Liquid/Water system - my request for assistance

[newconroer]

This is my first 'request' post for parts of any type, which I could have added to some of the previous threads, but do not want to hijack anyone.

I am looking to run a water/liquid system, primarily with CPU/VGA-GPU blocks, but would like further suggestions on a block for the northbridge and possibly the southbridge(if deemed appropriate, a simple heatsink may do?). The system will be connected to an EVGA 650i Ultra w/ LGA 775 and 8800 GTX.
I chose this board over the 680 SLI, because the core overclocking capabilities are enough for my needs, and the only main difference that would have appealed to me, is the NB/SB fan/sink piped combo and the MOSFET thermal covers. As I understand it, that NB/SB combo is better than nothing, but is not competitive versus a custom liquid block or air cooling setup.

Here is a list of websites, that I will be able to pull products from. If you know of any others feel free to make note.

*Note: Am willing to buy products from multiple vendors, but only if necessary.

http://specialtech.co.uk
http://coolercases.co.uk
http://www.overclockers.co.uk
http://www.overclock.co.uk <--- Yes, there is a difference
http://scan.co.uk
http://www.candccentral.co.uk/
http://www.aria.co.uk/Products
http://www.ebuyer.com





I'm going to set aside about 230 GBPounds (that's about 400+ USD?)
I would prefer to manage all the tools and parts for the liquid system, including CPU, GPU and NB block for 180GBP, give or take a bit. If it's more cost effective to run air cooling on the NB then so be it.

If I could also be pointed in the direction of where to get thermal protection for MOSFET and heatsink size for South Bridge.



For my entry-low level understanding:

I need:

Pump (d44ve jump in here if you like, and give me that run down on which pumps to avoid)
Radiator(w/ or without mounting brackets?)
Blocks (CPU LGA 775, GPU 8800 EK? (something full, rather than just a core mount) seems best)
3/8" tubing (is 1/2" bleh???)
Reservoir (no idea the ins and outs there)
Coolant (again, no idea)


EDIT: Thoughts on 'external' designs, like units that house the rad/fans/pump in one with LCD display and fan settings?

I suspect they are nice and compact persay, but a bit worried if either of the internal components goes bad.

 

[nflesher87]

can't offer any advice on parts but I'd recommend checking www.petrastechshop.com , I just bought some cooling parts from them and they were great to deal with...if I ever upgrade to watercooling I'm dealing with them
good luck with everything though bro!

 

[mello_newf]

230 GBPounds = 459 USD

 

[Judas]

I would recommend this,its got fairly good reviews doesn't come with chipset or vid card blocks ,but they can be added.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-045-TT&groupid=701&catid=7&subcat=715

 

[newconroer]

Thanks for the link Judas. I am not sure if you thought I wanted a case pre-built with one or ?

Unfortunatley I cannot determine what exactly the water system is, or contains. I see it's got a front mounted rad, yet with what pump, reservoir and any other pertinent info about the system etc and details on refilling. Maybe a drain valve might be good ...just in case(btw, will any valve work?)

I've contacted them to try to get more info, but not getting my hopes up.


Other site:

http://www.candccentral.co.uk/acatalog/Thermaltake_Kandalf_VD4000BWS_LCS.html
http://www.candccentral.co.uk/acatalog/Thermaltake_Armor_VE2000BWS_LCS.html

The first is the one you linked, and lists itself as 3/8"
The second one, bit cheaper, not sure why, and cannot identify tube size.

These is the GPU block I picked out:

http://www.candccentral.co.uk/acatalog/EK_VGA_Water_Blocks.html#aEK_2d8800GTS 3/8"


As for CPU, cannot see any 3/8" blocks ;/




Mello, thanks, I had typod the 4 with a 3, still guess I was off by about 50


I didn't opt for ebay, because well A) it's ebay and B) there's not much going on there atm. They have a couple external systems, but again, only propoganda details.

