New $500 H2O system- Got all the parts! (Pictures, Build soon)

[kevinbo03]

Well, It had taken me a LONG time to finish this... But I'm finally done. (I Think)

I modded my Stacker back in early June:
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=146735


Then Lapped my XP-90:
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=147660


Then spent all my money on a box of liquid cooling goodies:
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...p?p=2278796#21


I made some mistakes as I modded, And had to redo/replace a few pieces along the way. But Today, After 20 Hours of straight work through the night, I have finished it!

the bad part: No pics of the case until my camera is charged all the way, The battery is already pretty shot. Until then, I have some results and a question:



Question: Coretemp says 28/41... Wtf? I've only used CT with C2D's prior to this, Does the chip monitor temps differently? I'm going to try to reseat the CPU block.

Just wait for the pics... She's a Beaute.

Orignal Post:
Well, Im quite pleased that I will soon have reached my goal of $500; And will be ready to get myself my first personal h2o loop. I've built 3, repaired and maintained 2, But have never been able to afford one for myself.

Alas, After 2 months working at Safeway (Or as me and my co-workers like to say: "Slaveway; Ingredients for strife"), I'm finally ready to get in on it.

Now, The details...

My Goals:

-Silence is key, if not the most important. Personally, I think The DDCT-01 (Petras Top) would be quiet enough. I haven't checked the values, But I've been told its quieter then a D5, And those aren't too bad. Besides, I'm sure I could make a small insulated enclosure to house the pump. For fans... I could go for the Yate Loon D12SL's, But since my budget is $500, And the Scythe SFF21F S-FLEX is just as loud and pushes +16CFM more, I don't mind spending the extra $8/fan. I may end up just getting Scythe SFF21D S-FLEX's, Which push 33CFM... But run at a ridiculous 8.7dB

- Asthetics are important, But most of it will be achieved by some good 'ol handiwork with a jigsaw, And half a can of spraypaint. I'll talk about that later...

- Performance is of course important, But with all of the good compnents I'm looking at, I'm pretty sure I cant go wrong.


What I know:

There are only a few things I am certain of. Of these, Is the CPU block, Pump, Rad mounting, and Tubing.

The Radiator will be mounted in the Top of my Modded Stacker. This way, If I ever want to go Dual Loop, I'll just throw another 2x120 radiator in the front.

For hose clamping, I will eitehr be using Zip-ties (I've found some really good ones ) or Breeze %100 stainless hose clamps. I chose the breeze clamps because they are very high quality, Full stainless, And the rotator shaft is much more compact then your typical zinc\steel clamps. I have 10 breeze clamps already on the way, Should be here in a few weeks.

I do know I will get a DTek Fusion... I'm sure not many people will argue against that . I will also get the DDCT01.

Lastly, I want to order everything from Petra's. For one- I don't need to explain why I'd choose them over over sites. *Cough* Jab-tech *Cough*. Also, I can save $50 or so in shipping costs by doing a local pick up. Nifty, Eh?

Everything else, I'm unsure about.
So, without further Adieu, Here is my computer setup, And Proposed Parts List:

Computer:

A64 X2 4200+
Abit An8 SLI (I have a DFI board waiting to be installed)
2x Patriot 1Gb
Evga 7900GS 256Mb


Proposed List:
Dtek Fusion - $65
MCR 320 QP - $55
DDC w/ Petras Top - $100
Swiftekch Micro Res - $25
10' Tygon 7/16 - $30
3x S-Flex Fans - $42
5x Yate Loons - $20 (For Case, They will be 7v)
4x PTNuke - $10 (Extra)
4x Pentosin G11 $18 (Extra)
Swiftech MCW60 w/ Ramsinks - $60? *I don't know which block to get, I've only used Maze4 and MP-1)
Ramsinks - $20
DD Filport - $12

Total: $457
W/ Tax: Approx $495.84

Shipping: Local Pick Up



So that gets me to around my budget... Now I just need to ask the following:

-What GPU block should I get?
Decided to get the MCW60, Based on other builds ive read about, And suggestions in this thread

-I've been reading allot about the DDC 3.2/3.1's... Is there anything I should know? I'm assuming the 3.2 is a better choice.



