New SFF WC loop advice..

[kencheeto]

I've been reading/thinking/budgeting for my new SFF rig in a Silverstone SG03. The non-cooling components (feel free to comment):
Intel E8400 E0
DFI P45 JR mATX mobo
2x2gb GeIL Black Dragon DDR2 1066
2x Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 250gb HDD
EVGA 9800GTX w/Thermalright HR-03GT
Corsair HX520 PSU

Now for the WC components. I've never done a WC loop before but have done a decent amount of fiddling with computers, and should be just fine provided I follow the steps. I don't know what a good CPU block is; I don't need the highest-end block, just something that will cool the 8400 well enough to push it close to it's potential.

- Because noise is a big factor for me, I found the Eheim 1046 which led me to its PC version the Aqua Computer Aquastream. Should be quiet enough.

- Radiator: thinking the Magicool Slim 120.1 rad, since it'll fit. I could use the 120.2 but if its not crucial I'd rather pass.

- For the reservoir I hear aluminum components are bad juju b/c of mixing metals. However since it is a SFF system and I have an external dvd drive, I was thinking of this. I also saw another thread where a Swiftech mini res was used, and can use this if the Aqua Computer 5.25" res doesn't work.

Barbs, connectors, tubing: I don't have the faintest idea of what I need. I'm guessing that 3/8" ID tubing should be fine.

Any ideas/remarks/suggestions?

 

[Arcygenical]

Fuzion V2 by Dtek for the CPU

Use a MCP655 with the variable control knob. At "3" it's around 22dba from 3 feet.

You don't NEED a reservoir. In-fact since it's SFF, I'd probably go for a Tline, as it takes up less room.

Get this radiator. Same form factor, but 25mm thick, and will dump the heat of your 8400 up to around 4ghz.

Get everything 1/2" and use Masterkleer 7/16" tubing... 3/8 would suffice fine (and would be easier to route, actually) but you'd need to source a different pump, as the 655 comes only in 1/2".

Good luck!

 

[kencheeto]

Fuzion V2 by Dtek for the CPU

Use a MCP655 with the variable control knob. At "3" it's around 22dba from 3 feet.

Have you used this pump or the Aqua Computer? I do like the variable control knob.. I've read a couple reviews. Maybe I'll look into this one more seriously. I hear 1.5 gpm seems to be the sweet spot..

You don't NEED a reservoir. In-fact since it's SFF, I'd probably go for a Tline, as it takes up less room.

Hm, hadn't thought of eliminating the discrete res. Are there any issues that arise in this configuration? Anything I need to watch out for?

Get this radiator. Same form factor, but 25mm thick, and will dump the heat of your 8400 up to around 4ghz.

The specs read 157x133mm, the SG03 supposedly is very tight on space (123mm quoted) and the MagiCool is listed as 157x120mm.

Get everything 1/2" and use Masterkleer 7/16" tubing... 3/8 would suffice fine (and would be easier to route, actually) but you'd need to source a different pump, as the 655 comes only in 1/2".

Sounds good. Compression barbs vs clamps? Any thoughts?

Good luck!

Thanks! I'm pretty psyched.. had originally parted out my rig running short on cash but found a spectacular IT job at my campus .

Oh, also, what about coolant? There are so many variations and I would like something low maintenance (don't we all..) that I don't have to worry about constantly. Not concerned with UV or lighting.

 

[Arcygenical]

Have you used this pump or the Aqua Computer? I do like the variable control knob.. I've read a couple reviews. Maybe I'll look into this one more seriously. I hear 1.5 gpm seems to be the sweet spot..

I use the MCP655, which is how I was able to test it's noise level.

Hm, hadn't thought of eliminating the discrete res. Are there any issues that arise in this configuration? Anything I need to watch out for?

It's just a tiny bit harder to fill and bleed.

The specs read 157x133mm, the SG03 supposedly is very tight on space (123mm quoted) and the MagiCool is listed as 157x120mm.

Yes, I see that now... well, Pick up a 1600rpm scythe fan and it should still be acceptably quiet with that magiCool radiator.

Sounds good. Compression barbs vs clamps? Any thoughts?

Both are fine, Compressions look better IMO, are more expensive.

Oh, also, what about coolant? There are so many variations and I would like something low maintenance (don't we all..) that I don't have to worry about constantly. Not concerned with UV or lighting.

And as for coolant, just get a gallon of distilled water, and about 10 drops of tincture of iodine (one without any alcohol). Mix. Enjoy!

 

[Erasmus354]

I would advise against the MCP655. Sure it is a great pump but it is rather large for fitting inside an SFF. The DDC pump, or even the CPX-1 are much better choices.

 

[kencheeto]

my room gets freezing cold with the onset of fall/winter. Could I get by with a low noise 1000rpm fan on the magicool rad? I hear there is only ~15% max difference between rad brand performance.

Is there any reason in particular I should choose the MCP655, DDC, or CPX-1 over the Aquastream?

 

[amoeba1126]

DDC3.2 with a custom top has a much smaller footprint than any other pump, meaning you can a lot more options of where you mount it.

 

[Arcygenical]

If you're going with just a CPU and a radiator, a CPX-1 would be totally fine. I just like the MCP655 because it's so damn reliable.

 

[kencheeto]

If you're going with just a CPU and a radiator, a CPX-1 would be totally fine. I just like the MCP655 because it's so damn reliable.

I think the CPX-1 looks good for my needs. Since it runs off of a 3-pin header, how would I test the system for leaks? Would I short the green/black on the psu's mobo then use a psu-molex-copper wire-pump pin holes route to get the 12V?

Thanks!

edit:

Also, I'm still considering a 5.25" res since I have the room, and I've read that filling/bubbling is much easier with a res than a tline. I reallllly like the look of that bay res I linked earlier too. Again, is aluminum bad with the Dtek block, pump...?