Beginner to water cooling. Have some questions

[fast96se]

Allright I just started to get more into overclocking and eventually want to push my pc to the max, to do that i know i will need to upgrade to water cooling.

I just have some questions about it.

I want to know what a good water cooling system is
How much is the cost
How hard is the instillation
With a water cooled system do you install a water block on just your CPU, or multiple chips? Basically my question is is EVERYTHING watercooled or just the CPU?

[CGR]

IN answer to your questions:

1. Swiftec has some nice beginner systems.
http://www.crazypc.com/products/h2o-220-ultima-9372.html
http://www.crazypc.com/products/h20-220-compact-93720.html

2. Cost varies, the above two are in the $175 - $225 range. A DIY kit would most be higher than $225 if you go with the best parts and buy them new.

3. Installation varies on your case. If you do not need to do any modding and have plenty of room, the easier installation can be. Its not really hard as long as you plan it out first.

4. This is a matter of preference. Personally I have only WCed the CPU. Others have WCed the CPU and Vid card, and others have WCed the CPU.Vid card and Northbridge.

[Spawn-Inc]

you really need to read through the stickies and do some research before you buy or do any water cooling. +1 to the above comment swiftech kits are good starters and can be upgraded as far as the pump goes.

[Conumdrum]

You want some info? I'll be glad to help you. Some stuff to learn and don't rush, glad you asked. There is good stuff and bad stuff to buy, basic rules (physics) we have to follow, and how to install it all.

Best bet is to get a drink and read all the stickies here and in the links I provided, look at all the rigs especially your case or planned case. Spend a few days. Here is a quick primer I keep to cut n paste and places to look.

Okay! Great to have you here. You need to research and learn about WC first. We'd rather you spend 2-3 days learning than spending 3 weeks with basic questions that we shouldn't need to worry about.

For your benefit please spend a few days reading a LOT. Here and at the busiest places for WC masters. Guys who have done it for YEARS at OC forums and xtreme forums. It took me a while (I was OCing on air, aftermarket stuff, bios settings, best chipsets etc etc) to learn the language and the tricks to a easy install.

Don't expect miracles, or SUPER DOOPER over clocks. What you will get is a quiet system that can handle OC to the max of your hardware IF you buy quality and buy smart. And minor maintenance too, a bonus for the water cooler.

Also while there please read on case mods etc. The radiators are not for small cases, the pumps and hose routing, wire management and other things are important to understand. Google your planned case and the word water-cooled in one line. You might get lucky.

IF you just cool your CPU and your NB if you want, you can get by with a 120.2 sized radiator (RAD). And MAYBE fit in inside depending on your mod skillz. You want to cool your GPU too, you'll need a 120.3 sized rad, and it won't fit inside. The rear external rad really works great. No matter what your adding 15lbs to your PC, maybe 20lbs.

Once you got an idea of what is good/bad then start getting your system for WC put together and we'll be glad to help.

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/index.php? Not a noob site, but great stickies
http://www.ocforums.com/ My fav, good peeps, know their stuff, less hardcore
http://www.skinneelabs.com/MartinsLiquidLab/
http://www.over-clock.com/ivb/index.php?showtopic=20277 A GREAT Europe site
http://www.overclock.net/water-cooling/
http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.effizienzgurus.de%2Fm ain%2Findex.php%3Fcontent%3Darticle%26action%3Dvie w_spec_article%26article_id%3D222&langpair=de%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF-8 Info on rad testing
http://skinneelabs.com/

http://www.dangerden.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1
http://www.petrastechshop.com/
http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/


Hey folks, where was that link from another forum that had so much info it was amazing! Was posted here mebbe 2 months ago, I lost the link, be a great one for him to read.

[Conumdrum]

A basic WC setup is a rad, CPU block, pump, and some sort of resiviour to hold water and a point to fill the loop. Only many many choices here.

Hose, barbs, clamps, fans, and liquid you use are the other issues. Afew hundreds more of what to get issues.

Fitting it inside or partially inside the case is the next item.

Installing it properly and filling it is next.

Maintaining it it is easy, a day or so every 6 months to drain and clean etc.

Cost for a very basic CPU WC loop is under $200 now, good quality parts. A solid CPU loop with top notch is over $300. Some diff in expandability and overall temps you will see between the two options.

MANY WC the CPU/NB/GPU. CPU needs cooler temps to overclock. NB gets hot and can use it, but it's not required to cool the NB. The GPU sees great temp decreases and the removal of those loud assed fans,, especially on the newest modern cards which make a ton of heat.

A Quality CPU/NB/GPU loop is easily $400+. Easy.

You can do very well on air on the CPU/GPU/NB for $200 MAX, but it's louder and still higher temps than a good WC system.

[fast96se]

hey guys i would just like to thank you for all the feedback, its highly appreciated, im really glad i found this forum. Alot of cool peeps here =)