Need some advice/reassurance

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Mad4Power

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Sep 3, 2007
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I've got a totally insane liquid cooling system where basically everything is cooled but the video cards (don't ask why not them. that's part of the insanity 🙁 )
It definately needs some work, as my temps, while quite safe, are rather higher than I expected (in some cases worse than with air cooling).

Here's the thing: right now, through creative use of splitters and Y-junctions, EVERYTHING is on it's own little loop. The inside of my computer looks like intestines 🙁

I think I could keep the parallel configuration while still cleaning things up, shortening some hoses and so forth to make it easier to reach the mobo and such. The question is, do I gain anything by putting all things in parallel?
I did it because a) I was afraid of flow restrictions and b) I wanted every component to have its fair share of cool fluid.
I've read -and seen some results myself that suggest- that putting everything in series is fine, as long as the hoses are all the same diameter. I've also heard that once coolant is circulating, everything settles to about the same temp, no matter where it is in the system.

Does anyone have any experience on parallel vs series? I'm strongly tempted to ditch this parallel nightmare and put everything in a single loop, but I'll only do it if I can be sure it won't make the temps any worse.

Incidentally, due to the way my components are situated on my mobo, this is the loop that makes the most sense:

Rad->res->flow-meter->pump->[]->CPU->NB->Rad
where [] is a single-1/2"ID-to-four-1/4"ID splitter that services my RAM, my SB, and my HDDs

-M4F
 
Here's the problem... It's a closed parallel loop.

Water will take the path of least resistance. That means the loop with the least resistance gets the most water. Some components with longer tubing/smaller tubing or restrictive blocks might be starving for water. Every splitter also adds restriction.

The temps of the water within a GOOD liquid cooled system should be +/- 3-4C anywhere in the loop.

I would (if possible) add a second Rad/Pump for the Ram, SB, and HDDs. Doesn't need to be huge, maybe an MCR220. DDC 3.1 or so should be fine there.. 3/8" tubing for it, tap the Res for a second loop.

Where is your pump, res, and radiator located within the case?

What size tubing is the CPU getting, 1/2"? Wasn't quite sure I understood that one. Are you going 1/2" to 1/2" Y and one side to the CPU/NB and the other to the splitter?
 
Well, you seem to have the desire to be involved in all manner of cooling here...

Once, I ran two 226watt TECs in my rig, one for the CPU and one for my GPU (a custom built TEC waterblock). Because I knew that they would both be giving off tremendous heat I ran my loops in such a way that I used two MCP655s. The only thing that the loops had in common was the reservoir. I used a DangerDen 2-bay acrylic reservoir and the coolant for both loops came from it.

So, the loops looked something like this:

Reservoir - pump - CPU - rad - back to reservoir
Reservoir - pump - GPU - rad - back to reservoir

My question would be: Is it REALLY that necessary to watercool the HDD, NB, SB and ram?
 
As it stands now, this is how things are:
Outside case | Inside case
RAD -> res -> flow meter -> pump (in the bottom, empty, HDD cage) -> splitters and Y's

The Rad is a 4x120mm MagiCool radiator
Each Y is 1/2" ID
The first Y splits the line from the pump; half goes to the 4-way that serves the RAM blocks, SB, and HDD, and half goes to the second Y. The second Y serves the CPU and the NB.

To be clear, both the CPU and the NB are getting 1/2" tubing.

As for your comment on least resistance, I was afraid of that 🙁 I wish I'd had that thought BEFORE I created this parallel monstrosity.

I could see putting a second pump in the line for the SB, HDDs, and RAM.
Then I would have:
Rad->res->flow-meter->Y->pump for CPU/NB loop-> Y->back to rad
->pump for RAM,SB,HDD loop->

Part of my plan is to have quick disconnects between the radiator and the rest of the system (would have already, except nobody makes 1/2" quick disconnects yet). In the summer time, I will use those to splice in some pre-charged extension hoses so I can stretch my rad over to the window and dump the heat outside. This is why I'm reluctant to add a second radiator inside the case.

Am I correct in assuming that the length of hosing between the rad and the computer doesn't effect performance?

-M4F
 
Phreejak: I'll admit that the HDD and SB cooling might be just bling, but I plan to overclock the ram something fierce, as well as the CPU (which is why I have the Arctic Web). Part of the reason I put the HDDs in the loop was because the active drive would get up to 28 or even 30C in a 20C room, and I thought it would be happier if I could bring it down to 24C with liquid (though I knew even then that "happier" woudl mean longer life, not better performance).

Back when I was trying to chill liquid with TECs, I saw the MagiCool quad radiator keep the liquid in a loop at 24C with two 226W TECs in that loop. Of course, they were the ONLY things in that loop.

*sigh* this is starting to feel like one of those times where you realize you HAD the right answer only after you've done the wrong thing and had to go for help 😛
Oh well, I guess I'll just chalk it up to computer-mod bug + n00bness :-/

-M4P
 
Am I correct in assuming that the length of hosing between the rad and the computer doesn't effect performance?
Click to expand...

Kind of. Tubing has a resistance. Every foot will offer so much resistance and cause a pressure drop and flow rate drop.

Your new loop would work to a point, but the choke point in that loop will really be the radiator. I think a seperate loop with a shared res would work better.
 
Ah...I didn't think about that 🙁

Maybe I can get away with it; ditto the two loops on one rad. I probably should have mentioned that, as part of my "get insane parts" campaign, I sprung for a Koolance PMP-450, which boasts a 19ft head and a 5.3GPM flow-rate.

I had considered splitting the line coming out of the pump, creating one loop for the NB and the CPU and another loop (in 1/4"ID) for the RAM, SB, and HDDs, but I'm worried that it won't get enough flow, being smaller.

On the other hand, I worry that if I put another pump in to service the 1/4"ID loop (splitting off BEFORE the main pump, instead of after, of course) that the two disimilar pumps will somehow work against each other.

-M4F
 
You are probably getting something like less than 1 GPM through the entire system, split across like 3 loops basically (with all the T's/Y's). That is really bad flow..

All I will say though.. I hate Koolance. :x
 
That seems to be a common sentiment. So far, I've been happy with their products, except for the ram blocks, which leaked right at the inflow points until I broke down and sealed them with Amazing Goop.
The mobo cooling pack I bought from them died, but they really can't be blaimed for that, as they did warn me to cover all sharp solder points before installing it 😛

-M4F
 


Mix of Aluminum/Copper (causes corrosion) on some of their products.

Poorly performing CPU blocks compared to other options.

Severely overpriced compared to similarly performing products.

I'm just not a big fan of paying more for less :fou:
 
cnumartyr: Ah, I see. Well, I'm happy with what they sold me, except for the leaking RAM intakes, and the RAM blocks themselves are still ten times spiffier than anything else I've seen. Also, I favored them because in some cases they were the only ones to make a thing I wanted, or at least the only ones to make it in the ID I needed (the flow meter is a good example).

Phreejak: I agree: Koolance compression fittings kick ass. Their universal nozzle bodies are also a nice idea, though they would seem to make things bulkier than a specialized fitting (e.g. a Koolance nozzle body vs a FrozenCPU Y-connector).
 
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