Lastly, I would like to apologize for any errors in grammar or sentence structure. It's 4AM, I'm tired, And I still have a 3 hour movie to go watch...
Good Night, And thank you!

[ranker]

Ditch the SFlex fans and just stick with Yates. I used to champion the SFlex fans until I got my hands on the Yates. The Yates are that much quieter. If you're looking for more airflow, check out Vapor's guide. I picked up 10 Sharkoon Golfballs and they've served me well.

Get a MCW60 and some ram sinks rather than the EK block. Your 7900 card is getting a little long in the tooth. Why pay $100 for a full cover card, when you'll probably end up two generations behind within the year. At least the MCW60 will let you reuse the block in the future.

For your pump, I'd go for the DDC 3.1 (or DDC-1 if you can find it) as it's the more silent of the two pumps. The only pump I've owned that's more silent than that is the d-tek db-1. However, the DDC outperforms that thing by a significant margin.

Other than that, your list looks good. Just buy 1 bottle of Pentosin and 1 bottle of PT nuke. You won't need 4x of each.

[Ad1tya]

For the GPU : MWC60 w/ SMC8800 Cooling Kit (40$, and they come with 13 MC14 Ramsinks and 4 MC21 Ramsinks).

Rad and Pump look fine. Id trust a D5 over a DDC, specially the newer DDC3.2's.

You could also go with Masterkleer tubing, if you exceeding budget, they ain't half bad, and for 30$ you could get 50 feet of Masterkleer. Lol.

Everything else looks fine!

Get Hoseclamps btw!.

[septim]

lolz ranker, you must have bought ppc's whole stock of golfballs 2k...

[sick_g4m3r]

Everything looks great! Post lots of pics and hope your pump doesnt die!

[kevinbo03]

Ditch the SFlex fans and just stick with Yates. I used to champion the SFlex fans until I got my hands on the Yates. The Yates are that much quieter. If you're looking for more airflow, check out Vapor's guide. I picked up 10 Sharkoon Golfballs and they've served me well.

Get a MCW60 and some ram sinks rather than the EK block. Your 7900 card is getting a little long in the tooth. Why pay $100 for a full cover card, when you'll probably end up two generations behind within the year. At least the MCW60 will let you reuse the block in the future.

For your pump, I'd go for the DDC 3.1 (or DDC-1 if you can find it) as it's the more silent of the two pumps. The only pump I've owned that's more silent than that is the d-tek db-1. However, the DDC outperforms that thing by a significant margin.

Other than that, your list looks good. Just buy 1 bottle of Pentosin and 1 bottle of PT nuke. You won't need 4x of each.

I'll take your word on the fans, I've yet to use any Yates, But I've had my fair share of Scythe fans. I loved em, So these Yates better be good!

About the GPU block... Yeah, I figured that. I may end up getting an 8800GTX soon, Just to hold me off for awhile (Get DX10, start saving up for new CPU/Mobo/Mem).

For the Pump- I'm going to try and get some more input on whether the 18w version is really necessary, I know there are plenty of DDC Gurus around here that would know.

And the Pentoisn $ PTNuke; Yes, It's allot. I'm only buying a ton so I never have to worry about it If I bleed my system, add a new block, Etc. It's only $23 more to get what is likely a lifetime's supply of additives (For this loop at least).

For the GPU : MWC60 w/ SMC8800 Cooling Kit (40$, and they come with 13 MC14 Ramsinks and 4 MC21 Ramsinks).

Rad and Pump look fine. Id trust a D5 over a DDC, specially the newer DDC3.2's.

You could also go with Masterkleer tubing, if you exceeding budget, they ain't half bad, and for 30$ you could get 50 feet of Masterkleer. Lol.

Everything else looks fine!

Get Hoseclamps btw!.

I like the SMC8800 Kit, Mainly because It could be easily passed along to a 8800 series, Which is what I'll likely be getting later. Unless the 8900xx Series kicks some serious tail and doesnt cost too much more... Meh.

I've only used D5's until now, And the failure rate of the DDC's isnt that bad- I ought to be more concerned about an earthquake, Given my location . So I'll be sticking with the DDC; And if it fails, Duck and Cover!

Yeah, I dont know about the tubing. I've always used either Tygon, Or whatever generic stuff it is they sell at Orchard Supply. Again, Since I'm investing a large sum of money into this, I don't mind the extra $25. Either way, I'll have to remove that annoying lettering.

