.

My goal is to do this using 3 seperate 120mm radiators as I do not have any intention of hacking up the case (want to be able to revert it to original condition if need be).

My main questions are:
What is a good pump to use?
What would your recommendations for layout be?
What radiators would be recommended?
What is a good waterblock for the chipset?
What is a good waterblock for the graphics cards?
What is a good waterblock for the CPU?

I have never done watercooling before so please forgive any ignorance I may display. I know a reservoir should be used but do not know much more than that (I think it should be at a high point in the system to allow bubbles to leave the coolant?)

Here is what I have found so far:
Radiators (http://www.frozencpu.com/products/7215/ex-rad-129/Feser_XChanger_120mm_Xtreme_Performance_Radiator_-_Thermochill_Killers.html#blank)
Pump (http://www.frozencpu.com/products/6190/ex-pmp-54/Swiftech_MCP655_12v_Water_Pump_w_Speed_Control_and _38_Conversion_Kit_317_GPH.html?tl=g30c107s155)
CPU Block (http://www.frozencpu.com/products/9160/ex-blc-620/Swiftech_Apogee_GTZ_i7_CPU_Waterblock_-_Socket_LGA_1366.html?tl=g30c85s141#blank)
GPU Blocks (http://www.frozencpu.com/products/9732/ex-blc-666/Swiftech_Komodo_GTX275-P897_Full_Coverage_VGA_Liquid_Cooling_System_Komod o-GTX275-P897.html?tl=g30c311s912#blank)

I also have roughed up an idea of what I thought would work:
The blue box is my reservoir.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

http://i49.tinypic.com/12644z8.jpg

Very late update, but here is the completed monster! Getting the 2 5870s in there after the rads was quite a challenge haha

http://i52.tinypic.com/25icah0.jpg

http://i53.tinypic.com/nedydw.jpg

[scook9]

Due to cost at the moment (and the fact that GPUs get somewhat regularly replaced/upgraded), I am going to only go with a CPU and NB waterblock but the same rad configuration.

Still open to suggestions though

[zanzabar]

the mcp655 is not a good idea i would get the 355 and a top as it will be much smaller and they stronger. or u could cut the midplate for the hd tray out and get a swiftech 2 fan rad pump combo with the 355

[scook9]

I got an MCW-NBMAX for the northbridge block, it seems perfect for what I want to do.

I would prefer to not physically alter the case. Thank you for the recommendation on the pump, I will look into that model. It seems to be alot lower GPH rating though. I noticed alot of people use the one I had picked as well as the dangerden version of that same model. Is the difference in performance going to be that significant? And what are the known issues with the one I had picked?

I was going to get the one I had linked from MicroCenter since they had a good price and I need to return some stuff there so will have a credit. Sorry to seem argumentative.

And what is a "top"? I am not familiar with that terminology

[zanzabar]

the mcp355 is rated lower stock but the stock pump top sucks and once u get a replacment like the EK or xspc u get about 1psi more than 655 vario if they are doing the same flow

pump http://www.frozencpu.com/products/5125/ex-pmp-47/Swiftech_MCP355_12v_Water_Pump_Native_38_120_GPH.h tml
top http://www.frozencpu.com/products/9663/ex-pmp-85/EK_DDC_X-Top_Pump_Top_Rev_2_-_Acrylic_-Laing_DDC_Swiftech_MCP350355.html

thats an acrylic top and i would go for the delryn (black plastic like material that dosnt crack)

edit- that pannel in the center of the HD racks (or were they were) is held on with rivets u can just drill them out then put new ones in when/if u want it back

[Lu(ky]

At the moment I was planning on throwing a 240 rad to the front area with the following pump/res combo. I was only going to cool the CPU and N/B as well. I was using a Swiftech MCW-NBMAX and my temps were still at 45-50 range still high to me. So I bought a MIPS version of the block a little bigger and it should keep my temps on N/B lower. I just pulled the trigger on a 5970 card and not sure if I have enough room with a 12" card inside without hitting the radiator. I will post some more pictures later... Also on your PUMP selection I would go this route ---> XSPC Laing DDC Reservoir Pump Attachment w/ MCP-355 (http://www.frozencpu.com/products/7272/ex-pmp-63/XSPC_Laing_DDC_Reservoir_Pump_Attachment_w_MCP-355_No_Fittings.html?tl=g30c107s152) I also had that CPU block and went to a eK Supreme LT block I am getting a little better temps with it vs the Swiftech.

