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Hello everyone.

J

Jehuty

Limp Gawd
Joined
Oct 4, 2007
Messages
430
I'm building a new computer ( http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1228555 ), and I've gotten the majority of components except for video card, and hard drive. Now that this bit of background is out the way, I'd like to build a water system for my computer. I have a Cooler Master Cosmos 1000, and space is no problem.

What set up would you recommend? I was looking at the Zalman Reserator XT, but I've seen some of the beautiful set ups you have here, so I thought I'd ask the experts.

I do plan to do OCing, and I will also want it to be looking nice (I will replace the side panel and add a window to it).

Any help would be appreciated. Thank you for your time.
 
Swiftech Apogee GTX
Swiftech MCR320
Swiftech MCP350 w/Alphacool top
Swiftech MCRES-MICRO
clamps
tubing
fittings
coolant additive
MCW60 if you want to WC the video card too
 
I'd modify n00bs loop a tiny bit.

The MCP655 has much better reliability than the DDC+ with a modified top.
The Dtek fuzion is right on par with the GTX, and a bit cheaper. The GTX CAN beat the Fuzion, but only with an irreversible mod...
I like the EK fullcover block... Not as great in the temperature department, but MUCH cleaner, and you don't need to worry about ramsinks falling off or some shit.
 
Arcygenical said:
I'd modify n00bs loop a tiny bit.

The MCP655 has much better reliability than the DDC+ with a modified top.
The Dtek fuzion is right on par with the GTX, and a bit cheaper. The GTX CAN beat the Fuzion, but only with an irreversible mod...
I like the EK fullcover block... Not as great in the temperature department, but MUCH cleaner, and you don't need to worry about ramsinks falling off or some shit.
Click to expand...

I was assuming the MCP350s being sold now would be DDC3.x series, but I don't really know how much more reliable they are than the previous version, so :eek:

I chose Apogee GTX because I think the FuZion looks fuck ugly :p
 
There is nothing worse than a one horse race...

For your modest OC needs just about any quality water cooling equipment sold (Swiftech, Aqua Computer, Danger Den, Dtek, EK, Alphacool, etc) will do what you want it to do. One thing that adds a cool look to your case is one of the tube style reservoirs made by a variety of vendors. You will want one that takes G 1/4 fittings to allow for the widest variety of tube sizes.

If you search around you will find that tube size isn't that big of a deal. Pick the equipment you like and then use a tubing size that is easy to route in your case. Contrary to popular belief there are only a couple of computer radiator manufacturers so it it looks similar it undoubtedly is.
 
fuzion
mcr320 or pa 120.3
ek full block or mcw60 and uni sink
dd fill port and t-fitting
dd d5 pump
7/16 x 5/8 tubeing size about 8 feet
worm clamps 12
lates loons 120mm fans

petra's tech shop has nice kits
 
Wow. I've been looking at some of these kits and set ups -- they look pretty complicated to get around, and I haven't seen any WC kits on a cosmos 1000, haha. I hope I'm not biting more than I can chew here >_>.

I was looking at the kits over at Petra's Shop and I didn't see the reservoir in them ( http://www.petrastechshop.com/pecogpuel.html )
 
That's because they use a T line instead of a reservoir. Another useless argument (X vs Y).

If your looking at a Reserator XT, then the Aqua Computer 360 XT costs a bit more, but kicks ass on the Zalman unit. The AC unit is a stand alone gig so you can easily move it from computer to computer. Also having the radiator outside the case gives you better temps. :D
 
ugh, the more I look at this the more afraid I become of it, haha. it looks like it's so damn easy to screw up.

I saw the Aqua Computer 360 XT and it's what, 200 more? I can't afford that, unfortunately =\

I want to build one, and I see some great suggestions, but.. argh. I'm going nuts here, haha.

is it normal to feel this intimidated by it all? >>
 
Jehuty said:
I want to build one, and I see some great suggestions, but.. argh. I'm going nuts here, haha.

is it normal to feel this intimidated by it all? >>
Click to expand...

