Liquid cooling- worth it in 2011?
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Overclocking
Last response: in Overclocking
olivierhacking
March 21, 2011 8:40:34 PM
Hi guys,
I hope this (sub) category fits with my question. Anyway, I know that by now, many great air coolers exist- currently I have a hyper 212 plus. I am wondering: is it worth it to get water cooling? For now, I am only going to cool my cpu but if I do buy a watercooling setup, I will probably buy a gpu block as well. I saw that using new distilled water/cooling liquid once a year is ok, which I am fine with. I have never used water cooling before and I just want to know if its worth it, or if its better to spend the money upgrading my gtx 260 (which, I noted performs slightly better in Crysis than a gtx 550ti.) And my cpu is i7 860 @ 3.6Ghz.
Thank you for your help
I hope this (sub) category fits with my question. Anyway, I know that by now, many great air coolers exist- currently I have a hyper 212 plus. I am wondering: is it worth it to get water cooling? For now, I am only going to cool my cpu but if I do buy a watercooling setup, I will probably buy a gpu block as well. I saw that using new distilled water/cooling liquid once a year is ok, which I am fine with. I have never used water cooling before and I just want to know if its worth it, or if its better to spend the money upgrading my gtx 260 (which, I noted performs slightly better in Crysis than a gtx 550ti.) And my cpu is i7 860 @ 3.6Ghz.
Thank you for your help
More about : liquid cooling worth 2011
It depends on your budget, honestly. I've watercooled for ~9 years and I'll continue for quite a while, if possible. I have a lot of info in my signature...give them a good read-thru and see if it helps answer your questions.
For a loop of what you are thinking, consider budgeting $250-$300, easily, depending on component choice.
BTW...I'm running a Q6600 CPU and SLI GTX 260's...good times.
For a loop of what you are thinking, consider budgeting $250-$300, easily, depending on component choice.
BTW...I'm running a Q6600 CPU and SLI GTX 260's...good times.
d0gr0ck
March 21, 2011 9:03:52 PM
It really depends on who you are. The biggest advantage to water cooling is the ability to build a totally silent system that can out compete high end air.
You'll find a lot of people water cooling are not necessarily going for the super overclocks bat are doing it because they enjoy it. If you're the kind of person that could get lost in a tub of Lego then you'll probably have a lot of fun.
You'll find a lot of people water cooling are not necessarily going for the super overclocks bat are doing it because they enjoy it. If you're the kind of person that could get lost in a tub of Lego then you'll probably have a lot of fun.
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I think watercooling might be worth it only for the following type of people:
Heavy overclockers
Medium overclockers who want really quiet rigs
Medium overclockers who are building HTPC and have space constraints
Tinkerers who want it for the kick of it
A watercooling system has a big initial cost, but most components can be reused from build to build, I think only the waterblock retention brackets might need changing.
A watercooling system has a big initial cost, but most components can be reused from build to build, I think only the waterblock retention brackets might need changing.
olivierhacking
March 21, 2011 9:07:55 PM
olivierhacking
March 21, 2011 9:10:54 PM
d0gr0ck
March 21, 2011 9:13:04 PM
olivierhacking
March 21, 2011 9:37:43 PM
You can get a decent loop for 130 from frozen cpu. I have the xspc rasa 240 and have my cpu oc to 4.1 with great temps. I kinda wished I would have got the one with a 360 rad now considering I am going to water cool my gpu too. You can go all out and spend 3 or 400 dollars on super name brand danger den and all don't get me wrong it's killer stuff but with a killer price.
olivierhacking
March 22, 2011 8:08:38 AM
shineon2010
March 22, 2011 8:18:01 AM
olivierhacking
March 22, 2011 8:25:22 AM
You need a radiator...please read the info in my signature...I think you aren't quite up to speed on what you are getting into.
A reservoir simply holds excess water. Pump...pumps. Radiator is the heat exchanger. Waterblocks attach to your CPU, GPU, etc.
All of these concepts are explained in depth in the links below.
A reservoir simply holds excess water. Pump...pumps. Radiator is the heat exchanger. Waterblocks attach to your CPU, GPU, etc.
All of these concepts are explained in depth in the links below.
olivierhacking
March 22, 2011 2:42:57 PM
DangerDen isn't the best stuff available...there are better brands, better performance in almost every component category.
XSPC Rasa pump is pretty solid. Some people have had issues with theirs making noise, but were able to get RMA replacements. From what I have read, Rasa pumps had an impeller molding flaw that caused some minor issues, but it has been corrected.
OCN Rasa Owner's Thread
XSPC Rasa pump is pretty solid. Some people have had issues with theirs making noise, but were able to get RMA replacements. From what I have read, Rasa pumps had an impeller molding flaw that caused some minor issues, but it has been corrected.
