First time and completely lost on what to get

[reasons]

I'm working on a new project computer and decided I'd try watercooling as I've never done it before. From what I understand essentially I'll need a pump, radiator, reservoir, CPU block, GPU block, tubes and coolant. I've listed everything I'll probably be working with below (I don't need a 8800GT) and was looking for advice from a more experienced user. I'd prefer to have everything in the case itself (the 3.25 and 5.25 bays can be used for placement as I'll just have one HDD and a DVD drive) though if not possible, I'll live.


GeForce 9600 GT (might overclock a bit)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150304
Intel Q6600 (will overclock to 3.4-3.7)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017
Case (midbar can be removed)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811166030

Price wise I'd like to keep it under $200 but up to $250 works. I'd also rather not cut up the case unless you can think of a way I could cleanly do it so it'd still look nice.

[hata28]

I had just upgraded my pump and CPU water block and it's giving good result.

Swiftech MCP350 (Laing DDC 3.1) and Newegg has the best deal in town.
D-Tek FuZion V2 CPU Water Block and u'll need the quad insert. CrazyPC has one of the best deal.

you'll need radiator at least a 240mm and fans....reservoir...this Swiftech MCRES-MICRO™ Reservoir will do the job
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=59_318&products_id=3615
I use tygon tube and Freser 1 coolant or u can just distilled water.

There's more items u need as you go. It's an addiction!!




Asus Crosshair Phenom 9500 Quad 2.2 Ghz D-Tek FuZion V2 CPU Water Block Mushkin 996533 4GB EVGA Geforce 8800GTS 640MB X2 SLI Swiftech Stealth Extreme Duty G80 Rev 3 VGA Waterblock Zalman ZM-GWB8800 GTS GPU Water Block SB Audigy Seagate ST325041 250GB WDC 250GB Swiftech MCP350 In-Line 12V DC Pump Swiftech MCW30 Chipset Water-block XSPC "Bay-Res" Pump/Reservoir Combo Saint-Gobain Tygon R-3603 Clear Tubing 20' 3/8" ID Black Ice® GT Stealth 120 Highest Performance Radiator Antec NeoPower 650 Watt Blue LED PSU Windows Vista Ultimate x64 SP1 Sunbeam UFO CUBE Acrylic Case Sunbeam RHK-EX-BA Rheobus-Extreme Fan Controller Panel

[omni]

I am new, but maybe a new perspective may help you :)

1. You need a pump (I got a mcp655-b)
2. You need a waterblock for your CPU (I got a Fuzion V2 w/ Quad Core Insert, because I have a quad core processor :))
3. You need a Rad, ppl have recommeded no less than 2, but 3 if you can afford it. (I got a MCR220-QP Res)
4. You need some kind of resovoir, there are 3 options:
1. First option is a resevoir that does nothing but hold water, its a clear thing, but ppl said that it can limit the flow of water, not sure how much
2. Second option is a T line type resevoir, which just has a T shape with a pipe holding water in an upright postion, ppl have said this is the best option for flow rate.
3. Third option, this is what I did, is get a rad with a resevoir built into it (Model MCR220-QP Res)
5. You don't need, but can get a waterblock for your Motherboard and GPU. I haven't got one yet, but I have a 9800 GTX and its around $100-$140 for a water block, so if you want cheap, I don't think you want one yet, the good thing is, you can expand later down the road ;)
6. Pipes, I went with 1/2", but there is smaller, most ppl suggest 1/2" so thats what I went with.
7. Clamps, get some good clamps to go on your hoses, and also use steel ones, I think its just common sense to use steel ones rather than plastic, but I don't know as this is my first build.
8. Pick what kind of "substance" you will use in your water loop, to be honest, there are alot of choices, but the rule of thumb is to use distilled water and as few additives as possible. I will be useing Distilled water w/ waterwetter and iodine drops. The main idea is to prevent algie/bacteria growth in the closed loop system, so thats why we use additives.
9. 120mm Fans, as many as you can get to cool the case and the rad :)

