Striker II watercooling ordeal: CPU/chipset/GPU single/multiple loop - ideas anyone?

[polar bear]

I have seen a few threads on this topic around the WC section, but as every setup is different, I decided to start a new thread.

I've had this mobo for a few weeks now and probably waited for it to arrive for a couple of months. The combination of 45nm support and (tri)-SLI seemed promising. Mind, I didnt own a 680i prior to this one.

So I feel this board has a lot going for it; a nice layout and features by Asus; but the biggest weakness IMO is the massive heat output of that pesky 780i chipset. Can't stand looking at that NB temp around 77C idle... surely it can't be good for stability. And thats with a modest 400FSB and 3x fans directly cooling the NB/mosfets - it's simply unbelievable how hot this chipset gets.

Also, 3-SLI can output some serious heat too, and as cool *looking* as the Zalman Reserator 1 Plus is, I would say it's currently doing a much better job as a weird, futuristic office decoration aka the Tower of Barad-Dûr than trying to keep my dogs (XFX 8800gtx ) cool.


http://www.guru3d.com/article/gengoods/272/
Come to think of it, looks more like Isengard

Then, the idea of this combination initially was silence rather than performance, what with the hottest/active GPU running at >80C idle.

Hence, I am on the verge of doing a serious mod to my existing WC setup(s) - first the striker will get redone then the maximus will get a serious overhaul (EK and DangerDen have both released waterblocks for the 3870X2... drool )

So, I have found some waterblocks custom-built for the striker ii at mips - both NB, SB / PCI-E 2.0 chip as well as mosfets.

In my Tt Armor case I can fit one 3x120mm rad inside and I am also planning to attach another 3x120mm rad to the exterior.

I already have one swiftech pump (sig). It's certified for 1200LPH and 3.5 bar. Now, I am not at all sure if this pump will be sufficient if i decide to go for one loop for all of the components i.e. CPU, NB, SB/PCI-E 2.0, 2x mosfet and GPUx3 with perhaps 2x triple 120mm rads. Any thoughts on this? Will I require a separate pump and loop? Or maybe a total of 3 loops (i.e. one 3x120mm rad for each loop)? I dont care about noise anymore, I just want the most xtreme cooling for all components! (thanx, xtremesystems.org ) Space is a limiting factor though, as I dont think I will be able to fit more than 1 pump inside the case, and I have mixed feelings about keeping another pump at the desk outside the case.

Also, if i decide to go for multiple loops, I'm inclined to run the CPU as a separate loop, thus combining chipset+GPUs if running two loops total. It makes sense to me to do it this way to maximize the OC headroom for the CPU.

Looks like with the new setup I can safely retire the Reserator - or wait! Maybe instead of putting it away I might let it cool one of the mosfets just to keep it employed sort of... considering it's good looks after all. It will be much harder to retire the Reserator XT however as I've been very happy with this unit so far, but hey! That's what you get for hanging around these forums

Finally some pics of my current setup (before the planned changes):


Tower of Barad-Dûr looming in the background.


2x120mm radiator in front of case can't be seen in this picture. Also the Swiftech MCRES-MICRO reservoir is partially hidden behind the tubing. What's good about this case is that it's so spacious that the pump and reservoir can be fitted between the mobo and the IDE rack - this despite running 3x8800GTX! Also, the HDD cage can be removed to make space for a 3x120mm radiator in the front.


CPU area with Swiftech Apogee GTX as well as custom 90mm Akasa fan desperately trying to keep the NB cool. Asus chipset fans can also be seen.


My three dogs cooled by Zalman ZM-GWB8800 Ultra/GTX One sadly died during intial setup due to water damage... luckily it was replaced at no cost after I RMAed it. Green UV coolant and green case fans is in keeping with the nvidia mobo / SLI theme. Hence, my Zalman GT1000 housing my X38/ATI crossfire system features a red theme. Crazy or what?


My two babies!


I haven't ordered anything yet (waiting for next salary ) so obviously it will take awhile before I get the new system up and running. Comments welcome everyone -might as well give me some input before I go ahead and splurge away all of my savings on this Über-watercooled rig .

[polar bear]

This is going to get expensive!

The more I think about it, 3-loop seems the way to go, as I dont want to run my dogs in combination with either the CPU or chipset, considering the amount of heat they churn out. Running CPU+chipset also seems counter-intuitive as I dont want the 780i suffering from my CPU overclocking. Ideally I would like to bring the NB temps down by say 20-30 degrees.

So... seems I will have to order from overseas, and probably from 3 different stores as well (4 including the "local" one in my country).

http://www.mips-computer.de/
Here I will pick up the custom-built waterblocks for the striker ii chipset, as I have not found another manufacturer that has these in store, at least for the NB/PCI-E 2.0 combo chip.


