Greetings, I've long enjoyed the message board here and have learned much about extreme cooling. I think I have a sound understanding of the basics, but have some questions before I 'dive' into water cooling. Here's 3 layouts, I'm wondering what affect the manifolds will have on cooling in the blocks? Code: Basic: Res - Pump - Rad - CPU - ZChip - GPU - Res Manifold, 2 way: - CPU - Res - Pump - Rad - Manifold [ ] Manifold - Res - ZChip - GPU - Manifold, 3 way: - CPU - Res - Pump - Rad - Manifold [ - ZChip - ] Manifold - Res - GPU - From a heat disapation standpoint, the 3 way Manifold would be best. It would draw away heat from the 'big three' better. What I'm curious about, is what affect using parallel lines would have on flow rate/volume in a system like this? I'm planning on using an Xtreme II Radiator and possibly an RBX block. Would a 1250 supply enough pressure/volume in a setup like this? What about using larger hoses for the ( Res - Pump - Rad - Manifold ) and smaller hoses between the manifolds? Appreciate any suggestions.
Manifolds tend to be an unnecessary complication, IMNERHO (In My Never Even Remotely Humble Opinion ). The two or three paths need to be of the same length and flow resistance for things to work well, otherwise flow stagnates in the longest/most constricted path. Calculating this is a nightmare. And you need a pretty high-flow pump to keep a reasonable flow in the split paths (as flow is effectively divided over the three). You could narrow the ID of the split paths to keep flow up, but that increases flow resistance again... Just say "no" to manifolds. Like Zen, the Way to Watercooling is to keep the path as short as possible, and as simple as possible. Ditch the NB block --you really don't need it. Use a Zalman passive sink instead. Your sequence of items is good though. But contrary to popular belief you can actually place the GPU before the CPU without ill effects if that works out better for your loop layout. As I said: short, simple.
YES! ! Nexxo nailed it! NEVER, never devide your flow away from the CPU & GPU! You could go with a active air cooler on the NB, like the new Swiftech or the Microcool Northpole, if you're going for high O/C's. But otherwise do just as Nexxo said keep the lines short & the numbers of fittings as few as possible (no 90's). Nexxo => The Zen watercooler!
Pic care of jimmy the fish I am currently setting up a new PC with the very same set-up using a couple of 3 port manifolds though all contained inside the case as a appose to Jimmy's bong set-up. Providing you use a good pump and keep hose lengths identical I think it makes a great alternative so I got to disagree with the last 2 posts (sorry guys) i'm afraid. I know Bladerunner has had fantastic result with manifolds over at Zero Fan Zone.............well worth a look!
I have to disagree with Nexxo regarding the northbridge block. Northbridge cooling is becoming more important. Motherboard manufactueres seem to provide tiny heatsinks with pathetic finishes and a cheap sticky pad to attach them. Lap the heatsink and add some arctic silver and your overall temperatures will drop and system stability will increase. Watercool your northbridge and you're laughing.
Great inputs, I appreciate all the information. I still haven't decided exactly which way I'm going, but those manifolds on the back of the case sure look sexy. I've drawn out plans for a seriel path and one using the 3 way manifold. *If* I go with manifolds, I'm planning on using 1250 pump > Xtreme II radiator > Manifold (3way) > chips > Manifold (3way) > Res > Pump Again *If* I go this route I'm planning on mounting one manifold on the hard drive cage and the other in the back panel like the picture Coolermeister posted, and then mount the res externally on the back. I'm just wondering if the reduced flow will greatly affect the cooling of the chips? I guess the trade off would be dragging warmer water quicker across 2 of the 3 chips, or cooler water slower across all 3 of them. Decisions, decisions....
