Aio vs custom cooling

[Timelessest]

A D5 is complete overkill for a loop this small (and I kind of doubt you'd be able to fit it). A DDC of something similar is plenty. In using a Nouvolo Aquanaut DDC CPU block, and while it isn't the best CPU block out there, it works really well still, and is impressively compact. No drilling required

Thanks for the answer!
Only problem with those CPU blocks pump combo is that I'm stuck with that block and pump, also isn't it harder to fill/empty?
Maybe I'll have to change the Meshlicious for the nr200p

 

[Valantar]

Thanks for the answer!
Only problem with those CPU blocks pump combo is that I'm stuck with that block and pump, also isn't it harder to fill/empty?
Maybe I'll have to change the Meshlicious for the nr200p

Not so with the Aquanaut. It's a bring-your-own DDC pump solution, so if you want to change to a different CPU block, just buy a new pump top for the DDC pump while you're at it. And you've got a wide variety of DDC pumps to choose from as well. I'm using it with a Laing 18W DDC 3.2/T1 Plus PWM (and an Alphacool DDC heatsink), which is both quiet and delivers plenty of flow, and (after I rewired it) can be powered directly from my Aquacomputer Quadro's PWM fan output. Of course you can't move to a different style of pump and keep the Aquanaut, but given the space constraints of the Meshlicious that's not a very relevant scenario unless you're also changing cases. And it saves a ton of space. It isn't the best performing CPU block, but it's still perfectly serviceable, and more than worth it for the space savings IMO. It's a far more powerful and flexible solution than something like the Alphacool LT Solo.

 

[PaulieG]

You all are making me nostalgic. Making me want to build a loop in just ONE of my rigs. More money flying out of the window.

 

[Valantar]

You all are making me nostalgic. Making me want to build a loop in just ONE of my rigs. More money flying out of the window.

Money out the window? Thanks to custom loops, I'm cooling >400W in a <15l case with just two 140mm fans Yes, it's a terrible value proposition, but it also delivers unique benefits.

 

[Chrispy_]

You all are making me nostalgic. Making me want to build a loop in just ONE of my rigs. More money flying out of the window.

Eheim aquarium pump or go home
It won't be nostalgic unless it's as crap and inconvenient as it used to be in the beige days.

 

[Valantar]

Eheim aquarium pump or go home
It won't be nostalgic unless it's as crap and inconvenient as it used to be in the beige days.

My first water loop was a kit from a long since defunct Norwegian specialty retailer, with what I must assume was an aquarium pump submerged into a tiny little boxy acrylic reservoir. It worked well (and I still have the 120mm rad it came with!), but I freaked out and replaced it with air after an entirely PEBKAC leak (I hadn't closed the fill port on the res properly, and tilted the case over on its side, leading to deep blue liquid spilling everywhere). Even if my wallet isn't a fan, I'm ultimately glad I got back into water cooling though.

 

[Mussels]

You all are making me nostalgic. Making me want to build a loop in just ONE of my rigs. More money flying out of the window.

during winter, i just look at it as GPU mining is being paid to heat my house

Therefore, custom water is in fact an investment that MAKES money!

 

[PaulieG]

I do miss my old Heatkiller block. She was so beautiful and effective. Best block I ever owned.

 

[Chrispy_]

My first water loop was a kit from a long since defunct Norwegian specialty retailer, with what I must assume was an aquarium pump submerged into a tiny little boxy acrylic reservoir. It worked well (and I still have the 120mm rad it came with!), but I freaked out and replaced it with air after an entirely PEBKAC leak (I hadn't closed the fill port on the res properly, and tilted the case over on its side, leading to deep blue liquid spilling everywhere). Even if my wallet isn't a fan, I'm ultimately glad I got back into water cooling though.

Eheim aquarium pump in an acrylic box with G1/4 fittings?

 

[Valantar]

Eheim aquarium pump in an acrylic box with G1/4 fittings?
View attachment 205230

That looks very similar, but not quite the same, as IIRC mine had a top mounted fill port (or is that what that giant acrylic hex nut is?). Very likely a variation of the same design though.

 

[Chrispy_]

That looks very similar, but not quite the same, as IIRC mine had a top mounted fill port (or is that what that giant acrylic hex nut is?). Very likely a variation of the same design though.

I think the giant hex nut is the fill port for that one. I used a similar thing too but it wasn't fancy acrylic, it was tough white ABS plastic like the stuff your car has for washer fluid etc.

 

[GorbazTheDragon]

If you want cheap custom loop parts you can always scout around for used stuff... I have a bunch of radiators I sniped second hand for €20-30 or so and am using them for my test bench loop, that thing also has a second hand D5... Second hand fittings and one of the waterblocks I use on it is used too... Only tubing, pump top+res is new...

Personally not really keen on AIOs, if you don't want/need/can't afford a custom loop just go with air cooling.

 

[FireFox]

You all are making me nostalgic. Making me want to build a loop in just ONE of my rigs. More money flying out of the window.

You talking about money flying out of the window and me planning to buy a Waterchiller Hailea Ultra Titan 500, just that i haven't decided yet i am very curious to see the performance of 2x Rad 480 + 1x 420 and the Waterchiller.

