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Overwhelmed with options... advice welcomed

M

Maltese

n00b
Joined
Jul 3, 2004
Messages
9
I have taken the advice to search the forums on this site and others. But now I'm even more confused as now water pressure is a big factor as to whether or not a particular wc component will work properly or as advertised.

I've looked at DangerDen, Innovatek, etc...

I am looking to Water Cool an AMD Athlon 3200+ (later an AMD64 FX-53) AND an ATI 9800PRO video card.

I am not really interested in overclocking too much... but I would like it to be quiet. My PC is air cooled and quiet, but my 9800Pro is sometimes locking up due to heat which is why I am turning to Water Cooling.

I am looking for the BEST items:

CPU Block,
Dual Fan Radiator,
Pump
1/2 tubing I've been told is the way to go
Fill Reservor
GPU Block

I do not want an all in one KIT as their performance is not as good a picking the best items and putting them together.

If anyone has a list of the best items that work together, and a link to purchase I would greatly appreciate it.

I am willing to modify the case if needed...but would prefer to stay as close to stock as possible. Basically if it's a KICK A** product but I need to dremel my case, I will.

Thank you Kindly,

-Malt
 
before you make the jump to watercooling, have you tried adding another fan to your case or cutting out the fan grills?

My current case has 4 low speed 80mm fans and 1 medium on the CPU, and its a bit too loud. In the next few days/weeks, I'll be building a new system with watercooling. After some research, I'm leaning towards the following:

From dangerden:
TDX cpu waterblock (will be for an A64, 3000+ or faster)
Maze 4 GPU waterblock (have to see if this will fit a 6800ultra, maybe a GT)
dual 120mm fan heatercore with shroud
1/2" ID clearflex tubing / hose clamps / water wetter
Eheim 1250 pump (possibly the MCP600 or danger den 12V pump)
reservoir

That seems to be close to the high end of things without going into peltier setups.
 
Here is a nice server case you might be able to modify if needed.

It also has an optional fan on the side panel.

Chieftech Server Case

I am thinking that having it outside the case would be most beneficial, but it would look ugly.

But I could be totally wrong.
 
Some of those Chieftech cases have dual 80mm fans in the back, just mod it so that the heatcore is outside (yet virtually out of sight).
 
Ok.... I have one more question... before I purchase.

Here is what I have come up with for my 1st water cooled project:

CPU Block = DangerDen TDX for Athlon XP
GPU Block = DangerDen Maze 4
Radiator = Black Ice Extreme
Pump = Hydor L35 Pump
Reservoir = Danger Den Single (5 1/4) Bay Reservoir (only have 1 bay open with mid case)
Tubing = TYGON TUBING - 1/2" ID 3/4" OD
Water Wetter

Is there anything else I need. Fittings etc..? Again I am starting from scratch.

Thank you for helping a newcomer to water cooling.

-Malt

P.S. Should I change my case to a FULL tower? I currently have a mid tower from Antec.
If I go to a full tower and have 1 more additional 5 1/4 bay I will upgrade to the larger reservoir.
 
my understanding is that a radiator does not cool as well as a heatercore. Also, the black ice radiators are painted (black), which further reduces efficiencey. Depends on what you're looking for.

You will need hose clamps/fittings everywhere a hose is connected. so 2 each for the cpu block, gpu block, radiator, reservoir, and pump = 10 fittings. I would buy a few extras as well.

I've seen teflon tape mentioned a few times, but I'm not positive on when to use it and haven't searched for info yet. might be something else to consider.

sorry, I haven't looked at cases yet, so I'm not sure if the full tower is necessary in light of all the cooling equipment that'll be going into it.
 
My case is discontinued...it looks like the Lanboy minus the window panel.

I think I need a server case if I go with a dual heater core.

The fans for the heater core should be blowing air thru the heater core, not pulling correct?

I can grab the dual heater core with shroud from DangerDen for $49.99.
 
I have that case...I hate it too. :)
Currently modding the hell out of it for better airflow and looks but having a hell of time finding parts for it. Trying to find parts to replace the wrap around sides (top and right sides).
Anyways I've done a few measurements and getting a dual heatcore wouldn't work unless your willing to cut it up and rearrange something, I'm going to try and water cool my system, hence the mods, I've come up with a few things that I'm trying out but so far I'm still using air.
I believe if you check with some auto parts dealers you can find a pulled heatcore for something like $28.
 
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