Watercooling Gurus: Please have your say..

[xnox202]

It's been like two months now since I wanted to decide to plunge for a Watercooling kit. Right now, I'm seriously considering the Swiftech H20-220 Compact Kit as my first w/c kit. Is it worth considering? Since I want to either keep my current overclocking temps down or push the processor further. Right now it's idling at 38c and loads at 54c at 28 ambient.

I also would like to consider if there's any additional upgrades that could make the kit (H20-220 Compact Kit) do better temps, like better block or rads for instance? All I can think for now is probarbly upgrade the rad but still using the integrated pump+block for the kit but then I should be looking for a reservoir and if I chosed that option. If I would choose a new block then probarbly be looking out for a pump aswell. Also with that said, I'm not too sure which pump should I consider choosing.

Note that I also plan to consider watercooling my VGA or possibly my Chipset aswell. It's for my current motherboard, or even for my future rigs.

I know it is better off with custom watercooling kit, but I would like to know by which part if I should upgrade, gives the better performance, etc. I do have a custom watercooling kit list in mind, but I'm not sure if it's even a good combination. But it's a little bit out of my budget. I'm considering $250-$300 USD.



Or lastly, maybe I should go simple and end up getting the Compact Kit instead? I do want to get the best bang of the buck I could when setting up the wc-kit. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[malware]

Don't go with "compact" kits or any other all in wonder stuff. An example for a good CPU water cooling:

Swiftech Apogee GTX $59.95
Swiftech MCP655 12v DC Pump $79.95
Swiftech MCRES-MICRO Reservoir $16.95
Swiftech MCR320-QP $45.95
--------------------------------------------
total cost: 203$ + ~30$ tubing, fittings, coolant if you need better

You'll use the best CPU block (you may also choose the D-Tek Fusion which performs just like the GTX), the best pump which can easily be upgraded, and one of the best all round radiators, which can also be easily exchanged with the Thermochill PA120.3 if you add 2x cards in dual and want to cool them. The MC-RES will help you setup and fill up the whole system. Finally adding single or two video blocks to the loop is no problem.

For ~230$ you'll get way better, sophisticated, powereful and future upgradeable water cooling than the 200$ H20-220-COMPACT.

P.S. All parts prices are taken from sidewindercomputers.com

[xnox202]

Originally Posted by malware

Don't go with "compact" kits or any other all in wonder stuff. An example for a good CPU water cooling:

Swiftech Apogee GTX $59.95
Swiftech MCP655 12v DC Pump $79.95
Swiftech MCRES-MICRO Reservoir $16.95
Swiftech MCR320-QP $45.95
--------------------------------------------
total cost: 203$ + ~30$ tubing, fittings, coolant if you need better

You'll use the best CPU block (you may also choose the D-Tek Fusion which performs just like the GTX), the best pump which can easily be upgraded, and one of the best all round radiators, which can also be easily exchanged with the Thermochill PA120.3 if you add 2x cards in dual and want to cool them. The MC-RES will help you setup and fill up the whole system. Finally adding single or two video blocks to the loop is no problem.

For ~230$ you'll get way better, sophisticated, powereful and future upgradeable water cooling than the 200$ H20-220-COMPACT.

P.S. All parts prices are taken from sidewindercomputers.com

Okay I just rounded up the parts you've listed from four different sites, each with their own different prices (Without shipping).

$256.82 - www.Frozencpu.com
$275.65 - www.Performance-Pcs.com
$223.69 - www.Sidewindercomputers.com
$298.77 - www.svc.com

All comes with:
- Swiftech Apogee GTX Extreme Performance block
- Swiftech MCRES-MICRO Reservoir - Retail w/Revised Mounting Kit
- Swiftech MCP655-B 12v DC Pump w/Tach Sensor
- Swiftech MCR320-QP Quiet Power 3X120mm - Black
- HydrX Extreme-Duty UV Coolant
- 8ft. Tygon R3603 3/8in. ID 1/2in. OD Laboratory Tubing # AAC00027
- 2x Arctic Cooling MX-2 Thermal Compound - 4 Gram Syringe

I still think I'm missing something here. I'm a little confused about 3/8" x 5/8" and 3/8" x 1/2" sized tubings. Anyone could explain for me on this?

[Bluefox1115]

i was actually looking into H2O cooling myself and am not sure what to get.. I was looking at the Zalman Reserators, and all those all in one systems because i don't like the idea of having the pumps and such internally, and dont want pumps and hosing on my desk.. but.. i'm looking for a new case. maybe the gigabyte aurora? but as far as a cooling system.. i want something that will be able to handle a heavy OC, cpu and gpu wise. running amd x2 5600+, 8800GTX ( soon to be SLI ), memory, chipset.. i'm looking at $200 to $400 max..

[NeoCrisis]

Originally Posted by xnox202

I still think I'm missing something here. I'm a little confused about 3/8" x 5/8" and 3/8" x 1/2" sized tubings. Anyone could explain for me on this?

the first number is the inner diameter the second number is the outer diameter of the tubing. So basically you want the inner diameter to match the fittings for a secure fit.
I would go for at least 1/2'' tubing if you plan to set up a GPU block to the loop in the future.

[Judas]

[QUOTE=malware;591112]Don't go with "compact" kits or any other all in wonder stuff. An example for a good CPU water cooling:






And what's wrong with the kits ? Not too sure on the compct kit ,but i have Swiftech H20-120-PREMIUM GT Kit. It's a very good product

[malware]

Originally Posted by Judas

And what's wrong with the kits ? Not too sure on the compct kit ,but i have Swiftech H20-120-PREMIUM GT Kit. It's a very good product

Nobody said that it's not a good product?
I was just saying that if you have $250-300 I would never go with a kit, think I explained why.

