Hate to ask newb questions, but...

[Rynth]

I'm (once again) in a pinch for time. Basically, I need to make choices tonight and get everything ordered to be shipped tomorrow.

I've done a cursory bit of research, but I could use a lot of suggestions.

I've got one of the snazzy new Q6600's, and I'm really eager to see how it OC's. This will be my first water project though, primarily because any more fans in my apartment will probably lead to hearing damage. I'm also going to have one 8800 GTX hooked into it for now, and will be adding another later when I feel I need an upgrade. That'll likely be a year or so down the road though.

For now I'm looking to build a good system, hopefully for less than $500. Price isn't a large issue on this, because re-using parts is an option, and barring some horrible disaster I won't be needing to replace parts too much. Good OC support and very low sound output are important to me here.

I'm thinking a TheromoChill PA120.3 is a sure thing for this setup. Case is undecided right now, but I'll probably be opting for one of the Tagan Black Pearls, just for room and features.

Question is, what would you guys suggest as a setup? Would one loop with that single rad be enough, or should I go for two? Blocks? Adequate pump for the job? Barbs vs QD couplings? Tubing size doesn't seem to be a huge issue as far as cooling performance goes from what I can tell, but I figure I'll probably opt for 1/2" just because I think I'll have plenty of room.

Anyway, sorry for Yet Another Newb Post, but thanks for the help.

[JamesXP]

Oh BTW. no real need to SLI in a year there will be much better stuff than your GTX :p


thermochill is good works with quiet fans.


I'd reccomend ApogeeGTX/Fuzion and a MCP350/355/655

[Rynth]

Yeah, but a 2nd GTX will be an affordable way to upgrade with very few changes required. I'm spending way too much on this system as it is, so it's going to last me for a good long while. That's my logic, at least.

[EmAn]

were you saying you would like to spend $500 for the system and the cooling or just for cooling?

[Rynth]

I'd prefer for the cooling to be sub-$500. I'm willing to stretch it a bit though, because I think a WC system is a lot like cases/PSUs/monitors (to some extent) in that you can go through several hardware revisions while using the same stuff.

Water blocks are the obvious exception.

[batboy]

You've already picked out a TheromoChill PA120.3, so that's a good start. I'd probably pick Apogee CPU block, MCW60 GPU block, and MCP655 pump. But, I tend to be partial to Swiftech.

[Otter]

Batboy is steering you straight. I favor the Fuzion over the Apogee, especially if you can get the new nozzle, but it's a close thing. Don't forget ramsinks for the 8800.

If you want to approach silence, consider the mcp355 or mcp350 with a modified or aftermarket top. If it's already loud at your place, though, you won't notice the difference.

The PA120.3 will handle your SLI setup, but if you have the room, two MCR320's would give you a lot more cooling power for the same noise and price. I think you could get away with a single loop and 355 or 655. Whether or not it would be worth it to create such a monster depends on how much you value performance, quiet, and space.