SOLVED GPU water cooling on-the-cheap / OK to open closed-loop kit?

[kiskoul]

Hi there
I am new to this forum, and in fact new to water cooling. Even though I have tried to research as extensively on the topic as possible before I created this thread, there are probably pieces of information I have overlooked -- sorry in advance.

I am repurposing a Dell XPS 630i case to do a bit of Litecoin mining, as a fun project. I acquired a Radeon HD 5870 (manufacturer link/TH review) for close to nothing and intend to use it in this rig. However, it is a liquid-cooled GPU, and the case is air-cooled at present. I am looking for the cheapest and quickest way to get this GPU running in my system. I am not intending to overclock the CPU higher than it is now (it runs just fine with the stock air cooler). I am not interested in having a quiet machine, as the two 120 mm fans in the case are noisy anyway and this PC will be in a separate room. As long as the GPU's temperature under load is not as high as it would be with a fan, I don't mind.

The GPU comes with its own waterblock, for the core, the memory and the VRM. Now it seems that there are at least two options for me to choose from:

1. buy pump + radiator + tank + tubing etc. and fit it to the existing waterblock. This solution would be the priciest (and probably the longest), and is the one I would like to avoid.

2. get a closed-loop CPU LC kit and remove the CPU block to have my GPU there instead. I would use an Antec H2O 620 or better yet, Dell's stock LC kit for the XPS 630i. Now what I couldn't find online is whether this makes sense at all: can I just open the loop, connect my waterblock, and voila, or is it going to be more complicated? Will there be flow capacity problems, tubing incompatibilities? What should I be aware of?

Any other suggestion? Again, I'm just looking to get this GPU running in my rig asap, noise and temperature are not a concern.

Thanks in advance for your answers!

 

[Mandrake4565]

What about taking off the water block and putting on an aftermarket air cooler? Such as an Arctic Accelero, that should save you some money.

 

[GTXJackBauer]

What about taking off the water block and putting on an aftermarket air cooler? Such as an Arctic Accelero, that should save you some money.

This man saved you lots. (Time/Money)

 

[ssjwizard]

What about taking off the water block and putting on an aftermarket air cooler? Such as an Arctic Accelero, that should save you some money.

I second this!

But if your intent on keeping the waterblock, your best bet is to get one of swiftechs radiator, reservoir, pump combo units. A closed loop generally comes with the pump mounted to the waterblock, so unless your planing to also liquid cool the CPU your going to be loosing your pump.

 

[S_I_N]

What about taking off the water block and putting on an aftermarket air cooler? Such as an Arctic Accelero, that should save you some money.

this is what I would do in your situation its by far the cheapest easiest and BEST way to accomplish what your after. those Accelero's are very decent and quiet as well.

 

[Conumdrum]

Hi there
I am new to this forum, and in fact new to water cooling. Even though I have tried to research as extensively on the topic as possible before I created this thread, there are probably pieces of information I have overlooked -- sorry in advance.


The GPU comes with its own waterblock, for the core, the memory and the VRM. Now it seems that there are at least two options for me to choose from:

1. buy pump + radiator + tank + tubing etc. and fit it to the existing waterblock. This solution would be the priciest (and probably the longest), and is the one I would like to avoid.

2. get a closed-loop CPU LC kit and remove the CPU block to have my GPU there instead. I would use an Antec H2O 620 or better yet, Dell's stock LC kit for the XPS 630i. Now what I couldn't find online is whether this makes sense at all: can I just open the loop, connect my waterblock, and voila, or is it going to be more complicated? Will there be flow capacity problems, tubing incompatibilities? What should I be aware of?

Cheap parts in the WC kits you are thinking of. Aluminum radiators. Having to use less effective anti-corrosive liquids. Just a possible big fail. I'd keep the WC block parts, and begin to learn about WC for the future. Then buy real WC parts and put the CPU/GPU under water when you have the Knowledge, time and money to do it right. It's an Oldddd card, so not worth the WC part at all. Others have made the perfect solution. Remove the WC parts and go air cooled. And if WC interests you, then read the stickies and have fun.



Thanks in advance for your answers!

 

[kiskoul]

Well, this sounds completely reasonable... Call me a fool for not having thought of it. This Accelero fans look perfect. I'm going to do this and keep the EK GPU waterblock for... well, whatever I will use it for. At least I've learnt a lot about water cooling. Thanks!

 

[Mandrake4565]

Well, this sounds completely reasonable... Call me a fool for not having thought of it. This Accelero fans look perfect. I'm going to do this and keep the EK GPU waterblock for... well, whatever I will use it for. At least I've learnt a lot about water cooling. Thanks!

You can always just send me the waterblock as payment for my advice.