Watercooling Blocks?

[BoB NaPaLm]

At some point I am going to get a water cooling kit...
I was gonna get the Inovatek kit but now I would rather put together my own...

So far I've got these on my list:

Black Ice Xtreme PC Radiator (CoolMetal)
EHEIM 1250 Centrifugal Water Pump
Delta 120mm 190CFM Fan
Not Forgetting:
1/2 Inch I.D. SiliconTubing
Hose Clamps
Distilled Water
Water Wetter

Now my questions are what water block should I think of getting. I really like the clamping system of the Inovatek rev 3 block but its got a different sized fitting (1/4th I think).

Also reservoirs...again I like the Inovatek setup with the reservoir on the pump...can you get something like that with 1/2 Inch fittings?

Is the pump too powerful for certain bits etc...
If I have missed anything out then please fill me in.
Any help would be greatly appreciated ;)

[nikhsub1]

A couple of things: First, the Black Ice rads are good, but a heater core is better, preferably with 2 shrouds, you should look at these: http://dtekcustoms.safeshopper.com/19/cat19.htm?338 Of course if space is a consideration, then the BI will be fine but they are WAY overpriced. Second, why such a powerful fan? That thing is gonna be LOUD!!! With the radiator above and 2 shrouds, you could use 2 69CFM fans and get better results than with the BI and the delta. As far as blocks go, Maze 3, D-Tek TC-4, Swiftech MCW462-UH are all solid blocks. The best way to mount a block is via the 4 holes around the socket. I would stay away from silicone tubing, Tygon is far superior, even vinyl is better, Silicone will absorb water wetter and dyes etc. You don't need a res, I actually recommend no res, use a "T" line for filling/bleeding, much better option IMO.

[BoB NaPaLm]

I like the look of the maze 3...taken your comments on tubing into consideration but where would I be able to get some Tygon Tubing and is it clear? But I still want a small reservoir somewhere :)

[nikhsub1]

Originally posted by BoB NaPaLm
I like the look of the maze 3...taken your comments on tubing into consideration but where would I be able to get some Tygon Tubing and is it clear? But I still want a small reservoir somewhere :)
Just do yourself a favor and get the COPPER top on the Maze 3, too many problems with cracking and leaking with ALL clear tops. Until they can make them correctly, I would avoid them. Tygon is crystal clear, the clearest tubing out there.

[BoB NaPaLm]

Originally posted by nikhsub1

Just do yourself a favor and get the COPPER top on the Maze 3, too many problems with cracking and leaking with ALL clear tops. Until they can make them correctly, I would avoid them. Tygon is crystal clear, the clearest tubing out there.

Ok thanks for the Info...you say the clear top maze3 is dodgy...what causes it to crack? Overtightening of bolts or by the water pressure? I like the look of the clear top version.

[BoB NaPaLm]

Oh yeah also a thing I forgot to ask...do these kits power on with the system or do they have to be manually powered on?

If so then is there some kind of switch thingy available to turn the pump on when the system is booted up?

[nikhsub1]

Originally posted by BoB NaPaLm


Ok thanks for the Info...you say the clear top maze3 is dodgy...what causes it to crack? Overtightening of bolts or by the water pressure? I like the look of the clear top version.
Clear is nice, but like I said, know to have problems. Some people have run clear tops for months, no probs, others, have had mobo's and vid cards ruined from cracks/leaks. The pump runs on regular power, you can get a relay so it turns on with the system or you could wire it directly to the PSU. I recommend the relay though. That is what I use. The pump turns on and off with the system, although it is NEVER off:D

[BoB NaPaLm]

I see that you run the D-TEK TC-4. Is it the Rev. 2 and I'm guessing its not the clear top one...

Anyway how does that perform? Any probs with it etc and what temp do you get?

[nikhsub1]

Originally posted by BoB NaPaLm
I see that you run the D-TEK TC-4. Is it the Rev. 2 and I'm guessing its not the clear top one...

Anyway how does that perform? Any probs with it etc and what temp do you get?
It is the Rev2, clear top. it has poly barbs so I'm hoping it will be ok, but, as soon as the metal top is available, I will be getting it! This block is great my ON DIE temps at load are 40C with a case temp of 25C.