 

[Timelessest]

Not so with the Aquanaut. It's a bring-your-own DDC pump solution, so if you want to change to a different CPU block, just buy a new pump top for the DDC pump while you're at it. And you've got a wide variety of DDC pumps to choose from as well. I'm using it with a Laing 18W DDC 3.2/T1 Plus PWM (and an Alphacool DDC heatsink), which is both quiet and delivers plenty of flow, and (after I rewired it) can be powered directly from my Aquacomputer Quadro's PWM fan output. Of course you can't move to a different style of pump and keep the Aquanaut, but given the space constraints of the Meshlicious that's not a very relevant scenario unless you're also changing cases. And it saves a ton of space. It isn't the best performing CPU block, but it's still perfectly serviceable, and more than worth it for the space savings IMO. It's a far more powerful and flexible solution than something like the Alphacool LT Solo.

Do you think this https://www.alphacool.com/shop/rese...voir-incl.-alphacool-eispumpe-vpp755-v.3-pump can fit at the bottom? I'm thinking of placing it in those holes for the ssds.
If that doesn't help at very least the aquanaut looks good, better than the barrow and swiftech combos.

 

[PaulieG]

If you want cheap custom loop parts you can always scout around for used stuff... I have a bunch of radiators I sniped second hand for €20-30 or so and am using them for my test bench loop, that thing also has a second hand D5... Second hand fittings and one of the waterblocks I use on it is used too... Only tubing, pump top+res is new...

Personally not really keen on AIOs, if you don't want/need/can't afford a custom loop just go with air cooling.

I just can't agree with you on AIO's. The new gen of quality AIO's from EK and Arctic Cooling are most certainly a step up in cooling performance from even Noctua's best air coolers. I say this from personal experience.

 

[FireFox]

the new gen of quality AIO's from EK and Arctic Cooling

I already told to someone in here and now i tell it to you too, Alphacool AIO's are good as those you mentioned

 

[Valantar]

Do you think this https://www.alphacool.com/shop/rese...voir-incl.-alphacool-eispumpe-vpp755-v.3-pump can fit at the bottom? I'm thinking of placing it in those holes for the ssds.
If that doesn't help at very least the aquanaut looks good, better than the barrow and swiftech combos.

Sincerely doubt it, though it'll depend on your radiator thickness etc. Remember that the SSD mounting is below either the PSU or radiator. You might be able to fit a DDC with a slim top down there if you attach it directly to a radiator port. I've seen a build like that, I'll see if I can find it again.

 

[PaulieG]

I already told to someone in here and now i tell it to you too, Alphacool AIO's are good as those you mentioned

Honestly, if it wasn't for the abysmal Intel backplate, I would mention it with the others since it cools almost as well.

 

[Timelessest]

Sincerely doubt it, though it'll depend on your radiator thickness etc. Remember that the SSD mounting is below either the PSU or radiator. You might be able to fit a DDC with a slim top down there if you attach it directly to a radiator port. I've seen a build like that, I'll see if I can find it again.

This guy somehow managed to install a d5 pump
Ssupd + d5pump fits but tight : SSUPD (reddit.com)

 

[Valantar]

This guy somehow managed to install a d5 pump
Ssupd + d5pump fits but tight : SSUPD (reddit.com)

Damn, that is not for the faint of heart. Looks like it blocks the vast majority of PSU connectors though. I don't think I'd be able to fit that.

 

[Timelessest]

Damn, that is not for the faint of heart. Looks like it blocks the vast majority of PSU connectors though. I don't think I'd be able to fit that.

Sadly he had to remove it a fan to fit the pump there, dunno why since it seems the pump has enough space.
D5 pump ssupd : SSUPD (reddit.com)
The meshlicious is so close to be a perfect tower itx case. Just a few cm or a bracket for a pump and the nr200p would lose its crown.

 

[Deleted member 24505]

this msi z87i gaming ac is my first real look at itx. i like the small size, but the positioning of the connectors is tbh shit. I could go for a nice itx as a main rig.

 

[ThrashZone]

This guy somehow managed to install a d5 pump
Ssupd + d5pump fits but tight : SSUPD (reddit.com)

Hi,
If it's not been said D5's are water cooled and DCC's are air cooled
Hardly overkill.

 

[Valantar]

Sadly he had to remove it a fan to fit the pump there, dunno why since it seems the pump has enough space.
D5 pump ssupd : SSUPD (reddit.com)
The meshlicious is so close to be a perfect tower itx case. Just a few cm or a bracket for a pump and the nr200p would lose its crown.

There's plenty of room for a DDC in the GPU compartment if you use a water cooled GPU, especially a short one like an RTX FE, and especially if you configure it in 4-slot GPU mode. Ali from Optimum Tech did a build with a pump+res combo mounted to the top of the GPU compartment. And the rear panel is full of perforations, so plenty of spots to screw it in. And if you don't water cool your GPU, just get an Arctic or EK AIO and leave it at that.

Hi,
If it's not been said D5's are water cooled and DCC's are air cooled
Hardly overkill.

That's true, but it's not like a DDC needs a ton of cooling. Running one in the Meshy should really not be an issue.

 

[GorbazTheDragon]

this msi z87i gaming ac is my first real look at itx. i like the small size, but the positioning of the connectors is tbh shit. I could go for a nice itx as a main rig.

My main rig for a few years was ITX... Silverstone RVZ01, really nicely sized case with very good GPU cooling, could easily go in a small suitcase for when I travelled between my parents place and college. Unfortunately the CPU cooling side for most ITX cases of that size is difficult, the 120mm AIO I initially used dried enough to be unusable in around 18 month since I had twisted the tubes a bit too tight to make it fit. The air cooler alternatives were unsatisfactory for the 4790k with the overclock I wanted to run, so I ended up just tossing it in an ATX case once I settled down at my own place. If you need the portability or don't have the space though, there are quite a lot of interesting ITX options around nowadays, especially the last year I finally found some that I felt offered enough space advantage to actually be relevant without sacrificing too much cooling.