should I use my extra pump and rad?

[VballCoach]

Ok so I just redid my wc'ing and here's what I have running -

mcp350 top modded --> Ford 2-232(?) rad --> diy apogee/mc5000 block --> diy mc50w modded for NB --> diy 'rotor' pin grid gpu block w/tec-->Maze 4 gpu modded with 1/4" plexi sandwiched between copper and top (for clearance)

all 7/16" masterkleer and 1/2" PushOn barbs and using a T-line. Distilled h20 and anti bacterial additive.

cpu- e6550 @ 2.6ghz (can go more as I bought this from Ancalime and was 3.6 when purchased)
board - eVGA 680i A1
gpu - 2 x 8800gt 512 sli

I have an extra mcp350 top modded and a mcr120 rad.

What suggestions do you have about me adding in the mcp350 and mcr120?

I can get it all to fit in my tower but I'm not sure if I really need them.
I don't have the gpu blocks on yet as I'm waiting on my Sekisui tape for the heatsinks I've made but they are installed in the loop. I am running my rig with just the cpu block and nb block installed. I was testing the Tec on the gpu block 1 not installed in the system and condensation built up over nite. The copper block was pretty cold - no where near that temp now that water is running thru it. I don't know what the wattage on the Tec is as I found it in my pile of 'junk' and decided to try messing with it. It's a 12v and it looked like it was for a socket 370.

according to nvidia monitor my cpu is 36c right now. my ambient temp is about 72F. I think my system is pretty non-restrictive so I believe 1 pump is adequate but I'm wondering if I should add the extra rad.

lmk what you guys think. I'll try to get pics of my setup...gotta find the cheapo cam.

[Spawn-Inc]

get pics, i want to see all this modded/diy stuff :)

if you have the room i would add the extra stuff, if you have it why not?

[VballCoach]

ok here's some pics -
http://users.rcn.com/nanikeala/watercooling/wcing%20001.jpg
http://users.rcn.com/nanikeala/watercooling/wcing%20002.jpg
http://users.rcn.com/nanikeala/watercooling/wcing%20003.jpg

here's some pics of the cpu block -
http://users.rcn.com/nanikeala/ebay%20pics/wipapogee1
http://users.rcn.com/nanikeala/ebay%20pics/wipapogee2
http://users.rcn.com/nanikeala/watercooling/apogeewannabe.jpg
http://users.rcn.com/nanikeala/watercooling/wb%20apogee%20005.jpg

the nb block is made from the base of a swiftech mcw50 and I made the top from stock copper. funny thing is the 2 gpu mount holes line up perfectly with the 680i NB chipset mounts - I had to drill the other 2 holes.

as you can see on the maze 4 I've sandwiched a 1/4" acrylic plate between the top and base for clearance. the other gpu block is the 'rotor' pin grid block that I made about 7yrs ago. I've used it on my 6800/7900/and now 8800. again, don't know the wattage on the tec but I threw it on there for kicks.

I am thinking I'm going to put the mcr120 in the loop between the NB block and the gpus. I'll see how a single pump does. I just can't seem to figure out a 'clean' location for the 2nd pump.

lmk what you all think and if I really should use a 2nd pump.

[saxile]

only use for the second pump would be in case one fails you'll have a back up in there to keep it running. Rad wise, you could add between nb and gpu to help drop gpu a touch.

[maxfly]

with dual gpus,i would add the extra rad.the pump,eh likely wont make a difference either way tbh.with my loop adding a secong ddc-2 just made it impossible to bleed.temps didnt change at all.
those blocks are very nice ;)

[QuietIce]

What is it you've got running parallel ...?

[VballCoach]

What is it you've got running parallel ...?

the 1st block is a 'rotor' pin grid block I made about 7yrs ago. I came across forum member - rotor - and he had a site on how to make your own blocks.
I just followed his design.

the second is a DD maze 4 gpu block. I had to put the 1/4" acrylic in between the top and block because I bought the block in the forums damaged. I always like getting seemingly broken stuff and bringing them back to life...lots of down time at work :cool:

I saw the Swiftech Stealth gpu blocks oriented this way and decided I'd give it a try. It's gonna be way better than any stock air temps. I also like how clean it looks.

[VballCoach]

here's a couple pics of the added rad and the gpu blocks now mounted -

http://users.rcn.com/nanikeala/watercooling/newloop2.jpg
http://users.rcn.com/nanikeala/watercooling/newloop1.jpg

someone posted that they don't run ramsinks on their 8800gt's...on the BFG OC (top card) the ramsinks get pretty hot but the ramsinks on the eVGA on the bottom don't get hot at all? :-/

is it because the top card is primary pci-ex?

I am pretty happy on how the system looks now. temps are 38c and holding for cpu/gpu/gpu. I'm not really looking for super low temps. my gpu's were 64c/58c respectively w/stock air. and a lot LOUDER.

[schmide]

That rig in so nice i think i have a chubby.

[Airbornederekc]

What Chassis is that. that thing looks sweet.

[VballCoach]

I forget what case it is. It's all aluminum full tower w/rolled edges. It's really built well.
My bro bought it for my bday a couple years ago from Directron. It's been discontinued. It has a window and the front is 3/8" polished plexi.

edit: here's the case link -
http://www.directron.com/cf1009sw.html

[billb]

You could do something like this.

[BioTuned]

if you are going to use two pumps you should use them in a series (one after another) instead of two in separate position of the loop. Using them in a series will provide you with more head.

[schmide]

Why not parallel rad?. You don't need the check valve. You would have the fastest water movement over the blocks.

http://www.schmide.com/twoloops.jpg

Even if a pump went down, I'm sure there would be enough random draw from the split loop to keep things from majorly overheating.

[QuietIce]

if you are going to use two pumps you should use them in a series (one after another) instead of two in separate position of the loop. Using them in a series will provide you with more head. Non-sequitur
Why not parallel rad?. You don't need the check valve. You would have the fastest water movement over the blocks.

http://www.schmide.com/twoloops.jpg

Even if a pump went down, I'm sure there would be enough random draw from the split loop to keep things from majorly overheating. A set-up like you've pictured would have real problems using only one pump. You'd loose half the flow to the dead pump side of the loop. With the check valve installed either pump or both can be used as needed with the 1048 providing minimal cooling for idle conditions, the MD20 providing mid-range cooling for normal operation, or both pumps providing maximum cooling for benching or intense gaming ...

[billb]

Why not parallel rad?. You don't need the check valve. You would have the fastest water movement over the blocks.
Because most of the water would go this way with only one pump on, or the pumps would be working against each other. Believe me, I've been all through this and the way I have it setup works great.

The way it's setup, I have flow rates effectively from 0.75 - 2.0 gpm, and, with rheostats, fan speeds from 400 - 850 CFM. Quiet for everyday use, and max cooling for benching.

I don't see why people don't use the "pump/rad/bypass loop" more often. It adds cooling capacity by adding a rad/pump without the restriction of blocks. Yeah, the check valve thingy is a little over the top, but I've got water flow/temp monitoring and it's fun to play with flows and fans.