[scook9]

Thank you for the clarification on the pump and top guys

It has been very helpful. I am looking at those options now, and it would also save me having to get a seperate reservoir which is appealing to me.

Lu(ky is one of those your system? Those look like the same radiators I had in mind in the black one so any information I can get on them is helpful as well.

For what it is worth, the fans I currently have are Scythe SFF21G "S-Flex" fans and those are what I was going to use on the rads.

I am interested in good cooling performance and only want to have to do the system once but also do not want to go broke putting it all together haha

What are the northbridge and CPU blocks you all can recommend for optimal performance? Guess I will not be getting my stuff from MicroCenter afterall haha (they pretty much only had the parts I had previously mentioned)

[Lu(ky]

Thank you for the clarification on the pump and top guys

It has been very helpful. I am looking at those options now, and it would also save me having to get a seperate reservoir which is appealing to me.

Lu(ky is one of those your system? Those look like the same radiators I had in mind in the black one so any information I can get on them is helpful as well.

For what it is worth, the fans I currently have are Scythe SFF21G "S-Flex" fans and those are what I was going to use on the rads.

I am interested in good cooling performance and only want to have to do the system once but also do not want to go broke putting it all together haha

What are the northbridge and CPU blocks you all can recommend for optimal performance? Guess I will not be getting my stuff from MicroCenter afterall haha (they pretty much only had the parts I had previously mentioned)

No not my cases I got the pictures from here from other forum guys to keep for ideas. I think if you want to save some money I would buy your here www.sidewindercomputers.com and you can probably cool all CPU, N/B, and GPU (275GTX) if you wanted too. But you will be limited with space for your Hard Drives if you use a 240 rad pictured before. They have really good prices compared to micro center which I go to often in Tustin, CA location on the water cooling stuff. If it was me I would buy the following below..

Watercool HEATKILLER® CPU Rev3.0 1366 LT
Swiftech NB MAX chipset cooler
Swiftech GTX275 heatsink compliment to the MCW60
Swiftech MCW60-R
Swiftech MCP355 12v DC Pump
XSPC Acrylic Reservoir for Laing DDC
Black Ice SR1 240 (Great rad low or high RPM fans)
Swiftech MCR220-QP (cheap)
1/2 tubing
fittings

[scook9]

I am only using one Hard Drive (located in the top 5.25" bay with an adapter) so I am used to having both cages out. I have been chatting with a couple friends of mine over at NBR (they do desktops too though lol) and think I will just stick to the blocks I already chose (GTZ and MCW-NBMAX). Convenience and availability (and price) are more important to me than 2 or 3 degrees better performance (I understand I am not as extreme as the forum may imply). I am also getting good feedback from them on the 655 pump. And they are both highly trusted people to me. One of them is ranked in HWBot for desktops - so he knows what he is doing.

Still perfectly open to suggestions though, learned alot in the last 2 days here!

Thanks for the responses so far guys

[Lu(ky]

I am only using one Hard Drive (located in the top 5.25" bay with an adapter) so I am used to having both cages out. I have been chatting with a couple friends of mine over at NBR (they do desktops too though lol) and think I will just stick to the blocks I already chose (GTZ and MCW-NBMAX). Convenience and availability (and price) are more important to me than 2 or 3 degrees better performance (I understand I am not as extreme as the forum may imply). I am also getting good feedback from them on the 655 pump. And they are both highly trusted people to me. One of them is ranked in HWBot for desktops - so he knows what he is doing.

Still perfectly open to suggestions though, learned alot in the last 2 days here!

Thanks for the responses so far guys

Nothing wrong with a 655 pump other then it is HUGE compared to the 355 pump, but you can go that route as well. I had 1 of those for a couple of years very strong lasting, but now I have 4 of the 355 pumps. I feel it is easier to prime the pump with that combo vs a bay res and the 655 I remember. Make sure you post pictures on build. :up:

[scook9]

Well of course there will be pictures, it is my first watercooling! lol (not counting that 240mm asetek LCLC on my htpc....that was more for kicks...)

