Rate my planned WC loop...

[Katamarino]

Hi all,

I'm finalising my new build, and am planning to watercool my CPU. I have a Thermaltake Armor LCS case. It came with a TT pump (500l/hr), reservoir, 240mm radiator, and CPU block.

I used this for the last year to cool my overclocked E6600, and it performed admirably, but I would like to upgrade things to handle my new Q9650 which I would like to OC to 4.0 if I can.

The LCS case has a 240mm rad mounted at the front bottom. This is rather a thin rad - maybe 20mm thick. There isn't room for one much thicker, and there *may* be room for a thin 360, although i'd prefer to stay 240.

The components I have chosen, with help from a few on here already, are:

Swiftech GTZ CPU block (already bought)
Black ICE GT Stealth 240mm radiator http://www.thecoolingshop.com/product_info.php/cPath/33_55/products_id/2409
Pump: not sure; is an MCP655 overkill for this small a loop? http://www.thecoolingshop.com/index.php/cPath/33_57
Tubing: 3/8" I/D (as there is no real performance difference over 1/2" I/D with modern components (proven over on xtremesystems)
Reservoir: unsure.

All advice, especially on the pump and rad, would be good!

 

[APieceOfCheese]

The 655 IS overkill for a small loop like that, but I have one on my small loop and I wouldn't use anything else. If you get one I suggest the variable speed model. And you'll need steel hose clamps because it's a super high pressure pump.

The MCP355 would also work well.

 

[rubix_1011]

Your pump is likely fine that you have; try to stick with the native tubing sizes for your pump and all components. The MCP655 is native 1/2", so you would be squeezing down the 1/2 into a 3/8 tube via a reduction fitting...in doing so increases the pressure and flow resistance.

 

[vibe]

Good point about the 1/2 pipe.

I personaly like T pipe filling over a res.

 

[rubix_1011]

A tee is a good choice if you have a smaller system. It never hurts to have a little extra coolant, but it shouldn't make a substantial difference in the long run...just a little longer before the coolant loops completely through.

If you had a 55 gallon drum full of ice water, you wouldnt need a reservior or radiator...

 

[Zecow]

I'd go for 7/16".. but thats just me. It has a tight fit over 1/2" barbs.

As for Watercooling.. I'd rather do a 1 time investment. If I were you, I'd go for the 655 incase you plan to upgrade later. Performance difference is minimum between 3/8 and 1/2. It goes down to preference.

If you plan to go with the 355 then I recommend changing the top to:
http://www.petrastechshop.com/xsladdctop.html

Rads and res are of preference. A 120.2 is enough for cpu only loop. What about 2 single Feser Rads? one before CPU and one after. The loop temperature will find its own equilibrium, so it doesn't really matter if the rads are separate. You cool the water before the cpu then right after. My loop is a res->pump->triple rad ->cpu->gpu1->gpu2->dual rad->res

 

[Katamarino]

Well, with help from XS forums I have ordered:

Swiftech Apogee GTZ
Swiftech MCP355 with EK X-Top
Swiftech MCR 220
Thermaltake Aquabay M3 (I like the looks, and its only a res, so enough TT bashing already!)
3/8" tubing (Feser)
3/8" compression fittings (Feser)
Green springs (woohoo)
Blue Feser Fluid

Thanks all for the advice!

Kat

 

[antiacid]

tell us how it performs

Also, you might want to look into lapping your block and cpu to squeeze in a couple more degrees.

 

[Katamarino]

I'll certainly report back