ASUS Striker 2 Northbridge Freezer

ASUS Striker 2 Southbridge Freezer

ASUS Maximus / Striker II Mosfet Freezer

http://www.over-clock.co.uk/
Here I will get the ThermoChill PA120.x. Definitely for the CPU only loop I'm going all the way with PA120.3. With the other two loops however, a PA120.2 per loop is probably sufficient - keeps my sanity intact anyway I'm planning to attach the PA120.2 to the back of the case using one of these: Swiftech MCB-120™ "Radbox" radiator/fan housing. The other one I will have to put on top of the case after some modding.



http://ekwaterblocks.com
Although unrelated to this thread, here I'm getting the 3870 X2 blocks for my upcoming Maximus Extreme CrossFireX slugfeast!



As for the pumps, I will use the Swiftech MCP655 for the CPU circuit.



Probably I will go for an Eheim/Aquacomputer aquastream XT 0,42 bar for the other 2 loops; 1 for each loop. It's like a revamped Eheim 1046 that can supply up to 4.2m H2O. Also, it is relatively quiet running (5W) and it has a number of neat features like supplying the BIOS with a rpm signal that enables emergency system shut-down in case of pump failure.



Alternatively, I could go for a Laing pump as these seems to be popular around here - like Laing DDC 3.2 - 18w (3/8") or Laing 12V DDC-1 Plus+ 18w (3/8") - although I am not really very familiar with these. Ahh decisions, decisions...

As for tube size - I'm going with 1/2" for CPU and 3/8" for GPU/chipset. The reason for this being 1) that the radiators for these circuits will have to be mounted externally on the Armor case, hence I cannot bring the tubes inside the case using 1/2" ID and 2) both MIPS blocks as well as my Zalman GTX blocks come with 3/8" fittings.


ZM-GWB8800 Ultra/GTX waterblock

Now I am running the GPU waterblocks in series, but this picture over at swiftnets.com gave me an idea:



It certainly seems like the tube management is better in this case (compared to mine at least) as I find it really difficult to avoid tube kinking when the blocks are so close together. I try to compensate by making the runs between the cards longer, but I find that's not really ideal either. Is it practical to run the GPU waterblocks in paralell? Also I have read that sharp bends like T-pieces should be avoided at all costs due to flow restriction...



Any comments on the setup so far? Are thermochill radiators so good its worth paying a price premium for importing them when I can get e.g. HW Labs BlackIce Extreme locally? Is a triple loop setup really going to be worth the cost? Should I stop hanging around these forums and say find a cheaper hobby before I use all of my savings on watercooling equipment and jeopardize my marriage in the process? Any inputs welcome!

[IanY]

Congratulations on build!

I've been waiting for the Striker II Extreme 790i, but I may get a Formula if I run out of patience. Unfortunately, Mips refuses to ship to the U.S. None of the US retailers stock Mips blocks. So far, no production company in America has released 780i blocks yet, and they'll mostly be focused on EVGA/XFX reference mobos thus leaving Asus mobo users in the cold.

[Pedalmonkey]

woah woah woah. well, ok, not that bad, but i have a few suggestions.

ur probably gona need a 120.3 for ur 3 GTX's and a PA say 160 or 120.2 would do just fine to cool the chipset. The Thermochill's are worth it especially if noise matters to u at all, which with a wife i'm assuming it would.

If you already have those VGA blocks then stick with them and try not to mix metals. the zalmans are aluminum if i remember correctly. 3 MCW 60's will give you better temps with less flow restriction as well.

Pumps, all 3 are great choices. the D5 is the fav. around here for its reliability and good pump specs. the DDC's tend to have a bit more head presure than the D5 but there was a slew of failures in the DDC line. They seem to have been fixed though.

**EDIT** Tubing runs for GPU blocks could be much much shorter.

All opinions, take all of them worth a grain of salt

1 more question, y that EK block for a quad SLI rig? thats for an ATI HD3870 x2 card. maybe i just read it wrong.

[polar bear]

woah woah woah. well, ok, not that bad, but i have a few suggestions..

Appreciate your input!

ur probably gona need a 120.3 for ur 3 GTX's and a PA say 160 or 120.2 would do just fine to cool the chipset. The Thermochill's are worth it especially if noise matters to u at all, which with a wife i'm assuming it would.

Granted, I may take the plunge for the thermochills - why be skimpy on those when I'm going all the way with everything else? Although I guess it all also depends on which fans I choose. So far I've been using these for my 2x120mm rad - they're supposed to move 100 m³/hr running at 1700 rpm/28 dB.

If you already have those VGA blocks then stick with them and try not to mix metals. the zalmans are aluminum if i remember correctly. 3 MCW 60's will give you better temps with less flow restriction as well.