This is a link to my thread, hopefully it will help you make a decision: http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=567544

Do some reading, make informative choices, and hopefully it will work out, I will let you know as soon as I get mine, should get it in the next few days :)

[reasons]

Thank you. As it stands then right now I'm thinking:

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=59_318&products_id=3615
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835108063
http://www.crazypc.com/products/d-tek-fuzion-v2-93073.html
http://www.feser-one.com/site/product_info.php?cPath=74&products_id=278
http://www.feser-one.com/site/product_info.php?cPath=68&products_id=255
Found one for the 9600. Yatzee!
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=59_240&products_id=23816

Which leaves a radiator as the last thing needed though I'd still like something for my GPU. Shame I haven't found a nice kit like they do for the 8800.

omni, for the Swiftech MCR120, can you switch out the fan? From other users, would that be powerful enough (only one fan and such a small size) for what I'm looking ot OC?

Again, (so many questions), how many ft of tubing should be needed? I'd think around 5 would be plenty for error room.

[reasons]

An updated list. I believe it has everything I'll need. A bit more than I want to pay so I'll hold off for a bit. The one concern I do have is I'll be moving to a dorm in a matter of a few months and was wondering the trouble this could cause. Then, how long should I test it for leaks and how would I do that in the first place without frying anything or is the non-conductive coolant listed going to prevent that (still wouldn't want any leaks though). Last (for now ;)), do you think I could squeeze the radiator into the case and if not, do they come with external mounts? Would it be bad to have it on the bottom of the case on the inside? Will I need any sort of fancy connections besides clamps?

CPU BLOCK
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=23310

GPU BLOCK
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=59_240&products_id=23816

PUMP
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=201&products_id=2539

RESERVIOR
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=318&products_id=3542

TUBES
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=416&products_id=23610

COOLANT
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=383&products_id=22685

CLAMPS
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=298&products_id=21716

RADIATOR
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=200&products_id=1646

FANS
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=69&products_id=3311

EDIT - Ditched the pump/tank combo.

[hata28]

I usually order from them. They are from East coast. They ship on the same day if u order b4 5pm.

I just ordered from PerformancePC today and they already shipped it out and hope I can get on Thursday....

if ordered the pump from Newegg, u'll have some saving. Btw i used that Alphacool WB b4....when I am using Intel..but the D-tek is a better choice.

Maybe u like to check this out for radiator
Swiftech Radiator - MCR220 Quiet Power Res Series 120mm Heat Exchanger - Black

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=200&products_id=22814

and fan maybe this
Yate Loon 120mm High Speed Performance UV Blue Case Fan with Blue LED - D12SH-124UB - Sleeved
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=69&products_id=22037

[reasons]

Thanks for the fans and as swiftech seems more reliable and for the same price, the radiator looks good too. One thing that is getting me though, is some parts appear to screw in, but you have tubes. How does that work?

[Spawn-Inc]

barbs screw into the rad, block, res, etc. and the tubes go onto the barbs with a clamp of sorts.

[reasons]

Do those come with each item or are they bought seperately?

Thank you all for helping someone as clueless as myself.

[Spawn-Inc]

most sellers will usually give you an option to upgrade to metal barbs, but i believe they at least come with plastic ones. the site will say if you need them. i personally upgraded to metal ones.

[reasons]

Then two questions for the night. What would be the best order for tubing? I'm putting the radiator at the bottom as there is space there.

Reservior - Pump - CPU - GPU - Radiator - Reservior

Then:
When moving the case around, should I be super careful or should it be pretty good to put in a car and go if everything is sealed correctly?

[Conumdrum]

Res then Pump. Rest of the layout matters very very little.

Read this post I made somewhere else to help figure out your first steps.

http://www.dangerden.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=16338&highlight=#16338

And it's a good idea to open ALL the blocks to check for ill fitting o-rings etc. I found bits of packing foam in my pump impeller.

