DT: G_bruin's Watercooling Upgrade

So now that I have enjoyed my computer for a year and the warranty is over, it's time to join the ranks of you fellow AW modders.

The weak link in my rig has been the video card and now that the x850xt has reached the sub-$200 marck, it was time to jump in.

This is what I have on order:

CPU Block: Storm G4
Video card: HIS x850xt
GPU Block: DD Low Profile MAZE4
Pump: Swiftech MCP-655
Radiator: Thermochill PA120.2
Radiator mount: Swiftech Radbox
Fans: 2 120x25mm Yate Loons
Reservoir: Swiftech Micro
Tubing: Masterkleer 7/16”ID 5/8”OD
Clamps: Worm-drive hose clamps ½”

I also have some AS5 coming too.


Is there anything else I missed? I am sure once the parts are all here and I start this project that I’ll find something missing…

This is my first time delving into any sort of PC modding so I'll definitely be taking my time. I blame DB, Yang and the rest of you for the inspiration.

I’ll post my progress.

Wish me luck!

The video card was delivered today and installed. I thought I would install it and benchmark it under normal conditions before I watercool it next week.



Comparing it to my weak x600 card.


Installed.


x600 3DMark 05 Score: 1,542

x850 3DMark 05 Score:


Total pwnage!

More to come...

All that parts are in!

Storm


DangerDen Maze4


PA120.3 Radiator


Swiftech MCP-655 Pump


Micro-Res Reservoir


All the components


I'm going to start the install this weekend.

Finally got to start on my watercooling project yesterday.

















Finally after 12 hours straight, I was tired so I left the rest until this morning. I got up early and filled it with 90% distilled water and 10% pentosin (blue BMW antifreeze). It’s been running all day and no leaks!! Woohoo!!




The toughest part about the project was fitting the tubing onto the barbs. I will say I probably spent 6 of the 12 hours yesterday trying to fit the damn 7/16” tubing into the ½” barbs. I tried heating the tubing and wetting it but nothing. Only thing that worked was force followed by finesse. I was originally going to use hose clamps but I had a bunch of zip ties lying around and felt it had a cleaner look.

The biggest difference is that my temps hover around 30-31 whereas they used to be around 39-40. Inside the case, the temps are about 40C, but it will drop once I get the exhaust

Another bonus is that it’s nice to have a silent computer again!!

All that is left is to get some video ramsinks and an exhaust fan. I don’t know where I am going to mount it yet. I don’t have the spot in that back since the radbox is mounted on it. I may put it in the front since that is the only place I have room right now. I am also going to replace the side 80mm fan with a silent fan.

After I get the ramsinks, I’ll try some OCing but for now I am very pleased!!

Again, thanks to everyone for giving me the ideas!!

I am going to try to fit everything internally but we'll see how it all fits in. I got the radbox just in case I can't.

I'll definitely check out the Aquabay!

My goal after it's done is to follow up on getting an extra panel and windowing it. Of couse, I'll have to move it from under my desk to show it off...

UPS delivered the Storm block today. Wow, it's a lot bigger than I thought! I should be getting the other stuff on Monday and I'll start posting pics then.

I looked into the Aquabay and it looks pretty sweet but it doesn't have 1/2" fittings. Given that I will running a CPU and GPU block, I want to make sure that the pump will be able to handle that without adding any restrictions. I will keep a lookout for something in the 1/2" type.

For my video card, how important is it to have ramsinks? I plan on overclocking it slightly but not extremely.

Also, should I get a fan controller? I had planned on connecting the rad fans to the motherboard and just let the Intel software monitor the temps.

Thanks. It wasn't after I bought the rig that I realized I should have skimped on the processor and upgraded the videocard. Oh well, I got a great deal on an older generation card.

Thanks guys!

The tube is slightly flattened to get through the PCI slot. I was willing to drill two holes but it looks pretty good for now. I did notice that once the system warmed up, a pinch developed from the DD to the reservoir but I used some of the coils that came with the radbox.

I hear you Yang and totally agree! Thanks for the advice, I am taking it all in.

I have been searching for a temp monitor,flowmeter and info display ala Aquaero. As great as the Aquaero is, it is designed for small tubing so modification are required. I am searching for alternatives.

I still need some more stuff but I won't be able to do anything with it until next weekend at the earliest.

The quest isn't over...

My rad is mounted via a swiftech radbox which can be used to mount 80mm fan and radiator. The rad is not actually mounted on the case (I hope that is the question you were asking). Although I dont think there is room enough on the back to actually mount a rad unless it's a single fan rad.

Temps so far have been great on the cpu and gpu. However, the ambient temp is higher than it was before. It is hovering about 45-48C. Also, I can't seem to run 3DMark without the card shutting off. I know it's because the ramsinks seem to get really hot but how do I get the air circulating and out?

Any suggestions?

FYI, I added an 80mm exhaust fan and I have an 80mm fan blowing from the door to the card.