Help with setting up Cooler Master 830 Stacker w/ Watercooling!

[Knyteguy]

Hey all, I've been looking for some water cooling solutions for my new gaming PC I'm building. The fans I would be using are so ridiculously loud that watercooling is looking like a much better option. I've been reading a lot about water cooling for awhile now, and am thinking of giving it a go. I imagine besides a few various things, at least I can have the setup for a long time.

So here's the comp specs I'll be using it on:
Core i7-920 Nephalem
Evga Micro-ATX mobo (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188051) - Worried about this one... for the mosfet block (which is northbridge southbridge coorect?)
Cooler Master Stacker 830

Does anyone have any experience with the cooler master? I'd rather not pay more for the external mount, I'm hoping I could find a place to mount internal.

Here's the water cooling setup I'm looking at... I'd really like to bring this price down if I can:
Black Ice GT Stealth 240 Rad (http://www.frozencpu.com/products/4084/ex-rad-85/Black_Ice_GT_Stealth_240_X-Flow_Radiator_-_Blue.html)
Danger Den reservoir (http://www.frozencpu.com/products/9540/ex-res-153/Danger_Den_RAD-Reservoir_Internal_External_Liquid_Cooling_Reservo ir_RES-005_.html) - It seems a little pricy for a simply reservoir.
Tubing (http://www.frozencpu.com/products/7182/ex-tub-185/Feser_Tube_Active_UV_Hose_-_12_ID_34OD_Anti-Kink_Tubing_-_UV_Carribean_Blue_-_Limited_Edition.html) I ordered 5, assumedly 5 feet. Going for single loop CPU only at the moment, I want to expand later on though when I get some $$.
14 clamps, 1/2" (http://www.frozencpu.com/products/7469/ex-tub-296/Primochill_Nylon_Reusable_UV_Reactive_Hose_Clamp_-_UV_Red_-_12_OD.html)
Mosfet waterblock (http://www.frozencpu.com/products/8916/ex-blc-604/Bitspower_Black_Freezer_EVGA_Classified_X58_MOS_EI 58DP_II_Mosfet_Liquid_Cooling_Block_-_POM_Version_BP-WBPEI58DP2-BK.html), wrong board but I can't find one for mine
Danger Den CPU cooling block (http://www.frozencpu.com/products/8537/ex-blc-574/Danger_Den_MPC-CPU-i7_CPU_Liquid_Cooling_Block_-_Intel_i7_Nehalem_LGA_1366_for_MultiCore_CPU.html)

Total: $241.00. I'm pretty sure I've got the basics, am I pushing it on 5ft of hosing? Any cheaper alternatives for those parts? I'm pretty sure the mosfet block will not fit my board, can you recommend one that will?

Thank you.

[Spawn-Inc]

welcome first off,

thats a decent budget build, but better can be had.

also there is no pump listed.

that rad won't be very good for your i7, a double 120mm sized rad is the smallest you want to go for i7, but that rad is very thin and single pass.

try one of these
Double 120mm
Thermochill PA 120.2 (http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/thpa2xhipera.html) - good for low speed fans
XSPC RX240 (http://www.jab-tech.com/XSPC-RX240-Dual-120mm-high-performance-radiator-pr-4383.html)- good for low speed fans
HW Labs Black Ice GTX240 (http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/hwlablicegtb1.html)- good for high speed fans
Swiftech MCR220-QP (http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/swmcqupo2x.html)- good for medium speed fans
Feser X-Changer Triple 120 mm (http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/fex24xtpera.html)- good for low speed fans
Black Ice SR1 240 (http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/hwlablicesr11.htm)- good for low speed fans

you don't need mosfet cooling, just cpu, so that will save you some money.

and for a res that is cheaper, check out the Swiftech micores V2

for clamps, those are ok, and i use them, but go to the local hardware store for some metal gear/worm clamps.

check this guide out, very helpful (http://gilgameshreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=75:hokiealumnus&catid=40:overclocking-and-cooling&Itemid=86)

[Knyteguy]

welcome first off,

thats a decent budget build, but better can be had.

also there is no pump listed.

that rad won't be very good for your i7, a double 120mm sized rad is the smallest you want to go for i7, but that rad is very thin and single pass.

