beginning water cooler need suggestions

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prodigee

Gawd
Joined
May 27, 2008
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987
Okay so I really want to get into water cooling, however it is really quite expensive and what i was hoping for is a couple suggestions for a loop. As of right now i only plan on cooling the cpu, but in the near future want to expand to the gpu. I also want to keep the costs under 200. I will post in a bit parts i was looking at.

Thanks,

prodigee
 
CPU Block: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/5...e_Universal_CPU_Waterblock.html?tl=g30c85s141

Pump: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/6..._3-Pin_Powered_Pump_-_DD-CPX1.html?tl=g30c107

Reservoir: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/2..._Reservoir_12_ID_and_38_ID.html?tl=g30c97s168

Radiator: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/4...ealth_240_Radiator_-_Black.html?tl=g30c95s160

Coolant: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/7...l_-_UV_Acid_Green_F1-0033.html?tl=g30c103s184

Total (before shipping) $189.75

I already have tubing which i bought at home depot.

I was also thinking about this kit but it is a bit expensive for my tastes in fact if someone could find this below 180 which i doubt because i looked everywhere that would be awesome and i would get that in a heart beat i just want to see if i can get something that cools about the same for a cheaper price and room to expand. Ideas are welcome and different parts or better prices are welcome too.
 
I'm not a big fan of reservoirs. You can opt to just do a fillport which will save you a few bucks or get a res/fillport from DD for about the same price.

I wouldn't waste any money on coolants either.. just a few drops of anti algae and you're all set.. pick up a couple of dyes if you want the color.

If you just want to cool the CPU then you can opt to just get a 2x120.. heck you could do 1x120 depending on the chip and what your goals are (noise and/or overclocking).
 
A word of caution when using Home Depot tubing... Its Vinyl which tends to dry out and crack. I'd recommend against using it long term. Not a big deal if you swap out hoses often, but Vinyl isn't really rated for continual hot use. Also, adding colored coolant into the loop will stain the hose and leach polyvinyl chloride into your loop over long durations.
 
MrE said:
A word of caution when using Home Depot tubing... Its Vinyl which tends to dry out and crack. I'd recommend against using it long term. Not a big deal if you swap out hoses often, but Vinyl isn't really rated for continual hot use. Also, adding colored coolant into the loop will stain the hose and leach polyvinyl chloride into your loop over long durations.
Click to expand...

Beat me to it.

I have seen people using Vinyl before...but i would also caution against using it long term. There are reasons why companies like Tygon have very specific types of tubing for different uses. Sometimes it might seem overpriced, but tubing is one thing that a lot of people overlook that it can pay to invest a little money in. A little extra coin spent on tubing will typically get you thicker walls and/or nice flexibility along with strong longevity.

There isn't too much that you SHOULD skimp on when setting up a watercooling loop, but tubing is largely overlooked by many people.
 
Not sure if your ordering from Frozen CPU due to location and shipping constraints, but I would check out other sites like Jab Tech before ordering because some of the stuff you listed at Frozen CPU is much more expensive than at other websites, such as the Apogee GT. Otherwise it looks pretty good. Oh, and I also agree about the tubing. I would buy something manufactured specifically for cooling computers.
 
atomic ferret said:
Not sure if your ordering from Frozen CPU due to location and shipping constraints, but I would check out other sites like Jab Tech before ordering because some of the stuff you listed at Frozen CPU is much more expensive than at other websites, such as the Apogee GT. Otherwise it looks pretty good. Oh, and I also agree about the tubing. I would buy something manufactured specifically for cooling computers.
Click to expand...

Good call...while FrozenCPU can have great selection at times...there prices are quite inflated just as often.

I've done most of my business in the past through Performance-PCs...great prices and selection and awesome service and support to back it all up.

http://www.performance-pcs.com/cata...lt&search_in_description=1&keyword=scythe+usa
 
Don't forget PetrasTechShop. The only downside is their limited quantity, so if you find something good.. you better get it fast. ;)
 
thanks guys so the list i good including the pump which i havent really heard anything about good or bad... just that its a pump (lol). No matter where i go though something is always out of stock that i need hopefully i one day one store will have it all then it will be really awesome and get a kickass system done setup for leak testing in one day.
 
A vote here for the DTek..a very nice block indeed...I've got one sitting here waiting to be used in a water loop for someone else that I'm putting together...build quality and overall impression is very nice.
 