I am also looking at 1/2" tubing (anything else would just be silly :) ) with compression fittings (I like things fancy - but we will see what they cost haha)

here is the HTPC for the curious (just pretend the PSU is a Corsair 650HX now and the TriCools are GONE for some Scythe S-Flex SFF21E's). It is a Q9550 and a 4890 :)

http://tinypic.com/m/5bxwcm/3

[scook9]

So I think I have my selection finalized!

I already bought the Laing D5 12V pump and Apogee GTZ CPU block. I have the MCW-NBMAX chipset block on the way. I got the Swiftech MCRES-MICRO reservoir as well.

I am going to order 3 Scythe Gentle Typhoon fans (1850 rpm model) and 3 Black Ice GTX Xtreme 120 Radiators to finish it off. Just need to get myself hose and fittings now and we got a full system!

Please let me know what you think of this selection so far!

[hewi]

Back when I had a mini P180, simple loop with a Swiftec 240.

http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/3389/img0254it9.jpg (http://img240.imageshack.us/i/img0254it9.jpg/)

[Shryne]

Hewi and Lucky, how did you mount the 240 rad in the front? and what did you use to remove the HDD divider?

[hewi]

If I remember correctly it was simply removing the front panels and then getting rid of the supporting rivets ( drilling them out ) and the HDD cages drop off leaving you with nice amount of space. I've seen a build here where he used an MCR 320 in the roof section, that looked good in my opinion.

[scook9]

Something I definitely did not take into account, is how big this pump actually is. I am now considering that lower profile 355 model that is popular here. One the radiators come in I will see if I can make everything fit, if not, I will get the 355 most likely.

[scook9]

I am also questioning the necessity of a reservoir now, as having one is in no way going to make the space more manageable.

I am thinking for maximum cooling, push pull on 2 of the 3 radiators (the one by the graphics card being a single fan to allow space for the cards) and that will leave no room for a huge pump or a reservoir

[Lu(ky]

Nothing wrong with a 655 pump other then it is HUGE compared to the 355 pump ;), but you can go that route as well. I had 1 of those for a couple of years very strong lasting, but now I have 4 of the 355 pumps. I feel it is easier to prime the pump with that combo vs a bay res and the 655 I remember. Make sure you post pictures on build. :up:


Something I definitely did not take into account, is how big this pump actually is. I am now considering that lower profile 355 model that is popular here. One the radiators come in I will see if I can make everything fit, if not, I will get the 355 most likely. Go 355 with the XSPC Acrylic Reservoir (http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/xsacreforlad.html) or the Swiftech MCRES Micro
(http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/swmcmire2re.html) and EK Waterblocks EK-DDC X-Top (http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/ekwaekx.html)


I am also questioning the necessity of a reservoir now, as having one is in no way going to make the space more manageable.

I am thinking for maximum cooling, push pull on 2 of the 3 radiators (the one by the graphics card being a single fan to allow space for the cards) and that will leave no room for a huge pump or a reservoir
I would get 2 x Scythe 3000rpm "ULTRA KAZE" 120 x 38 mm fan (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185054&cm_re=Scythe_120mm_fans-_-35-185-054-_-Product) with a controller.. You will have room. I was measured the case inside with these fans on a XSPC 240 rad with a 5970 and a pump just enough room. I think if you run 2 x 5870 in a CF it will not fit but 1 card ok.. :up:

Love this case but after opening it and looking at the space inside very tight for H20 on all parts. I was thinking of taking the roof off and adding a BI GTS 280 rad to the top and another one to the front area with a 120/140 shroud. But decided to much modding and I have 2 other case builds I need to get to...

[Philwong]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/tmwong/newloop.jpg
R2G user here, too. Here's an example of my latest loop config.

This board is a b-i-t-c-h to route, especially if you're planning to use 1/2" tubes. Remember to grab some cool sleeves to iron out the kinks. Good luck.

Phil

[scook9]

well here is my latest draft on what I plan to do:

http://i50.tinypic.com/1zlxh5h.jpg

[Philwong]

It might be a good idea for some fans to pull in fresh cool air.