Everything looks great! Post lots of pics and hope your pump doesn't die!

I sure hope it doesn't!


Thanks guys, I should order it soon... Maybe tonight, Maybe tomorrow, Hopefully I'll pick it all up tomorrow.

I'll have to wait a week to start working on it, Gonna be a 50 Hour work week next week; So when I am free, I wont feel like working on my computer... . Now I just need to get a new job so I can make enough for a new Mobo/CPU/Mem...

If anyone has any other suggestions, Please let me know!

[ranker]

I'll take your word on the fans, I've yet to use any Yates, But I've had my fair share of Scythe fans. I loved em, So these Yates better be good!

About the GPU block... Yeah, I figured that. I may end up getting an 8800GTX soon, Just to hold me off for awhile (Get DX10, start saving up for new CPU/Mobo/Mem).

For the Pump- I'm going to try and get some more input on whether the 18w version is really necessary, I know there are plenty of DDC Gurus around here that would know.

DDC 9W will serve you fine if you're after silence rather than pure pumping power for the theoretically lowest possible temps.

And the Pentoisn $ PTNuke; Yes, It's allot. I'm only buying a ton so I never have to worry about it If I bleed my system, add a new block, Etc. It's only $23 more to get what is likely a lifetime's supply of additives (For this loop at least).

Heck, you won't even need that much. PT nuke is applied only 1-3 drops at a time and the bottle can probably last 20-25 rebuilds. The Pentosin is usually only mixed in at a maximum of a 10-1 ratio and even at that rate, I only found myself using 1/5 of the bottle each flush. I've since ditched it altogether as I no longer use any mixed metals.

[kevinbo03]

Ok... Just 2 of each then!


Just found out that the Swiftech MC8800 SMC Kit will be out of stock until Monday, SO I think I'll just get the MCW60 Ramsink combo.

[Ad1tya]

^^ Your going to need 13 Ramsinks for a 8800. 12 for RAM and 1 for the NVIO Chip.

[ranker]

Ok... Just 2 of each then!


Just found out that the Swiftech MC8800 SMC Kit will be out of stock until Monday, SO I think I'll just get the MCW60 Ramsink combo.

That won't be enough to cover everything. You'll need the vreg heat sinks and a few more of the MC14 sinks. You can just buy an extra pack of those.

[kevinbo03]

I don't have a 8800 Yet, When I do I'll just buy the additional heatsinks (I should buy one is a few months at most).

For now I'll be cooling my 7900GS.

[kevinbo03]

I'm, thinking I'm going to go with this layout, Maybe shorten the long tubes a little bit.

[Reinvented]

Uh...wtf man?

The micro res will have the barbs towards the bottom...and you should have it face toward the back of the case..

Secondly, the res FEEDS into the pump, otherwise you will kill your pump.

[Deux]

Your res should be before the inlet of your pump. Personally, I would avoid the unnecessary tubing and just have it go across the case.

[kevinbo03]

I know the barbs are lower on the Res, I just didn't feel like fixing my work of art. And all that stuff will be BEHIND the drive bay frame.

And what do you mean about the Res feeding into the pump? I have an entirely function and proven loop sitting across the room that runs:
Rad>Pump>CPU>GPU>Res>Rad

(BI Pro II > D5 > DD RBX > MP-1 > Swiftech Micro > BI Pro II)

Unless you aren't talking about order, But something else...

EDIT: Ahhh, You are talking about filling the system, I see. Yes, I see what you mean, Previously I would just spend lots of time shaking the whole loop to get the bubbles to escape, But your idea sounds easier.

Just got to cash a paycheck tommorow, Then make the order.

[Quazi]

I believe he is talking about making sure the pump is below the res so that the pump can be gravity fed.

[Ad1tya]

Your Res, will have to be above the Pump. It will feed the Pump, through the wonders of Gravity.

Also, why do you want to Hide your tubing and your Pump etc?

IMHO, showing of your Tubing/Pump looks 1337(leet)

[Frank M]

Besides, I'm sure I could make a small insulated enclosure to house the pump.

Erm...
as some say, the #1 reason for DDC failure is modded tops.
#2 would be overheating pumps.
That sound-isolating enclosure may also trap heat inside.

