Adding a rad and pump to loop

[willslick]

Hello friends, I was hopping to get some advice on water cooling. In my sig. you will see the basic parts for the rig I am building. One of the first parts I acquired was the thermaltake armor + LCS case. Only to learn ( here) that the water cooling solution included is less than enthusiast grade. I agonized about this trying to decide what to do. The road I decided on is to use the LCS, but upgrade it. I already brought the swiftec XT water block. I figured this is where the rubber hits the road and should be my first upgrade. Also the water block would be the hardest to change once the rig is built. I am pretty sure the LCS loop goes res - pump - CPU Rad (120 x 1) - res I would like to add a 120 x 2 rad after the CPU then a pump then back to the res. Question would this work, is there a better way to do it, do I really need another pump? the pump in the LCS is the P500. Thanks for any help you can offer.

Will

 

[douglatins]

OMG you bought a Armor with LCS, IMHO that wasnt a smart move

 

[DonInKansas]

OMG you bought a Armor with LCS, IMHO that wasnt a smart move

The guy has already stated this. No reason to rub it in.

 

[DirectorC]

LOL, failure to read past the words 'LCS case' before posting.

 

[Loosenut]

First, welcome to TPU

Your P500 pump is not the best and is adequate for the job but it is a little noisier than others and adds a few degrees of heat to your loop. I know, I had one.

Your loop: Personally, because your pump adds a little heat to your loop AND you have an i7(which can get a little hot at times), I would change the flow sequence. I would go RES->PUMP->RAD->CPUand back to RES. It'll help alleviate the added heat the pump might add. I'm talking about only 2-3C in temps but every little bit helps...

My other concern is your rad. It is adequate to the job of cooling your cpu but just barely. I would not recommend OCing without a dual120 or better yet a dual140 rad.

Good luck with your project

 

[willslick]

So I guess I am just screwed and short of selling the case I have no other option? Come on guys help a noob out here. Please?

 

[Loosenut]

So I guess I am just screwed and short of selling the case I have no other option? Come on guys help a noob out here. Please?

Keep the case, aside from the LCS system, it's not a bad looking case. You just might want to change a few components in it. Accumulate some cash for some upgrades to your system first and change the case later if you're so inclined.

 

[erocker]

So I guess I am just screwed and short of selling the case I have no other option?

Not at all. Adding fans, new water block will definitely help. Try that out first. If not satisfied, then go with a different pump. Best to start cheap and work your way up.

 

[willslick]

ah some helpful responses thank you I really do appreciate the input. So just to make this clear I already have the upgrade for the CPU water block (Aspogie XT). I want to add another 120/140 x 2 radiador. You guys think the p500 alone can still give me enough flow? Rather than replace the P500 I would rather add another pump like the smaller swiftecs. Bit if I could get away with using the P500 with the added rad I think I will try that first.

 

[Loosenut]

Your pump has enough flow pressure, I don't think you need an extra pump.

 

[boulard83]

The biggest concern is the AL radiator ... Galvanic corrosion.

If you want me to be 100% honest.... sell this LCS unit to someone that you dont like and buy real WC parts. The P500 pump is know die really fast sometimes.

If you already ordered an XT you have an excellent block in hand. Buy a 2x120mm or 3x120mm RAD + a decent pump and tubing. Donc forget a RES

MCR220 or MCR320
MCP350 or MCP355
MCRes
Apogee XT
+ tubing and clamp

Your good for LOTS of fun

 

[willslick]

What kills me is the LCS already had mixed metals as built by thermatake.

 

[boulard83]

Yes ... they never understood this

TT have very nice case and PSU ( toughpower series ) and many other good product. But the WC kit that they do are just bad

Its sad but there are TONS of thread about this all around the WEB that you could have read before buying the LCS.

 

[Loosenut]

Galvanic corrosion is a concern but you can easily run a mixed-metal system for a few months, until you change some components. As I use an only all copper system, I'm not sure but I think there are some water additives you can add to prevent galvanic corrosion

 

[boulard83]

I juste prefer to warn people to stay away from mixed metals. Yes there are additive but the corrosion will happen.....

If he dont want to buy all the parts now, he can at least stort with a RAD to prevent the corrosion.

 

[willslick]

using 3/8 copper tubing / compression fittings?

Thanks for the help, I decided to cut my losses and not use most of the TT LCS. I will use the pump (for now) and the res. I have the XT CPU block will be getting a 120mm rad to replace the TT. Then add a 140mm rad with two fans in the bottom HHD/ intake fan spot. I have been reading and looking at lots of water cooling setups, i am getting a feel for the sizes of connectors and such. I am wondering why none I have see use copper tubing with compression ritings. I am thinking of going the path. First it would be less likely to leak. Second it would have a cool factor. I am sure I am not the first to think of this there a reason no one uses copper tubing? Thanks guys. I just ordered my vid card sapphire 5850 comes with a game. All that's left are optical drives ,HHDS and water cooling parts. I could also use flare fittings?