Watercooling A tale of watercooling a Fractal Design Define XL R2 (finished!)

Bitspower fittings aren't any better than anyone else - they do look nice, but you pay through the nose for the privilege.

I've found standard EK compression fittings and rotary 90s/45s are just fine - they look good too, in nickel or black.

BTW 10/13mm is 3/8"ID and 1/2" OD, not 5/8" OD.

 

Fan-controller? Aquacomputer aquaero 5 LT USB Fan-Controller. No need to control anything yourself, when this device does it all itself once it's setup.

For the tubing I'd go with simple clear 3/8" (13/10). Nothing fancy, but you see when there's something wrong with the coolant.

 

Thanks for the info. Might go with Monsoon fittings as I found a relatively cheap stockist

I actually have an aquaero 5 and.. thinking of going for something simpler, but I've just noticed they finally updated the software for it so will have another look. Thanks for the info

 

For fittings I use stock EK compression fittings, the monsoon fittings you mention do look sweet though.

For tubing, masterkleer is great stuff.

 

Thanks!

Hmm. Important question... White fittings and black tubing, or black fittings and white tubing?
Thoughts anyone?

 

Black fittings with white tubing. Every. Damn. Time.

 

Personally I love white tubing with white fittings. I've just watercooled my TJ08 and the white Monsoon fittings look great with the white Masterkleer tubing.

 

I think black fittings white tubing then, nice input

Push pull with SR1s, or just push?

 

They don't need pushpull - on an open rad like that you might get an extra degree or two, max.

 

Oh this is sweet. I'm also about to Watercool a Define XL (though the first one)

This is how I'm planning on setting it up.



I've never had a D5 - is it generally accepted that they are quieter than the DDCs?

 

Clearance at the top could be an issue, Tom. Korvus measured 68mm. Although a 360 rad with 120mm fans might be narrow enough to allow a slight overlap of the mobo without fouling anything.

 

Nice layout potentially, might want to check clearance though with the roof. Yes d5's are quieter, especially with lower power settings.

This illustrates the problem. if there's any heatsinks on the motherboard at the top......it's just not going to work. Shame really.


In other news! I got some more stuff for the case

Nice monsoon fittings and some FD fans. The 120s were cheap (£4 each what?!) so I got a few for other projects if not used in this one. Was going to show my nice white tubing buuuut I accidentally ordered clear instead No worries as I can just exchange.

Still Not sure on the radiators... aaaaaagh decisions decisions

Option A:
240x80mm Alpha cool monsta radiator in the front (pushpull, 140s at front, 120 at back)
Alphacool 140x60 Radiator at the back (push, 140mm fan)
Pros:

• Brand parity
• No modification required, all fits nicely but may need a shroud for the front of the rad to keep things air"tight".
• Cheapest option!
• Matte black matches case interior
• All copper rads are nice

Cons:

• 120mm Fans
• Potentially a little boring
• Potentially noisiest

Option B
HWLabs SR1 280x55 in the front (push) HWLabs SR1 140x55 on back mounted on back of case.
Pros:

• Very well made radiators
• Potentially quietest
• Brand Parity
• Chance to get creative with mounting

Cons:

• Will require modifcation (cutting holes) to case
• Gloss black does not match case interior
• Most expensive option

Option C
SR1 280x55 radiator in front, Alphacool 140x60 radiator in back.
Pros:

• Combines best of both
• Maximum usage of "space"

Cons:

• No brand parity
• No style parity (gloss and matte black, different shape radiators)

Thoughts?

 

That res-> top 360 rad might be too tight. Even if it isn't you'll need some 90 degree fittings for that.

 

Option D:
240x80mm Alphacool monsta radiator in the front
240x30mm Alphacool NexXxos ST30 Full Copper radiator in the roof

Pros:

• Brand parity
• No modification required
• Matte black matches case interior
• All copper rads are nice
• Greatest cooling potential of all

Cons:

• 120mm Fans (not really that bad)
• Probably most expensive

 

Yeah, I think so, I've seen these....

Got some already! If not might have to flip it around and have the connections on the back side of the case.

 

Well that decides it; monsta 240x80 at the front.. still kinda sighing about the lack of 140mm fans for the roof rad. Oh well. It's still better for watercooling than my last case

Did I mention btw, I now have a 3d printer It's currently printing me out a rough template for that 46mm rad. My cardboard template's accuracy... is a bit lacking.... Maybe I -can- get the 46mm to fit? lets find out.

If not I'll go for the 240x30

 

Oh sick! Take some piccies for us! I'd love to see a 3D printer and the results.

 

Unfortunately my 3d printer is not co-operating. I will shout at it, realise it is inanimate, shout at it some more anyway and then try something else later. I think I might just get some modeling card and do it myself with my hands

 

I have an Antec p193 and wanted a 280mm rad in it and ended up with an Alphacool 60mm rad mounted outside of the case. I just had to drill out 2 holes in the top so you cant see any pipes from the outside. Also I like the Monsoon fittings but they are so easy to scratch, I have blue ones and 2 are scratched from slipping with the tool thing and tbh there more for show cases as I have found they leak more often than my old EK fittings so be careful with them.

 

Thanks for the info and warnings, will keep an eye on them