try one of these
Double 120mm
Thermochill PA 120.2 (http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/thpa2xhipera.html) - good for low speed fans
XSPC RX240 (http://www.jab-tech.com/XSPC-RX240-Dual-120mm-high-performance-radiator-pr-4383.html)- good for low speed fans
HW Labs Black Ice GTX240 (http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/hwlablicegtb1.html)- good for high speed fans
Swiftech MCR220-QP (http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/swmcqupo2x.html)- good for medium speed fans
Feser X-Changer Triple 120 mm (http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/fex24xtpera.html)- good for low speed fans
Black Ice SR1 240 (http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/hwlablicesr11.htm)- good for low speed fans

you don't need mosfet cooling, just cpu, so that will save you some money.

and for a res that is cheaper, check out the Swiftech micores V2

for clamps, those are ok, and i use them, but go to the local hardware store for some metal gear/worm clamps.

check this guide out, very helpful (http://gilgameshreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=75:hokiealumnus&catid=40:overclocking-and-cooling&Itemid=86)

Hey thanks for the help man, that guide was really helpful. The only thing I can't add at the moment is a GPU block, but that's ok I guess. I'm hella excited to get this going haha :).

Ok so do you think this would work :
Swiftech quiet power 120.3 (http://store.yahoo.com/sidewindercomputers/swmcqupo3xbl.html)
Swiftech MCP355 DC (http://store.yahoo.com/sidewindercomputers/swiftechmcp355.html)
XSPC laing top (http://store.yahoo.com/sidewindercomputers/xsladdctop.html) - This is the reservoir correct?
D-TEK Fusion v2 CPU block (http://store.yahoo.com/sidewindercomputers/dfuv2expecpu.html)
1/2" Tygon tubing, 8' (http://store.yahoo.com/sidewindercomputers/ty3id1odlatu1.html)
Biocide (http://store.yahoo.com/sidewindercomputers/peptpcobi1.html)

I think everythings compatible, only question is the res top w/ pump, though I got that idea from the guide so I'm pretty sure it'll work:santa:

Think a couple 120mm fans would be adequate for the rest of the parts in the case?

Thanks for you help again, makes this a lot less stressful!

Edit: Oh and PS what fittings should I get on the parts? 3/8" Inner diameter (which would match hosing?) or 1/2" inner diameter? I have the 1/2" on there now, which would match the outer diameter, but that was just a guess.

And also, do the pumps plug into standard outlets, or to the PSU? If standard outlets, I assume a DC -> 120v AC converter would be necessary? I'm in the states.

Edit2: Switched to a 120.3 fan since case has predilled holes for one...

[BioTuned]

The XSPC laing top is not a reservoir. It is just a top that you would replace on the pump. If you are going with a CPU only loop, you don't need that, but do get yourself a res. If you don't want to put a res, you can also go with a T-Line. The radiator is good, but which fans will you use with it? The tubing, the block, and the pump are excellent choice. IMHO, I would've gone with a different radiator. Black Ice GTX, Feser, or Thermochill. Are you looking to overclock your CPU?

[muddocktor]

XSPC does make a Res Top for the MCP355 pump. Here's a link to it (http://www.jab-tech.com/XSPC-Acrylic-Reservoir-for-Laing-DDC-pr-4123.html) for you That will take care of the pump top that you can put the size barbs you want and adds a reservoir to the loop. And Jab-tech is as good a vendor to shop with as Sidewinder Computers. I have bought from both companies and both are superb vendors to deal with.

The Swiftech rad is a good bang/buck choice and works well with medium Yate Loons. The tubing you linked to is 3/8" ID stuff. Most people use 7/16 or 1/2" ID tubing to minimize flow restriction. Whichever way you go (3/8 or 1/2), don't forget to buy barbs to connect the tubing to.

Also, you might want to look at the XSPC RX360 rad too. It's close to $100 but it also has better performance than the Swiftech MCR320 and does very well with low speed fans.

[Spawn-Inc]

this is the XSPC top WITH res, the one you linked to has no res.

http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/xsacreforlad.html

the pump's plug is a normal molex psu style plug.

and you want 1/2" barbs (ID) with 1/2" tubing(OD).

yes keep some airflow for the case, just remove the cpu cooler and keep fans as they are.

what fans are you going with for the rad?

