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Watercooling for a dummie.

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SkuToV

Member
Joined
Dec 25, 2007
Location
Drunken Stupor, UK
Hey guys,

So, after some investigating I've found that my computer is having trouble keeping the northbridge and VRM's at a reasonable temperature. Some time and reading later I've come to the conclusion that a good course of action will be to watercool my system, after doing some research I really don't know as much as I thought I would, also that I might as well jump in at the deep end. The only things I've decided on are that I'm not going to be using any dye in the loop and that I'd probably be best served by compression fittings the latter of which may change depending on what gets said here.

After some contemplating I'm going to be cooling the northbridge, VRM, CPU, both graphics, and possibly the southbridge if it's feasable (block included in kit, won't be any major cost), thats a total of 5 or 6 parts that will be getting cooled. My main question is would I be best served by a single large loop or by multiple smaller ones, and does the order of parts in each loop matter, if it does what would be best/more efficient?

My second question is how much radiator space am I going to need? I'm hoping to do quite a bit of cooling so I anitcipate that I'll need multiple radiators.

Final request is can you guys suggest some parts for anything I'm missing, I've included a list of what I think I'll need but as I said I'm not really sure about all of it. Parts lists are below and I'll update as I decide on things. Also I'll do a build log once I start ordering parts.

Thanks in advance,

// Skutov

Parts, Currently owned to be cooled:
  • CPU - AMD FX 8120
  • MoBo - Gigabyte 990FXA-UD3
  • GPU - 2x Sapphire 6870's
  • CPU Cooler - Corsair H60
  • HDD - 5 assorted 3.5" drives, possibly to change, depends on case/res combo

Parts to be added (all may be changed):

Parts to be selected:
  • Pump
  • Reservoir
  • Tubing
  • Radiators
  • Fans
  • Connectors (Compression type preberably)
  • Coolant (clear, no dye)
  • Possibly a new PSU depending on funds and requirements
 
If you want to cool all of that part, i think you will need a 480mm rad, something like this
http://www.amazon.com/RX480-XSPC-Ra...qid=1343017677&sr=1-5&keywords=480mm+radiator
It's one of the highest performance rad out there, if you have a case big enough for it and the case you choose is not big enough.so you need a bigger case or you have to mout your rad outside of your case.
At for tubbing, 1/2in. ID X 3/4in. OD is perfect.
I also recoment a Swiftech MCP655 pump because it's the best pump and also the longest lasting pump too, i have been using the same pump for over 2 year now and it still working fine.
For cpu water block, you can either go with Koolance cpu 370 or XSPC Raystorm if you want a nice looking water block.
 
Would I be able to get a similar amount of cooling performance out of say a 240mm rad and 2 120mm rads? I would be able to fit the separate rads inside that case (240 on top, 120 front/back, I will probably be removing the HDD cage)

Thanks,

// Skutov
 
Or, you know, go to Walmart and pick up some distilled water that will perform better and not clog your loop like the fancy stuff. Looks like the OP got that down though.


There's information in the stickies on how to determine heatload, calculate DT, and determine how much radiator you need.
 
Coloured/dyed UV coolant begin to deteriorate after a few weeks and fouling up the system thus needing to clean every few months. With distilled water and biocide the system can run indefinitely.
 
Last edited:
Hey guys,

So, after some investigating I've found that my computer is having trouble keeping the northbridge and VRM's at a reasonable temperature. Some time and reading later I've come to the conclusion that a good course of action will be to watercool my system, after doing some research I really don't know as much as I thought I would, also that I might as well jump in at the deep end. The only things I've decided on are that I'm not going to be using any dye in the loop and that I'd probably be best served by compression fittings the latter of which may change depending on what gets said here.

After some contemplating I'm going to be cooling the northbridge, VRM, CPU, both graphics, and possibly the southbridge if it's feasable (block included in kit, won't be any major cost), thats a total of 5 or 6 parts that will be getting cooled. My main question is would I be best served by a single large loop or by multiple smaller ones, and does the order of parts in each loop matter, if it does what would be best/more efficient?

My second question is how much radiator space am I going to need? I'm hoping to do quite a bit of cooling so I anitcipate that I'll need multiple radiators.

Final request is can you guys suggest some parts for anything I'm missing, I've included a list of what I think I'll need but as I said I'm not really sure about all of it. Parts lists are below and I'll update as I decide on things. Also I'll do a build log once I start ordering parts.

Thanks in advance,

// Skutov

Parts, Currently owned to be cooled:
  • CPU - AMD FX 8120
  • MoBo - Gigabyte 990FXA-UD3
  • GPU - 2x Sapphire 6870's
  • CPU Cooler - Corsair H60
  • HDD - 5 assorted 3.5" drives, possibly to change, depends on case/res combo

Parts to be added (all may be changed):

Parts to be selected:
  • Pump
  • Reservoir
  • Tubing
  • Radiators
  • Fans
  • Connectors (Compression type preberably)
  • Coolant (clear, no dye)
  • Possibly a new PSU depending on funds and requirements

just a quick one mate, have your read the stickies at the top on the watercooling section? After reading it you should have a good idea of how much rad, what pump, single or multiple loops, etc. You should know that distilled and killcoil/biocide is what you should be using. etc etc. Basics man Read the stickies and it will answer a lot of questions you have :thup:

GL mate and prepare you bank to start screaming at you. You have just started on a path to an expensive hobby ;)
 
Read this-
http://www.overclockers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=692570&highlight=dummies
Your post title made me have to:D
As for the board and hard drives, I say don't worry about water cooling them. Most blocks for these will be too restrictive and make your case a tubing nightmare. 4x120 worth of rads should cool that just fine, so a 240 and 2x120 should do just fine. Compression vs barbs is more of a preference mater rather than a performance matter. If you go the compression route, make sure that you pick the right tubing wall thickness for the fittings you purchase. Hope this helps.
 
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