watercooling?

[PTRMAN]

Just about a year ago, with some help from the good folks here, I got bitten by the "build-your-own" bug and took the plunge. It's been great, but now I'm thinking further expansion.

The Zalman is handling the OCed Q6600, but if I then want to OC the RAM and the GPU I might need yet more fans. The fans will (presumably) cool the individual components, but isn't that just dumping more heat IN the box? I'm thinking a water solution, with a radiator OUTSIDE the box might be a better way to go. Thoughts?

[Parker]

Doit doit doit!! Watercooling is amazing. With my rad mounted outside the case, I was getting temps of 27c idle on the four cores of my QX6700. Load was about 37c.

I used:
D-Tek FuZion V2
MCR320 Rad (w/ 6 fans, but 3 is really only needed)
MCP655 Vario
Micro Res
Tygon tubing
and some D-Tek fittings.

great stuff, cools very well. Highly recommended if it will fit your budget :)

[PTRMAN]

Where do you put your radiator? I'm kind constrained with that - thinking maybe a big external one.

[drew and not u]

I wouldn't do it for the sake of improved performance. If you want to do watercooling just to do watercooling, by all means go for it, it's great fun. However know that it will be a PITA at times. Mounting the rad is often one of the most challenging. Some people get brackets to mount on the back of the case, some mount on top, some people even just lay it on it's side on the desk. There's lots of good reading material on site like XS and such to get ideas from what other people have done.

That said, personally I've had three water-cooling setups (two prebuilt and one custom) and ended up selling them all in favor of air coolers.

[Elysium]

Originally Posted by PTRMAN

Where do you put your radiator? I'm kind constrained with that - thinking maybe a big external one.

You can use something like the Swiftech Rad-Box; I know RA1D used one with great looking and performing results.

One note about water cooling based on my own experiences with it: Be prepared to spend upwards of $150 on a good water cooling kit. DO NOT skimp and buy low-end parts; it will only cost you more in the long run with leaky blocks, failing pumps, etc. and less than stellar performance. Stick to what is good. With companies like Danger Den, Swiftech, EK, XSPC and D-Tek to name a few, you will probably have a fun, enlightening experience with water cooling.

[frostybrad]

I'd say go for if you can. I was nervious at first, but when I slowly did the change over to water cooling, I had a blast doing it. Just be prepared to feel a sence of "now what do I do" when you finish.... I was 3 days done, and already had the itch to add another rad!!!! Its addicting.....

[PTRMAN]

Originally Posted by frostybrad

I was 3 days done, and already had the itch to add another rad!!!! Its addicting.....

And THAT right there is what I'm most afraid of! Spent Thursday OCing CPU and ensuring stability, but by Thursday evening I was already thinking about OCing VGA, RAM, etc. Trolled some sites on Friday looking for some cheap used equipment - man there's a ton out there! Looks like I've found my new obsession!

[Elysium]

Originally Posted by PTRMAN

Looks like I've found my new obsession!

Welcome to the dark side.