You are going to DIY water cool electronic equipment that is likely worth 4-figures. If you're not worried/intimidated at first, you are "nuts".

It is not a big deal, however. Just get good brands and follow the instructions/recommendations of the manufacturers and if you get stuck or have a question ask the respective manufacturer's tech support or throw a thread up on here.

I will say that over time I am becoming less and less happy with danger den's machined products. The water blocks that are machined to their standards seem to suck hard by something like EK's standards. I still use my Maze4, but I wouldn't if I had the money for a Fuzion block, ATM.

After having said that, I will point you to the BlackIce radiators at the DangerDen store. The old "Xtreme" vs the new GTX Xtreme are very inexpensive and still quite good. There is a lot of savings to be had vs something like the Thermochill, just get a bit "more" radiator, but still pay less. For example:

BlackIce Xtreme II (240mm in black or blue): $42.95
Thermochill PA120.2 (240mm): $119.99

BlackIce Xtreme III (360mm in black or blue): $57.95
Thermochill PA120.3 (360mm): $134.99

See what I mean? Use "more" radiator, but still pay less. Dual triple-rads (BIXIII) vs a single dual-rad (PA120.2) and it is still less (minus shipping). The Thermochills are good, but that good (2 fan vs 6 fan)? No. It really comes down to the amount of room you want to use for radiators, vs how much money you have on hand for this project.

I use one BIXII for my CPU and northbridge in one loop, and another BIXII for my pair of 8800GTS cards in a different loop (not yet installed, actually).

Just a bit more for you to consider.
 
You're new at this and so someone might as well go ahead and say it...there are a lot of people who think that it's best to avoid aluminum in your loop with copper. There are a few that think that if the anodizing is good/thick enough and your coolant is good enough, then it's okay.

If I were just starting out, I'd avoid aluminum stuff (a couple of Swiftech's blocks have an aluminum top).

I'd go for the fuzion, even if it is ugly. It performs as good/better and is cheaper. Or I'll sell you my Storm, and by myself a fuzion :D
 
Jehuty said:
Here's what I think I've decided on so far:

Thermaltake AquaBay M3 Liquid Tank CL-W0031
http://www.crazypc.com/products/9331.html

D-Tek FuZion CPU Waterblock
http://www.cooltechnica.com/Merchan...&Product_Code=BIX3-PnC-QC-BLK&Category_Code=R


OR
Koolance RP-1000SL 1kW Series 5.25in Drive Bay System - Silver
http://www.xoxide.com/koolance-rp-1000sl.html

since it's already got the pump and reservoir included, and a nice little temp sensor

how am I doing so far? D:
Click to expand...

bad,
good,
overpriced
 
Op: Why are you thinking about ANYTHING other than:

fuzion
mcr320 or pa 120.3
ek full block or mcw60 and uni sink
dd fill port and t-fitting
dd d5 pump
7/16 x 5/8 tubeing size about 8 feet
worm clamps 12
lates loons 120mm fans


This setup was suggested like THREE times because it's the best.
 
Then,
mcr320 radiator
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/5...riple_120mm_Radiator_-_Black_MCR320-QP-K.html

cpu block:

http://www.dtekcustoms.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=182

gpu:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835108095
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835108077
or
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=21306

and I found this too:
http://www.jab-tech.com/product.php?productid=3796

(my question here is, what's the advantage of the type that also covers the ramsinks? and, the -r version is better since the other is discontinued right?)

dd fill port
http://www.dangerden.com/store/product.php?productid=56&cat=7&page=1
I think this is what is meant by it...

http://www.jab-tech.com/YATE-LOON-120mm-Case-Fan-D12SL-12-pr-3009.html

Thermaltake Bigwater Coolant
Tubing
Worm clamps

is this right? I'm a bit confused with the whole reservoir issue, too. will I be needing one for this set up?
This:
http://www.xoxide.com/thermaltake-aquabay-m1-liquid.html looks pretty cool, but it's probably totally unecessary huh? sorry if it seems I'm not listening to you guys D:
 
Don't get the MCW60-r from Newegg. I ordered one from them a couple months ago. They sent me the MCW60-b (no G80 mounting hardware). I RMAed it back to them and they told me that I sent back to them exactly what I ordered. So, I sent them an email with details, including photos of the G80 hardware the RMAed part was missing mounted on the MCW60-R I had already purchased for my first card.

