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Im still using my good ol swiftech reservoir from my first water cooling project a year ago. I'm in the process of redoing my entire water cooling setup and a new case. Im wondering what you guys recommend... i've been looking at the ek reservoirs.
:)
I was thinking about getting a pair of these http://www.performance-pcs.com/catal...a4d01b27d8663f to feed my two loops, but as my choice was based more on the looks of them rather than any sort of physical performance (is that really even a factor with most reservoirs???), not sure how much that helps you. The way I figure it, it's kind of hard to screw up a reservoir, I mean, as long as it's got a decent setup that helps bleed the system, and doesn't cause vortexes to form, or introduce to much turbulence, how hard is it to make a box (or cylinder for those that prefer tubes)?
Back before I knew better I was actually looking at these http://www.performance-pcs.com/catal...ducts_id=22011 my thought being that I'd mount them externally and use them as extra passive radiators. Of course, the fact that they're aluminum killed that idea off pretty quick.
Edit: BTW, if XSPC made that passive cooling reservoir out of copper or brass I'd be all over that.
My vote goes for an EK res. I have an EK X-150 DDC top/res and love it.
Heard great things about the EK reservoirs. I was using a Danger Den dual 5.25" bay reservoir for a while, it worked great, no bleeding problems... forget about the single 5.25" bay reservoirs though, they are a PITA to bleed.
/shrug the xspc res on my res top has been just fine, might not be the prettiest one out there or one that can easily been seen (ie a drive bay type) but I would imagine it'd look nice if my case had a window.
~its also my first res, used to be a t-line man
I dont think there really is any best reservoir. It depends entirely upto what suits your watercooling project and what you prefer the look of.
lol :ROTF:im gonna miss it! its served me welll but time to retire it i think :p:Quote:
Originally Posted by RealRedRaider
In terms of ease, the micro-res.
I have used the micro-res, ek, and the bitspower bay and alphacool bay.
bay resevoirs are a b*tch to bleed and at the end you have to tilt it to get the last bit of air out.
I can also recommend the EK reservoirs. Also, I think the idea of the XSPC reservoirs that have passive cooling properties is great but I dislike the fact that they are aluminium...
I think they're just aluminum finned..Quote:
Originally Posted by HESmelaugh
You think they have any idea how much of an opportunity they seem to have missed with those? So far, if I'm counting right, we have at least 4 people in this thread alone that have expressed interest in those reservoirs if only they weren't made out of aluminum (and one apparently who's interested even then). I imagine if they reworked them so that at the very least the core was copper or bronze, if not the whole thing they'd probably sell a lot more of them. Then again, doing solid copper on something that size would tend to get pricey. Not sure what it would cost to do it out of bronze though.Quote:
Originally Posted by mcoffey
Edit: Is there anyone from XSPC that frequents these forums who we might suggest a bronze or copper passive radiator to? Might be worth a try.
I wondered how the inflow and out flow were separated, all the pictures I'd seen either didn't show any barbs connected, or else it was hard to tell exactly how it was hooked up. Not sure I like the straw style reservoirs so first thing I'd likely do would be to mod it by plugging up the intake, and drilling a new intake into the top acrylic. Of course, that plan might change if I ever actually got my hands on one and couple give it a proper once over.
I'm almost tempted to see how hard it would be to solder some fins onto a copper pipe, say 4" diameter or so, and just make my own reservoir/radiator, but just getting together all the parts and doing some simple cutting/etching on my current project is taking forever. I can't even begin to imagine how much longer it would take me to get up to speed properly on metal working such that I could tackle a project like that. Maybe for my next build...
I LOVE THE xspc resi top for the MCW355 pumps, I think it looks like the bomb. The only issue is tha ti have read they need better quality control///
Im gonna be very cynical and say "the cheapest one." its a plastic tub with barbs in it.... how some companies can charge £30 odd for that is beyond me....
(and yes- I do/did make my own. At the mo I have a nice pump/res combo...)
Swiftech Micro-Res is superb in my opinion, although I'm using EK-Res 150.
Does anyone know if the Micro-Res have thick walls to tap G1/4 thread in the bottom?
And does the threads fits G1/4 barbs/compression fitting?
Get a 3-bay waterfall res from CyberDruid
Personnally, i'm quite partial to a fishtank, i've got an ek multioption 250, which is brilliant, but you just can't argue with a 10 litre fish tank.
