First Time Water-Cooling Questions (post research)

Y

Yodies

n00b
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Jul 13, 2005
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After reading some guides, and this board for information, as well as visiting multiple vendor sites, I have the pieces for my proposed circuit.

The reason I'm WCing is to extend the life of this 2 year old beast (which was top of the line when built). I have an AiW card, but I think I've gotten past that hurdle. On top of WCing, I'm looking to overclock, but that'll be figured out after this WC endeavour.

Current Specs:
AMD 3000+ Barton (2.1667GHz, I think)
1GB RAM
120GB HDD
ATI AiW 9800 128
350watt PSU
Asus A7N8X mobo
Soundblaster Audigy Gamer and 56k modem occupy PCI slots (country life has its drawbacks...)

Here are the pieces I have selected for my WC circuit:
GPU Block: Swiftec MCW50B @ $38.95 Direct
CPU Block: Swiftec STORM @ $75.95 Direct
Pump: DD CSP-MAG 12V DC @ $49.99 Direct
Radiator: DD Double Heater Core @ $34.99 Direct
Fans: Any suggestions are appreciated, planning on getting standard newegg ones
Shroud: Cardboard and duct-tape are fine I read
Tubing: Clearflex 10ft ~$10
Misc clamps and that blue anti-freeze I saw in another post

Questions:
1. Since I'm overclocking, and I can get the parts in either size, should I go with the 1/2" tubing over the 3/8"?
2. I'd like to simplify and save money by using a T-Line. Would anyone have any valid reasons to go reservoir?
3. I have a mid-tower case, and I understand that I probably won't be getting everything inside of it. What is the recommended placement for the heater core I'll be purchasing?
4. Should I buy RAM sinks for my AiW, since the GPU block doesn't cover both?
5. Anything else I should be aware of?

I've photoshopped a picture I took of the inside of my case, adding a proposed layout. I've included the edit and the untouched.
comp_layout.jpg

inside.jpg

I'd have flow going from pump > CPU > GPU > Radiator > pump. Would that be an optimal layout for OCing both GPU and CPU?

Thanks for your time and your help!
 
Looking at your loop, it would make more sense to route tubing to the GPU first and then the CPU; the order has neligable effects on the cooling. Less tubing, however, is benificial.
 
You could do what I and others have done, that is to mount the rad behind your case. Drill a couple holes between your psu and rear case fan for the Rad barbs to fit in.

Here is a old picture I have of how it looks:

Plumbing.jpg


Just go with a T-line, keep it simple.
Your choice of components looks good.
3/8" tubing should be fine for your setup, but 1/2" is cool also.
 
Thanks to both of you.

Is there any reason that fan is hanging in the middle of the case or is it just there cause it needs to be screwed in? haha
 
wwparrish said:
The fan is to cool his ram.
Click to expand...


Yup. I since changed cases and have a much better looking interior, with the rad fans blowing on my ram.
 
Oh, yeah, and what do I do to plug the Fill Line? Just bend it like a gardenhose?

Thanks for the help so far.
 
Good choices for your components. Nice and cheap :)

1. 3/8" 100%
2. it looks cooler?
3. if you can't drill, you'll probably have to put it outside like that other person. You could also stand it up behind your drive bays or take out your drives bays and try to put it there.
4. yes
5. can't think of anything. remember to leak test.
 
You can spend $2 at the hardware store, and get something equivalent that's not pretty.
 
For fans I'd recommend tha Panaflo M1A's if you are going to use a fan controller, or the Panaflo L1A's if you are not.
 
Yodies said:
$11.99 for a screw+barb? Bah, it's my first time so I guess I'll just bite the bullet.

I'll start buying the parts when my next paycheck comes in.
Click to expand...


You can use a copper cap, or a brass plug, both found in the plumbing section...
 
Hey bro, I sell the same heater core..but mine are painted and I dont just cut the inlet tubes off..I sweat them out and tap new holes for the fittings. =) MIne are the same price as theirs.
 
I HAVE one of 2Fresh's double heatercores, custom painted blue (except on the fins) tucked into the front bay of my CM Stacker.

GREAT rad, great value.
 
Meaning yours have barbs whereas the other one doesn't?

I'll be needing one for 3/8" tubing, you have any?
 
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