Need Help: WC with high wattage items and P180 case

Ok I know im in the progress of desiging a case myself. But I think it will be a ways off depending on which house I'll be moving into hopefully in the next month.

Anyways currently I got a P180 (yes the original). The case itself is totally unmodded. I have the system below in it with soon to be a DA750W PSU once I get it back from an RMA. As well upgrading the graphics card which is like 99% going to be a 2900XT. With possibility of supporting a quad core in the future as well. Possibly, but probably unlikely dual GPU solution.

Its truely been a while since I've looked into water cooling. Last rig I had wieghted a ton and I transported it quiet often. While I won't be moving this one as much its possible that 1 time a month I take it out of its house and to a friends for a lan party if thats even possible I like to take that into consideration. My last setup bearly preformed better then air but it was more like a hack job then anything as well.

Curious to what you'd guys recommend. I tried going through this months picks and that but im brain dead when it comes to water cooling setups. I really don't even know if my case would even be possible to do it. Anyways help, suggestions, commits anything. I don't think i'll purchases it right away if I do go for it but if I do decide yes to water I'd like it in the near future.

Cost wise, not really 100% sure what I can spend but surely not to go way overboard on the setup.

Well looking around some more. How are like the external radiator setups? Like the ones that hang off the back of the PC? I was looking at it (really no good pictures but heres an example of just a 1x 120mm fan setup, I'd be looking for 2.
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=200&products_id=3499

But the question is wouldn't such a thing interfer with the video cables on the back of the system? Maybe 1 it wouldn't but was just curious if anyone else had a similar type setup. I really don't want to cut the case up too much and this seems like a solution without cutting the top of the case and moving my 5 1/4" bays around and possibly taking out a fan controller.

I'm putting together a list of some of the parts I can find and should be posting it semi soon.

Swiftech MCRES-MICRO™ Reservoir (always like reservoirs so going with that if it fits gotta double check my case)
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=318&products_id=3615

Swiftech MCP655™ 12 VDC Pump (seems to be the preferred choice)
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=201&products_id=3112

Swiftech STORM Extreme Performance Universal Water-block - Rev 2 (unsure about this seems pretty pricey)
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=199&products_id=3349

Swiftech APOGEE GT Extreme Performance Universal Water-block (I do like this one but really whats its comparison to the STORM from your experiences)
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=199&products_id=21159

This one im looking for a dual 120mm fan setup. Unless you can convince me a 3x 120mm fan solution is the way to go but I'd defiantly need to see some pictures of some used on my P180 before I'd even consider it.

Swiftech Radiator - MCR220 Quiet Power Series Dual 120 mm - Black (I've seen this as well but I know theres other brands out there)
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=200&products_id=3653

Some Black ICE Radiators
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=200&products_id=3985
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=200&products_id=1646
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=200&products_id=3892
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=200&products_id=4537
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=200&products_id=4540
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=200&products_id=4538

Tubing I have no idea. As for water and that I'd used the recommendation by Swiftech with its pump.

I'll be looking at a GPU block as well. Not sure if it would be a full one or not but it will have to be compatible with the 2900XT. The cards not released yet so still really waiting to make up my mind but I have a feeling I'll be getting that card on or near launch day. But these should fit I'd defiantly want confirmation before getting it though at least that way. No matter what I'd have a fan in the area for my southbridge currently because it runs super hot without any air blowing over it so cooling the rest of the card with a 120mm fan is no issue.

Swiftech MCW60™ Graphics Card Liquid Cooler with MC14 BGA Ramsinks
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=240&products_id=4087

Swiftech MCW60™ Graphics Card Liquid Cooler - Black
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=240&products_id=4086

Am I missing anything? I don't think I'd get a NB block, don't even know if one could fit on my board anyways. Bah then again...
Swiftech MCW30 Chipset Water-block
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=241&products_id=4042


Anyways thats what I've come up with any help or suggestions please.

Figured I'd shoot a few pics of my case to get an idea of what we are working with.

deathman20 said:

Well looking around some more. How are like the external radiator setups? Like the ones that hang off the back of the PC? I was looking at it (really no good pictures but heres an example of just a 1x 120mm fan setup, I'd be looking for 2.
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=200&products_id=3499

But the question is wouldn't such a thing interfer with the video cables on the back of the system? Maybe 1 it wouldn't but was just curious if anyone else had a similar type setup. I really don't want to cut the case up too much and this seems like a solution without cutting the top of the case and moving my 5 1/4" bays around and possibly taking out a fan controller.

I'm putting together a list of some of the parts I can find and should be posting it semi soon.

Click to expand...

these rad boxes don't come with radiator and can be used with any from a 120 to a 480 and there slotted so it can be shifted left or right and if you find that you can get vga cable on just take a 120mm fan and bust the inside out of it and use it as a spacer the yates loons have really nice frames because they are the closed type instead of flanged. I wouldn't use a 240 rad when you have plenty of room for 360.

I got plenty of room for a 360 setup? Even with 3 of the 4 5 1/4" bays in use?

Wait duh, posted in your thread earlier You got a 360 setup in the top of the case. Does it only use 1 bay up or will it really be using 2 of the bays up?

I have a fan controller that I could put at the top or get rid of it just wondering. As well wondering if the selection is good then if I switch the Rad for a MCR320 then.

