Custom-made waterblock

[dryjesus]

Hey guys. I've been thinking about starting to watercool my system, but I don't really want to spend a lot of money on it just yet. It'd be best if I could get a watercooling setup going for about 200 bucks- without gpu watercooling.

So to save money, I've decided to make my own waterblock. The problem is, I'm new to watercooling and I have no idea how a waterblock works, or how I would go about making one. I have googled for many hours on waterblocks but I still don't really understand how it works. During my googling, I saw a lot of different kind of designs for the inside of the waterblock. Which design would be the best? I work with CNC machines, milling machines, etc. as a part of my career, and I can do just about anything with cutting metal.

If someone could help me out with this, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks! If you've made your own waterblock before, pictures would be sweet.

 

[wolfram23]

You'll want to look up some fluid dynamics. Whatever pump you use will only allow so much pressure drop.

I don't know a lot about watercooling, specifically, but I know a thing or two. Anyway, I see a lot of blocks have wide channels and right where they pass over the CPU/GPU they'll have some type of fins so that there's more metal surface area for the water to suck the heat out of. The only thing with that is fluid dynamics make certain patterns better than others. I don't know what would be best, I've seen wavy lines to oval shaped pegs. That's where fluid dynamics come into play again.

You probably won't make the best block, but just copy something like an EK block and I'm sure it'll work out ok.

 

[ortoklaz]

@OP..look.. I have been cnc machining for over 20 years,lathes,4~5 axis mills and can make most of the blocks that on the market right now but you have to ask yourself is it really worth all the time and effort I mean you need diagrams ,make your own programs,have proper tooling ,etc (pain on the s +time consuming for what? so you can fill better about yourself ?) in order to save what?..50$ lol
Here is example of well machined block (page #2);
http://skinneelabs.com/koolance-cpu-360.html?page=1
here you can look at some diagrams;
http://www.koolance.com/water-cooling/product_info.php?product_id=978
and here is good entry level LC kit with CPU block included;
http://www.jab-tech.com/XSPC-Rasa-750-RX360-CPU-watercooling-kit-pr-4780.html

good luck!

 

[dryjesus]

Thank for your comments guys.
@ortoklaz I have been working with the same machines as you have for just as long as you have. Personally I think that if I have the tools to build a waterblock, and time, of course, then it is worth it to save 50 bucks. Feeling better about myself isn't the priority here- money is, but I'm sure I'll feel great for myself I I'm successful anyway.

 

[rubix_1011]

@OP...look up Shadow703793 on this forum...he has made his own block and tested the heatload and design using software. Let me see if I can find the thread.

To be honest, making your own block will be more expensive in the long run and likely not produce much better results than what you can already buy. But, I do applaud your spirit and DIY methodology.

I think Shadow discovered that making a block from a hunk of copper was going to be fairly expensive compared to the cost of actually buying a block from a quality manufacturer.

BUT...if you have the tools, time and cash...go for it...I'd love to if I had all the above...mostly the tools and time.

EDIT: Links added.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/252679-29-building-custom-waterblock-updated
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/253717-29-part-custom-block-pics-warning-results

 

[ortoklaz]

^+1 no it's not going to be cheaper

 

[dryjesus]

Actually, what do I need to pay for other than the copper and my own time? I can get copper for free at my work place. I also have tons and tons of scrap copper in my garage that I have no use for.

 

[rubix_1011]

How are you milling it? If you have access to one, super.

 

[ortoklaz]

I think he's got a pile of scrap's he made over the years lol ,and the mill.. they may let him use it (don't make it a project tho ),I like to see the final result

 

[dryjesus]

How are you milling it? If you have access to one, super.

I have a milling machine at home, and also a LOT of other machines at work that I may use whenever I want.

 

[rubix_1011]

Good luck...let us know how it goes. Post pics if you can...there are a few very interested folks on here curious to know the results.

 

[ortoklaz]

" I also have tons and tons of scrap copper in my garage that I have no use for." sell it as scrap it will probably pay for nice LC set up
http://www.metalprices.com/