WaterCooling System

Pho3nix

The Legend
Joined
Jul 31, 2009
Messages
32,829
Reaction score
3,033
Location
On the toilet
Looking to convert my system to a Watercooling rig but need some help, where do I start. Looked at a couple online tutorials but most of the parts they recommend I'm going to have to ship from the states.
Running AM3 dual core system, ATI 5670, 8Gb Ram. Thoughts? Where do I even start.
 
My first question is why?
Do you need the additional cooling? Doesn't look like it...
Are you into Overclocking? Doesn't look like it...
The look? It's a lot of money. So is it worth it?

My second question is how much do you want to spend?
For a full custom loop, you looking at around R3.5k to R4k.
For CPU only around R2k.

If you just want a quick entry in to W/C then look at one of the closed loop systems. Like the H40 - H100.
 
Where the PC is at the moment there isn't alot of air circulation which is why I'm looking at this as a cooling option.
 
So I'm not saying don't do it. But for your setup I don't see a point.

The concept for air and water cooling is the same.
I Air coolers you have direct contact between the heat source (CPU, GPU etc) and the heat dissipation mechanism (heat sink).
Whilst water coolers use the water to transfer the heat away from the heat source to the heat dissipation mechanism (radiator).
In both instances you need to dissipate the heat by having air move over the dissipation mechanisms so it can transfer it away..

So both require air circulation.

You should also take into account where and how you wish to mount the radiator in or outside of your case.
 
Looking to convert my system to a Watercooling rig but need some help, where do I start. Looked at a couple online tutorials but most of the parts they recommend I'm going to have to ship from the states.
Running AM3 dual core system, ATI 5670, 8Gb Ram. Thoughts? Where do I even start.

Come to rAge! Titan-Ice is going to have a section of their stand dedicated to XSPC watercooling setups and will be selling entire kits or separate parts from the expo. They'll also be able to order and recommend a block you can use for your GPU, although the HD5670 runs pretty cool already in most rigs.
 
Unless there is practically no air movement in the room, I would not water cool those parts. Their TDP is low enough that temps should be well within acceptable limits, and the water cooling will probably cost more than the hardware did.

But if you're dead set on doing it... Ya, if you want the GPU in the loop, imports is the easiest way. Although two local stores do sell some parts, its the GPU you will likely struggle unless you get an universal block. Since the TDP of your parts is low, mid range parts will suffice. A quick guess puts the cost around $250-300. If you still want to water cool after seeing the cost I'll be happy to help

edit: and yes, water cooling still needs air, but water has a much much higher heat capacity, so it extracts more heat from components, and the water doesnt heat up as much as air would.
 
Last edited:
What are the current temps of the cpu now? get a desk fan and let it blow on the pc. what are temps then?

if its around 50C that is hot for you if you go out in the sun.... but about average for a pc
 
I just upgraded my PC, after using water cooling for the last 4 years.

In the end I have realised it is just not worth the effort or the extra cash. Air is just so much better, plug, run, play. Nothing to worry about.
 
I just upgraded my PC, after using water cooling for the last 4 years.

In the end I have realised it is just not worth the effort or the extra cash. Air is just so much better, plug, run, play. Nothing to worry about.

Better is subjective to what your goals are.
Peace of mind, ease of installation -> air.
Better cooling, less noise -> water
 
No one has said that if you are over-clocking water cooling is much better than air IMHO. I tried all sorts of air coolers but nothing quite did the trick like my H100 water cooler. Balls the wall I will sit at around 25C.
 
do this

[video=youtube;VUbpb23yTK8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUbpb23yTK8[/video]
 
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X