I've decided to take the plunge in W/C'ing after talking about it for a couple years now and looking to bounce some ideas off you highly experienced/skill peoples Got a friggen sweet deal on the W/C kit second hand, one too good to pass up.
I've done a fair bit of reading and starting to get the hang of it, but definetly have much more reading to do.
Some background:
Case + specs:
* Lian Li V1000B+II,
* Q6600 G0 (currently @ 3.28Ghz [365*9] @ stock V on Tuniq Tower)
* 2x2GB Team Dark 1066 DDR2
* Gigabyte 4850ZL (Zalman cooler).
* DFI DK P45 TRS2 Plus
W/C components:
* The Sidewinder Sledgehammer (link)
* Extra MCW60
* Swiftech MicroRes v2
* Zalman MFC1+ Fan Controller
W/C still to purchase:
* Coolant (+ anti-algae etc), nfi yet. -- Been told distilled water and alcohol free iodine is all you need. Sounds good to me
* Tubing (current pieces are random lengths), thinking Tygon R3400 Black. Now looking at Tygon B-44-3 7/16"-11/6"-1/8"
* Metal barbs -- Yep, either Swiftech or DD 1/2"
Now I'm trying to figure out how to make it all fit. Ideally I'd love to get it all inside the case but don't think this is going to be possible with the MCR320.
I've already ripped out a HDD case and the divider from V1000 (did that not long after I got it) so it only has 1 HDD bay down there. Also made a few holes for cables, but still need more.
Ideas for installation include:
1. Use the included RadBox and mid-mount the rad;
2. Use the included RadBox and bottom-mount the rad;
3. Cut holes in the roof of the V1000 for the rad to be mounted internally;
4. Cut holes in the roof of the V1000 for the rad to be mounted externally;
5. Sell the MCR360 and get a similar 120 + 240 (120 in HDD or back fan + 240 on the top).
6. Sell the MCR360 and get a 'better' 240.
Pros/Cons of each (where applicable):
P1: Aesthetically better looking for ext mounted; easier to setup and get going, no hacks to case;
C1: External mounted and I have young kids that like to fiddle; covers PSU and slots.
C2: As per C1 + rad will stick out over the top of the case
C4: God damn ugly!
P5: Much easier to work with in the V1000;
C5/P6/C6: Don't know here, that's what I'm here for
Research I still need to do:
* Best order of tubing for water flow.
* How I'm actually going to make it fit.
* Realistic benefits of metal vs plastic barbs. (I can't help think plastic barbs are a recipe for disaster, but I'm not sure!)
So my questions to date are:
a. Re: 1+2, can you/should you/does it make any difference if you mid-mount the radbox?
b. Re: 1+2, can I put the inlet/outlet at the top or should this be at the bottom (given the V1000's back-to-front MB mounting)?
c. Re: 4, I assume the MCP655-B is enough to pump a 120+240?
d. Do I really need to cool my RAM on the video card? I've read conflicting reports about needing to, and it's not currently cooled with the Zalman fan, besides the airflow generated by the fan.
e. Comments/Suggestions
Thanks.
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