Couple Questions

[Mr_Smithers]

OK, first...I am a W/Cing newb. I HAVE read alot of material and I have used the search function, so forgive me if I missed any of this info. Now, being new to this area, I was planning on building a reservoir like this Res . Basically, for the lazy, it is made to be external from the case, attached with zipties or the like, and have the barbs going into the case via some holes. Now, I know that before you install your setup, you are supposed to leak test for a bit. From what I have read and seen, it seems like many people leak test, then install into the case. Now, my question is, what is the best way for me to do this, since I cannot simply throw everything in, since that would require unhooking my res from the loop, since it will be external. Also, when I want to empty my system to clean it, what will be the easiest/best way to accomplish this. Thanks for the help all.

Smithers

 

[strokeside]

I designed my one to be completely removable from the case without needing to undo anytubing, but I have thought about a setup in your situation.
If you can bear to be without your PC for a day or two, switch it off completely and unplug everything, leaving over half a dat to make sure the PSU capacitiors discharge properly. Assemble the cooling system. Fill it, then run your leak test for 24hrs. If there is no leak, then plug everything back in and switch on your PC. If there is a leak, you can drain your system and disassemble it, and all your pc will need is a small wipe to dry it off.

 

[GoingH2o]

1. That res altough looking fine has one problem (*think*)
I suggest instead of using PVC go for acrylic for the reason you can see the level of the water if it ever drops.

2. About leak testing there is not much to say, after you measure the length of the hoses inside your case. This can be done by placing all the watercooling items you're going to use in the case and measure the lengths. Then take everything out, place it on a table or garden pavement (whatever suits u ) connect all your hoses, get some distilled water with a mix of corrosive agent ( i suggest water wetter or zerex) fill the res and turn on the pump.
You dont need to put the fan on the rad as no heat is being generated by the cpu so the water is not heating up. After you let it run for lets say 1hr or 2, check if there are any leaks ( by placing a newspaper under the hose connections) connect the hose clips ( dont miss out on this one ) and place everything inside the case again. Attach the res via zipties or whatever you like, last check for connections and VOILA you're done.

Enjoy watercooling

 

[Mr_Smithers]

GoingH20,
But, after I have leak tested the system, I can't simply place it in the case, as the reservoir would be external, so some tubing would have to be removed to set it up. I guess I could go the route of leak testing it in the PC, and just planning on going computerless for a couple days while seeing if leaks show up first, but I was hoping for a better route. Also, if anyone had a place that sold some rounded Acrylic, I would be all for that idea, as it would be cool to see the water in the res, as well as being able to easily monitor water level. Don't they make clear PVC or something?

Smithers

 

[Diggrr]

Leak testing is just that, checking your parts (storebought or not) for leaks before trusting your system to it.
After leak testing, you can separate tubing to assemble it in your case without concern. Your components are tested, it'd just be a hose clamp you'd need to look at, and judging from your system is outside the case.

No worries m8.
A tubing joint is the hardest one to screw up.

This Place has clear PVC, but have your checkbook ready, it ain't cheap.

 

[Mr_Smithers]

I know that leak testing is simply done to protect your computer. I am afraid I may not be saying exactly what I mean. I meant, ok, I set up my WC and test it for however long. Now, by this time, I have spent quite a bit of time filling it, it has already been bled, all the connections are good, etc. It would be nice if I could then just hook it up in my case, final quick test, turn it on...no draining or filling water. With a normal closed loop system, I see this as being a very simple thing to do. However, because my reservoir would have barbs that go THROUGH the case, it would require DISCONNECTING the hoses on it, in which case water would leak. I just wondered if there was something I was missing as far as an easier way of installing the system, and then the easiest way to drain it later when I needed to clean or whatever. Again, thanks all for the help, it is greatly appreciated.

Smithers

 

[Skulemate]

If you're asking about leak testing with everything installed (i.e. block on CPU, motherboard in case, etc. etc) then that's fine, but be ready to do some more work should there be a problem... the water won't hurt anything provided it's off, and not plugged in, but you may have to dry off components that would otherwise have been dry. If possible, leave out your PCI and video cards when doing this to minimize the number of parts that could potentially be leaked upon.

 

[Mr_Smithers]

Ok then, I will just leak test in the case with minimal components and my computer off. Now, when I need to clean the system, what is the best way of doing this, since I will not be able to remove the components from my case without taking off the wiring going to the res?

Smithers

 

[Mr_Smithers]

Anybody? Also, what is the best way to test a pump to make sure it works? It is an Eheim, so I believe they work both submerged and inline, correct? So should I just hold it under in a bucket of water and feel for water coming out of the pump?

Smithers