Phil

[Envy]

here is my p180 mini white almost like your project and work really well for me. id use the lower bay drive for pump/res if im to watercool my GPU.
http://www.adriano-saunders.com/images/220.JPG
i hope it will help you come out with some great ideas :up: will be nice if you make a worklog

[scook9]

I will have one or two Scythe Gentle Typhoon fans all as intakes on each radiator. Airflow will be good :)

I want to do 1/2" ID 3/4" OD tubing everywhere but am having a hell of a time finding anyone with compression fittings this size in stock :( (and I mean metal ones, not cheap poly ones)

[scook9]

I am looking at ways I can fit in the MCP355 due to the lower profile. I can keep the MicroRes reservoir I think but was wondering if there any tops for the 355 that have the intake and outlet like this:
http://i45.tinypic.com/35in61e.jpg

that would be perfect as it allows a very low profile (just realized arrows are backwards - but you get the idea)

[Shryne]

lucky, in the first image of the P180 (white one) you have no reservoir or T-line? im guessing that you just let the pump be gravity drained when powered off and fill there? where do the air bubbles go?
and secondly, what northbridge block is that? I've been looking at the mofest and NB coolers for the Rampage Extreme II and curious if they are compatible with the GENE.

scook, ive not seen a top that works like that in my experiences, sorry!
and, unless im mistaken, This fan (http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=36_49&products_id=26151) is quieter and puts out more air.

[Lu(ky]

lucky, in the first image of the P180 (white one) you have no reservoir or T-line? im guessing that you just let the pump be gravity drained when powered off and fill there? where do the air bubbles go?
and secondly, what northbridge block is that? I've been looking at the mofest and NB coolers for the Rampage Extreme II and curious if they are compatible with the GENE.

scook, ive not seen a top that works like that in my experiences, sorry!
and, unless im mistaken, This fan (http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=36_49&products_id=26151) is quieter and puts out more air.

Those 2 pictures where NOT my setup. I got them from guys off of here. Posted pix to help scook with placement of the rads etc... If it was me I would just add the 355/XSPC Res combo setup and be done with it.

[Shryne]

What about the NB block?

[scook9]

Well I have made a noob mistake :(

The rads I got (which are BEAUTIFUL) are just slightly too big to fit my front area :( (even If I remove the shelf)

[scook9]

Envy, in the picture you put up, does that pump fit next the video cards ok? I have 2 and do not have any extra space on the bottom like you do

[scook9]

Does any have anything to say about this xspc 120mm rad (http://www.frozencpu.com/products/8521/ex-rad-144/XSPC_RX120_120mm_Radiator.html?tl=g30c95s159#blank )? It looks to be just the right size for what I need - would this perform on par with the Black ICE GTX Extreme's (http://www.frozencpu.com/products/5324/ex-rad-107/Black_Ice_GTX_Xtreme_120_Radiator_-_Black.html?tl=g30c95s159)I had?

[scook9]

Well I ordered the MCP 355 and the XSPC top/reservoir for it. I also got enzotech comp fittings from newegg and a set of the XSPC radiators. It has been an expensive day!

Once the blizzard of the century blows over here (I am in northern virginia) I will pop over to the micro center and return the D5 pump and the MCRES-Micro Reservoir.

Then once everything arrives, I can actually start putting this beauty together!

[Shryne]

seems like a good setup! i too am doing the P180 and got my fans otw and will be pumping water soon, too.
i look forward to your pics :)

[dasa]

this is someone else's case and i just edited it in paint to see how it would look with a 3x120 rad instead of the 2x120
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y83/dasa09/IMG_0602.jpg

[scook9]

I did not want to do a top mounted rad though because I would have to hack up the case, something I did not want to do

[scook9]

Looking at it some more though, that is exactly what I had in mind for that reservoir in my case, so at least someone else thought that was a good idea too haha

[NaeKuh]

I am looking at ways I can fit in the MCP355 due to the lower profile. I can keep the MicroRes reservoir I think but was wondering if there any tops for the 355 that have the intake and outlet like this:
http://i45.tinypic.com/35in61e.jpg

that would be perfect as it allows a very low profile (just realized arrows are backwards - but you get the idea)

its called add a 90 on the inlet.

But it would be reversed, the top middle would be in, and the side would be out.

The way u have it is a design flaw on the tops.. because then u wouldnt be able to use a spiral volute, and you'd lose a ton of head pressure.

[scook9]

Ya I edited my post saying I had the arrows backwards.....and adding a 90 on the inlet would make the profile of the unit higher, I was hoping to keep it all as compact as possible. But we will see what I can manage when my MCP-355 and XSPC top/reservoir get here sometime next week

[afireinside]

lucky, in the first image of the P180 (white one) you have no reservoir or T-line? im guessing that you just let the pump be gravity drained when powered off and fill there? where do the air bubbles go?
and secondly, what northbridge block is that? I've been looking at the mofest and NB coolers for the Rampage Extreme II and curious if they are compatible with the GENE.

scook, ive not seen a top that works like that in my experiences, sorry!
and, unless im mistaken, This fan (http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=36_49&products_id=26151) is quieter and puts out more air.

