ToasterMongoose
09-24-08, 01:56 PM
I just built a new computer and I want to water cool it. I have done my research and I Know what to do. I want to keep it minimalist, so I am not going to modify the case at all (except for maybe some new holes for mounting the pump and res). I want to make something of a "sleeper" computer. It should look nice, but not draw much attention at first glance. I am going to take the Lian-Li pc-a17b and put the Feser 120x3 rad in front with a 120x1 at the rear. With Skythe Ultra Kaze 2000 rpm fans I estimate that heat dissipation should be about 300 to 500 watts, leaving me with some headroom to add more components to the loop later on. I realize that there are better cases for water cooling (like the a77), but I just don't want something very big. Want to try to get the most out of the space that I have.
The hard drives will be mounted at the bottom of the case. I think I should be able to use some adhesive Velcro strips to keep the drives in place. It should also provide some noise dampening (I hope). I have no need for internal optical drives, so the front of the case will only have the bay covers in it.
I think I have everything sorted out, so the cooling system will be self contained and quiet. The only thing I am unsure of right now is how to control the fans. I would like them to speed up based on temperatures. Besides using the fan headers on my motherboard that adjust fan speed based on cpu temp, is there a device that adjusts fan speed based on water temperature that is small enough to be concealed inside the case?
Also, I would like to be able re-use some portions of the cooling system when I need to upgrade. Are there any blocks that offer an upgradable mounting solution in case I need to change to a new CPU socket down the road?
In summary my goals are:
-Make a water cooled computer that looks like a regular computer until you remove the side panel.
-Make it reliable for 24/7 use (this will be my render box for maya and 3ds max. It will also be used for GPU protein folding).
-Make it quiet while idling, but automatically adjust cooling performance based on heat load.
-Have it be compact and efficient while still allowing for some upgrades.
Feed back is very much appreciated :)
The hard drives will be mounted at the bottom of the case. I think I should be able to use some adhesive Velcro strips to keep the drives in place. It should also provide some noise dampening (I hope). I have no need for internal optical drives, so the front of the case will only have the bay covers in it.
I think I have everything sorted out, so the cooling system will be self contained and quiet. The only thing I am unsure of right now is how to control the fans. I would like them to speed up based on temperatures. Besides using the fan headers on my motherboard that adjust fan speed based on cpu temp, is there a device that adjusts fan speed based on water temperature that is small enough to be concealed inside the case?
Also, I would like to be able re-use some portions of the cooling system when I need to upgrade. Are there any blocks that offer an upgradable mounting solution in case I need to change to a new CPU socket down the road?
In summary my goals are:
-Make a water cooled computer that looks like a regular computer until you remove the side panel.
-Make it reliable for 24/7 use (this will be my render box for maya and 3ds max. It will also be used for GPU protein folding).
-Make it quiet while idling, but automatically adjust cooling performance based on heat load.
-Have it be compact and efficient while still allowing for some upgrades.
Feed back is very much appreciated :)