Their RMA review person went carefully over all the info and decided that I had obviously sent back exactly what I ordered. I got pissed. They eventually found their @$$ with both hands, a spotlight, and me as a helper. It was an unbelievable experience. It was also a huge waste of my time, since I could have gotten it from a company that knows what they are doing for less (since I pay sales tax on Newegg orders). Just save yourself the trouble and pick up an MCW60-R, if you want one, from these guys, as I eventually had to do anyway:

http://www.jab-tech.com/Swiftech-MCW60-R-VGA-cooler-pr-3777.html

Also, you need the MC8800 heatsink kit for use with the G80-based 8800 cards (GTX or GTS), so don't get the MCW60 with the included heatsinks. They are not enough of the right kinds. What you would need is:

http://www.jab-tech.com/Swiftech-MC8800-Kit-pr-3656.html

That is $78.85, plus shipping. Someone has the MC8800 kit for $29.99 online, but their MCW60-R price was just as much higher than Jab-Tech than Jab-Tech is higher on the MC8800.
 
Arcygenical said:
Op: Why are you thinking about ANYTHING other than: This setup was suggested like THREE times because it's the best.
Click to expand...

Maybe he thinks it's ugly? Or he doesn't like the look? Maybe he wants something different? Quit trying to fit everyone in a round hole...

Jehuty said:
Here's what I think I've decided on so far:

Thermaltake AquaBay M3 Liquid Tank CL-W0031
http://www.crazypc.com/products/9331.html

D-Tek FuZion CPU Waterblock
http://www.cooltechnica.com/Merchan...&Product_Code=BIX3-PnC-QC-BLK&Category_Code=R


OR
Koolance RP-1000SL 1kW Series 5.25in Drive Bay System - Silver
http://www.xoxide.com/koolance-rp-1000sl.html

since it's already got the pump and reservoir included, and a nice little temp sensor

how am I doing so far? D:
Click to expand...

Skip the Thermatake unit as their use of plastics is terrible (they crack). Fuzion is okay. No experience with the Koolance unit, but it looks well engineered with a DDC pump and cooling electronics.
 
waterlogged said:
Maybe he thinks it's ugly? Or he doesn't like the look? Maybe he wants something different? Quit trying to fit everyone in a round hole...
Click to expand...

Round Hole? This has nothing to do with a round hole.

The setup listed has the best chance of succeeding for a new user, is one of the most economical and least problem-prone.

If he had stated "I want something different, I think the Fuzion is ugly. Do you have any other suggestions" I'd have a multitude of answers. But he didn't. Infact, he doesn't know what he wants (no offense OP, I totally remember feeling that way too) and therefore I'm just suggesting what will produce the best experience for him.
 
Firstoff, I believe the "R" version of the MCW60 is just a retail version, in different packaging... The Full-cover waterblocks, or the ones that cover all the RAM chips and other things are just easier to use. An 8800 level card requires something like 19 BGA ramsinks to get cooled properly! I always recommend a fullcover block (like the EK fullcover 8800 block) or the Dtek Unisink with an MCW60 or something.

Second, the Rad and CPU block choices are great!

The fillport is great. Get the Delrin or Brass ones to prevent any corrosion issues though. Aluminum is a no-no in most water loops.

That Aquabay is a cool piece of equipment, but it's generally poorly made... Cheap plastics, poorly anodized aluminum (not that it causes that much of a problem due to the nature of how it's used, but that's for neither here nor now) are just waiting to cause a bit of an issue. I've sold a few.
 
