Thinking about building an external radbox

[zoob]

Hey guys,

I'm thinking about building an external radbox. It'll be on the floor behind my desk, kind of like a foot warmer. Sure, it'll be pretty expensive, but I think the final result would be very satisfying, assuming I can figure out the little details. It'd be sort of like the Waterkeg but twice as long.

The reason for this is to make the best use out of the PA120.2+3 rads that I have. The difference between a 5V and 7V Yate Loon SL12 is plainly audible in open air. The ideal capacity of this design is for an overclocked Q6600, NB, MOSFETs (maybe), and 8800 series video card.

The final setup would use TWO PA120.3's for a total capcity of approximately 400W if 7V Yate Loons are used. I'm not sure what it becomes if they are run at 5V. I know this data is based on a 10C air/coolant temperature difference, and will not be 400W once put into use.


Ideal features:

1. Baffled air paths to reduce noise
2. Knobs to adjust speed of pump and fans
3. Dual radiators with push/pull configuration
4. Quick connect fittings

General design/layout:

• Radiators in head-to-toe configuration - So it can be laid down on the floor behind my desk
• Symmetrical - In the event I decide to change which side the computer is located
• Single power cable - 12V power brick for pump and fans
• Air filters - If it can be implemented with easy maintenance

Parts

• MDF
• D5, or DDC2 w/Alphacool top - Undervolted if necessary
• THREE or SIX Yate Loon SL12 - Run between 5-7V for silence
• Swiftech Microres
• TWO Thermochill PA120.3 radiators
• Some kind of foam
• 12V Power Brick

A quick diagram showing how I'd like the baffles setup, with dense foam surrounding the radiators to prevent internal recycling of air.
Bottom->top flow.

Or perhaps a front->back flow.


The problem comes with the tubing for mounting the radiators head-to-toe.

I'm not sure if this should be run in parallel or in series.


If you guys have any suggestions, please let me know. This is the first time I'm going to be designing anything like this, and any feedback would be appreciated. I'm still thinking about methods of mounting the pump, reservoir and such. Usually I just go hack at my cases and figure out things along the way.

[newls1]

Why is my cooler always mentioned in everyones "I want to build a external cooler" thread!!! I don't mind, but you all need to understand that you WON'T make money building these, but rather make friends here, and help the community with a useful product!! Good luck to you........

[Mad_Man]

that walls used to muffle the fans SHOULD be in 45 degrees instead of 90. this way the outtake air will be bounced back... big air resistance.

[Grinch]

I think the waterkeg is going to be hard to beat...

however good luck..

[zoob]

Oh guys don't get me wrong, my intent is not to sell them but to build it just out of personal curiosity and enjoyment!

Hmm as for the baffles, I just realized that if I do this front->back method it will be fairly deep. All of a sudden bottom->top seems much more appealing.