OCN Rasa Owner's Thread
olivierhacking
March 22, 2011 3:07:22 PM
I have decided I would rather wait for maybe another year or so and buy top of the range products instead of buying cheaper products now. This also seems like a better idea because I want to buy an Nvida kepler gpu- coming out beginnning next year. In the meantime I can stick to my hyper 212 plus. One thing was bothering me though: why does everyine link their cpu block to their gpu block directly? Wouldn't it help to use a (120mm) radiator in between the two? S o going form gpu -> rad -> cpu or cpu -> rad -> gpu? As well as using other rads, ofcourse.
Waiting for the 'next best thing' means you'll just keep waiting. That's fine as long as you're OK with always being on hold.
Top range products vs. cheaper products...meaning WC components? Depends on your budget and expectations.
Link: Loop order does not matter.
Top range products vs. cheaper products...meaning WC components? Depends on your budget and expectations.
Quote:
One thing was bothering me though: why does everyine link their cpu block to their gpu block directly? Wouldn't it help to use a (120mm) radiator in between the two? S o going form gpu -> rad -> cpu or cpu -> rad -> gpu? As well as using other rads, ofcourse.Link: Loop order does not matter.
olivierhacking
March 22, 2011 4:05:18 PM
rubix_1011 said:
Waiting for the 'next best thing' means you'll just keep waiting. That's fine as long as you're OK with always being on hold.Top range products vs. cheaper products...meaning WC components? Depends on your budget and expectations.
Quote:
One thing was bothering me though: why does everyine link their cpu block to their gpu block directly? Wouldn't it help to use a (120mm) radiator in between the two? S o going form gpu -> rad -> cpu or cpu -> rad -> gpu? As well as using other rads, ofcourse.Link: Loop order does not matter.
yes, meaning WC components. I'll post the links for what parts I was (am) planning on buying so you can all see, in an hour or so
. I live in Belgium where everything is SIGNIFICANTLY more expensive
I hope it wont matter that the links are i Dutch- the name of the product is the same ofcourse. Basically, multiply the price in euros you see by 1.4 or 1.5 to get US $ prices.
olivierhacking
March 22, 2011 4:12:21 PM
First of all, I think I want the loop to be: pump/reservoir --> 120mm rad --> cpu --> 240mm rad --> back to pump/reservoir. I do not want to WC my gpu yet, since I plan on upgrading, and because of the xtra costs at the moment.
1. pump/reservoir: http://www.it-service.be/webshop/product_info.php?cPath...
2. 240 rad: http://www.it-service.be/webshop/product_info.php?cPath...
3. 120 rad: http://www.it-service.be/webshop/product_info.php?cPath...
4. cpu block: http://www.it-service.be/webshop/product_info.php?cPath...
5. tubing: http://www.it-service.be/webshop/product_info.php?cPath...
6. fittings: http://www.it-service.be/webshop/product_info.php?cPath...
tell me what you think
1. pump/reservoir: http://www.it-service.be/webshop/product_info.php?cPath...
2. 240 rad: http://www.it-service.be/webshop/product_info.php?cPath...
3. 120 rad: http://www.it-service.be/webshop/product_info.php?cPath...
4. cpu block: http://www.it-service.be/webshop/product_info.php?cPath...
5. tubing: http://www.it-service.be/webshop/product_info.php?cPath...
6. fittings: http://www.it-service.be/webshop/product_info.php?cPath...
tell me what you think
olivierhacking
March 22, 2011 4:13:53 PM
oh, and the liquid ofcourse: just extra distilled water, no uv reactive or anything:
http://www.it-service.be/webshop/product_info.php?cPath...
http://www.it-service.be/webshop/product_info.php?cPath...
You could probably get away with the single 240 rad if you are only running your CPU in the loop at this point. You might consider another 240 if you add your GPU; my general rule of thumb is 1.5-2x the area of a 120mm rad per CPU or GPU. If you overclock at all, consider a 2x120 rad (240 in this case) the bare minimum per component.
The XSPC pump/res is pretty decent, but you might consider a different pump that would be more powerful if you are going to piece together your own kit.
Why not just go with an EK kit like this: http://www.it-service.be/webshop/product_info.php?products_id=1033157?
It has a better pump and contains everything you'll need except water and biocide or killcoil.
The XSPC pump/res is pretty decent, but you might consider a different pump that would be more powerful if you are going to piece together your own kit.
Why not just go with an EK kit like this: http://www.it-service.be/webshop/product_info.php?products_id=1033157?