+1 for that setup. It's dependable and will produce good results. Can't go wrong with it which is what someone new to WC needs.

Only thing I'd add is that it is entirely up to the OP whether to pick a T-Line/fillport or a reservoir like the Swiftech MCRES-MICRO (or EK res). Either option is fine.
 
Arcygenical said:
Round Hole? This has nothing to do with a round hole.

The setup listed has the best chance of succeeding for a new user, is one of the most economical and least problem-prone.

If he had stated "I want something different, I think the Fuzion is ugly. Do you have any other suggestions" I'd have a multitude of answers. But he didn't. Infact, he doesn't know what he wants (no offense OP, I totally remember feeling that way too) and therefore I'm just suggesting what will produce the best experience for him.
Click to expand...

Perhaps I didn't make myself clear, must be my poor English: round peg in a square hole ring a bell? ;)

From the OP:

Jehuty said:
I do plan to do OCing, and I will also want it to be looking nice (I will replace the side panel and add a window to it).
Click to expand...

Items in bold might give you a clue that he wants something different than the run of the mill fat tube setup, heh?

And finally to the OP like I have said before, most anything made will accomplish what you want to do. I have had quite a few Koolance units of one type or another and they are good products. For a long time if you wanted a water cooled 1U server there was nothing else on the market.
 
Let's not get into fights, please =\

the two of you are right though -- I do want something that will be nice looking, however, the set has been recommended several times, and I should've listened as well, so I apologize for that.

So then, my new list:
Radiator: $ 57
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/5...riple_120mm_Radiator_-_Black_MCR320-QP-K.html

CPU Block (fuzion): $70
http://www.dtekcustoms.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=182

GPU Block (full cover): $110
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=24309&vpn=12067&manufacture=EK Water Blocks

Fans x3 : $9
http://www.jab-tech.com/YATE-LOON-120mm-Case-Fan-D12SL-12-pr-3009.html

Reservoir: $18
http://www.xoxide.com/swiftech-mcres-micro.html

pump: $88
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=19722&vpn=DDPD5&manufacture=Laing

Thermaltake Bigwater Coolant
Tubing
Worm clamps

Am I missing anything? The fillport would connect to the reservoir for adding water, correct? I decided to skip on all the sensors and flowmeters and crap, I think I was just trying to add too much of it in one go and that's what's overwhelming me.

How do these prices / items seem to you? This brings me to an estimated total of (excluding shipping)...: $352

am I good to go to start ordering in you opinion? :O
 
waterlogged said:
Items in bold might give you a clue that he wants something different than the run of the mill fat tube setup, heh?
Click to expand...

I got the square peg in the round hole reference. How does "I want something that looks good" translate into "I want something different than the run of the mill fat tube setup." Many of the NICEST systems I've seen use the 1/2 or 7/16 "run of the mill" tubing. You're assuming he wants something the same as I was. The difference between us, I did it in a consistently constructive manner.

All I was saying was that the OP should look towards the tried and true if he's not comfortable experimenting with things he doesn't understand. You had to go and make it personal by assuming I was trying to "Fit everyone in the round hole." I was doing no such thing. Just offering what works best for most people.

If I came off as harsh in my post, I just wanted to get the point across. He was needlessly confusing himself with so many extraneous variables...

Am I missing anything? The fillport would connect to the reservoir for adding water, correct? I decided to skip on all the sensors and flowmeters and crap, I think I was just trying to add too much of it in one go and that's what's overwhelming me.

How do these prices / items seem to you? This brings me to an estimated total of (excluding shipping)...: $352

am I good to go to start ordering in you opinion? :O
Click to expand...

You don't need a fillport if you're getting that res :) It's got a threaded cap which you can fill directly.

Also, are you a Canadian? If so, have you ever ordered from DirectCanada.com? It's *much* cheaper for a lot of WC gear... On par with most US prices without the import fee!