EDIT: good catch mudd on the tubing link. i didn't open it since it said 1/2"

[Knyteguy]

The XSPC laing top is not a reservoir. It is just a top that you would replace on the pump. If you are going with a CPU only loop, you don't need that, but do get yourself a res. If you don't want to put a res, you can also go with a T-Line. The radiator is good, but which fans will you use with it? The tubing, the block, and the pump are excellent choice. IMHO, I would've gone with a different radiator. Black Ice GTX, Feser, or Thermochill. Are you looking to overclock your CPU?

Thanks credit for the choices mostly go to Spawn-Inc and the Gilgamesh review :)

Ok so I'm looking at different radiators... this keeps getting more and more expensive so I hope it's worth it!:thup:

I do plan on overclocking, but not to the point where I lose component life. This is a pretty big investment for me so I really want it to last. I'm hoping this water cooling system will work for a couple systems down the line if need be... Obviously with new block(s), maybe a pump every few years. Can I rely on the radiator holding out for a long time though?

XSPC does make a Res Top for the MCP355 pump. Here's a link to it (http://www.jab-tech.com/XSPC-Acrylic-Reservoir-for-Laing-DDC-pr-4123.html) for you That will take care of the pump top that you can put the size barbs you want and adds a reservoir to the loop. And Jab-tech is as good a vendor to shop with as Sidewinder Computers. I have bought from both companies and both are superb vendors to deal with.

The Swiftech rad is a good bang/buck choice and works well with medium Yate Loons. The tubing you linked to is 3/8" ID stuff. Most people use 7/16 or 1/2" ID tubing to minimize flow restriction. Whichever way you go (3/8 or 1/2), don't forget to buy barbs to connect the tubing to.

Also, you might want to look at the XSPC RX360 rad too. It's close to $100 but it also has better performance than the Swiftech MCR320 and does very well with low speed fans.
First off, thanks very much for catching that, I assumed everything meant 1/2" OD only, didn't even think about it. Got it changed to 5/8" OD with 1/2" ID.

So I'm looking at this XSPC radiator here: http://www.jab-tech.com/XSPC-RX360-Triple-120mm-high-performance-radiator-pr-4384.html

Basically it's about 20 bucks more than the Swiftech setup, including fans and whatnot. A little more with shipping. Will there be a noticeable improvement over the Swiftech? If it's just like 2 degrees it's probably not worth the $20 bucks to me, but if it's like 8-10 then we're talkin :) I suppose it would be more "future-proof" too, but that's just an assumption.

this is the XSPC top WITH res, the one you linked to has no res.

http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/xsacreforlad.html

the pump's plug is a normal molex psu style plug.

and you want 1/2" barbs (ID) with 1/2" tubing(OD).

yes keep some airflow for the case, just remove the cpu cooler and keep fans as they are.

what fans are you going with for the rad?



Ok so on the Swiftech I was going to use this: Cooler Master 120mm fan (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103063&cm_re=cooler_master_fan_red_led-_-35-103-063-_-Product). Basically the cost of those with shipping + the radiator nearly equals out to the XSPC 120.3 with Yate Loon low speed fans. I'm still a little weary to use 43 CFM fans for such a setup, I've heard good things about the Yate Loons though, and they're relatively cheap.

Thanks for the help so far guys, much appreciated. I think it'll all be worth it once it's going, total comp cost is now up to $1957.xx shipped though, ouch!

Not to be negative but I hope I don't have a serious case of buyer's remorse, at least I've been thinking this over for the past week. Water cooling is expensive, is it worth it to you guys though? I'm not rich by any means haha, poor college student actually, but if you all think it's really a worthy investment then I'm all for it. By investment I suppose I mean will my parts last noticeably longer, and how long can I expect this watercooling system to last? If I can get 4 years out of it till I graduate I'd consider it a useful purchase. Also, will it get me laid? Haha, just joking. "Hey baby, wanna see my 1/2" tube?"

Lasteditiswear: http://www.jab-tech.com/YATE-LOON-120x120x20mm-Case-Fan-D12SL-12C-Low-Speed-pr-3825.html

Will those fans be ok for radiator? Also http://store.yahoo.com/sidewindercomputers/big1trsi1fi.html those barb fittings should be ok? Thanks again guys, I know there's a **** ton in this post.

