Help build me a kit!

[wrxdrunkie]

So my pc is still plenty fast for most things but I leave it on all day to record tv. Instead of building another computer I've decided to make mine silent.

The #1 goal here is to have a silent pc. I don't plan on overlooking. Here is my current setup:

-5850s in CF (probably going to replace with a single 670)

-SeaSonic 650W X650 Gold Power supply

-i7 920 (1366 iirc)

-MSI x58m motherboard

-CM Storm Scout case


My budget is around $500 for just the liquid cooling system (is that enough?) I have a separate budget for my graphics card.

p.s. I have a Fry's near by so if I somehow could go pick up the parts this weekend from there it would just be an added bonus.

Thanks for the help guys!

edit: I am also thinking of doing a hybrid with some fans some liquid cooling if it is simpler and just as quiet. Open to suggestions!

 

[GigabyteZ]

Your major obstacle is going to be your case. You'll probably need to purchase a more WC friendly case. My recommendation for a case you wouldn't need to do any cutting to would be the NZXT Switch 810 chassis.

Get a 7970 if you're going to watercool. They're better cards to overclock on water than the 600 series.

You're not going to be able to get everything from Fry's, but here's my list:

CPU Block:

http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/racpuwai.html

GPU Block:

http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/xsra79fucowa.html

Pump:

http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/swmc12vdcpwm.html
http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/swmc12vdcpu1.html

Reservoir (It's cheap because it doesn't have mounting clamps. If you mount it on the pump you should be able to rest it somewhere in the case. If not there are other options):

http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/st175mureexw.html

Radiator (You have two options here. The thicker, more expensive rad is for use for low speed fans. The cheaper, thinner radiator is to be used with medium-high RPM fans. The NZXT Switch 810 fits both of these at the top with no modding.) :

http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/xsrx4xrare2.html
http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/xsexqu12ra.html

Fittings(Keep in mind you'll need basically two of these for every component. You may need a rotary fitting or two for tight bends):

http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/xsg1to1idx3o1.html or black chrome: http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/xsg1to1idx3o.html

Fans:

Look for fans with high static pressure. I use cheap NZXT 120mm fans and you could get away with simple fans since you only have the GPU and CPU on that 480. I think Corsair has a SP series that aren't too expensive.

That's kinda the gist of it there without going into specifics. You may be able to find a website with these parts a little cheaper but it's mainly for reference purposes.

 

[wrxdrunkie]

Thanks for the reply!

How loud are the fans on the Radiator normally? Silent?

Also, do GPU blocks work with other GPUs I might consider down the road? Or do you have to buy one each time you replace your GPU?

Do you guys use your rigs as a media server also or do you have a machine that specifically serves that purpose?

I can see that doing this will cost about 1k when its all said and done. Might not be the cheapest/best way to have a silent media center. But at the same time, its cool!

I was even considering doing a completely passively cooled setup for a media server.

 

[GigabyteZ]

If you read my post in its entirety you'd see that I recommended two different radiators for two different applications. You make the choice on what kind of fans you'd like to use on the radiator. If you'd like to use low RPM fans for silent operation, you'd want to choose a thick 60mm+, low FPI radiator like the XSPC RX480.

You have to buy a waterblock for each new model of video card you buy. They aren't all the same design. Regardless, your entire loop plus a new case can all be done for less than a grand. Your initial estimate of $500 is closer to how much you'd spend.

As far as using your main gaming PC as a media server..... I think those duties would be better served on a low power machine elsewhere. You don't want to have all of your eggs in one basket.

 

[wrxdrunkie]

I know this is probably taboo here on the water cooling forum but I ended up going with an h80i cooler and a 7970 using stock cooling. I'm pretty pleased with it. I'm on an i7 920 @ 3.5ghz and my temps are almost always below 60 even while playing Crysis. It's very silent although I do hear a high pitched wine which I might try to tackle with different radiator fans but right now I'm very pleased. If anything else in the room is going on I can't hear the rig. I also went with a mybook live and WD live TV for my media center duties. I can just download files to the mybook and don't need my PC on to play anything.

I still might go the full blown route but this setup looks to be working well so far.

 

[Tsumi]

AIO watercoolers and true watercooling systems are on two completely different levels. AIO watercoolers are at best an alternative to traditional tower coolers.

 

[wrxdrunkie]

Yup, hints me referring to the AIO watercooler as taboo. Regardless though I figured I'd share my results and experience.

 

[Tsumi]

AIOs are a nice alternative to traditional tower designs, and can work well where space is limited. They have their place, but as an alternative to real watercooling, they're not quite there, yet.