Homemade Water Cooling

[Alex41290]

Now, I'm not sure if this has been posted or not, I checked and couldn't find anything. I also checked google, but i'd like to know:

what would i need? i know its cheaper then getting a kit, but is it safe? also, i'd like to know where i would get the copper block cut to the right size and the insides. could i get all this stuff at home depot or ace hardware? i was hoping it would be ~$50, but like $75 isn't bad. Its also a lot better than like $200 for a kit. I found some guides of how people did it, but i wasn't sure how to cut the copper. If its too much trouble to find some place that will do this, could i just buy one? if u would suggest that, could u point me towards a cpu block? also, i would need a good pump, and what size for the tubing?

thanks,

Alex

 

[Chicken Penni Pasta]

I've heard of people going to a specialty blacksmith type place (don't know what to call them ) and having them make it. They just bring the design.

The part that'll be a $itch to make is the radiator. I remember someone posting about making one, but I don't remember the outcome.

 

[RancidWAnnaRIot]

I'd say.. if it's your first time putting together a water cooling sysmte.. go with a kit... then once you understand water cooling well, then you take a shot at making your own stuff..

 

[Alex41290]

then it looks like i'm waiting a while before i can get the money, but for now, i might just get a HSF. The Thermaltake Volcano's look good, but i was suggested a Zalman also.

Whatever u think is best.

thanks,

alex

 

[Bio-Hazard]

Danger Den sells blocks of copper that you can maching into a water block if you're interested in trying....................

http://www.dangerden.com/mall/Metal/metal_stock.asp

 

[Grizzy]

I am just about to make a thread about my new "home made" watercooling setup, check it out when I get it done

 

[Alex41290]

thanks guys for the watercooling help, but what should i do for a HSF?

i don't want to seem repetetive, its just, constant temps of 68C at full load with prime95, are not fun... lol, and watercooling is too expensive right now...

i do really like the volcanos, but, whatever is the best

thanks again,

alex

 

[Sobek]

I'd say.. if it's your first time putting together a water cooling sysmte.. go with a kit... then once you understand water cooling well, then you take a shot at making your own stuff..

I don't agree with this completely since I am constructing my first WC setup with DIY parts just fine. I guess it comes down to individual skill and comfort level. I'm making my own res and am using a '77 Bonneville heatercore with DIY shroud. I wouln't make my own blocks if it was my first WC setup but the other stuff can be gotten much cheaper by making it yourself and there is more satisfaction.


Alex, PM gclg2000 if you are really wanting to go through with making your own blocks. He made everything in his setup.

Here is his home made waterblocks thread:
http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=778433

Here's his '77 Bonnevile & PVC Res thread as well:
http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=775946

And of course here is his Doom 3 Mod with a different DIY res he made:
http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=785831

 

[Bio-Hazard]

DIY systems are pretty easy to build IMHO. I built my own external system, it took a while to build, but it came out pretty good I think. Here's a link to the complete build.

External water cooling system.

 

[Alex41290]

Well, its just like Sobek said, its ur level of comfort in doing this, and, seeing as i've never done anything like this before, i'm kinda scared to put water near my pc parts . i was going to test it on my old P2, but, until i realized, they aren't anywhere close to the same size. So, the only way i could see if the watercooling would work would be on my own new(ish) computer. If I missed one tube or bracket, BOOM, its gone, and my computer along with my money goes bye-bye. that's my only concern. i found a way to make 50 bucks in one day, so i'm getting closer to my total goal. If you could recommend good watercooling kits, or just plain old fans, that would be great...

sorry to everyone that viewed this thread thinking i did a mod or something. sorry to dissapoint, i now realize i should have put a ? mark at the end of the title...lol

thanks for all the help so far,

Alex

EDIT: i could also get my dad to help with it, because he's pretty good with stuff like this, but then again, i don't think he would be too keen on my idea in the first place. his money is in this thing too...., mostly my money, though