Cooling Advice on Blocks/Rad/Pump please, loop has been determined

Discussion in 'Hardware' started by Pistol, 27 Jun 2005.

  1. Pistol

    Pistol Guest

    Hey guys, I'm definitely doing the watercooling this summer. My problem is I don't know who's good and who's not. I've read reviews on AC, DD, Swiftech, but I need a little bit more definite answers.

    The loop will be setup like so:

    Resevoir -> Dual 80mm Rad -> CPU -> 120MM Rad -> NB -> Pump -> Resevoir

    Here is a list of the parts I'll need:
    1 CPU Block Socket 478 (Thinking Cuplex-something or other)
    1 NB Block (Thinking DD Maze4)
    1 Pump (Thinking about Swiftech MCP6000)
    1 120mm Radiator (no clue)
    1 Dual 80mm Radiator (no clue)
    1 Resevoir (custom, I've got it already mocked up)
    4 80mm Fans (something that pushes a lot of air, silently)
    1 120mm Fan (something that pushes a lot of air, silently)

    My system specs are: P4 478 3.0ghz, 1GB PC3200, ATI 9800 All-In-Wonder Pro, Gigabyte 8KNXP

    The main question I have is this: what is the good brand out there? I need something that is dependable, looks good (no lights, please), and is easily maintained. This is going to be a 1/2" OD system. I want the fans to push a lot of air as quietly as possible. I think last I read Panaflo fans were really good at this. Please, any suggestions on specific brands would be awesome.

    Thanks.
     
  2. kaotic504

    kaotic504 What's a Dremel?

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    well since it's going to be 1/2" OD, for the pump i would go with the MCP655/D5, whatever people want to call it. the MCP600 is no longer in production, well at least by Swiftech and now i think only AquaExtreme sells it as the 50Z-DC12-T, i would get the "T" version b/c it has threaded barbs. those are great pumps! DangerDen D5 or Swiftech MCP655, if you want the namebrands. the AquaExtreme 50Z-DC12 is the same as the MCP600. so the pump is up to you. the D5's push more water but add more heat to the loop. as far as radiators go, i would get the new ThermoChill PA160 if i had the money, if not, for loop I would get 1 Black Ice Extreme Dual 120mm rad, or 2 BIX's or just 1 BIX should do fine. if you want to save money, you can go w/ 1 BIX. they're on sale by the way. as far as blocks, too many choices too many options, it's basically preference. i've gone w/ some a whole PolarFlo kit that i got off of ebay for a great price. before that, i had a whole Swiftech kit. i still do have it. 6000-p, mcw20 and mcw50. great blocks. hope that answers some of your questions. if i had the money though. i would go all AC and go small bore, 3/8" OD.
     
  3. Nexxo

    Nexxo * Prefab Sprout – The King of Rock 'n' Roll

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    OK, you got some kinks to work out first:

    -- Your CPU block would be a Cuplex. That is a 1/4" (8mm) small diameter tubing type of block. You then talk about getting a DangerDen Maze4 NB block. That is a 3/8" to 1/2" wide diameter tubing block. The two don't mix. Settle on one size of tubing (either the small diameter German-style, or the large diameter US-style), and choose your components around that. Don't fret about which way to go; both perform the same for your purpose so it all comes down to looks and cost.

    -- There is absolutely no gain in watercooling your NB. If anything, watercool your GPU instead. Again, pick a block that is consistent with the diameter tubing you settled for.

    -- Ditch the dual 80mm rad. It just complicates the system, generates additional noise and will give you no benefit. You won't need it to cool just one P4 (no matter how hot they tend to get) and one GPU if you already have a 1x120mm fan rad. Something like a Thermochill or BIX is more than enough, but again make sure you buy one with the right size barbs for the diameter of tubing you settled for.

    On the 120mm rad you can put a Panaflo FBA12G12L. Don't forget a shroud.

    The pump depends on the diameter of tubing you settle for. For small diameter tubing look at anything that Aqua-Computer sells, a Laing DCC or a C-Systems CSP MAG. For large diameter tubing consider the AquaExtreme 50Z-DC12 or DangerDen D5.
     
  4. Pistol

    Pistol Guest

    So the component list will be all 1/4", as follows:

    AC Cuplex XT 4
    AC Twinplex - northbridge
    AC Twinplex - GPU
    AC Airplex 120
    CSP Mag Pump
    Custom Res

    Now, as far as the CSP Mag goes, should I get a rear inlet or top, or does it matter? The pump will be mounted upside down (attached to the bottom of my 5.25" drive cage). Any ideas on if this will affect the pump?
     
  5. Nexxo

    Nexxo * Prefab Sprout – The King of Rock 'n' Roll

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  6. Pistol

    Pistol Guest

    Awesome! Thanks for the advice. That plexiglass one looks better than the stock one. Also, do the parts I listed in post 4 look good together, as in - will they well together (tube size)?
     
  7. kaotic504

    kaotic504 What's a Dremel?

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    they will definitely work well together as long as you specify 1 size for them all. no problems there. and you can always get AC adapters for the MAG.
     
  8. Leeum

    Leeum What's a Dremel?

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    The plexi top has also been drilled for a top outlet which increases flow iirc :)
     
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