That's an MCR220-res

[scook9]

Well I now have all of the parts ordered and on the way. 2/11/10 arrival date, will take some pictures for you all once they are all in. The fact that it has snowed all week and all my classes have been canceled so far this week is not helping with the anticipation

[Shryne]

Here is what i finished with. Not at all way i wanted to have it end up to be but i ran out of funds and had to make do...
not quite done with wire tucking
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v373/deaths-apprentice/IMG_3927-1.jpg

[scook9]

Looks pretty good if you ask me ;)

[scook9]

so I got a set of XPSC radiators in and they also were a hair to large for my case....in a fit of frustration that middle shelf is now out of the way and I am looking for good 240mm radiators to squeeze in there haha

Should I keep the XPSC or BlackIce GTX for the rear single 120mm radiator? I have 3 of each right now :( (got some selling to do since FrozenCPU does not allow exchange/return of radiators except for the same model - gay!)

[scook9]

I have just learned that all the 240mm radiators will require that cage at the top to be removed as well to fit :(

Why can't this just work!? Guess I can still live with dual 120's in front if that will allow me to butcher my case less, does anyone know what the ones that Envy used are?

Thanks

[scook9]

here is my p180 mini white almost like your project and work really well for me. id use the lower bay drive for pump/res if im to watercool my GPU.
http://www.adriano-saunders.com/images/220.JPG
i hope it will help you come out with some great ideas :up: will be nice if you make a worklog

Well I can say so far this is looking the best for what I want to do. Can anyone tell me what radiators are being used in the front here?

And Envy, can you put the side panel back on or are the radiators too long to allow that?

Thanks again

[Waterlogged]

The ones on the front look to be Magicool 120 ST.

[scook9]

Well I found these BlackIce Xtreme 120mm radiators that are similar in appearance and are small enough (I actually measured EVERYTHING this time.....) so will maybe give them a try?

They also look like they may be what Envy used.

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/2146/ex-rad-10/Black_Ice_Xtreme_120mm_Radiator_Black_w_Customizab le_Fittings.html?tl=g30c95s159

I have my own comp. fittings to use though, not the cheap ones shown in that picture

[Lurid]

All you have to do in order to remove the drive cage rack is take a drill and drill through some of the pop rivets. Easy to replace with a cheap rivet gun as well.. I wouldn't really consider that butchering. Plus a single 120.2 is probably going to be slightly cheaper / less flow reducing than two 120.1's

[Waterlogged]

Well I found these BlackIce Xtreme 120mm radiators that are similar in appearance and are small enough (I actually measured EVERYTHING this time.....) so will maybe give them a try?

They also look like they may be what Envy used.

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/2146/ex-rad-10/Black_Ice_Xtreme_120mm_Radiator_Black_w_Customizab le_Fittings.html?tl=g30c95s159

I have my own comp. fittings to use though, not the cheap ones shown in that picture

Nope, the ones Envy used have silver/chrome fan mounts. The only companies using those are Innovatek and Magicool. Of those 2 companies, Magicool is the only one to make a thick rad.

http://magicool.biz/Magicool/RadiatorsST.html

[afireinside]

Well I found these BlackIce Xtreme 120mm radiators that are similar in appearance and are small enough (I actually measured EVERYTHING this time.....) so will maybe give them a try?

They also look like they may be what Envy used.

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/2146/ex-rad-10/Black_Ice_Xtreme_120mm_Radiator_Black_w_Customizab le_Fittings.html?tl=g30c95s159

I have my own comp. fittings to use though, not the cheap ones shown in that picture

The BIX is pretty awful unless you don't mind incredibly loud fans. I'd look into the XSPC RX120 if you need single fan rads, but they're quite pricey.

Oh I side note I envy envys setup (hardy har). Would look even better with all matching tubing though.

