[gcwebbyuk]

I currently have a Zalman Resorator 1 V2 with an added XSPC RX240 radiator cooling my Phenom 965 and Asus 5770.

I have the system running with two S-Flex fans running at 450rpm on the radiator, but they increase in speed to 650rpm if the core temp goes over 50c, and then full speed if the temp goes over 60c. My load temps are about 52c when stability testing, and about 47c when gaming.

So basically the system works quite well. However I am not overclocked at the moment.

I have a few ideas for future expansion, to allow me to overclock the CPU or maybe replace with a 6 core.

Which component would be the best to upgrade first:
CPU Block - Swiftech Apogee GTZ
GPU Block - 5770 full cover

I don't want to overload the low-power pump in the Resorator.

I could upgrade the pump to a Swiftech 655, and remove the Zalman one, but this means dismantling the resorator. It will probably also add extra noise to the system.

I bought the Zalman as it was a kit and silent, and would mean that I wouldn't be forever thinking "did I buy the right bits". This way I know I have a working system, but can then upgrade it as needed.

I have considered having two loops - one with the Zalman for maybe the motherboard, and a second more powerful loop for the GPU and CPU - but that would be a while down the line yet - need some savings for that!

[Jorick]

The Zalman, on its own, won't cool too much (I think I've read ~100w).

Another problem is that Zalman's are aluminum. Blocks are copper. Galvanic corrosion is not your friend. There are ways to manage it, however most people just say "Gee, the Zalman sure looks nice in that trash can.".

Typically, unless they have specific reasons, people will overclock the CPU first, then the GPU.

[gcwebbyuk]

Sorry for being a bit of an arse, but I am fed up with people slating the Resorator!

In my original post, I mentioned that it was doing it's job without any problems at the moment. I am just interested in improving it and using it as a basis.

There is a lot of slating of the resorator on numerous forums, but not many people have actually tried them.

The kit comes with additive to prevent galvanic corrosion.

All I asked was - which is the best component to upgrade next - the CPU or GPU block?

[Jorick]

Originally Posted by gcwebbyuk

Sorry for being a bit of an arse, but I am fed up with people slating the Resorator!

In my original post, I mentioned that it was doing it's job without any problems at the moment. I am just interested in improving it and using it as a basis.

There is a lot of slating of the resorator on numerous forums, but not many people have actually tried them.

The kit comes with additive to prevent galvanic corrosion.

All I asked was - which is the best component to upgrade next - the CPU or GPU block?

It's doing its job with a normal 2x120 radiator added in.

I wasn't saying it's a pile of garbage... I just stated what I remembered its cooling abilities to be (~100w). I also noted galvanic corrosion is something that can be handled, but that most people don't want to. In the end, Reserators end up being retired more often than not. I didn't comment on the pump in the reserator because I have no idea what its characteristics are.

I also said most people will upgrade cooling (and then overclock) the CPU's before GPU's, unless there's a reason to do the other way (noise on gpu fans, for instance). 5770's are (compared to Fermi chips, at least) cool and quiet.

What do you normally do with your PC? You noted gaming; is that the typical stress scenario, or do you want to get into benching? If it's gaming, what resolutions do you run at?

[gcwebbyuk]

Sorry for biting your head off a little - it's just most posts where I have mentioned the R word people straight away say its poo!

It worked OK with the 965 and my old 4870 without the extra rad. I added that to give it some extra headroom so that in the heat of the summer I dont have issues - not that we get much of one in the UK.

The pump is a low head (0.5m I think) and low throughput - 200l/h, which is why they recommend keeping the resorator on the same level as the PC. It is also my concern for adding more restrictive water blocks over those supplied.

My PC is used for a combination of Office apps, Web Design apps, Gaming and some video editing/encoding.

I did overclock the CPU up to 3.7GHz for a while, but it was a little unstable (temps were OK but the CPU is the C2 version and not such a good overclocker).

I simply see this next upgrade as costing around £60ish and something I can easily add to the loop.

I did consider the Zalman northbridge block, but my motherboard has the Northbridge and Mosfets connected by a heatpipe so I can't do that without replacing both.

[jr1]

To put it in a not to bad way the pump isn't the best so my bet would go there i think

[Hsnopi]

the 655 is a very solid pump. I love them. I have 2 in one case and I can't hear them. I don't know what would be involved in modding the reserator. I wish I could passive cool but I generate too much heat.

I would say the CPU block. I am still concerned about the galvanic corrosion even with the anti-corrosive but that is your call. I also might be inclined to say get the pump. I am not sure what the reserator pump flow rate is but the 655 alone might cool the temps some. Depends on finances I suppose Or Fiances and what they allow you to buy!


When you stress test what are you testing with? Do you load the the GPU (with Furmark) and the CPU at the same time?

[Jorick]

Originally Posted by gcwebbyuk

Sorry for biting your head off a little - it's just most posts where I have mentioned the R word people straight away say its poo!

It worked OK with the 965 and my old 4870 without the extra rad. I added that to give it some extra headroom so that in the heat of the summer I dont have issues - not that we get much of one in the UK.

The pump is a low head (0.5m I think) and low throughput - 200l/h, which is why they recommend keeping the resorator on the same level as the PC. It is also my concern for adding more restrictive water blocks over those supplied.

My PC is used for a combination of Office apps, Web Design apps, Gaming and some video editing/encoding.

I did overclock the CPU up to 3.7GHz for a while, but it was a little unstable (temps were OK but the CPU is the C2 version and not such a good overclocker).

I simply see this next upgrade as costing around £60ish and something I can easily add to the loop.

I did consider the Zalman northbridge block, but my motherboard has the Northbridge and Mosfets connected by a heatpipe so I can't do that without replacing both.

From a strict "What would benefit more from overclocking" standpoint... Your cpu. Video editing/encoding is monstrous to the CPU (I don't think there's any magical ATI gpu-offloading that can be done; if there is, the answer may change). Until you get to high res/eye candy in games, you're going to be CPU bound as well.

However, if you've tried OC'ing the CPU in the past, and the CPU itself was giving you a hard time... It wouldn't change the answer, as far as what would benefit you more, but it would change the answer as far as "What's feasible"

I'm spitballing, but that pump seems pretty weak. For a comparison, a Swiftech 655 pump is in the 1200 l/h range. I don't know enough to speak whether the reserator's is "enough" if you add another block to it, nor whether there's a significant restriction different in CPU blocks that are out there.

[jr1]

The mcp 655 has 1/2" barbs on it so you probably would have to get some sizereducers ( or whatever their called )
The mcp 355 is another pump made by the same company and is also a very good pump and comes with 3/8" barbs on it