The res before the pump - the res is there to supply the pump with water and
have a minimal space for dilation. If you have your res elsewhere, the pump may
suck in air from a not properly bleeded loop.

[kevinbo03]

I'll ask today when I pick it up. If they advise against it, I'll find another way.

Gonna place the order in a few minutes...

[kevinbo03]

Ordered!

Name Code Qty Each Options
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
D-TEK FuZion Universal DTEKFUZION 1 64.99
CPU Waterblock - 1/2"
Swiftech MCRES-MICRO MCRES-MICRO 1 22.95 Additional Barbs = None
Hi-Flo Reservoir Re-Tap Top Port in 1/4'' BSPP = Yes
(+ 3.00)
Petra'sTech "PT_Nuke" NUKE-10 2 2.50
Concentrated Biocide
(10mL)
UV Reactive Pentosin G11 UVPG11-B4OZ 4 4.50
Coolant Additive (Blue) -
4oz.
Swiftech MCR-320 "Quiet MCR320-BLK 1 54.99 Barb Type = Black Nylon
Power" Series Radiator -
Black
120mm Yate Loon D12SL-12 FAN120YL-D12SL 8 3.99 Fan Screws = none
Case Fan - Black (47 CFM,
28 dBA)
Swiftech MCW60 GPU MCW60 1 59.99
Waterblock w/ MC14
Ramsinks
Danger Den Delrin DDDFP 1 11.95
FillPort
Danger Den Filling DDFS 1 2.25
Syringe
30mm Zinc-Plated Steel SWIFT-SCR-ZP 6 1.15
Swiftech MCR-QP Fan
Screws (Pack of 4)
D-Tek High-Flow Fitting G14DT12 14 2.30
(G 1/4" Thread, 1/2" OD)
7/16" ID (5/8" OD) Tygon 716-TYG 10 2.99
R-3603 Laboratory-Grade
Tubing
Laing DDC w/ Petra'sTech DDC-COMBO 1 99.95 Included Barbs = 1/2'' D-Tek
DDCT-01s Top Combo High-Flow
Pump = Laing DDC-3.1 (9W)
60mm Vantec Stealth Case FAN60VAN-STL 1 6.99
Fan (12 CFM/20 dBA)
Thermalright HR-05-SLI HR-05-SLI 1 22.95
"High Riser" Chipset
Cooler
ATX Molex Pin Remover TOOL-ATX 1 4.99
Swiftech SmartCoils 625 SmartCoils625 1 2.95
(for 5/8" OD Tubing) - UV
Ocean Blue
3" Petra'sTech Logo PT3-BLK 1 3.00
Appliqué - Gloss Black,
External Application
Subtotal 481.87
Shipping 0.00
Tax 39.75
Total 521.62

[kevinbo03]

Just finished unwrapping all the Parts... Like Christmas all over again.


Some Pictures:


The Loot:


7/16" Hose, Using all D-tek Barbs.


The Barbs... Quoc said I bought most of what was left


Petra's top, Needs no introduction.


G11, PTnuke, And DD filling Syringe. Yes, I bought a lifetime supply.


The pump assembled.


D-tek Fusion


DD Delrin fillport... Notice the plastic shaving left inside. Tisk Tisk, I've been hearing bad things about DangerDen's quality control lately.


The MCW60 w/ Ramsinks


MCR320


HR-05 SLI


MicroRes, Threaded fillport.


One 60mm Vantec stealth, And 8 Yate Loon slow speed fans.



What is it with cats and boxes?




And last but not least, An item unreleased by PetrasTech:

It's been in development for months; And has yet to be revealed to the public. I managed to get myself one, May I present...




The *Official* PTS...
Shell gas station directions:

Patent Pending


Order yours today!

[Frank M]

And last but not least, An item unreleased by PetrasTech:

It's been in development for months; And has yet to be revealed to the public. I managed to get myself one, May I present...

The *Official* PTS...
Shell gas station directions:

/me want... how much?



That was fast...

[mukmaster]

Gosh that looks aweosme CONGRATS

Party hats

[Vice]

What made you go with the DDC-3.2 ( I presume) over the D5

[sick_g4m3r]

::::drol: woah!!!!!!!!