13 replies to this topic

[Honey Badger]

So,

I am looking to redo my CPU cooling. Not necessarily now, but soon enough that I wanna get started narrowing the selection.

While it's unlikely, I would like to hear feesable suggestions for air cooling, keeping in mind that I'd like to maintain my 4.6GHz CPU clock, and that my case is what it is so there are height restrictions on the cooler's size.

I am also looking to get suggestions on what block to purchase should I do a new loop for my CPU for liquid cooling. While I am entertaining getting a Corsair H100, I have a feeling it will not perform well enough for my liking, so I'd prefer to do a new custom loop.

Ideally, I plan to most likely run a single 240mm radiator for that, which I can mount to the top of my case, or possibly in the front... that I'll decide when I'm closer to the loop becoming a reality.

I am doing this as much to improve my cooling and thusly hopefully enable higher overclocking, as much as I am to make my case mobile again, and more asthetically normal, as well as improve airflow which right now is not totally optimal because of the way my current loop is ghetto rigged.

For reference, I am currently running an all-Danger-Den-Purchased Loops, consisting of a single 360mm radiator of the Black Ice XtremeIII variety, a Danger Den MC-TDX 775 block (old, but it works well for it's age, I got it for my QX6850 system not long after it came out, that should give you an idea of how old the block is), a Laing D5 Pump, Fillport-Reservoir & 1/2" ID 3/4" OD Flex/Kink-proof tubing.

I would like to use the same kind of tubing on the new loop, of course I will be purchasing it new. So keep that in mind that any fittings will need to have an option for 1/2" OD on the fittings.

Also, I do have a backup case... it's not that great on airflow, but I can use it while leak testing the loop in this case, thusly allowing me to assemble it completely in the way it will be when it's done (tubing through the case holes etc) then leak test without having to disassemble again for system implementation... and yes, I will be using the loop in the LanBoy Air, as I have no plans to replace this case anytime soon. It may be a bit of a dust magnet, but I like it's ease of use.

Let the games begin!

[duelistgamer]

Get a Koolance CPU-370 block and a Laing DDC pump. You can even look at EK's pump

[Derbixrace]

for aircooling i'd suggest this http://www.frozencpu...M2_AM2_AM3.html

and for watercooling i'd suggest this http://www.frozencpu..._Kill_Coil.html

[mihapiha]

I agree with both statements which came before me.

But I'd like to point out that I'd not build a water cooling loop like that. If you want to have a really good
water cooled setup you need a decent radiator. All though the news says that 28nm graphic cards will
need less power, I am skeptical about that. Same goes for the CPUs. I would suggest to you that you
look into the Koolance ERM-3K3UC which is really expensive no doubt, but it can handle an entire PC
no problem. It can handle two CPUs and four graphic cards if necessary. Also it makes it possible to use
any case.

It may be too expensive, but I want you take a look at it. If you have that, you could use it for years to
come without having to update the radiators, which I've done numerates times.

[jfrydom]

My EK 240 kit seems to be doing quite fine...

[Honey Badger]

mihapiha, on 26 October 2011 - 03:06 PM, said:

I agree with both statements which came before me.

But I'd like to point out that I'd not build a water cooling loop like that. If you want to have a really good
water cooled setup you need a decent radiator. All though the news says that 28nm graphic cards will
need less power, I am skeptical about that. Same goes for the CPUs. I would suggest to you that you
look into the Koolance ERM-3K3UC which is really expensive no doubt, but it can handle an entire PC
no problem. It can handle two CPUs and four graphic cards if necessary. Also it makes it possible to use
any case.

It may be too expensive, but I want you take a look at it. If you have that, you could use it for years to
come without having to update the radiators, which I've done numerates times.

Hey Miha. Good suggestions, but I forgot to mention:

I plan on sticking with my 2600k for at least 2 years or so, which is why I want a dedicated loop for it. When I LC my Keplers in the future, they will be on their own loop. So, a EK HeatKiller with a 240mm radiator should be enough for just my CPU, right? Or should I plan on a 360mm just to be safe? I have one right now, and it works really well, I think my main problem is my block is so outdated, hence my high load temps (OCCT/Prime95 gets up in to the 70s)

[Righthooks]

Badger, here is what I would choose for your plans on a single dedicated CPU loop. Excellent performance combination, with configuration flexibility.

Parts List

MCP655 + Koolance 370 + Hardware Labs Black Ice Gen. Two (GTX) 240mm + EK Multioption Reservoir (150 "advanced")

Links Below

Pump Variation- http://www.performan...oducts_id=28303

Water-Block- http://www.performan...oducts_id=30269

Radiator- http://www.performan...oducts_id=20983

Reservoir- http://www.performan...oducts_id=27959

EDIT: I use the Koolance 370 currently in my primary loop. Coming from both the Heatkiller Rev. 3.0 and the EK Supreme HF previously, I can say the Koolance 370 is the best block...

I did a brief write up about my thoughts and feelings on all three blocks at this link: http://forums.nvidia...howtopic=210024

-Hooks

Edited by Righthooks, 27 October 2011 - 11:04 AM.

[Sykes]

If your going with Black Ice rads make sure you get the SR-1 rads, personally I would go for Phobya radiators. 1 360 rad for the CPU loop and a quad rad for the GPU loop.

To cool the rads I would go with the Cooler Master 120mm Excalibur fans.

And Koolance waterblocks all the way!