Allright, well I think I'd be very hestitant to replace the GPU blocks now; after all I just got them up and running.

Pumps, all 3 are great choices. the D5 is the fav. around here for its reliability and good pump specs. the DDC's tend to have a bit more head presure than the D5 but there was a slew of failures in the DDC line. They seem to have been fixed though.

Well, I will be running the D5 in the CPU 1/2" ID circuit, but for the other two loops I'm looking for 3/8 pumps as I dont want to use any hose adapters. Any info on the eheim/aquacomputer? The flow rate is like the E1046; 300LPH but it has been modified to push 0,42 bar / 4.2m H2O.

**EDIT** Tubing runs for GPU blocks could be much much shorter.

Ahem yes it was a bit of a nightmare setting this up as I got into all sorts of problems running 3/8" tubing with kinking no matter how hard I tried to avoid it, so I had to extend the tubing until the kinks disappeared... although for the revised setup I was considering something like this:



Alternatively, I see that this solves this without T-pieces as the tubes can run straight into the fittings with no need for bending:


EK-FC8800 GTX/Ultra

As I said I'd probably try not to replace the current Zalman blocks as they were quite expensive so I will try to modify the tubing a bit instead.

All opinions, take all of them worth a grain of salt

Well, as I said any advice is good as obviously I'm going to cash out lots on this rig.

1 more question, y that EK block for a quad SLI rig? thats for an ATI HD3870 x2 card. maybe i just read it wrong.

Allright, so what I meant here is that I am planning to upgrade my Maximus Extreme rig at the same time with 2x 3870X2s running watercooled in CrossfireX, although the ATI drivers are not ready... yet.

[RAID]

bad ass rigs polar bear. i'm also waiting for nb blocks for the striker II

[Pedalmonkey]

personaly on the pumps id go with the DDC. quiet, tested, and has 3/8" native. plus im pretty sure its less expensive which is always nice. You can also buy tops for it later if you want to go to 1/2" tubing.

I personaly am aiming to do the same with the x2's. :p. should be sick.

Those Pabst fans ive heard are excelent and last forever. Vapor has a sticky up on fans at the top of the forum. its great to help pick the best ones for your application. Yate Loons are nice cause they blow a good amount of air and are super cheap, may not be the best bet for the horizontal rad on top though cause the fan has sleeve bearings and will start grinding.

hope this all helps

[Snyxxx]

Unfortunately, Mips refuses to ship to the U.S. None of the US retailers stock Mips blocks. .

I emailed them and they said they could ship to the US. This was months ago, but did you actually email them?

[NaeKuh]

uhhh.. you guys.. it was tested, and clearly shown tht you'll have as much as 20C variance between card 1 and 2 if you do it that way.

Remember how paralell works in fluids. The path with the least restriction is going to take more flow, and starve the other.

I HIGHLY DO NOT RECOMEND you loop up your cards like that. Unless you can equalibriate flows to both cards so they get water = or almost =.

[polar bear]

personaly on the pumps id go with the DDC. quiet, tested, and has 3/8" native. plus im pretty sure its less expensive which is always nice. You can also buy tops for it later if you want to go to 1/2" tubing.

I personaly am aiming to do the same with the x2's. :p. should be sick.

Those Pabst fans ive heard are excelent and last forever. Vapor has a sticky up on fans at the top of the forum. its great to help pick the best ones for your application. Yate Loons are nice cause they blow a good amount of air and are super cheap, may not be the best bet for the horizontal rad on top though cause the fan has sleeve bearings and will start grinding.

hope this all helps

lol seems like a MASSIVE overkill, I know, running 2 multi-GPU systems side-by-side; that's 7 GPUs in the same room! Well, on an enthusiast level it's quite exciting what 3-sli and crossfireX can bring performance-wise. Seems multi is the trend regarding both CPUs and GPUs nowadays.

I have been doing some research re: fans. I can get Yate Loons from http://www.over-clock.co.uk/ although I can get Papst locally. Seems like I would need a total of 14x 120mm fans for my 2 systems combined!! Well, for the striker ii i would need 8 as i will probably go for cpu=120.3, gpu=120.3 and chipset=120.2. Of course this thread is meant to be for the striker only but I am considering upgrading the maximus at the same time to save on overseas shipping.

As for the pumps I might have to read up a little more as so far I am unfamiliar with the DDCs and there seems to be several versions for sale on different etailers.

And btw I live in Europe so I guess there shouldnt be any problem ordering from MIPS. Or so I hope at least as I simply NEED one of those SB combo chips to complete the mobo watercool redux. I know that e.g. EK has NB/mosfets for striker II but I recon that combo chip from MIPS is simply brilliant!

