Upgrading existing thermaltake setup

[Rancor67]

Hey everyone,

My first post here on [H], but I’ve been following the site for a while!

I’ve recently been looking into upgrading a few components in my current system and I would also like to upgrade the cooling at the same time.

Currently I have a Pentium D 820 being cooled by a Thermaltake Bigwater 735 system, which contrary to many reports I’ve read here on the forums has actually served me very well for close to 2 years now.

What I would like to do is add the Northbridge of my motherboard, a Gigabyte GA-956P-DS3 Revision 1.0 into the loop, as well as the new graphics card, which at this point in time is probably going to be an ATI 3870X2.

I’m also looking at purchasing a new case, hopefully the 3R system R202Li Plus if I can actually find it for sale somewhere.

As far as the water cooling components go, I would like to use a 2x 80mm radiator, mounted internally in the back of the case, along with a couple of PWM fans. At the moment my current CPU block is doing the job nicely, so I'd rather not upgraded it unless it is really necessary. However I will need to purchase a Northbridge block and the GPU block. Thoughts at this stage are to use the existing Thermaltake pump and reservoir, as well as the tubing as I have plenty left over from my initial setup.

Obviously I’m not going for ultimate performance here; I’m after more of a quiet and contained system and as long as temperatures are reasonable; as in smoke isn't coming out of the case, them I’m not too fussed.

So I guess my question is, can the Thermaltake pump handle the addition of 2 extra blocks, and can a 2x80mm radiator keep them cool?

Would love to hear any thoughts or advice.

Thanks

 

[nightwalker]

thermaltake uses aluminum in their WC products so unless you want some serious corrosion going on then dont add to it, and i wouldnt bet on that pump lasting they're not good.

i would just get a new setup altogether to save any future problems, and a 2 x 80mm rad would only just about cool a cpu and northbridge, not a graphics card on top.

 

[MrE]

A few things stand out as problematic. First, the 3870x2 dumps a lot of heat, and frankly, a 2x80mm Rad won't keep up with your cooling needs by itself. Now, adding it to your existing loop in conjunction with your current setup and a northbridge? Honestly, you'd be better served by changing your kit out with something a bit more updated for you WC gear. I doubt Thermaltake took into consideration adding a dual GPU into the loop with its bigwater kit.

Most of the stock kits, Thermaltake, Zalman, and to a certain extent, low end Swiftech kits, get a lot of crap from WC heads on the forums. Some of its not really deserved and I commend you on running your setup and it working for you. That said, I don't think your kit can grow into the configuration you are aiming for.

 

[Rancor67]

Yeah I thought such a small radiator might not be able to handle such a heavy heat load. I guess I might be better off mounting a 2x 120mm somewhere? In terms of the CPU block the Thermaltake website claims that the block is fully copper, so in theory I should be able to leave this in the loop, which would make things easier as the rear mounting plate is firmly stuck to the motherboard!
With regards to the pump I guess this is a crucial component so it would probably be worthwhile investing in a new one rather then potentially frying some much more expensive components further down the track.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[Pen3]

wow that exhaust fan looks very restrictive and 80mm. i cant beleive people are still buying cases like that.

 

[Rancor67]

Nothing that a quick bit of cutting can't fix, and it's nowhere near as bad as the grill over the rear 120mm fan in my current system.

Performance wise, has anyone had any experience with 2x80mm radiators? I was looking at some comparisons from various hardware sites and they seem to perform as well as or slightly better then a single 120mm radiator.