As for the pump and reservoir, I would probably go with a pump res combo.

Here are 2 pics of how my setup looked like with the same WC setup.





Watercooling: CPU loop
Koolance CPU-360
TFC Xchanger 360 Rad
Koolance Reservoir/Pump, RP-1000BK Black
Tygon R3400 3/8 ID - 1/2 OD Black

Watercooling: GPU loop
Koolance VID-NX480
TFC Xchanger 480 Rad
EK-Multioption Reservoir 250
Aqua-Computer Aquastream XT Ultra pump
Tygon R3400 3/8 ID - 1/2 OD Black

[Honey Badger]

The main reason I don't fancy pump/resevoirs is that that involves getting the liquid way too close to the computer's parts for my liking to put it in the cooling system, so I won't be goin' that route. Too scurd lol

To Hooks: Thanks for that links budday, looks like that'd run about $330, which is about what I was expecting to spend for a good quality loop.

The fans will definitely be Scythe Slipstreams, since they're still on bulk discount from Newegg, and they work great in the applications I've used them for thus far: http://www.newegg.co...N82E16835185060 you buy 6 at a time and it's only $7.99/fan (vs. $13.99 each for one) AND free 3-day shipping :-D

[Sykes]

Honey Badger, on 27 October 2011 - 01:50 PM, said:

The main reason I don't fancy pump/resevoirs is that that involves getting the liquid way too close to the computer's parts for my liking to put it in the cooling system, so I won't be goin' that route. Too scurd lol

To Hooks: Thanks for that links budday, looks like that'd run about $330, which is about what I was expecting to spend for a good quality loop.

The fans will definitely be Scythe Slipstreams, since they're still on bulk discount from Newegg, and they work great in the applications I've used them for thus far: http://www.newegg.co...N82E16835185060 you buy 6 at a time and it's only $7.99/fan (vs. $13.99 each for one) AND free 3-day shipping :-D

Those fans are very loud. Its static pressure that you need, not high CFM.

[Honey Badger]

"very loud" to some, acceptable to me.

Just so you know I have two Lasko HVBs (High Velocity Blowers) constantly running in my room to keep the air circulating and to keep a low level hum going in the room so that I can sleep (I have a ULF problem where I can't sleep if it's "dead silent" cuz I "hear things" coming from the ground).

[Righthooks]

Honey Badger, on 27 October 2011 - 04:46 PM, said:

"very loud" to some, acceptable to me.

Just so you know I have two Lasko HVBs (High Velocity Blowers) constantly running in my room to keep the air circulating and to keep a low level hum going in the room so that I can sleep (I have a ULF problem where I can't sleep if it's "dead silent" cuz I "hear things" coming from the ground).

Badger, if you are interested here is what I currently use for my radiator on my CPU/Mainboard full-coverage loop. http://www.performan...oducts_id=25035 They are fantastic for radiators as I have zero loss in pressure. Also, I replaced the 140mm fans in the chassis of my 800D with the 140mm version as well. I was skeptical when I first made the change, but these came recommended to me by a worthy source and they turned out to exceed my expectations. They are near silent however...

If you want to get ridiculous here is what I use on my 3-way SLi GPU loop. http://www.frozencpu...PM_On_Sale.html These are beyond overkill for a single CPU loop, but you may be attracted to them due to your limitless threshold for excess. I share the same guilty pleasure...

-Hooks

[Honey Badger]

LOL I love the "Acoustical Noise Level: <65dBa" WTF? lmao

That's scary. I don't like fat fans like that, they make me extra paranoid cuz they might remove a finger with their bigger blades or somesuch.

[mihapiha]

Honey Badger, on 27 October 2011 - 09:58 AM, said:

Hey Miha. Good suggestions, but I forgot to mention:

I plan on sticking with my 2600k for at least 2 years or so, which is why I want a dedicated loop for it. When I LC my Keplers in the future, they will be on their own loop. So, a EK HeatKiller with a 240mm radiator should be enough for just my CPU, right? Or should I plan on a 360mm just to be safe? I have one right now, and it works really well, I think my main problem is my block is so outdated, hence my high load temps (OCCT/Prime95 gets up in to the 70s)

I've had the dual loop thing for quite some time, and I can tell you that it's not worth the effort. Even a big 360 radiator can be overwhelmed with a CPU overclock you know, and it might not be able to cool the water down in time.
I therefore suggest an external radiator which is in my opinion worth the effort and capable of cooling 99% of the setups. Believe me, if you have a single huge external radiator (setup) like the WaterCool Mora 3 (like I have) or
the Koolance ERM-3K3UC (which is the better option in my opinion) you'll be way better off than with two radiators and two loops...

I have here 5 used radiators I'm gonna try sell now in Germany, and I've had like water cooling now for 8 years. In the beginning, the setup you're planing was ideal. Nowadays a single huge radiator is better, especially with a
powerful pump.

If you get the ERM-3K3UC you may not need to update it that quickly. Also with it's fan and pump control set on auto (or manual) you can keep the system quiet if you're not stressing the system...

Just compare: 120.2 + 120.3 vs. 120.9 (ERM-3K3UC) vs. 140.9 (Mora 3)

These huge radiators don't even need high airflow fans no more. I have my Mora 3 settled with 700 RPM fans for crying out loud. And that's for my system which is still pretty damn impressive. Especially if you compare how much
heat my components produce....

Edited by mihapiha, 28 October 2011 - 03:58 PM.