Looking to build my first WC setup

[Deleted member 88227]

Like most beginners, I have a few questions.

First I plan to cool multiple components in my system. CPU, NB and GPU. Would it be better to have each component on a separate "line" or run them in sequence. CPU > GPU > NB

My thought is that once it passes through the CPU, it heats up, then heats up more as it goes through the GPU that by the time the water gets to the NB, it's already warm.

So I'm thinking of building a unit with a large 2" inlet hose that splits off into three smaller hoses that go to each component individually, then dumps back into the reservoir. This way I can have one pump, so save on noise. Maybe 1/2" tubing for each individual component (Which means techincally I'd only need a 1 1/2" main hose, but I figure 2" would be enough to grow should I need to later.

Also you want SLOW moving water, so it has time to soak up the heat and move it away. Do pumps come pre configured to pump a certain pressure or are the adjustable? How does that work?

Another thing I am wanting to do is placing the reservoir inside a mini refrigerator to get the temps that much cooler, but I'm concerned with condensation. Being that once the water cools off to below room temp, it'll cause condensation which can be VERY bad inside the case. What kind of insulation can I use to prevent this? Would the blocks need insulation as well? How would I do that?

 

[sn0man]

1. Water temps stabilize over time, so the order is largely unimportant.

2. If you're using a single loop, don't split into sections - work in series from block to block or you'll kill your flow.

3. "Fast" vs. "Slow" doesn't matter. Think of it this way - slow water passes through the radiator less quickly, but fast water passes through the radiator more times. Ultimately though most people will run their pumps at full speed (unless noise is an issue, which it normally isn't) - and some even run with more than 1 pump.

4. Don't waste time with the refrigerator idea. For one thing, you'll kill the compressor because basic refrigerators aren't meant to keep up with the constant heat source. For another, you could run into issues with condensation. Finally, just get your basic loop started first and see how that goes. When you've seen the results and you know more, you'll have a better idea in terms of where you want to go with it.

 

[Deleted member 88227]

Surely their is a way to "beef" up the compressor to handle the constant load? Condensation can be solved with good insulation, right?

 

[diredesire]

Surely their is a way to "beef" up the compressor to handle the constant load? Condensation can be solved with good insulation, right?

Yes, it can be solved with good insulation. "beefing" up the compressor would mean... don't use a mini fridge! Look up chilled water cooling, and you'll quickly drop the mini fridge idea.

 

[Shiny]

One thing you'd want to put in this thread is what you're cooling. Is it the brisbane system you got up there, or another system you are working one?
Usually it is cpu then whatever is closest if you go inline. There usually isn't much a point in splitting up the line with a meeting point like the pump and res. Usually the temps will equalize out. People usually do wholly separate loops.
2" hosing is .... very unusual. I never heard of a build using that. Much more commonly people use 1/2 or 3/8ths. I use 3/8ths, some people are diehard for the 1/2, most tests show they perform about equally.
The slow thing - that's a little different with modern blocks. In actuality, although some people say not to go too fast, it's a big benefit to have faster flow. The impingment plates they put in modern blocks utilize turbulence to transfer heat quicker. The faster the waterflow (up to a certain point), the more heat is exchanged. Don't worry about the water soaking up the heat. It doesn't require slow moving water for that to occur.
And you've already heard on the mini-fridge idea.