XSPC top with DDC bottom!Quote:
Originally Posted by absoluteczech
Thats what I would go with Czechmaster!
Build your own FTW!!!
[IMG]http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t...ive/res2-1.jpg[/IMG]
Built it from a bronze pipe (bronze is 85% copper so no prob having it in a loop) It does get warm after a few hours gaming. It holds 1.5 litres and has a 7 led uv module in base firing up through it. If I had of known how much it was going to cost.............. Ah well its only money ;)
just like there is no best radiator, or best pump, or best cpu block.
There is no best reservoir. Because each has an application fitting its need.
The overall recomended tho is the MCRes from swiftech due to its size and function. its a great res at a cheap price. Some will say EK, however they all have horrible vortex issues.
I like my koolance res, however cleaning is a PITA since you cant remove the top.
So to each his own is the proper answer. YMMV!
I like the ones I build the best :D
But for an off the shelf unit I like the EK. It's very well thought out and easy to mount and looks good. PPC also makes a nice cylinder res...and of course the bay reservoir is a nice look.
build me one mandydave ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by armeniandave
Don't forget to add the 1!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by absoluteczech
My idea of the perfect reservoir is like this. You take the bottom part of an EK reservoir...
http://www.chilledpc.co.uk/shop/images/large/ekrev2.jpg
... and migrate with the Coolplex bottom part like this on the top...
http://www.coolercases.co.uk/images/...k_coolplex.jpg
Then you have a res that can handle anti-cyclon as well as easy bleeding. The Ek res and the Coolplex works with the same reservois tube.
same threads too? that's a nice idea...
Best reservoir's are home made ones ;) Look at mine ;)
http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/7...enteyo5.th.jpg
http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/8...nte3lv7.th.jpg
I like the delrin reservoir that nikhsub made a few years ago. It is an aquatube design with a sightglass. I have one that I've been meaning to use. Also, the limited-edition acrylic Aquacomputer aquatubes were very cool.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 0xdeadbeef
I did that on my two Xres and its wok perfectly ;)
I have to agree I like these as well.Quote:
Originally Posted by RealRedRaider
Like NaeKuh said, there is no real best reservoir. Each reservoir available in the market fill a need so just pick what you need. However, be aware that while there is no real best, there is actually some bad ones to avoid at all costs and most of them are bay reservoirs (there is a good one but don't remember which). It's like asking what car is the best and you will get various answers.
Obviously, having a custom reservoir will be the best for yourself since it's built exactly for your needs. It's a :banana::banana::banana::banana::banana: to build without the proper tools and skills but we have people like CyberDruid to do that if you want ;)
Personnally, I love the Swiftech Micro-Res but not all projects will be able to accomodate a reservoir and there will be a project I'm working which will only afford a T-Line at most.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...icture-023.jpg
I like the ones I make too...
Or you can drill and tap a hole on the side of your coolplex-like res and get the same usefulness:Quote:
Originally Posted by 0xdeadbeef
http://www.server.aplus.pl/Koen/pc/rezpelny_small.jpg
:yepp:
[XC] Kayin: Whoa, where did you get such a big piece of acrylic? It looks like made of ice :up:
Very nice Koen, I like the idea. I'm little concern about vortex though. This pipe-thingy coming off the Coolplex top, is it working as an anti-cyclon for you?
IMHO the aquatube or innovatek fassomatic (same thing)
are the best looking resevoirs i have ever seen.. one problem. All aluminum. One day I'll pick one up for my all aluminum loop.
Looks gorgeous
http://www.shoggy.de/ac_forum/case06_aquatube_g.jpg
I really like my little Micro-Res, have four. But they are a PIA to clean, someone said put them in the dishwasher, that works but does not get all the stuff off.
0xdeadbeef - Thank you :) I haven't connected this res to the loop yet, its just standing with a piece of hose between inlet and outlet, waiting for the other parts for my loop. As for the vortex, the plastic tube will be connected to the upper barb (inlet), and with my not-so-highflow grundfos pump, I hope it won't be an issue.
