Time for my First WC

[DeadlyAura]

Let me start by saying it has been mother effing hot here the last few days. So hot in fact, that my PC has shut down on me multiples times because it was too hot.

I'm currently using the stock HSF for my E6550 because it worked fine for a while, but now with my new Radeon 5750, it just gets too hot in there while gaming.

I've never water cooled before, but I think I'd like to start. I took a look at the Water Cooling Starter sticky, but I don't want to operate on really tight budget like that with cheap parts. I'd rather have someone who has done this quite a bit to recommend me a good setup that will work well for me, and last a decent amount of time.

So, anyone who has a bit of experience with all of this, recommend me some good blocks for my CPU and GPU, a good rad, reservoir, pump, etc. Anything I will need to have an efficient, working setup.

Also, let me know what I'll have to keep as far as air cooling BESIDES radiator cooling. As far as removing warm air from inside the case, etc.

 

[mmmmmdonuts]

A couple of questions:

1) Budget? - I know you said you don't have a really tight one, but a max number is a good place to start.
2) What case do you have?

 

[DeadlyAura]

A couple of questions:

1) Budget? - I know you said you don't have a really tight one, but a max number is a good place to start.
2) What case do you have?

Case is an Antec Solo. But, I have no problem mounting things outside of my case if need be. I'll make it work.

Budget? I don't know. I'm not sure that I really have a cap. I don't need the ultimate top of the line equipment, but I want something that is going to last me. I have no idea what a good WC setup even costs, so I can't give you a good number yet.

 

[Imitation]

Case is an Antec Solo. But, I have no problem mounting things outside of my case if need be. I'll make it work.

Budget? I don't know. I'm not sure that I really have a cap. I don't need the ultimate top of the line equipment, but I want something that is going to last me. I have no idea what a good WC setup even costs, so I can't give you a good number yet.

Well if you read the other sticky, you'd see that to do a low end cpu loop you're looking at ~200 bucks. Truthfully you might not even be able to watercool a 5750, i don't know if any block fits it right now. You might start small and make sure your airflow is optimal before going straight to WC. But if you do, you might be doing cpu only unless the new swiftech MCW80 can fit on a 5750. Removing all the heat from the cpu by using an externally mounted radiator would help you heat build up quite a bit though.

 

[DeadlyAura]

Well if you read the other sticky, you'd see that to do a low end cpu loop you're looking at ~200 bucks.

Right, but I still have no idea what a higher end loop could cost, that is why I won't give you a figure yet.

 

[Cruiza]

Technically, couldn't you just continuously add rads/fans/pumps to no end, thus making the cost ceiling limitless? Not saying it would help anything beyond a certain point, though.

 

[DeadlyAura]

Technically, couldn't you just continuously add rads/fans/pumps to no end, thus making the cost ceiling limitless? Not saying it would help anything beyond a certain point, though.

You have a valid point good sir. However, I guess that is why I'm relying on you guys to help me pick out a decent setup that won't be completely overkill.

 

[Cruiza]

I currently do not have watercooling, but I am very interested in joining the club (again). So, lately I've been reading and shopping like no other, and the following is what I have gathered for a high-end setup (prices are approximate):

Pump (single): fully modded D5 - $160
CPU Block: EK Supreme HF, Swiftech Apogee XT, Heatkiller Rev3 - $75
Rad (3x120): Feser X-Changer 360 - $140
Res: many different options - $40-$50; can get exotic with a Frozen Q Liquid Fusion for around $100

And then add in all the "little" things like tubing, clamps, fittings, fans, shrouds, etc. Even on a simple CPU-only loop you could spend well over $500 if you really wanted to, but for a decent and more realistic setup you can expect to spend anywhere from $200-$300 (again, CPU-only loop).

 

[Imitation]

Ok, well, here's the thing. If you're going for absolute silence on your cpu a dual rad would be more than enough to dump all the heat that dual core can put out. So even with a top end block and a higher end radiator along with a 355 pump with an aftermarket top you're probably not more than 300ish bucks. Heck a dual rad should probably handle the 5750 in the loop as well. I started with a swiftech apex kit which has a D5 vario pump and swiftech 220 rad in it. The rad was more than enough to cool my previous E6600 that was overclocked to 3.6ghz along with a 8800GT in the loop.

 

[0xygenthief]

Value is typically the top of everyone's list when dealing with computer hardware, this includes watercooling. Only the extremofiles will demand top of the line equipment.

Considering value is cost/performance you simply can't beat Swiftech when it comes to rads. They perform just as good as the competition at medium fan speeds and cost a whole lot less.

To determine which pump to get you need to analyze your loop a bit and figure out what kind of flow and/or head pressure you will need. In most every case a Laing DDC pump of any variety will do nicely. The 3.1 variation (Swiftech 350) is an average performer but quiet. One step/mod up from the 3.1 is the 3.2 (Swiftech 355) more powerful but a little louder. Lastly you have the newest incarnation, the 3.25. Very loud but gets top marks for pressure and flow. Adding two pumps in the same loop is another way to increase flow or pressure.

In any case the laing DDC pumps are inexpensive compared to the D5 and others leaving it the value winner.

Waterblocks will set you back. Most CPU blocks are in the $50-$100 range so your decision on which to buy should be based on performance and not necessarily price since they are all in the same price range. GPU waterblocks are a different story. Full coverage blocks will run you anywhere from $100 to $150+ while gpu only waterblocks are half that. Some will argue that the full coverage blocks are better performers than gpu only setups simply because everything on the card is cooled. Considering your heating issues a full coverage block may be your best bet at preventing a heat induced shutdown.

Connectors and fittings are all eyecandy. Simple and cheap fatboy fittings from any vendor will perform well and won't break the bank. Anything extra should be chalked up to aesthetics and tube management (should you find yourself dealing with tight spaces).

Since this is your first watercooling attempt, keep it simple. A single loop can perform just as good as a dual loop if done right. Just make sure you have a radiator with enough cooling capacity after each heating element. I'm not 100% on the heat loads for the 5750 or the E6600 but my gues is that a single triple 120mm rad will work just fine to dissipate enough heat from the whole loop. However, like I said before, if you do go with a single loop add an extra 120mm in after your CPU waterblock to prevent your GPU from absorbing any unnecessary heat.