First watercooling adventure, need help to go over list of components

Razerz · 10-06-2009, 02:13 AM

Hello all, I am new to this forum (and computermodding in general), although I have assembled a couple of computers in the past.
And now I want to take the jump into watercooling my future system.
My main goal is to have a quiet computer, but I won't say no to being able to overclock it somewhat too.

Enough rambling, here's the hardware I have been looking at (nothing is final yet, I will probably not buy any of this until sometime late spring/early summer):
Intel Core i7 or i5
EVGA X58 SLI LE (for i7, don't know yet for i5)
Ati HD58XX + a nVidia for PhysX (yes, I like eyecandy

)
or
nVidia 3XX
depending on benchmarks, price and availability for me
4 or 6GB of RAM
PSU not final yet

And now for how I am going to cool this:
Watercool Heatkiller 3.0 LT
EK fullcover for the motherboard (overkill unless overclocking?)
EK fullcover for the graphics cards
Overkill to watercool the RAM? Otherwise a MIPS RAM Freezer
Laing D5-MCP655 Vario
XSPC RX480 rad or ThermoChill PA120.4 rad
I will most likely use 1/2" tubing and compression fittings, mostly for the looks

Now for my problem, I have seen many recommendations to use a Typhoon III Reservoir when using a D5 pump and when cooling both the CPU and one or more graphics cards. Is this to recommend in this case to, or to use two separate loops?
Would a 480 rad be enough if I want to be able to add a second/third graphics card sometime in the future, or am I straining the system as it is?
And last, fans: Have anyone used the Tacens 120mm Ventus? Or anything from Xigmatek? Both should move a lot of air, as well be rather quiet, according to their specs, but I assume they won't live up to this in real world testing. Otherwise I am leaning towards the Gentle Typhoons.

Sorry for the long post, but hopefully I have given enough information so that you can help me.
Thanks in advance for any and all answers.

earthwormjim · 10-06-2009, 02:27 AM

Unless you're going for looks, it's a waste to watercool the RAM. RAM doesn't need to be super cool, and you're just adding more heat-dump and restriction to your loop.

As far as fans, if you're willing to spend a bit, go with Typhoons. If you're on a restricted budget, go with Yate Loons.

Also, as far as I know you can't enable PhysX if you're using an Ati video card. You used to be able to, but Nvidia changed this.

http://www.guru3d.com/news/nvidia-di...rd-is-present/

Razerz · 10-06-2009, 02:49 AM

Watercooled RAM would look good, but I would prefer better cooling performance over looks, so waterblocks for the RAM is out.
The Typhoons cost about the same as the Tacens, and Xigmatek, so I will try to have another look around for comparisons and reviews about them.
Sad thing about PhysX, well, well, is seems that I am going fully with Ati then.

Another question: Would I get the same result by using a Y-line and any reservoir, as using the Typhoon III res?

Delemon · 10-06-2009, 05:44 AM

Also, unless there is a driver hack out somewhere (likely there is), Nvidia has disabled GPU PhysX when there is a non-nvidia GPU present as of driver release 186 so if you want GPU based PhysX support, skip ATI.

Jamesrt2004 · 10-06-2009, 05:51 AM

theres a hack out atm that enables the "ban" nvidia set on ati hardware

will be a good system, imo if you got enough money id go for the xspc dual bay dual ddc? res and run 2 separate loops, also that rad would be fine for everything imo with some good fance (i'd use gentle typhoon 1850's)

millertime359 · 10-06-2009, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Razerz

Watercooled RAM would look good, but I would prefer better cooling performance over looks, so waterblocks for the RAM is out.
The Typhoons cost about the same as the Tacens, and Xigmatek, so I will try to have another look around for comparisons and reviews about them.
Sad thing about PhysX, well, well, is seems that I am going fully with Ati then.

Another question: Would I get the same result by using a Y-line and any reservoir, as using the Typhoon III res?

Skinnee did a test with an aftermarket top and a y-line for parallel loops and the T3 here. T3 still offered greater flow rates. I also did something similar to that before I got a T3 and it gets a bit messy inside the case trying to split the loop. A pic is still in my sig.

I disagree with most people here that it is necessary to split loops vs using the T3. There has been quick comparison done between dual loops with DDCs and parallel loop T3 with a core I7 tri-sli rig. There wasn't any temp difference. The big issue with the T3 is it can be tough to find and toolless drives are can can issues with install of the unit.