Not all of them :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Eddie3dfx
http://www.shoggy.de/ac_forum/at_plexiglas.jpg
We also manufactured a copper variant a few years ago but it's only a collector's item now. From time to time you will find one of them on ebay - for a nice price :rolleyes:
Mmmm, that acrylic one is kind of sexy. Damnit, now I have to see if I have room to fit a pair of them in my case... was going with the dual single bay res because I have 2 bays free, and 2 loops and I already have enough stuff crammed into the inside of the case, but once again it looks like I may be changing part of my plan.
That's polycarbonate.
And since you asked nicely, how-to on the way. Like, now.
I don't see that on your site, is it new or something thats not being made anymore?Quote:
Originally Posted by Shoggy
No res, only T-line!
:)
Edited to add, those Aquatube/Innovatek reservoirs do look nifty.
And yes, CyberDruid makes :banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:in reservoirs.
:worship:Quote:
Originally Posted by Shoggy
Zaskar, that was like the copper variant only a limited edition. You can't buy it anymore. That thing was sold out on the same day.
To bad, you could probably get a larger maket with pom reservoir...
Any reason its still limited edition? I mean making it out of plexi cant be more then aluminum in costs, Id imagine you would sell lots more :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Shoggy
The design is really awesome, but so many people dont want aluminum in their loop :/
Solid copper reservoir? Hell, I'd buy one as long as it was less than $200.
There were 100 acrylic aquatubes. I tried buying one, but got outbid by modsquad, who has 4 of the bloody things in one PC. Therefore, at that point I developed my polycarb reservoirs, and the rest is history.
There were slightly more than 100. I have 2, and they are both numbered over 100 (as is Shoggy's.) I bought one of them overseas and the other from Sharka. :D
Why would they of made them limited though?
it seems like it would be much more popular then their current, and cheaper to make.
Doesn't make any sense at all. Why correct the issue of using Aluminum material for your really awesome design, but make it a limited edition temporary thing, and then go back to only offering aluminum.
PHB? Unlikely, but all I can think of.Quote:
Originally Posted by Zaskar
The Aluminum res's from XSPC aren't bad to be honest. (I'm not an XSPC rep but I've been there and used products etc) Got a few from 2yrs ago as well as having got 1 myself and after 2yrs they still look great inside. Draining them apparantly helps prevent but Paul showed me his 1 that he uses for testing with his new block designs and it's his old faithful and I can see why :)
I'm not too bothered about restriction cause my 1 will be used to feed 2 loops rather than be a dump box...
~Bex
I would like to take this opportunity to announce the following accessories coming up within days for the MCRes Micro: new 1/2" barb adapter (chrome plated brass)for the PG7 fill-port, to be coupled with new remote fill-port (chrome plated brass)to install at top of case or as needed.Quote:
Originally Posted by NaeKuh
Good news Gabe.
We still need another port at the bottom of the MCRES. It would work great for temp sensor or change the outlet position.
I use the MCRES for some months now, the only downside I have to say is that it is impossible to be cleaned properly inside.
Gabe, you are releasing some good stuff.
thanks! but we are not done yet.. more coming in the upcoming weeks..Quote:
Originally Posted by IanY
that's not an easy one to solve unfortunately from a mechanical standpoint. have you tried pinesol + distilled water? it removes gunk quite well..Quote:
Originally Posted by leo_bsb
This is the only thing my four Micro-Res are missing to make them perfect.Quote:
Originally Posted by leo_bsb
I will try to find a similar product in Brazil and to try.Quote:
Originally Posted by gabe
Regarding the secondary outlet, please think about it :up:
I like my 4" PVC testing resevoir. It's ugly as all will get, but it'll bleed out a system almost instantly and houses aquarium heaters nicely...:D
http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/2...testingpj2.jpg
Wow great news gabe, I'm planning on ditching my tube reservoirs for Swiftech Micro-Res. The only problem is that there isn't a port on the bottom that there isn't a port on the bottom, that will truly make this a great reservoir.
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...w/DSCF3347.jpg
Im part of the make your own crowd.
@ Gabe,
Please most of us have micro res with cracks and i hope the quality of the new res will be looked into.
Do you have any explanination to these crack, like what can be the cause and how to prevent them?
