Graystar
08-29-02, 06:08 PM
I installed my Ahanix Iceberg 1 and thought I'd let you guys know how it went.
I started out with temps around 47-48C. Now my temps are 42-43C.
The primary reason for my getting a water cooler was to reduce noise. I'm also running the Stanford Folding DC client, so now my CPU is running at 100% all the time. I went with the Ahanix because it was the cheapest and easiest kit around. As it turns out, is was very easy to install. I didn't have to modify any part of my case, and I didn't have to buy anything extra (except for distilled water.)
I followed the installation guide on their website so my setup looks exactly like the pictures on the website. The only difference is that I decided to run water from the radiator to the waterblock. My thinking is that the water coming out of the radiator is as cool as it's going to get so that's what I want going to the CPU. Otherwise, the water would first be warmed by the pump. Anyway, here are some observations:
When I got it running for testing I had to shake the radiator and water block a good bit to get all the air out.
When I turned off the pump I could see the water draining back into the reservoir and air making its way to the radiator. To prevent this from happening I tried to completely fill the reservoir. This didn't work 'cause the reservoir leaks if you have that much water in it.
I think the simple solution is to have a piece of hose in the reservoir, going from the water-return and extending below the water line. This way no air can get into the system. I've suggested this to Ahanix.
The screws for the fan are a bit of a pain to get in. That's about the hardest thing with this kit.
I replaced 17 watts worth of fans (4) with the Iceberg 1 (10 watts pump and fan.) For a 7 watt drop is cooling power, I got a 5C drop in CPU temps. However, my case temps went up 5C, from 30C to 35C! Even with a 5C increase, my case temp are okay so I'm not really worried about it.
This system is underpowered for overclocking. Use it to reduce noise, reduce CPU temps a bit, and to get your feet wet in water cooling.
I think having a pump in the reservoir is the way to go. It cuts the noise down to nothing, cools the pump, and there's no chance of the pump introducing air into the system. Also, as Koolance systems demonstrate, you can have two or three pumps in a reservoir to keep water flowing in case any of them fail. I don't know if you can do that with the inline systems; there probably is a way but I haven't heard of any.
Overall, I'm very happy with the system. However if I was overclocking I don't think I would be so satisfied.
I started out with temps around 47-48C. Now my temps are 42-43C.
The primary reason for my getting a water cooler was to reduce noise. I'm also running the Stanford Folding DC client, so now my CPU is running at 100% all the time. I went with the Ahanix because it was the cheapest and easiest kit around. As it turns out, is was very easy to install. I didn't have to modify any part of my case, and I didn't have to buy anything extra (except for distilled water.)
I followed the installation guide on their website so my setup looks exactly like the pictures on the website. The only difference is that I decided to run water from the radiator to the waterblock. My thinking is that the water coming out of the radiator is as cool as it's going to get so that's what I want going to the CPU. Otherwise, the water would first be warmed by the pump. Anyway, here are some observations:
When I got it running for testing I had to shake the radiator and water block a good bit to get all the air out.
When I turned off the pump I could see the water draining back into the reservoir and air making its way to the radiator. To prevent this from happening I tried to completely fill the reservoir. This didn't work 'cause the reservoir leaks if you have that much water in it.
I think the simple solution is to have a piece of hose in the reservoir, going from the water-return and extending below the water line. This way no air can get into the system. I've suggested this to Ahanix.
The screws for the fan are a bit of a pain to get in. That's about the hardest thing with this kit.
I replaced 17 watts worth of fans (4) with the Iceberg 1 (10 watts pump and fan.) For a 7 watt drop is cooling power, I got a 5C drop in CPU temps. However, my case temps went up 5C, from 30C to 35C! Even with a 5C increase, my case temp are okay so I'm not really worried about it.
This system is underpowered for overclocking. Use it to reduce noise, reduce CPU temps a bit, and to get your feet wet in water cooling.
I think having a pump in the reservoir is the way to go. It cuts the noise down to nothing, cools the pump, and there's no chance of the pump introducing air into the system. Also, as Koolance systems demonstrate, you can have two or three pumps in a reservoir to keep water flowing in case any of them fail. I don't know if you can do that with the inline systems; there probably is a way but I haven't heard of any.
Overall, I'm very happy with the system. However if I was overclocking I don't think I would be so satisfied.