 

[WarEagleAU]

Swiftech and Danger dens make the best liquid cooling parts around, bar none.

I believe the overclockersuk.com store sells alot of their stuff.

 

[newconroer]

I ran across the Coolercases site, and put this together as a rough idea.

Does not include coolant or NB block.
Fittings, missing?


http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/9485/listyb9.jpg

 

[d44ve]

With a budget of aprox. 450 USD... you should not have a problem creating a great custom built water cooling kit.

IF my limit was 450 and I HAD to get everything in one shot this is what I would go with....

PUMP​

This is my favorite pump and reservior combo. They do not make it anymore, but you might get lucky and find someplace with it in stock. I included a link at the bottom of the picture that still actually has the reservior and pump in stock. I would jump on this soon... cause this is the only place I have found that stocks it. This comes with the pump, which is the best pump (IMO) to use when watercooling ..... and it all fits in your 5 1/4" drive bay

In Stock Here

90.00

RADIATOR​

This is the Danger Den Black Stealth GTS 240 Black Ice Radiator. Its a great radiator... Its a dual pass and will be enough to handle the 8800.

This one is RED.... but you can get it in black

DangerDen Link

50.00

CPU Waterblock​

For this I picked the Swiftech Apogee GTX.... hands down, one of the best out there for watercooling

75.00

Chipset Waterblock​

For the Chipset, I would get the DD block. It is a great block for the nvidia chipset and you can modify it work on both the NB and SB if that what you want to do

DangerDen Chipset Link

50.00

TUBING​

As far as tubing goes... I have always used 3/8" because it is easier to use and the differance between 1/2" and 3/8" is very minimal when it comes to cooling.

8800 Waterblock​

I have the Koolance block on mine and it works great.... not only that, but it looks great too!!

100.00

Thats the major things.... Since you have a decent budget to work with.....my next thread will be the COOL stuff.

 

[d44ve]

Also, one other thing.....

the 240 radiator is the bare minimum I would go with..... if you have the room I would defenatly recomend a 320 without a doubt.

the 8800 puts out a lot of heat....

 

[newconroer]

Neat pump, ya does seem hard to find.


Cheers for the pics/links, although I will have tough time finding that pump over here. At least so far ...


I found water cooled MOSFET but not a simple spreader argh!

 

[d44ve]

I wouldnt worry about the MOSEFTs on the board.... first take care of the NB then worry about that

 

[Wile E]

That 18w Laing DDC pump you chose is a better pump than d44ve recommended, it's an upgraded version.

As for a radiator, I wouldn't go with a crossflow rad, d44ve was right in suggesting a dual-pass, triple radiator.

I pretty much agree with everything he said, except for the pump.

You could also look at Dangerden and D-Tek for your cpu blocks, both are also great performers.

 

[newconroer]

So I don't want single pass...doh thought double was worse ...


Ok, aye, might have to pass on using Den for the rad, but will maybe use a BIce 320 equiv. er wait didn't he mean 360?


Notes about fittings? What can I expect to have to buy on the side regarding those?

 

[d44ve]

Yes... Willie is right about the pump... the newer 18w pump is a better pump to go with.

it will still work with the reservior.... you just have to find one without the pump included.

 

[Wile E]

So I don't want single pass...doh thought double was worse ...


Ok, aye, might have to pass on using Den for the rad, but will maybe use a BIce 320 equiv.


Notes about fittings? What can I expect to have to buy on the side regarding those?

With fittings, most block and rads come with at least one set. Double check with the place you order from. If you can only get 1/2" fittings on some of the blocks, just go ahead with 1/2" all the way around, as the Petra's pump allows 1/2" fittings.

 

[WarEagleAU]

Lots of great ideas even for me, my next liquid cooling setup will either be a swiftech all in one, or a do it yourself kit. Thanks guys.