One extra port under the res will make it unbeatable:up:
That's gorgeous and a great idea. Any chance you could explain how you did that? Looks to me like 3 sheets of acrylic sandwiched together. First sheet has the holes for the fittings, second sheet has the channels for the fluid, and third sheet has the etchings and holes for LEDs. I'm assuming that that's being mounted as the window on your case.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mankz_91
I just got 2 EK for my next dual loop. However, if a new mcres comes with an additional G1/4 for a sensor + top fill port tapped at G1/4 to accomodate usual fill ports, I'll buy two without even installing EK
If you guys are looking for something like the Aquatube but made aof acrylic, Watercool makes something like that:
http://www.pc-cooling.de/Wasserkuehl...eh%E4lter.html
There's also mounting plate for it:
http://www.pc-cooling.de/Wasserkuehl...%FCr+AB-G.html
I got some acrylic stuff from watercool and I must say the quality is great, couldn't expect more.
Gabe, why not just get your res top tapped g1/4" so it is more "universal"?
QFT!:up:Quote:
Originally Posted by SiGfever
Gabe, put me down for one of each when available.:D
Basically. Its 3 sheets of 10mm acrylic. The rear sheet has 3xG1/4" threads, with the top one being used as a fillport, the smaller outer holes are tapped to M5 to hold it all together. The middle sheet is cut with a laser and etched with sponsors logos, while the outer sheet is to keep the water in :rofl:Quote:
Originally Posted by orclev
In the end product, the lighting is suplied by 4" and 8" CCFl's.
For more, have a look at the link to my project in my Sig.
yeah, hard to understand, like other posters said, I reacted the same when I read your post: being aware that most people prefer no alu in their loops, why didn't you produce this res, in its copper version, on a regular basis? too expensive to produce?Quote:
Originally Posted by Shoggy
or atleast the Plexi one, which also was said to have sold out on the first day. That unlike copper cant cost more to make then aluminum can it?Quote:
Originally Posted by Logos4
for the copper version...the problem is that AC members are persuaded that mixing alu and other metals is not an issue...they said it in a thread here, and they already said it @ [Hard]forum...and it sounds like many customers in Germany follow this idea...so they have no problem with their customers there. Too bad as there's more than Germany to the WC market guys! Using anti-corrosion might work, using alu in res is not as bad as in rads but honestly, copper is such a nicer material, and a better performer as well...and AC can't deny that themselves, they wouldn't have made this limited edition if they thought differently ;)
edit: I read a thread started by Saaya this afternoon, a very good thread by the way, that could in fact
confuse many of us regarding the mixing of metals in loops:
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=195880
The raw bar stock for the plexi aquatubes is rape. The back side, not the front.
Alphacool makes a res that's similar to the Aquatube. Never mind the anodized AL stuff, they do have one that's POM. Not as sexy as the Aquatube, but the same idea. It's called something like Alphacool Bullseye.
For looks and ease of bleeding and cleaning I'd go with EK as well. The new Koolance res looks nice and feels solid (I have the 80mm version), but cannot be opened and cleaned.
I made my res a while back, holds heaps of water, years later still no leaks, easy to fill and bleed, can monitor temps.
http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/1041/dscf0204zv3.jpg
http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/8515/dscf0286us1.jpg
http://img67.imageshack.us/img67/23/dscf0393zd4.jpg
Gabe, if you could produce a smoked res in that shade or maybe a bit darker, you have another hit on your hands. :yepp: I for 1 would get at least 2 of them. :yepp::up:Quote:
Originally Posted by gabe
I have one and let me tell you, it's not that great. The threads stripped out on mine and I had to install SS Helicoils to be able to use it. On top of that, it very small (despite being oversized) and noisy...I had to fill it up completely to get it to shut up, which is not why I bought it. I wanted to be able to use it as visual confirmation that the pump was running.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kibbler
Its exactly because of the limitations of the very few decent commercially made reservoirs that are readily available that I started some time ago making my own.
The current res design I'm using goes to a fillport at the top of the case, and it bleeds very well. It is made out of all 1/4" case acrylic using IPS Weld on #3. I pressure tested it on my kitchen sink faucet (about 50psi give or take). It is solid. Thanks to Dennis at Dangerden I got this great beveled globe laser etched into the front. It really adds a nice touch to my case.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...feb08/res2.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...08/resBack.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...frontFinal.jpg
agree the globe looks great, but the case a bit like an old church gate ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by voigts
I would recommend an EK Multioption all day long.
Any update on these gabe?Quote:
Originally Posted by gabe
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...ogans132-2.jpg
my mini-me micro res (inspired by evil-98)
Gabe, any news on that fillport option?