If you want to get Physix, you can just wait for Nvidia, even though it will probably be a few months.

I'm getting ready to do a Core I5 build myself using the EVGA P55 SLI FTW board. Another board you can look at for Core I7 is the EVGA X58 m-ATX board. It seems like a great board at a good price for the Core I7.

fan review here, great review: http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=223391

rmorse27 · 10-06-2009, 06:43 AM

I use the XSPC dual bay res/pump combo for both my loops and the work great. They come with a built in 750lph pump which is strong. I know a lot of people dont like these combo units,but I think they work fine.

millertime359 · 10-06-2009, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmorse27

I use the XSPC dual bay res/pump combo for both my loops and the work great. They come with a built in 750lph pump which is strong. I know a lot of people dont like these combo units,but I think they work fine.

It works great for a beginner's system, but once you start adding on or getting restrictive blocks. It will start to show its limitations.

Razerz · 10-06-2009, 07:37 AM

First of all, thanks for all the answers and all help! You guys are great!
I had quick read though the review for the T3 (thanks for both links). It seems like it would be a good idea to use it.

From what I have understood, which very well could be wrong, is that you get the best performance with two loops, one for the CPU and mobo, and one for the graphic cards.
"Traditionally" it was best to use two DDC or D5 pumps, with one radiator and reservoir per pump.
But with the T3 you can get the same performance with only one pump, radiator and reservoir?
Or do I need two radiators, one for each loop?

millertime359 · 10-06-2009, 07:54 AM

It always you to only have one pump and res instead of needing 2 pumps and 2 reses. You still need enough rad to dissipate the heat. A 140.4 or a RX480 should keep your vid card and I5/I7 cool if you aren't trying to push either chip as far as it goes. If you want to do SLI and OC, you would probably be best to get a 120x3 and a 120x2

Razerz · 10-06-2009, 08:28 AM

So by using an 120x4 and a 120x2 would be more than enough for overclocking as well as double/triple SLI or Crossfire? As well as looking really good (I am sketching on a scratch-built case and I like the massive, industrial look. And I really really want an excuse for using a 480 rad

)

alacheesu · 10-06-2009, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Razerz

First of all, thanks for all the answers and all help! You guys are great!
I had quick read though the review for the T3 (thanks for both links). It seems like it would be a good idea to use it.

Keep in mind when reading the T3 review that the bottom line is temperature. While the review shows that the T3 can give you slightly increased flow rates, that does not equate to lower temperatures. Not saying you shouldn't get the T3, just be aware that you'll get same temps without it.

Quote:

From what I have understood, which very well could be wrong, is that you get the best performance with two loops, one for the CPU and mobo, and one for the graphic cards.

It can be better, but usually you can get the about the same performance with one big loop for everything. If you have a lot in your loop (Tri-SLI, OC'ed CPU, chipset etc) it makes sense to me to split it into two loops.

Quote:

But with the T3 you can get the same performance with only one pump, radiator and reservoir?

With the T3 you can get the same performance as one loop for everything, which is often the same or very close the what two loops would give you.

millertime359 · 10-06-2009, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Razerz

So by using an 120x4 and a 120x2 would be more than enough for overclocking as well as double/triple SLI or Crossfire? As well as looking really good (I am sketching on a scratch-built case and I like the massive, industrial look. And I really really want an excuse for using a 480 rad

)

If using the T3, that should be fine. If you want to do tri-SLI on a dual loop, I would get a 320 for the tri-sli loop.

Razerz · 10-07-2009, 01:57 AM

Thanks for all your help. I have come out of this a bit wiser, so hopefully I won't be as clueless when putting all of this together. Anyone interested of the build should check back sometimes in winter, hopefully I will have time to begin work on the case then.

millertime359 · 10-07-2009, 06:24 AM

Going to give you a link to a sticky to read over while you are working on getting everything together. You don't need vinegar anymore for the rad flush, just use hot tap water and then a rinse with distilled. The filter is not needed either. http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...ad.php?t=54331

Go threw the stickies also, lot of great info. Also read posts here. You will start to understand things a bit better.

Razerz · 10-08-2009, 04:26 AM

Thanks again! I have to say this is one of the most helpful forums I have ever visited. Expect me to lurk here a lot