Watercooling a PC

[Random_Hero59]

My question is if watercooling a system is worth it? Because it seems like it would be pretty difficult to replace the coolant in the loop. And me being a first time builder for PC I don't wanna soak all the components.

 

[USAFRet]

It is only 'worth it' if you need the extra cooling.

Start without. If your temps start running too high, either back off the OC, or look into water cooling.

 

[ibn gozzy]

It really depends on how much time and money you want to spend on the project, and once it's done...it's done (kind of). I used to get almost the same overclocks on lots of air but the system was LOUD. Water was fun to put together (before closed loop systems)-there's nothing more exciting than voiding the warranty on your $800 video card. However, I use a reservoir that is easily refilled cuz there's a screw cap on top that you just unscrew and fill when needed. Something like this http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=59_318_665&products_id=33681
In order to drain completely to install a new part or swap out parts is more difficult than starting from scratch, but again more costly. It will require careful planning and nerves of steel. I would also recommend deionized distilled water as it is non-conductive. Good luck and getting all of the air out is half the fun.

 

[zyky]

For most people, water cooling is a money pit of a hobby and not worth it and often they could have bought faster components with the money spent on waterblocks and pumps and overclocking. Many watercooled systems are also louder than conventional air cooled systems as the radiators end up needing more airflow, and can also lead to other components on the motherboard around the cpu not receiving 2ndhand cooling. It is nice to not have a couple kilograms of metal hanging off your motherboard though.

 

[JackNaylorPE]

I'm in agreement w/ the folks over at benchmarkreviews. Other than purely for the fun of it and being able to get ya name on top benchmarks lists, I don't see enough of a thermal delta to offset the risk of having water inside an expensive piece of electronics.

http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=674&Itemid=62&limit=1&limitstart=5

"It's almost ironic that coolers like this are becoming available just as processors transition to designs that may ultimately render them unnecessary; even overclocked to 5GHz, an Intel Sandy Bridge 2600K doesn't need anywhere near this level of cooling. "

 

[manofchalk]

How do you mean water-cooling?
Just there is two kind, CLC water cooling like the Corsair Hydro series and custom water.
CLC just isnt worth it outright, its Price/Performance cant match air coolers and it doesnt make up for it in raw performance. Custom water-cooling very much wont make up for it in price/performance, but its the best cooling you can get.

As has been mentioned, you dont "need" to water-cool anything. Its much more of a hobby than a necessary cooling solution.
Though I do disagree with "zyky", water-cooling is a valid way of getting a dead silent system. More fans = slower fans.

My advice, build your rig and have it air-cooled. Make sure that your case can handle a decent water-cooling loop, so that if you ever get the itch later on its a relatively easy upgrade.

 

[zyky]

Though I do disagree with "zyky", water-cooling is a valid way of getting a dead silent system. More fans = slower fans.

I didn't say it wasn't possible. I just said many builds don't turn out that way. If people don't know what they're doing, or try and build it budget consciously - they're likely going to end up with more noise.