Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)
Also posted in alt.comp.hardware.overclocking
Hello All
My Abit AI7 with Prescott 3.0GHz (o/c to 3.3GHz, standard core V) was
running, fully loaded, with a CPU temp of approx. 63 deg C (two instances of
seti@home, one per virtual CPU).
I've just fitted the Asetek kit and I now see a CPU temperature of 48 to 49
deg C. The PWM temperature has also dropped, from about 68-69 deg C down to
about 58 - 59 deg C.
CPU drop in temp = 15 deg C
PWM drop = 10 deg C
I'll now describe how I fitted it:
1) I removed the mobo and take the CPU bracket off it. Fitted 4 metal
pillars and stuck the mobo back in.
2) I assembled the CPU cooler by fitting the rubber gasket and perspex
lid - screwed in the two water tube connectors. I then screwed the lid down
tight using an Allen key (2.5mm AF - should have been included in the kit
but was missing so I used my own). The perspex lid needed one end cutting
back to avoid some of the tall capacitors near the CPU. I used a small
dollop of Arctic Silver 5 on the CPU lid.
3) I marked up a circle on the sidewall of the case (midi tower) and drilled
several dozen holes - then used a cold chisel and lump hammer to remove the
disk. I marked up the positions of the moutning holes to take a 120mm fan.
The position is more or less directly above the CPU.
4) I mounted the Asetek radiator on the outside of the case and my 120mm fan
on the inside, correspondingly. The screws that mount the fan to the case
side go through the case and into the radiator, thus securing both items.
The fan pulls air into the case, through the radiator.
5) I removed the ATX PSU and took it apart. Then I soldered the mains lead
from the Asetek water pump to the back of the IEC inlet, so that the pump is
powered as soon as the mains supply is connected to the computer. The pump
lead comes out through a suitable grommet hole.
I then submerged the pump in water, allowed it to run and bled the system of
air (well, most of it) - then I fitted the pump in the bottom of the case,
switched on and typed this - so so far, so good!
I think the Asetek kit is pretty good: the problems are that it doesn't come
with a fan so you need to supply a 120mm fan of your own. Also, the water
pump mains lead is terminated in an unfused European connector, so for UK
users you'll need to change this to something more suitable.
The advantage of fitting the radiator on the outside of the case may be to
improve cooling - but it also covers up the rough-and-ready job I did of
crashing a hole in the case side!
I now have a single 80mm fan at the bottom front of the case drawing air in,
the 2 fans on the PSU at the top rear drawing air out, and the 120mm
radiator fan drawing air into the case through the radiator. I've got rid
of two other fans and I'm enjoying the relative silence!