[NeoCrisis]

theres nothing wrong with "kits" but kits like the Swiftech Compact doesn't allow you to change or add anything to the loop. ie new CPU/GPU/NB blocks... etc etc

[xnox202]

Originally Posted by NeoCrisis

the first number is the inner diameter the second number is the outer diameter of the tubing. So basically you want the inner diameter to match the fittings for a secure fit.
I would go for at least 1/2'' tubing if you plan to set up a GPU block to the loop in the future.

I think the watercooling setup I'm making will at least contains two waterblocks in the loop. I'm also using the not-so-roomy Antec 900 case to work with. With that said, consider the space of the tubings and etc so that it wouldn't cramp too much in my case.

Originally Posted by malware

Nobody said that it's not a good product?
I was just saying that if you have $250-300 I would never go with a kit, think I explained why.

Am I ready to order the parts? Is there anything more I should add to the list? I just realised that there are no fans to cool down the rads.

[tigger]

dont forget clips too

[Uncle Vinnie]

Here is a complete set for under $200

Swiftech APOGEE GT $45
Swiftech MCR220 rad $51
D-TEK Customs DB-1 pump $45
3/8ID tubing $15, or home depot $5
Coolant $15
"T" line home depot $4
3/8ID barbs $4

For $180 dollars you have a cooling setup that you can't beat, and you still have money left over your budget to buy a GPU cooler.

All can be bought at NCIX.com

[xnox202]

How's this?

[xnox202]

Originally Posted by tigger69

dont forget clips too

Hmm, oh yeah the tubing clips! Anything else?

Originally Posted by Uncle Vinnie

Here is a complete set for under $200

Swiftech APOGEE GT $45
Swiftech MCR220 rad $51
D-TEK Customs DB-1 pump $45
3/8ID tubing $15, or home depot $5
Coolant $15
"T" line home depot $4
3/8ID barbs $4

For $180 dollars you have a cooling setup that you can't beat, and you still have money left over your budget to buy a GPU cooler.

All can be bought at NCIX.com

I finally think that I would like to cool down the chipset aswell. Well it's not much though considering at 27c, my chipset idles at 27c and loads like 33c or so. Do they ship worldwide?

[Dia01]

Don't know whether you had thought about it but what about a suitable coolit product. I have been running the Freezone for over a year now and have not had any problems, also keeps the CPU below ambient temps.

http://www.coolitsystems.com/

[NeoCrisis]

Originally Posted by Dia01

Don't know whether you had thought about it but what about a suitable coolit product. I have been running the Freezone for over a year now and have not had any problems, also keeps the CPU below ambient temps.

http://www.coolitsystems.com/

you cant add another cooling block to the loop with systems like the Coolit

[Fitseries3]

i have a coolit freezone for sale... http://forums.techpowerup.com/showthread.php?t=48256

the antec 900 is a bitch to do a water system in. i also have a swiftech mcr320-qp for sale.

the coolit freezone is nice. it keeps your cpu about 5c lower than room temps even when overclocked.

[xnox202]

Originally Posted by NeoCrisis

you cant add another cooling block to the loop with systems like the Coolit

And I don't like dealing problems like condensation. I did considered it, since it's like retailing for 159.99USD (Eliminator). However it's a very good cooler it seems.

[Fitseries3]

Originally Posted by xnox202

And I don't like dealing problems like condensation. I did considered it, since it's like retailing for 159.99USD (Eliminator). However it's a very good cooler it seems.

there is NO condensation at all. the eliminator sucks compared to the freezone. the freezone uses 6 TEC's, the eliminator only has 3 TEC's.

the freezone keeps my q6600@4.0ghz around 67f idle and 78f load. not even water can do that.

[intel igent]

Originally Posted by xnox202

I'm a little confused about 3/8" x 5/8" and 3/8" x 1/2" sized tubings. Anyone could explain for me on this?

That refers to the tubing wall thickness.
The 3/8x1/2 has a thinner wall and cannot bend as much as the 3/8x5/8. Both have their pros and cons.

Performance difference is negligible between 3/8 and 1/2 tubing. Some people choose 7/16 as they see it as the best compromise between the 2.

[Fitseries3]

Originally Posted by intel igent

That refers to the tubing wall thickness.
The 3/8x1/2 has a thinner wall and cannot bend as much as the 3/8x5/8. Both have their pros and cons.

Performance difference is negligible between 3/8 and 1/2 tubing. Some people choose 7/16 as they see it as the best compromise between the 2.

TRUE. 1/2" is a pain in the ass to route but doesn't kink like the thinner tubing does. 7/16" is almost ideal.

[Dia01]

Originally Posted by xnox202

And I don't like dealing problems like condensation. I did considered it, since it's like retailing for 159.99USD (Eliminator). However it's a very good cooler it seems.

Fair enough, what about a Koolance kits, from my experience it has been very good? A little expensive but.

http://www.koolance.com/water-coolin...hp?cPath=28_48

[intel igent]

Koolance stuff is not that reccomended cuz they mix metals and are not very high performing for the money you spend.

They are nice to look @ though

[xnox202]

Alright I looked at the Swiftech H20-Apex 220 Ultra Water Cooling Kit that retails about $259.99. Yet again, I think it's such a old product but still standing out in the crowd (TT Ultra-Ex 120 Wise?).

What's the best kit I could get for $250-$300 USD? I mean, the best of the best in that range!

[Fitseries3]

build your own. that's the best way to do it. the kits arent ever that good.

[intel igent]

Originally Posted by fitseries3

build your own. that's the best way to do it. the kits arent ever that good.

The nail on the head!

The swifty kits allthough probably the "best" out there can be had 4 less if sourced properly

Even somewhere like petras would have a similar kit for less.

Xnox yhpm