It has a better pump and contains everything you'll need except water and biocide or killcoil.
olivierhacking
March 22, 2011 4:43:02 PM
olivierhacking
March 22, 2011 4:47:20 PM
olivierhacking
March 22, 2011 5:01:08 PM
olivierhacking
March 22, 2011 5:50:54 PM
I've watercooled for 9+ years or so...so I am somewhat biased.
I personally love it...its a hobby as well as a cooling solution. Depending on your plans, you can continue to use watercooling components as you upgrade...and then depending on how you upgrade and what you current have depends on what you can reuse. CPU blocks often swap out with a $12 bracket. GPU blocks (full-cover) only work for the card they are designed for, while universal blocks can be swapped in the same manner with a bracket swap.
I personally love it...its a hobby as well as a cooling solution. Depending on your plans, you can continue to use watercooling components as you upgrade...and then depending on how you upgrade and what you current have depends on what you can reuse. CPU blocks often swap out with a $12 bracket. GPU blocks (full-cover) only work for the card they are designed for, while universal blocks can be swapped in the same manner with a bracket swap.
olivierhacking
March 22, 2011 6:11:04 PM
olivierhacking
March 22, 2011 6:21:26 PM
The XSPC Rasa pump/res is the same one that comes in the Rasa kit, which I typically recommend for beginners. If that's the case, just get The XSPC Rasa kit and call it a day...it has everything you'll need, except water, biocide and/or killcoil...which should cost ~maybe~ an additional $12 for all.
olivierhacking
March 22, 2011 6:51:00 PM
I have an i7 860 ;( so socket 1156, not compatible with ^^. And the included pump/reservoir is version 1, not version 2. But would you say that the pump I gave the link to further above is good enough to cool my i7 860 till 4.2 ghz or so? with a 240 rad? And temps of <70 C? And will it be able to handle one gpu (obviously then with more rad's)? Sorry aout all these questions, I hope you can answer them, I really appeciate your help btw
misry
March 22, 2011 6:54:34 PM
olivierhacking said:
Is a dual bay reservoir/pump any good? It pumps 750litres/hour! And its significantly cheaper here in Belgium than buying a pump and a radiator..... On Earth, Belgium refers to a small country. Throughout the rest of the galaxy, Belgium is the most unspeakably rude word there is.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/hitchhikers/guide/belgium.sht...
Quote:
Compatibility Intel® Processors:• Socket 478 (Intel® Northwood P4/EE) via the 4-holes through the motherboard by removing the black plastic heatsink retention frame.
• Socket 775 (Intel® Socket T Prescott-style LGA) via the 4-holes through the motherboard.
• Socket 1156 - i5 (Intel® Socket T Prescott-style LGA) via the 4-holes through the motherboard.
• Socket 1366 - i7 (Intel® Socket T Prescott-style LGA) via the 4-holes through the motherboard.
• Socket 423 (Intel® Willamette P4) via the 4-holes through the motherboard.
• Socket 771/603/604 (Intel® Xeon™ all versions) via the 4-holes through the motherboard.
Socket is a socket, correct? Chip doesn't matter, otherwise I'm pretty sure there is a bracket.
olivierhacking
March 22, 2011 7:06:02 PM
jim45682
March 22, 2011 7:07:09 PM
olivierhacking
March 22, 2011 7:30:37 PM
olivierhacking
March 22, 2011 7:41:06 PM
olivierhacking
March 22, 2011 7:44:18 PM
Instead of buying that dual bay reservoir pump, after having seen videos on youtube: it makes a lot of noise
I think I would rather futureproof my WC setup and get a Laing pump! Except, between these two which would be better:
1. http://www.it-service.be/webshop/product_info.php?cPath...
2. http://www.it-service.be/webshop/product_info.php?cPath...
I think I would rather futureproof my WC setup and get a Laing pump! Except, between these two which would be better:1. http://www.it-service.be/webshop/product_info.php?cPath...
2. http://www.it-service.be/webshop/product_info.php?cPath...
olivierhacking
March 22, 2011 7:49:49 PM
Either way its a good choice. I assume both are actually pumps, and the one is the acetal top...not just a top alone, correct?
I personally have the D5/MCP655 alone (2nd link, I believe) but either is great...as in the same pump. I like the acetal top which would allow you to port your in/out fittings how you choose...I've seen several like this...nice option over the 90 degree in/out of the stock pump housing.
I personally have the D5/MCP655 alone (2nd link, I believe) but either is great...as in the same pump. I like the acetal top which would allow you to port your in/out fittings how you choose...I've seen several like this...nice option over the 90 degree in/out of the stock pump housing.
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. Anyway, thanks for the links. I'll think about water cooling some more