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First time water cooling

F

fullvietFX

[H]ard|Gawd
Joined
Sep 1, 2004
Messages
2,015
I've decided I want to water cool my computer. My goal is to hit 5GHZ on my processor. It would probably be more cost effective to upgrade to a 3770K for performance but honestly this is more for the fun than anything. Specs are currently in my sig.

I sort of know what I want. I only want to cool the CPU with a triple rad with only three fans no push/pull because I think that would be too loud. I also want to use the Corsair fans with the blue plastic bits. A triple rad is probably overkill but I'll most likely have to hit it with at least 1.5V to meer my goal. Is it possible to get everything done under $300? I'll also be getting a new case either a Corsair or the new Phantom 830. I'm not sure where to begin. What's a good site to order all my parts from? I would prefer to just use one site that ships to Canada.
 
If you want to get it done for under $300, I would suggest a kit. The parts are chosen for you but it is much ($100+) cheaper than buying separate parts. Specifically I would suggest this kit: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/2...cluded_and_Free_Dead-Water.html?tl=c83s137b49

Comes with a Raystorm block, D5 Vario pump, and AX360 rad which are all very good parts. The res is not the greatest, but it works, and you can always replace it later.

E: FrozenCPU and Performance-PCs are both good US-based sites to order parts from. FrozenCPU has the bigger selection but also higher prices in general.
 
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Thanks for the reply. I've checked out that kit and it looks like something I might buy. Is there a big difference between the AX360 and the RX360? Also do most people who have their radiators on top of the case have their fans as intake or exhaust?
 
The AX is thinner and has a higher fin density. They should perform comparably, so it's your choice. I prefer the AX because I don't like very thick rads.

I think most people use top rads as an exhaust, but you will get better performance if its an intake, as the air outside your PC will almost certainly be cooler (and never warmer) than the air inside. I use both my top and front rads as intakes and the setup works great.
 
I think I'm going to take a plunge but can't decide between the AX and EX now. Going to go with white tubes and the NXZT 820 in white. Might have to print out a new label for my AX750 too since it's gold and doesn't match. :D
 
I would say AX, it is their newest model released this year and I believe is meant to replace both the EX and RX. White tubing is awesome, that's what I use in my loop too. :) If you are going with the Raystorm kit make sure you get 7/16" ID / 5/8" OD tubing. Primochill and XSPC both make that size tubing in white.
 
I think they are actually the same thing, just one is a retail package and the other is sold by the foot.
 
Sweet! One final question before I order though. Do these kits come with the LEDs or do I have to buy those separately.
 
Before you buy ANYTHING.......check sidewinder computers.com.

The guy has kits and custom loop parts, and his prices beat anybody, anywhere.

Frozen is overpriced and performance generally has way high shipping (although both have good inventory)

I always go to sidewinder first, then the others if it doesn't pan out.

I think you could piece something together for about 300 if you looked. A custom loop gives you more choices and more flexibility.
 
magoo said:
Before you buy ANYTHING.......check sidewinder computers.com.

The guy has kits and custom loop parts, and his prices beat anybody, anywhere.

Frozen is overpriced and performance generally has way high shipping (although both have good inventory)

I always go to sidewinder first, then the others if it doesn't pan out.

I think you could piece something together for about 300 if you looked. A custom loop gives you more choices and more flexibility.
Click to expand...

Just checked out that website and it is a bit cheaper. I've also noticed there's 45 degree compression fittings. For a really clean look would you recommend I get them?
 
For a clean look , yes, but remember the more 90 / 45 deg. you have, the more restriction the loop will have (90 will impede flow more than 45, but there is an impedance regardless, but with a D5 pump, you probably wont notice)
 
I wasnt saying it for temperature reasons ..... It comes down to the pump as well, old pump, new pump, dieing pump, alive pump, its just a variable to take into consideration...However that is a good article, remember reading it a while back.
 
W.Feather said:
I wasnt saying it for temperature reasons ..... It comes down to the pump as well, old pump, new pump, dieing pump, alive pump, its just a variable to take into consideration...However that is a good article, remember reading it a while back.
Click to expand...

For a CPU-only loop, restriction shouldn't a problem...even with an old ApogeeXT block and a shitty Rasa x20 750 pump :)
 
I'm thinking on the radiator I'll use 45 degrees. So two 45s and four regular ones. I'm really going to pump the juice up on this 2600K hopefully 1.55V can get me to 5Ghz stable.
 
fullvietFX said:
Just checked out that website and it is a bit cheaper. I've also noticed there's 45 degree compression fittings. For a really clean look would you recommend I get them?
Click to expand...

I use 45 degree compressions all the time. there is definately a good use for them.

I have a few 90 degree ones too.

Overall compressions are just neat and tidy. That said, anything but silver has a tendency to mar easily when tightening with a tool....slippage and all.....I stick with silver BitsPower fittings.:D

You cant go wrong at Sidewinder.:)
 
The XSPC 750 pump is really shitty? :)

Oh I forgot to ask you OP, what is the cpu voltage that you're running your 2600K 4.8ghz at?
 
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