radiator?

[slaya]

While browsing DangerDen.com, I noticed that they had a variety of three different types of radiators, would someone kindly explain me the difference of each, or which is the best?

1. Radiators
2. Heater Cores
3. Thermochill

edit: I remember once hearing that you could use car radiators, which worked better? and were a lot cheaper. Is that true, and if it is which would you recommend?

-SlaYa

 

[AggieMEEN]

Radiators and heatercores are basically the same in their function. Heatercores typically come from automotive sources, and usually require some extra work for them to fit in a case. "Radiators" (IMHO) are designed specifically for the PC market, usually have a better out-of-the-box appearance, may come with mounting hardware already installed, and are usually a fair bit more expensive.

Thermochill is just another manufacturer of PC / electronics liquid cooling radiators.

A car radiator may be quite large, while an automotive heatercore is usually quite manageable in size.

As to which unit (PC radiator VS. automotive heatercore) works better... I've heard their performance is about equivalent, but I come from the more Old Skool approach, and always lean towards the use of heatercores. Besides, heatercores are far less expensive. So, even if the two perform on par with each other, on a performance / cost comparison, the heatercore is the way to go.

 

[slaya]

Thanks, that helps a lot.. i'm just wondering though, is the extra modification hard, or just the basic zip-ties to attatch the fan?

 

[AggieMEEN]

It all depends on how the heatercore is held in place. It may be necessary to cut a hole in the front (or top) of the case for better airflow. You may also want to create a fan shroud to improve the efficiency of the heatercore, in which case you'd have to decide on the material and design of the shroud, and figure a way of mounting a fan to it.

Modding is only as hard as you want it to be. It may be quite challenging at first, but as you get used to working with a rotary tool (like a Dremel) and/or other pieces of hardware (a power drill always comes in handy), you may come to like it.

If modding isn't really your thing, consider purchasing a ready-made PC radiator. They'll have mounting holes already provided, and all you would have to do is (maybe) create a hole in the case so the radiator can breathe.

For first time WCers, I always recommend browsing the WC gallery. You'll see lots of different solutions there.

Or, if you want to get into WCing, but don't want to chop up your case, consider buying an EXOS...

 

[slaya]

Thanks, I dont want to spend twice or maybe three times as much to buy a ready made because I am on a budget so I will start reading up on how you guys do this. If I really have to mod up my case that is fine too, ill use my Antec mid-tower which has a really nice front with good air flow and plenty of room (about 9in high and 7 1/2in width).

edit: any good heater cores which are out there that fit that size, most of them are 5x12 and that wont fit unless I put it on the outside.

 

[AggieMEEN]

Originally posted by slaya
edit: any good heater cores which are out there that fit that size, most of them are 5x12 and that wont fit unless I put it on the outside.

You should take a gander at something like this. It'll fit the bill, I bet.

 

[Kadarom Douhrek]

Here ya go.
Search all standardized heatercores by min and max sizes.
Even has listings for what vehicles they came in if you want to grab one at a parts store.

 

[Lothar5150]

You might want to take a look here . The shroud they carry allows for easy mounting and the heater core is a pretty good deal for a premoded HC