I did a quick addup of parts..

Res: $19.99
MCP655 Pump: $79.95
MCR320 Rad: $56.95
MCW30 Chipset: $34.95
Apogee GT Extreme: $55.95
Additive: $2 The HydraX if not mistaken

Right around $260 shipped. Any tips on tubing, clamps and any extras then?

I have my rad in push/pull but if I had fans in just pull then all 4 bays would be clear the very top one is just slightly blocked I think it would work for 3.5" bay but thats not what I meant I thought you wanted to mount to back of case. Once you get rad you will be able to get more of an idea of how you want to continue.

res0r9lm said:

I have my rad in push/pull but if I had fans in just pull then all 4 bays would be clear the very top one is just slightly blocked I think it would work for 3.5" bay but thats not what I meant I thought you wanted to mount to back of case. Once you get rad you will be able to get more of an idea of how you want to continue.

Click to expand...

Ya I either want to mount to the back, which I don't know since it is hanging off teh back of the case and transporting it could be an issue the more I think of it. Guess I'll have to at least get the items to take a look and see what is possible with it like you said.

Otherwise the equipment look good? Any suggestion on amount of tubing and would I need to get any other fittings for the line if I'm basically connecting from block to block (no T file line, I'll just do that at the res).

If im going to do this im going to buy soon lol so I don't second guess myself

Deathman have you seen my case setup? I modded my P180 to have a dual in the front, suspended and isolated hard drives, baffled PSU exhaust.

I used 7/16" Black Laboratory Tygon 3400. If you do it this way everything is internal and it looks completely stock on the outside. Couple that with some sound dampening and the case is extremely quiet with the doors closed and sides on.

With some modding you could fit a triple in the case (either at the front of the case and only have access to 2 5.25" bays, or at the top.)

And of course... there are those offering modding services in the classies. *winks*

Maviryk said:

Deathman have you seen my case setup? I modded my P180 to have a dual in the front, suspended and isolated hard drives, baffled PSU exhaust.

I used 7/16" Black Laboratory Tygon 3400. If you do it this way everything is internal and it looks completely stock on the outside. Couple that with some sound dampening and the case is extremely quiet with the doors closed and sides on.

With some modding you could fit a triple in the case (either at the front of the case and only have access to 2 5.25" bays, or at the top.)

And of course... there are those offering modding services in the classies. *winks*

Click to expand...

Hmmm, got pictures? And will check out classies, don't think I could do it since well I need a case around with cats loving to jump and play with everything.

See this thread:
http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=503629

I'm at work so I can't link to Imageshack atm. Hit me up via PM if you need quotes for modding.

Edit: Oh and the classifieds link, for examples of my previous work. Clicky

how high do the case temps raise

Mine currently really not much. Say maybe 6-7C above ambient.

For connections since everything comes in 1/2" fittings but the rad, can I replace the barbs on the rad for a 1/2" fitting instead of the 3/8" or do I use some 3/8" hose and go to a 1/2" connection?

Is Tygon tubing worth the premium over others? Its a closed case no windows so I could care less if it stains.

Try a seperate box for wc? makes easier transport no spills etc.

I wouldn't say easier, because you would then have 2 boxes to carry. That and quick disconnects always lose a teaspoon of water when detached.

Deathman it's personal preference for Tygon. I'm using 7/16" black laboratory tubing, it has about the same workability as the 1/2"ID 3603, except you don't have to use clamps with 1/2" barbs.

You could use McMaster Carr 7/16" ID 3/4" OD tubing, I've heard good things about it, but have never used it. IMHO nothign measures up to tygon very well.

Yeah 2 boxes isn't ideal besides defiantly not easy to transport. I like the compact idea as I've done 1 system about 2 or 3 years ago now that was a compact water setup in a small Super Lanboy case.

Thx didn't think it mattered but just wanted to make sure about the tubing. As well thx for the confirmation on the 7/16" tubing on 1/2" barbs. Didn't think clamps where needed but always better safe then sorry. I'll just have to use them on the rad for the 3/8" connections.

I've got a total of 10 barbs/connections, none of them have hose clamps on them.

Even if I tug on them with 15lbs of force I doubt they'll slide off... PITA to put on... even more of a PITA to remove...

Good to know. I'll probably need to pick up a few clamps for the 3/8" line but no worries on that I can run to the local store and pick something like that up easily.

As well ordered Got from 2 different places but at least I should have it early next week just incase I need to order anything else I can get it in the order with my GPU.

Swiftech Radiator - MCR320 QP
Swiftech MCP655 1/2" Pump
Swiftech Apogee GT Water Block
Swiftech MCW60-B VGA Water Block with Ram Kit
Swiftech MCRES-Micro HiFlow Res

Swiftech 3/8" ID Tubing
Swiftech 7/16" ID Tubing
Swiftech 500 Cool Sleeves
Swiftech 625 Cool Sleeves
1/2" to 3/8" Reducer (this is for going to the rad/leaving rad)
RadGrillz Stripes 3x120 Aluminum Black (for the top of the case since I want the rad inside the case)
Swiftech HydrX Coolant

Older Pics... Maybe they will help?

my recent job, crappy pics but oh well.