How's my setup?

[Helloworld_98]

Ok, so I finally fitted my LCS and it's running great,

consists of Antec 300, Black ICE GTS 420, EK supreme HF acetal, Hydor L30 and 3/8" ID tubing.

so far my temps at stock speeds using Prime95 for 30 mins are 50,49,49,48

BTW it's very quiet, only thing notable is the pump and it's still quieter than before.

I plan on adding a GTX 470 into the mix, so we'll see how that goes, and I'll try and get some pics up later

edit: just one for now because the camera's battery died, cabling is a bit messy because 750w non-modular PSU + Antec 300 = if you drop something in the cabling you'll never see it again

[washu9]

You're using a 420 Black Ice GTS just to cool a CPU?
OF course it'd be ok.

Although if it were me, I'd pick a radiator with low FPI.
GTS needs fans with high static pressure for optimal performance.

Still, I don't expect you have any problem just adding the 470 into the loop as it is.

[Helloworld_98]

You're using a 420 Black Ice GTS just to cool a CPU?
OF course it'd be ok.

Although if it were me, I'd pick a radiator with low FPI.
GTS needs fans with high static pressure for optimal performance.

Still, I don't expect you have any problem just adding the 470 into the loop as it is.

well I read somewhere on XS that the GTS does really well providing you have fans over ~850rpm so I used some 1000rpm yate loons which are extremely quiet

[washu9]

... are we talking about the same Black Ice GTS here?
Cause the GTS that I know have 30 FPI fin density.
That is DEFINITELY not a low flow fan application.

I think you misread it.
The GTS pulls ahead with >1850rpm fans.

[Helloworld_98]

read this

[Alexandr0s]

read this

So what about it ? Hesmelaugh has made some nice tests, but this isn't one of them. First off, he claims to use different fans, which is a big no-no when you're looking for accurate results. Second, the data he presents is of different sized radiators, creating a big mess (he could have at least sorted them by size).

Last, the GTS is indeed designed for high speed applications, which is even confirmed by Hesmelaugh's test, because if you compare the GTS 420 to the Monsta with 140mm fans, you can clearly see the GTS is running at a very high delta T at low RPM, and a lower delta T at high RPM. This is only achieved at 1500RPM, but because the Monsta is designed for low/med speed applications, this single comparison isn't the best one.

Now on to the comment about your setup.

I'm not sure how another GTX470 will perform in your loop. The reason I'm wondering is because you have a large GTS, which is known to be a fairly restrictive radiator. I'm not sure about the exact specs of the Hydor, but if I remember correctly, the head pressure isn't all that high when compared to, say a DDC 3.2. Adding another block might drop the flowrate quite a bit.
If I was you, I'd just try it out. If temps are bad, consider perhaps a new pump or a new radiator (one less restrictive than a GTS).

[Helloworld_98]

well the Hydor L30 is advertised at 1200L/PH and 4.7m delivery head if that helps

[Church]

With 1000rpm yates imho SR1 280 will outperform GTS 420 by a lot.

[Helloworld_98]

With 1000rpm yates imho SR1 280 will outperform GTS 420 by a lot.

it would also cost over double what I paid for the 420

[Church]

Ok, if you count price/performance, then will swiftech MCR480 cost more then GTS 420 too? i doubt it. and most probably will be more effective at lower rpm too by a lot.

[Waterlogged]

well the Hydor L30 is advertised at 1200L/PH and 4.7m delivery head if that helps

Those #'s are for absolutely no restriction at all, as in an aquarium, where that pump really belongs. I still have my Hydor 30 from 2003 when I started WC'ing and it worked fine back then but the difference in block restriction from then to now is like night and day. Most AC powered aquarium pumps don't do very well when given restriction either and that rad is also very restrictive on the water flow rate as well. Here is a test done on a 120mm version from '06, not very flattering results. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if your flow rate in the loop was down around .4-.6GPM.

Like churchy said, the MCR is one of the best performance/dollar rads out there.

[washu9]

The component that is giving you most restriction would be the GTS radiator.

Hmm, he only got 1 waterblock. It should be ok with the hydor.
Even with another block for the video card he'll be putting in latter, should still be fine. Although you should take my opinion with a grain of salt on this one.

Most of my build have been using low restriction components. The only exception being a Black ice GT stealth X-flow that I chose for the low profile, to put on top of a TJ07 case. Keep in mind, even then I chose the X-flow version for the lower flow restriction. Just wished I paid more attention to the FPI count on that one. Really regretting it now...

Waterlogged is quite right though. Pump specs all are rated with no restriction.
Should not be made into a sole reference for choosing a pump.

Pumps for pc water cooling normally have a graph to indicate what kind of flow you should expect for a given range of restrictions.

Just keep in mind here, our suggestions would most definitely help you achieve better temps, but it'd also make holes in your pocket.

Just because things could be better doesn't mean you NEED to get it better. Especially if what you have now, already works without any problem.

[Helloworld_98]

I think you guys are also forgetting the size of my case, the GTS 420 sits Perfectly on my antec 300, if you add an extra 60mm+ then I've got something else to worry about

[Church]

If you are happy with your setup, that's all that counts.
I somehow thought that you posted that list of components for comments what/how can it be improved.

[Alexandr0s]

If you are happy with your setup, that's all that counts.
I somehow thought that you posted that list of components for comments what/how can it be improved.

I believe he only wanted to know if his setup could handle a gtx470.

[Church]

If it will handle? I'm guessing that if he runs both cpu & gpu at stock speed, maybe yes. Or another option - if he is deaf and gonna run 2500+ rpm fans on that rad, then it might even handle both overclocked. . But for my preferences (high overclock & silent fans@1000-1100 rpm) that rad is by far not enough.