Since your new please take your time, there is nothing wrong to checking for leaks outside the case. You'll learn how to mount hose and fill the loop etc.

[reasons]

I was reading in this thread (http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=568155) that if you had a bigger res, a radiator wouldn't be necessary so to say. So I was wondering (space is a slight issue) if this would be possible:

Having these (http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=318&products_id=3542) feed down one to this (http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=318&products_id=3078) then to the pump, finally hitting this (http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=22813) (to get some heat off), and going through the loop? Would that be too much, too little, good? If so, would two of these fill that up?
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=381_303&products_id=21407

It should if my fl to cc math is right.

Or would this combo work?
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=318&products_id=22698
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=22813

Then for a question on tube sizing. If all my sizing was for 1/2", would I buy 1/2" ID (3/4" OD)?

[Anubis_386]

You still need a Rad .. The rad removes the heat from the water .. unless the Res is finned and has air moving over it then it won't cool the water down .. Also for 1/2" barbs you can use 7/16" tubing, if you dip the end in hot water then it goes over the barb and makes a much better seal .. Most of the time meaning you don't need hose clips ..

[Conumdrum]

Yes. A larger source of water will take longer to heat. 20 gallons might take 10 hours till it's temps are to high to allow good heat transfer from the blocks resulting in bad temps. But then you have to wait till the water cools down. Rad is 24/7, thats why it's so nice.

In any WC setup thats custom the sky is the limit and do it how you want.

[reasons]

Thank you for the advice. The plan then is (if you'll look at the case) to rip out the mid bar and lower chamber giving a big enough surface on the bottom for a rad. I'll either go two or three, depending on what fits (getting the case tomorrow for measurements). The rad would blow out the bottom after putting some feet on the case so that there was room for air.

Res would be in a 5" drive bay going down to the pump -> rad -> cpu -> gpu -> res.

I'm think five feet of tubing and 2l of coolant should be enough for the full system. If someone could confirm this, I'd be grateful. I'm also thinking of going 3/8" tubing and 1/2" barbs for a tight fit. Below is the current (and hopefully final) build. Just making sure it all will fit together and run.



Radiator
http://www.crazypc.com/products/9315BK.html

CPU Block
http://www.crazypc.com/products/d-tek-fuzion-v2-93073.html

GPU Block
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=59_240&products_id=23816

Pump
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=201&products_id=3112

Reseviour
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=318&products_id=3542

Tubes
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=59_413_416&products_id=23356

Coolant
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=59_381_383&products_id=22685

EDIT - Changed radiator (forgot to update my list :))

[SAnusha]

always wanted to have watercooling may try it someday

[Giz]

I've been looking at water cooling for a few weeks now and after reading loads of reviews and threads, made a list of what i wanted for my system. Looks like you got the same list! The pump, cpu block and rad look about the best for price and performance. I'd get the similar XSPC Single DriveBay Reservoir though cause that's what my local shop has in stock. http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-009-XS&groupid=701&catid=193&subcat=1040&name=XSPC%20Single%20Bay%20Reservoir%20-%20Black"]http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-009-XS&groupid=701&catid=193&subcat=1040&name=XSPC%20Single%20Bay%20Reservoir%20-%20Black

[reasons]

That makes everything a lot more comforting. Any thoughts on the tube sizings and how that will all fit?

[Anubis_386]

I went for 7/16" tubing .. It gives a much tighter fit over 1/2" barbs

[Giz]

I'm going with 1/2" tubing after reading reviews saying people used 3/8", then upgraded to 1/2" and got cooler temps cause of extra flow. I think the cpu block comes with barbs already fitted for the hose to push onto. Not sure about the rad. You can buy everything seperate anyway if it doesn't. Also i'll be using some type of hose clips. Ask your shop/website when you order.