[Envy]

Envy, in the picture you put up, does that pump fit next the video cards ok? I have 2 and do not have any extra space on the bottom like you do
it does and you can put the side panel back on no problem
http://www.saunders.fr/images/pc00.JPG
http://www.saunders.fr/images/variadas1.JPG

Waterlogged is right :up: those on the front are Magicool rads im pretty sure EKWB rads will fit but i didnt check :)
http://www.saunders.fr/images/pc03.JPG

thank you afireinside (b'.')b

[Alexandr0s]

Oww, great tubing pattern. Looks awesome!

[scook9]

And were you able to use the existing fan mounting holes with those rads Envy? That would be a HUGE plus to me

[scook9]

Well I got the compressino fittings from enzotech via newegg, and WOW.

They are just beautiful is all I can say. Can't fit 2 on the MCW-NBMAX but I was already aware that may be the case. So glad I got these over plain barbs, so much better looking (and I trust them more)

Also got the MCP-355 and XSPC reservoir and they look great together and should just barely be able to squeeze between the graphics cards and the side panel, like a glove.

[scook9]

Envy, I assume those are the Magicool 120 ST radiators then. Where did you purchase yours? I was not able to find any online :(

[scook9]

The BIX is pretty awful unless you don't mind incredibly loud fans. I'd look into the XSPC RX120 if you need single fan rads, but they're quite pricey.

Oh I side note I envy envys setup (hardy har). Would look even better with all matching tubing though.


I have the XSPC rads here now and sadly, they too are looking too big. Unless I am going to rig something up myself, they will not fit in my case, they are too long and there is too much space between the mount holes for the fans and the outside edge of the rad (will keep them from fitting with the holes already in my case)

[Envy]

those rads fit nicely on existing fan mounting holes I bought them in France though, I don't know where you could find them. for your pump you'll need to place it a bit forward the front side of the case to free space for SLI bridge.

[Moitrux]

Magicool is one of the most popular radiator manufacturer in France :D

But you can find it in Germany and most of countries in Europe too ;)

[scook9]

dam :(
I am in the USA. It is rare there is something sold elsewhere and not here lol

[zanzabar]

u can get magicool in the US from performance-pcs or frozen cpu, but i dont think that they are in the price/performance range of swiftech or xspc.

and nice work

[snoro]

performance pc also have the magicool rad and they can ship worldwide.

lol zanzabar you beated me by a couple of second

[Alexandr0s]

If you're looking for bang for buck, go with Swiftech. Great rads, and we've got their representative Gabe on these forums, so if there's trouble you can always contact him :).

[scook9]

I was leaning towards a double thick rad though for the added performance

I will look into getting that Magicool one, thanks guys

[scook9]

Found these, how is the performance supposed to be? I was originally looking at Feser 120mm, BlackIce GTX Xtreme 120mm, and XSPC RX120. How would this rank amongst these? I am still heavily leaning towards it just knowing that it will fit my case though

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=59_457_667_670&products_id=21115

[scook9]

Well I ordered a pair of the MagiCool 120mm radiators as they seem destined to be installed into Mini P180s haha and I also upgraded my CPU block from an Apogee GTZ to the Apogee XT (figured why not, might as well do this once and do it right). I had to flip the one fitting hole to get my pretty little compression fittings on there but I am ok with that .1c loss in cooling I will incurr

Here are the first pictures!
http://i49.tinypic.com/oi69w5.jpg

http://i46.tinypic.com/2u7va55.jpg

[scook9]

Does anyone know of a block that will replace the heatpipe assembly on the GENE? One that gets the northbridge and the power circuity up near the cpu?

[scook9]

well I have all the radiators in finally! Only thing I need to do now is get some coolant, a fan spacer thing for the rear intake (fan will be externally mounted blowing inwards into the rad there), and an angled 1/2" ID 3/4" OD G1/4 compression fitting for on the MCW-NBMAX. And 2 more fans because I like them and can fit push pull on the 2 front rads :)

Here is a picture with the stuff all in the case but I no hosing yet. What do you all think of the layout? Is pretty much what Envy did.

http://i48.tinypic.com/258t2yo.jpg

[scook9]

Well this tubing just don't want to cooperate!

