Cooling Recommend a good 1/4" block for a 3800+ in the US?

Just as it says, I'm making my own watercooling setup and I don't have the resources to make a block, so I was wondering if you guys had any you could recommend? I'm unable to get AC stuff (mostly because it's so expensive) but I was wondering what else really did the job for a low-flow system?

 

Why low flow?

High flow is the way to go - a Swiftech Storm/ Apogee would suit your needs

 

Seconded.

 

because all the parts I already own are low flow.

I don't have the budget to go out an buy all new pump, tubing, rad, res AND blocks. I'm doing a project with what I have on hand. 2x120 rad (1/4" only), bayres, dual 1/4" low-flow pumps. It's basically a severely modded Koolance kit sans blocks. It was my first cobbled-together WC kit, and it performed great, and I'm pulling it back out for my latest project.

I gave all my high flow kit to a friend who's building an awesome mod for his wife, so I don't have anything compatible ATM. I just wanted to know if any blocks on the market were worth anything.

Guess I'll wait and see after this explanation.

 

Buy some more Koolance blocks for it.
They aren't expensive.

 

Small tubing does not = "low flow". If the pumps are low flowing, then you're setup can be classified as "low flow".

An Aqua Computer Cuplex 1.3 should'nt be expensive. Alphacool blocks because will perform better with higher flow, but it depends on how much performance you're after. For an actual "low flow" block, any of the Innovatek CPU blocks will work great, but they're really expensive ($60 for the block & $30 for a clamp - the block doesn't come with the clamp). Sharka Computers is selling the Innovatek XX-Flow Rev1 (in transparent and it's copper - the Rev2 blocks have a black frame/mount and are nickle plated) with a clamp (for socket A and 478) for $50 or so.

Maybe you can find a used block?

All the ones I've seen are

 

They are Koolance pumps.

Thanks for the info, didn't know alphacool liked higher flow...

 

I shoudn't have said "stay away" - I use an Alphacool NexXxos XP Lite (plexi version) with an Innovatek HPPS (an Eheim 1046 in flow with a stock 1048 head rating - can be overvolted to higher flow and more head), and I get great results. Pro Cooling has a good review of the NexXxos XP and it shows how much better it performs with more flow (they used an Eheim 1046 for some comparisons and I don't feel the extra performance with stronger pumps is worthwhile

Innovatek has said that their waterblocks will still perform with as few as 0.3 LPM, so they're really what I'd call "low flow" or just flow indifferent (check their Rev3 blocks' Pro Cooling review). Most blocks, regardless of tubing size or flow perception will improve with higher flow, but but some just don't. On that note, Aqua Computer's Cuplex Pro and XT are more likely to perform better with higher flow, despite AC using a modified Eheim 1046 as their flagship pump. They'll still work fine, but for those that want to squeeze every ounce out...

 

Go for one of the Koolance CPU blocks. If it's good enough for Alienware, it's good enough for you.

 

Kayin - I've got a Cuplex Pro not going to much use right now. If you're interested in it, PM me.

All systems will perform better at higher flow, but some are designed to perform well at lower flow (notably the smaller-bore systems). I'd classify my AC setup as medium-flow - a 3/8" barb system has 6mm pinch points in every barb, and thanks to my pushfits, the smallest mine gets is 6mm ID (and is consistant so there's less turbulance within the tubing, which I'd imagine is a good thing, unlike in the blocks where you want it).

Anyways, PM me if you're interested. It's one of the A64/P4 combo tops on it, and I've got quite a few fittings available.

 

Cuplex Pro/evo/xt, the alphacool block(s). Just remember the fittings for the alphacool