This is probably a stupid question but do you connect the pump to the blocks in series so it flows to the cpu first, then vga, rad and back to the reservoir, or do you split the flow from the pump to your cpu and vga block so they are both getting cold water, then T them back together to the rad? The first way would have hot water from your cpu going through your vga block. :confused:

[reasons]

From what I've read, order won't affect temps that much nor will it for flow speed, just pressure. Personally, I'm going

Res - Pump - Rad - CPU - GPU - Res

Which will also allow for an easy addition to the motherboard blocks when I get them. But first I'd have to get rid of my gigabyte board (it does what it needs) as that is the worst part in the box right now.


I went for 7/16" tubing .. It gives a much tighter fit over 1/2" barbs
Could you post where? I haven't been able to find any that isn't just clear (I'd prefer blue) and 3/8 sounds like a bit of a stretch to go onto a 1/2.

[Giz]

From what I've read, order won't affect temps that much nor will it for flow speed
Cool.

I'll probably go res - pump - cpu - vga - rad, then back to the res. Saves the pump having uncooled hot water going through it.

[Spawn-Inc]

I'm think five feet of tubing and 2l of coolant should be enough for the full system. If someone could confirm this, I'd be grateful. I'm also thinking of going 3/8" tubing and 1/2" barbs for a tight fit. Below is the current (and hopefully final) build. Just making sure it all will fit together and run.


i personally would just go with 7/16, 3/8 would be to small. from what i have heard its still hard even after placing the tubing into boiling water to get it onto the barb. i doubt 3/8 would even work.


This is probably a stupid question but do you connect the pump to the blocks in series so it flows to the cpu first, then vga, rad and back to the reservoir, or do you split the flow from the pump to your cpu and vga block so they are both getting cold water, then T them back together to the rad? The first way would have hot water from your cpu going through your vga block. :confused:

put it in series, T'ing, or Y'ing would mess with flow and you would see no improvement over series.

and the only thing you need to make sure you do is put the res before the pump anything after that doesn't matter.

[Conumdrum]

Cool.

I'll probably go res - pump - cpu - vga - rad, then back to the res. Saves the pump having uncooled hot water going through it.

Hehe, there is about 1-5C diff between the water coming out of a rad and the water going to it, it really don't matter as long as the res is first for ease of filling a loop. The temps balance out, somehing about equbrillium, you spell it. And you'll be draining and filling more than you think.....till ya figure it out. I went a few days and drained and filled, again 5 months later, it was time for a 100% teardown and redo due to a tiny buildup/discoloration on the GPU FC block.

[Giz]

somehing about equbrillium, you spell it.

lmao! Yeh i get what you mean though.
I went and got the stuff above today, all except the XSPC reservoir which was out of stock, and the vga block which i'll get at a later time. Got 2 meters of clear 1/2" hose, 4 EK 1/2" hose fitting barbs for rad and res, and 8 XSPC clips for the pipes.

Busy flushing everything out at the mo. Surprising what bits came out of the new rad. Also measured the amount of water everything holds, so the 1 litre tub of Feser One should be enough. I went with 1/2" pipe cause the shop recomended it with the MCP 655 pump and the D-Tek Fuzion V2 CPU block. They come with 1/2" pipe fittings already.

[reasons]

Well it's all said and done now. I had to drop the rad to the 2x120 version because of space and it's still a pretty snug fit. I'll get some pics up within the next few hours, I still need to do cable management once I get my fan controller. Besides that I got my q6600 up to 3.6Ghz right now, stable after a hour of prim95'ing it with idle temps of 24 -- 39/35/31/37 and load of 35 -- 47/46/44/48. Darn good IMO.

The 9600gt overclocked amazingly going to a core clock of 750, shader of 1920 and mem of 1100. I'll probably put that a bit more. Idle of 29 and load of 35. I might get another within the next few months and SLI them as it's getting pretty cheap if you have a friend at BB. ;)