[Daddyjaxx]

The Dtek Fusion is not the best choice for an I7. There is a reason they have 22 of those in stock and no Swiftech GTZ's. They were the best blocks in their day, but although they will get the job done they aren't the best anymore. I'd check out http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php I priced two identical setups and PP was cheaper than Jab-Tech, including shipping for me at least. I'm in Georgia and they are in Florida.

The Heatkiller rev 3 blocks are the best. They have a 90.00 version and a 50.00 version. The 90.00 version is what everyone raves about. I'm not sure of the 50.00 one. The GTZ is an excellent block. The hold down mechanism is easy, but it lacks the surface pressure that other blocks allow.

Definitely go with the RX over the SWiftech rad for more future proofing. Watercooling is fun, I had done it for years. Is it worth it? If you are doing it for fun or the bling factor...sure. For normal applications? Nope. To give you a rough idea, I could run a 920 at 4.3 at 1.35v and the temps were 70-75 on the cores and this was with a GTZ, 355 with res top, 2x8800GT's being cooled, and Thermochill 120.3 I took the GPU's out and I gained a couple of degrees on the CPU. I have a TRUE now that I run 4.2 @ 1.3125 with the same temps. So...is it worth an extra 200-300 for you for 100 MHz? I have two out of three of the same fans on the TRUE that I had on the rad running the same speeds so I'm not having to run louder either. Watercooling will spank a TRUE if you are going for silence. I don't need total silence. I can hear my refrigerator running 30 feet away over my PC 3 feet away.

[muddocktor]

To help you with your radiator choice, Skinnee Labs has a triple rad comparison (http://www.skinneelabs.com/Radiators/Triples-Compared-main.html) posted for you to help make up your mind. They compare the RX360, the MCR320 and the PA120.3 and have pics and data posted. Of those 3, I have and use the MCR320 and the PA120.3 and both are good rads, but if cost/performance isn't the highest priority then the PA120.3 wins out. I don't have an RX360, but looking at the testing, which basically shows it performing neck and neck with the PA120.3, then the RX360 is teh winner in my book because it costs less than the PA120.3.

The barbs you linked are very good. But if you go with the XSPC rad from Jab-tech then you should buy the Dangerden FB (Fat Boy) (http://www.jab-tech.com/Dangerden-FB-Fat-Boy-G-1-4-Fittings-1-2-Barb-pr-4181.html) barbs from him too since they are basically the same barb but are $2.50 each instead of $3.25 each (save nickles where you can).

For Yate Loon fans, I rather buy these (http://www.petrastechshop.com/12yalod1cafa.html) Yate Loon low speeds from Petra's Tech Shop instead of from Jab-tech or other vendors. You can get 4 for $20 at PTS and Vapor from XS did some fan testing a while back and found the YL low's from PTS were superior to the ones from other vendors (for some reason). I have bought the YL mediums from Jab-Tech in the past and I have no complaints about them though. PTS also has some LED Yate Lows for sale too, in Blue (http://www.petrastechshop.com/12yalod1blle.html), Green (http://www.petrastechshop.com/12yalod1grle.html), and Red (http://www.petrastechshop.com/12yalod1redl.html) and sell for 4 for $25, which is a hell of a deal on LED fans.

As for the value of watercooling, in my case it's a better option than even high end air. I run DC projects that keep a 100% load on the cpu (and on a few systems the GPU too) and water keeps temps more stable for me. Plus, I like to mess with watercooling since it's not mainstream and just "bolt a big cooler on", but rather takes some planning and execution to do well and neatly. I don't find maintenance any more labor intensive to keep water up and running than it takes to keep high end air running most efficiently. And without a humongous cooler being bolted down in the middle of my machines I find it much easier to work inside.

Buying quality parts like you are, you should have a very long lasting cooling system. There is basically nothing to wear out in rads and they should last a very long time. I'm still using the first rad I ever bought in a system and I bought it back in 2002. The original pump I bought to use with my first loop (an Eheim 1250) I just took out of service in the first few months of this year. Not because anything was wrong with it but because I switched to a DC powered pump thet let me get the AC relay board out of the case.

Hope this helps you out in your decisions. :)

[Spawn-Inc]

+1 to the above posts.

water cooling will last you a good while 4-5 years, the pump may die, but your rad and block will live.

i've spent a little over 1000 on my setup (water) and while it's alot, i don't regret it since i will be able to use it for many builds to come. this is more of a hobby then anything else.

my next goal is a nice internal build.