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I typically opt for a stronger pump if I've got room for it to give me room to expand to more waterblocks or a bigger rad down the road but that's just me.

Also...a big thumbs up for the Masterkleer 7/16 tubing...exactly what I bought for the watercooling setup I'm working on for someone else, very nice all around.
 
cornelious0_0 said:
I typically opt for a stronger pump if I've got room for it to give me room to expand to more waterblocks or a bigger rad down the road but that's just me.

Also...a big thumbs up for the Masterkleer 7/16 tubing...exactly what I bought for the watercooling setup I'm working on for someone else, very nice all around.
Click to expand...


stronger pump.. no..

just goto petrastechshop.com and get the pump form there w/ the petra top.. its about the same price iirc... much better than normal one too.


as for the 7/16ths tubing... +2 for it.
 
All I was getting at is I'm rather fond of the Swiftech MCP655's performance...but the DDC is still more then enough for most people and very versatile...I'll give it that much.
 
Is the mid chamber insert for the D-TEK FuZion v2 really necessary for a quad core?
 
One thing's for sure, if you buy PC water cooling parts you will pay through the nose for them. However, if you want to go on the cheap you can save some big bucks and, IMHO, have a better water cooling system. About the only thing you have to buy that's specifically for "PC water cooling" is the CPU block (or GPU block or NB block). Otherwise, many parts can be substituted and save you lots of cash.

Radiator- I use heater cores from automobiles. A heater core from a 86 Camaro is my fav. (4)80mm fans fits nicely on it and it cools very well. Or you could go with a 140mm fan. (Cost = $26)

Pump- Using a "PC water cooling pump" will cost you dearly, but there are many pumps out there that are much less costly and do the same job as good as a "PC water cooling pump". I've had good luck with AquaVia pumps. (Not sure of model # but I know my pump puts out over 300GPH) (Cost=$20)

If you want all your water cooling equipment to be inside your case you should go with some kind of 5.25" bay reservoir or no reservoir at all. My first resorvoir was made from pvc pipe, (2) 1/2" barb fittings and 2 endcaps, one of which screwed off so you could refill it as needed. But then I decided I didn't want my pump inside my case or my reservoir on my case anymore so I bought a waterproof electrical box at Lowe's to use for my reservoir and put my pump in it in submersible mode (basically pump is submerged in a container of water). (Cost=$12)

Hoses- whether you go with 3/8" or 1/2" hose is entirely up to you, but in either case you can get this hose at any hardware store usually cheaper than anywhere- even on the web because of shipping.

Other thoughts: Since the introduction of my 2nd 8800GTX, my loop ran much warmer than before without it. So now I've got a (complete) 2nd loop just for CPU. And even so, my NB/GPU's loop still runs warmer than it did when it was just 1 loop without the 2nd 8800GTX. I built a small "box" with wheels and what not just for my 2 water loop equipment that sits next to my tower. This was easier than trying to put all that stuff inside my case.

Good luck!
 
Thrust said:
One thing's for sure, if you buy PC water cooling parts you will pay through the nose for them. However, if you want to go on the cheap you can save some big bucks and, IMHO, have a better water cooling system. About the only thing you have to buy that's specifically for "PC water cooling" is the CPU block (or GPU block or NB block). Otherwise, many parts can be substituted and save you lots of cash.

Radiator- I use heater cores from automobiles. A heater core from a 86 Camaro is my fav. (4)80mm fans fits nicely on it and it cools very well. Or you could go with a 140mm fan. (Cost = $26)

Pump- Using a "PC water cooling pump" will cost you dearly, but there are many pumps out there that are much less costly and do the same job as good as a "PC water cooling pump". I've had good luck with AquaVia pumps. (Not sure of model # but I know my pump puts out over 300GPH) (Cost=$20)

If you want all your water cooling equipment to be inside your case you should go with some kind of 5.25" bay reservoir or no reservoir at all. My first resorvoir was made from pvc pipe, (2) 1/2" barb fittings and 2 endcaps, one of which screwed off so you could refill it as needed. But then I decided I didn't want my pump inside my case or my reservoir on my case anymore so I bought a waterproof electrical box at Lowe's to use for my reservoir and put my pump in it in submersible mode (basically pump is submerged in a container of water). (Cost=$12)

Hoses- whether you go with 3/8" or 1/2" hose is entirely up to you, but in either case you can get this hose at any hardware store usually cheaper than anywhere- even on the web because of shipping.