[otisthecat]

ek make waterblocks for your nb,mosfets and will have a sb/ pcie2 waterblock as well in about two weeks

[polar bear]

ek make waterblocks for your nb,mosfets and will have a sb/ pcie2 waterblock as well in about two weeks

OK I have looked at their site but find it a bit confusing as they dont state explicitly which mobos are compatible. Could you please let me know which of the EK blocks are compatible with the striker ii?

EDIT: seeing as you live in SA how did you even cope with running the striker ii without watercooling lol! Seems you would need phase change under those circumstances to keep the NB cool enough...

Also, I got my salary today, so getting ready to order soon Still have to decide on the pump though as well as whether to go EK or MIPS and also thermochill vs BlackIce

[otisthecat]

the blocks are as follows -ek asus 3a mosfetts and the nb s-max
the sb is still being made and this is straight from eddy at ek.
Have you throught about Alphacool Laing DDC Ultra .have one works great
Use aircon to keep room at 26 degrees

[polar bear]

Ok I will check those out - thanx!

[otisthecat]

also thinking about using modifed ice probes in reservoir heres a link http://www.thereefshop.com.au/index....7cecd97c4b8ee8 .
changing the tec to a higher wattage. what do you think?

[QuadSLI]

Ahem yes it was a bit of a nightmare setting this up as I got into all sorts of problems running 3/8" tubing with kinking no matter how hard I tried to avoid it, so I had to extend the tubing until the kinks disappeared... although for the revised setup I was considering something like this:

I have tried few kind of tube included the famous Tygon 3603, ClearFlex, Primoflex. Primoflex was the worst, it soft like jelly and cloud. They all gone to gabbage. I know very well w/ your situation. Use the Tygon B-44-3 from sharkacomputers, it is very strong and crystal clear. No springs need.

[polar bear]

Well, looks like they have Tygon and ClearFlex over at www.over-clock.co.uk. They also have this tube



i.e. with steel rings reinforcing the wall. Of course the alternative is



Dunno yet. Might get the tygon or clearflex.

[CCC]

i took the EK mosfet and nb blocks off my Maximus Formula and they mounted right on the striker2...

i just had to use 2 holes to mount the nb instead of 4... i put a small aircooler on the sb and a small heatsink on the pci xpress chip..

worked great

[IanY]

I emailed them and they said they could ship to the US. This was months ago, but did you actually email them?

I asked them specifically about the 780i blocks. They ain't sending to America. I guess we have to wait for GWB to leave office first... just kididng... I don't know understand their business rationale... on the other hand, they don't have a single distributor/retailer in America as well. Germans not interested in serving the American market ?

[Snyxxx]

That is disappointing. Hopefully EK will come through soon.

[IanY]

Yeah,

No English translation on the web site. I'd say they've pretty much made up their minds with not shipping to the US.

andyc

The strange thing is that they write perfect English lol They'll ship to the UK though..

[polar bear]

i took the EK mosfet and nb blocks off my Maximus Formula and they mounted right on the striker2...

i just had to use 2 holes to mount the nb instead of 4... i put a small aircooler on the sb and a small heatsink on the pci xpress chip..

worked great

So what sort of NB temps are you getting with the EK block, idle/load?

[polar bear]

I think I've found a solution to the 3-SLI 3/8" tube kink problem:



No tube kinking! Heck, not even tubes are necessary! Just two of these adapters for a 3-sli setup.

Some info from the german website (via google translate):

"The variable SLI Verbindunsnippel combines two graphics card cooler, in a system in SLI mode. The special at this point is that it is variable by about 12mm in length is adjustable. Therefore, this nipple with graphics cards from different manufacturers can be used. The SLI connection nipples are available in 3 lengths: Art for 64033 slot 1, Article 2 slot for 64034 and 64035 for Article 3 slot motherboards.

Technical data:
A direct connector between 2 graphics cards.
Threads: G1 / 4 inch material: nickel-plated brass
Distance between the coolers: 18.9 to 30.3 mm
Suitable for motherboards with 1 slot gap between the two graphics cards.
Fits crossfire graphics card cooler by example Ek Water Blocks, Koolance, DangerDen"

Verbindunsnippel... don't you just love german?

[CCC]

So what sort of NB temps are you getting with the EK block, idle/load?

idle and load were almost the same.. 38C idle and i think 40C was the max that i saw.. I had it with my cpu loop

[polar bear]

idle and load were almost the same.. 38C idle and i think 40C was the max that i saw.. I had it with my cpu loop

Thats not bad at all... My NB is struggling along at 75-80 degrees stock cooled (FSB 400 V_NB 1.32). Perhaps its feasible combining NB and CPU in the same loop after all. I guess you are using a PA120.3 for this setup then?

I was planning for a separate PA120.2 and Laing DDC Ultra for the chipset. Might have to reconsider this though, maybe it's overkill to do things this way.