 

[newconroer]

Ok since I was weighing options, what about this for a start?
http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/7963/list2zd2.jpg


It does not include coolant or NB or reservoir( I found someone selling it here, privatley, so I will wait to see how that turns out, otherwise I'll just buy a 5 1/4 bay one and mount the pump on top or something.


I opted for the EK cooler on the GPU, I want to see how it performs for a bit.


Besides some paste what else am I missing?

 

[Wile E]

Ok since I was weighing options, what about this for a start?
http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/7963/list2zd2.jpg


It does not include coolant or NB or reservoir( I found someone selling it here, privatley, so I will wait to see how that turns out, otherwise I'll just buy a 5 1/4 bay one and mount the pump on top or something.


I opted for the EK cooler on the GPU, I want to see how it performs for a bit.


Besides some paste what else am I missing?

Looks pretty good.

You need some clamps for the tubing, and a way to mount the rad. Also, make sure the rad comes with 3/8" fittings.

 

[d44ve]

you..... I am selling the alphacool top and reservior for the DDC pump.

You could go that route with the 18w version

 

[newconroer]

Going to go over a checklist here, see how the clamping works.

Is it possible to buy those easy snap in connector things you find on the full water cooling kit products?

 

[Wile E]

you..... I am selling the alphacool top and reservior for the DDC pump.

You could go that route with the 18w version

Dammit! I forgot about that already. I still need to ask "the boss". lol

 

[newconroer]

Was able to find some more information on the Thermaltake Kandalf VD4000BWS pre built csae.


# Rear (exhaust) :
120x120x25mm blue LED fan, 1300rpm, 17dBA;
90x90x25mm, 1800rpm, 19dBA

Top (exhaust) : 90x90x25mm, 1800rpm, 19dBA

# Drive Bays
-Front accessible
-Internal Up tp 9 x 5.25”, 2 x 3.5”
6 x 3.5"
Material Chassis: 1.0mm SECC
Front door: Aluminum
Color Black
Expansion Slots 7
Motherboards Micro ATX, ATX, Extend ATX, BTX
PSU Standard ATX PSII
I/O Ports USB 2.0 x 2, IEEE 1394 x 1, Audio & Speaker ports
BTX Upgrade Kit SRM/Rear plate(option: A9358)

Liquid Cooling System
All-in-one waterblock : For Intel BTX platform, P4 775 and AMD K8
Performance radiator :
(A) Dimension of radiator : H 407 x W 120 x D 35 mm
(B) Three 1300RPM 120mm fans

P500 liquid pump : Power DC 12V liquid pump (500L/hr)
Reservoir : Contains 350 c.c. of liquid capacity, easy to refill
Water tube : Transparent UV tube (3/8”) & industrial-grade
rubber tube.


Good news is, the block fits 775 and the tubing is 3/8"

Bad news is only 500L/hr and I bet that tubing has more kink potential(though that can be seen and replaced later).


Will a chipset block for a 680i work on the 650i? I cannot find a block for "650i" boards.

Considering this route, just to get my feet wet persay regarding LCS. Use this system to tinker with, and build another comp later on with the spare parts and knowledge!

Any downsides before I RMA my old case (hehe)?


Don't think I need any extra fittings, will get some AS5, paste remover, what do people cut the hoses with?

 

[Judas]

Here :

http://www.thermaltake.com/product/Chassis/fulltower/Kandalf_lcs/vd4000bws.asp#


And a review here:

http://www.tweaknews.net/reviews/kandalflcs/

 

[Wile E]

I wouldn't go with the Kandalf case, personally.

Thermaltake WC stuff isn't very good, especially the pumps. I had a Thermaltake Big Water kit at one point, with a 2x120mm Thermaltake rad, and the pump died on me 3 times, so I sold it. My current 1x120mm Swiftech actually outperforms it anyway.

Just stick to your guns and build your own.

 

[newconroer]

Arctic Silver 5
or
Arctic Ceramique - non conductive?