Other thoughts: Since the introduction of my 2nd 8800GTX, my loop ran much warmer than before without it. So now I've got a (complete) 2nd loop just for CPU. And even so, my NB/GPU's loop still runs warmer than it did when it was just 1 loop without the 2nd 8800GTX. I built a small "box" with wheels and what not just for my 2 water loop equipment that sits next to my tower. This was easier than trying to put all that stuff inside my case.

Good luck!
Click to expand...

I'm actually trying to put together a loop on the cheap using a '77 Bonneville heater core that I bought at the local auto shop. I've heard the performance is good and it only cost around $25. It's a good alternative, but you've got to be willing to make a shroud and mount something not meant to be in a computer. As for the pumps, I haven't looked into alternative options, but I suppose a non-computer pump could work. I recommend a T-Line instead of a reservoir. They are cheaper and look better in my opinion.
 
thanks again guys.

the only reason i didnt get the dtek block and the swiftech pump is that i am trying to stay below 200.


Here's the new list

CPU Block: http://www.jab-tech.com/product.php?productid=3639

Pump: http://www.jab-tech.com/product.php?productid=3803

Radiator: http://www.jab-tech.com/product.php?productid=3070

Reservoir: http://www.jab-tech.com/product.php?productid=3093

Tubing: http://www.jab-tech.com/product.php?productid=3079

Coolant: http://www.jab-tech.com/product.php?productid=2476

Lemme know what you think and if i can get the danger den pump i will so i can save my self some 20 odd bucks.
 
sorry for the double post but how do t-lines work they seem awefully small and dont seem the like they could hold much if anything. I was just wondering like how big they are and how they work.
 
If you want some cheaper parts try browsing the classifieds. You can shave off around 25% of the cost by getting used parts if it's worth it to you.
 
like what type of classafieds, in my town building a computer is unheard of people are like "you can do that?!?" finding water cooling parts would be damn near impossible.
 
prodigee said:
sorry for the double post but how do t-lines work they seem awefully small and dont seem the like they could hold much if anything. I was just wondering like how big they are and how they work.
Click to expand...

you can get a t-line for about a dollar plus shipping online... they usually go before the pump in a loop and then just use a bit of tubing then put a filport on the top, once the loop is filled then you top up the t-line it shouldnt go down quickly... its all personal preference.. some people dont like using a res because they're scared it'll crack and leak all over their stuff and some people just want to keep space for the loop to a minimum... i like having a res because its easier to get all the air out of the loop and fill it up.... sticking zip ties down a t-line to get bubbles out is not something i want to be doing anymore:D but for some people its all part of the fun !
 
nightwalker said:
you can get a t-line for about a dollar plus shipping online... they usually go before the pump in a loop and then just use a bit of tubing then put a filport on the top, once the loop is filled then you top up the t-line it shouldnt go down quickly... its all personal preference.. some people dont like using a res because they're scared it'll crack and leak all over their stuff and some people just want to keep space for the loop to a minimum... i like having a res because its easier to get all the air out of the loop and fill it up.... sticking zip ties down a t-line to get bubbles out is not something i want to be doing anymore:D but for some people its all part of the fun !
Click to expand...

Good call...I always go for a reservoir if i can to make filling/bleeding easier but for some people the TLine fits the case/setup better.

I can't wait 'till I get to start workin on my Shuttle. I've got everything measured out to fit an entire water loop for the CPU and GPU inside the XPC case. The Laing DDC pump is gonna sit ontop of the power supply with the reservoir addon ontop of it. The res is gonna stick up outside the case a few mm through a hole i cut and with a blue LED in the res from below it's gonna be sweet!

But anyways...I digress...don't wanna spoil to much of the project and thread jack anymore then I have to. ;)
 
okay this is sweet just got my stacker and the thing is freakin massive i cant wait to get my stuff in... but i have to wait for my motherboard to come back because of the chip that blew up on it. Anyway i think that if i can get my dd pump then the setup will perfect.

PS. OT i know but can someone make a good suggestion for a airbrush design on the case preferably including my name on the forums because i have this guy doing it for free because i built him a computer and i really want a sick design but i cant think of anything.

Anyways thanks alot for your help guys and please if you can suggest something different or at a cheaper price lemme know.

PSS the only reason i dont want a tline now that i know how it works is that a lot i really want to be able to clear any air bubbles and make sure the system is perfect and i can gaurentee that i am one of those people who will want to check the levels every second. thats why i really want a a bay reservoir but hey.
 
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