Other than that, Try to order from the same website to cut down on costs... If costs are important you you, you can save a bit of cash by going the Tline route, and picking up a 1/2" OD brass plug from any hardware store.

As for the bigwater coolant... I'd just get regular distilled water and a 3$ bottle of pentosin from jab-tech.

Oh a side note... Jehuty? ZOE?
 
Haha, yeah, that would be correct! I was going to choose a name from Xenogears, but I settled for my 2nd favorite game: ZOE.

I'm from Arizona (US), I'll already see 2 items I can get from the same store. I'll see if I can find most of these at approximate pricing, although I bet the pump and radiator would cost a small fortune to ship, haha
 
Jab-tech has most of the items you listed $10 less than at the other store you linked, including the D5, MCR320, and Fuzion - so if you're going to pick 1 etailer, they're most likely your best choice to save cash. Other than that, those component choices should server you well, good luck.
 
Updating yet AGAIN. hahaha

pump: DD12V-D5 Pump Variable Speed

http://www.dangerden.com/store/product.php?productid=175&cat=23&page=1

Radiator: X-Flow Black Ice Xtreme III
http://www.dangerden.com/store/product.php?productid=200&cat=85&page=1

Fans 3x: YATE LOON 120mm Case Fan - D12SH-12
http://www.jab-tech.com/YATE-LOON-120mm-Case-Fan-D12SH-12-High-Speed-pr-3771.html

CPU block: fuzion
http://www.jab-tech.com/D-tek-FuZion-CPU-Water-Block-pr-3667.html

GPU Block: EK-FC8800 GTX Full Block (nickel plated, what?)
http://www.jab-tech.com/EK-Waterblocks-EK-FC8800-GTX-Nickel-Plated-pr-3925.html

Reservoir: EK-Multioption RES 400 rev.2
http://www.jab-tech.com/EK-Multioption-RES-400-rev.2-pr-3837.html

Tubing:
http://www.jab-tech.com/Tygon-R-3603-1-2-ID-5-8-OD-Chemical-Tubing-pr-3873.html

Cooling Additive: Fluid-XP Extreme (it glows, and doesn't conduct electricity!)
http://www.jab-tech.com/Fluid-XP+-Extreme-UV-Alien-Green-pr-3393.html

it's a bit more expensive than what I had before, but I think these are better quality items, unless you know where I could cut corners without affecting looks and performance much... haha, i'm a picky bastard =x
 
Almost there man! Only thing left is some of the negligables and some cheaper prices found elsewhere ;)

May I suggest THIS tubing? Much cheaper and a tiny bit smaller ID making leaks around barbs almost impossible. Note you need to dip the ends of the tubing in boiling water for a few seconds (softens it) JUST to get them over the barbs! When it cools down, it's on for good. I run it without hose clamps, but... I wouldn't recommend that ;)

And about Fluid XP... Most experienced watercoolers say it's a waste of money. Myself included! Just get 2 bottles of of Green Hydrex and mix it with half a gallon of distilled water. Just as good, way better thermal properties, and costs about 8$ (2$ for the water at any drug store, 6$ for the 2 bottles of hydrex)

THIS Rad Performs a bit better than the one you selected (NOTE: The one you selected has the inlet barb on the OPPOSITE side of the rad as the outlet barb... Useful in some situations, but not all. Did you want both barbs at the top of the rad, like the one I linked, or 1 at the top and 1 at the bottom?) It's also at jab-tech, saving you money.

Take a look at the barb position in the rad you selected: http://www.dangerden.com/store/files/images/radiators/bi/xtreme/xtreme360_1pass_black_800w.jpg (Opposite ends)
Now take a look at the barb position in the Rad I selected: http://www.jab-tech.com/xcart/product_images/detailed/d_2720.jpg (Both on one end).

Make sure you get the one you need :)

The Pump you selected (great choice) is also 10$ LESS expensive at jab-tech.

Now, it's time for breakfast.
 
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