I am guessing you used 1/2" ID 5/8" OD tubing Envy? Mine is being rather stubborn

[zanzabar]

u should always use 3/8 5/8 unless u have a giant case with no intricate turns (i learned the hard way)

[scook9]

well the tubing and fittings are already paid for, so I will make this work!

only have to lengths left to figure out.....the 4 ports left open are both on the read rad, top/intake of the pump/reservoir, and the left port on the nb block

it is a tight space so difficult with the thicker tubing

[snoro]

when you are done, please tell us the temps of the nb and mosfet. I am looking to buy the same mobo for my silly rad towaar project and i want to know if the mcw-nbmax just help the nb temp or also the mosfet temps( since they are connected by a heatpipe, the cooler northbridge should get the heat of the mosfet and cool it with the nbmax right ?). My setup will mean that the mosfet are in a deadspot zone for airflow since they are under the rad just like you so they could get toasty.

[Envy]

wow... that's a really nice game machine can't wait to see it done you'll be surprised how well it cools, for tubing I'm using Primochill 3/8 5/8 very impressive bend radius without kinking. www.performance-pcs.com catalog (http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=59_413_292&products_id=23923)

[scook9]

Getting worried about cooling the mosfets is a copout anyways....look at the back of your board, there is a whole second set completely uncooled lol

[Envy]

as long as its Linx/prime stable at high clock those mosfets at the back doesnt worries me :p:

[scook9]

I am only aiming for around 4.5 on this desktop, should be doable right?

[Envy]

if you have a chip capable, definitely! :up:

[scook9]

Damit!

Now I just learned what QD fittings are and how they work.....I will never finish this build! lol

Of course, I do not really see myself using them unless I do decide to watercool my GPU.....

[scook9]

It aint watercooling, but just sold the 2 GTX 275's and bought a 5870 :)

This case is getting maxed out fast!

lol

[scook9]

I ended up removing the fan grill on the back fan since it sticks out and was just causing too much trouble.

I now have the loop fully assembled and filled and running in a plastic box so that if there is a leak, nothing but the pump could possibly be damaged. We are getting to the final moments of this build!

I will post some pics once it is back in the case and everything is running.

How long should I run the loop outisde the case before it would be considered safe to put it in? I think I worked out all the bubbles but occasionally hear a sound like there is air getting strained in the loop (is that cavitation?). That loop swallowed a whole half gallon of coolant (pure distilled water in this case)!

[gmat]

If after one day of continuous running you see no trace of a leak (use towels around barbs and connections) and moving around the case / loop a bit, you'll be fine.

[scook9]

I realize I fell off the grid here for a while, here is a picture of the finished system! It now houses an i7 965 and a 5870 (second coming later)

http://i45.tinypic.com/dqk8e1.jpg

[m_jones_]

http://img697.imageshack.us/img697/433/poopp.png
I would personally reorder the loop like this.
(sorry i'm on my laptop)

[zanzabar]

+1 u want the shortest loop, the water moves so quickly that the heat and cooling parts dont matter just make sure that the rez is directly before the pum

[scook9]

I did it this way so that there is a radiator between the chipset and cpu blocks to aid in the cooling. And the CPU gets water first so it gets priority in cooling.

[scook9]

Here are some more pictures. Having the radiator on 2 longer tubes also allows me to swing it out of the way for VGA upgrades (like my 2 5870s now :D)

http://i53.tinypic.com/nedydw.jpg

http://i52.tinypic.com/25icah0.jpg

[vhaarr]

I did it this way so that there is a radiator between the chipset and cpu blocks to aid in the cooling. And the CPU gets water first so it gets priority in cooling.

First I just have to say that this looks awesome :D I love minibuilds I don't know why!

But what you did there won't help your temperatures more than maybe 0.5-2C, really. If at all.
Just try; note down the temps now and then change the tube routing and check temps again.

Also maybe you could use one of the UNDesign brackets to mount the pump at the top front rad?

[scook9]

I do need to figure out a better way to mount the pump. It is a PITA though taking apart and emptying then refilling and re-installing the loop haha. Needless to say, things are a little tight ;)

If I can figure out a good way to locate the pump I may consider going through the trouble, but that is a good sized if.

[lowfat]

I did it this way so that there is a radiator between the chipset and cpu blocks to aid in the cooling. And the CPU gets water first so it gets priority in cooling.

Loop order doesn't matter except you generally want the least amount of tubing possible. I would definitely take the advice giving above. It shouldn't be near as messy looking afterward.

[scook9]

I assume less tubing is desirable to lower flow resistance. But the obstacle I face is that I cannot do tight turns with the tubing because it will collapse (3/4" OD 1/2" ID). That is part of why everything is wide sweeps like it is now