Good choice for AM3 WB

R

RabidCicada

n00b
Joined
Jun 9, 2009
Messages
45
Hi everyone. I've read up on WC and got my first loop going recently. Leak tested for >24hrs and it's good. Going to move into production soon:).

I was just wondering what HardForums opinions were about a good AM3 WaterBlock. I currently have:

gtx480 Rad
Tygon tubing
Fezer One fluid
Swiftech MCRES Micro Revision 2 reservoir
Swiftech MCP655 12v DC Pump - with Speed Controller
MC-TDX for AM2/AM3 Processors (http://www.dangerden.com/store/product.php?productid=294&cat=92&page=1)

I was wondering if the WB was a good choice by the local readers or if there's something that is SO OBVIOUSLY BETTER that I look like an idiot?
 
The TDX doesn't do so well with newer multi-core processors, if I remember correctly.

The Heatkiller 3.0 is obscenely popular right now, and it has the mounting hardware. It doesn't come with a backplate, so you'd have to get it separately. That'd be my choice.

Also, you're not going to need anywhere near a quad for a CPU-only loop. Are you planning on cooling anything else?
 
Future Expansion my friend:). I planned on learning with just cpu then expanding. I just drilled out my case and mounted the res and pump on the outside of my case off the MB tray. I tend to do cooling and power overkill so I dont have to worry. Got a 1kw supply and 8+ 120mm case fans(no fan controller)...dont like the noise.

I plan to have a monolithic loop with cpu + sli'd graphics cards or 2 loops: cpu+chipset+all else on one loop, and sli'd graphics cards on the second loop. Depends on what kind of temps I get.

When you say the TDX doesn't do well how "bad" is it? Is it just a couple degrees warmer? Got a link to the article or just want to fill me in?

I already bought the TDX and have it in a test loop darnit. Trusted the DD brand for that, since I was getting the Rad there.

Here's my setup:
AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 5000+ BE
ASUS Crosshair MB
Dual NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTX's
2GB Corsair Dominator Ram
WD Raptor 150GB / WD RE2 400GB
Windows XP 64-bit
Dell 3007WFP 30 inch Widescreen
TurboCool 1kw

Any friendly advice:)?
 
btw I'm approaching this as more of hobby/fun than a hardcore WC fanatic. I don't mind a couple degrees here or there. low temp is not my epeen. BUT if there is going to be a serious issue then please let me know.

In addition...I know my HW is outdated in terms of needing WCing. I know my proc is not top of the line:). I just wanted to jump in and try watercooling for fun and had some money to blow.

I don't plan on WCing the curren't graphics cards. I plan to get the WC working on current processor then upgrade all my HW with Waterblocks for the new HW.
 
It's not a bad block, just not one of the best. If you've already got it, don't worry about it.

If/when you move to cooling your graphics cards, you'll notice a big improvement in noise.
 
The only thing you should concern yourself with for an AMD waterblock is looks, IMO.

They don't generate the heat of i7 CPU's.
 
Just a heads up, I just got my swiftech mcres. They have a long list of coolant additives that void warranty's.

I'm pretty sure feser one contains ethyl glycol (or some shit like that). Which will weaken the acrylic over time. Therefore you'd be best to go with distilled and some silver for minimal risk.
 
I'm currently using this Alphacool block in an AM3 build with the 955BE. Performance is fine ... temps stay below 40 degrees C at 100% CPU load (running 2 x Magicool 240 rads with a 4870X2) in the loop. Based on this, I'd say most blocks with good flow will work okay. The XSPC Delta V3 has also been reported to give good performance.

Just be sure the block you pick has mounting available for AM2 or AM2+ (will also work with AM3).
 
Got everything installed. Water temps are 42 deg under 100% load. I'm going to read up on temps in general but I assume that is a bit high for my outdated processor and a 4 fan rad? Remember I'm using the DD MC TDX WB. House temps 74 deg F (23.333 Celsius). Ambient room is probably ~79deg (26.111 celsius) due to airflow and computer generated heat.
 
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