Watercooling my computer

Headshot

Deja vu moment for me, I think had a thread like this before

Im very committed to have a watercooling system

my pc specs are

Fractal Design Define R3 Series ATX Case - Black Pearl
2x gtx 570s
i5

My budget is 500-700

Im wondering should I get a better case for watercooling or with the R3 do?

If someone can link to the parts that are best for me, I really would appreciate it, thanks

deceit

Headshot wrote: »

Deja vu moment for me, I think had a thread like this before

Im very committed to have a watercooling system

my pc specs are

Fractal Design Define R3 Series ATX Case - Black Pearl
2x gtx 570s
i5

My budget is 500-700

Im wondering should I get a better case for watercooling or with the R3 do?

If someone can link to the parts that are best for me, I really would appreciate it, thanks

Is that the budget just for watercooling? If so I would definitely change the case. Its a brilliant case, just not for watercooling.

Headshot

deceit wrote: »

Is that the budget just for watercooling? If so I would definitely change the case. Its a brilliant case, just not for watercooling.

budget is really for everything tbh (incl case)

I was thinking of that I may need a new case

Anyone have suggestions for an ideal case?

Serephucus

The 600T is quite a nice one. If you want a big one, you can also think about the HAF X, or Cosmos 2, maybe the 800D, but those last two in particular would probably eat into the budget.

Headshot

The Cosmos 2 would be the dream one but just to expensive for me unfortunately, damn fine case too

I do like the Corsair Special Edition White Graphite Series 600T. That looks very nice indeed

I think ill for for the Corsair 600T one, looks sweet

Hardwareversand have it at 140 (excl postage) anyone got a better price for it?

Tea_Bag

I'm in the the process of building a loop in my 600T. Its not the best case for water, but with some very specific planning and parts it can be done.

I've built with the white version, and if anything, its even more beautiful than my black one. pics don't do it justice.

Headshot

Tea_Bag wrote: »

I'm in the the process of building a loop in my 600T. Its not the best case for water, but with some very specific planning and parts it can be done.

I've built with the white version, and if anything, its even more beautiful than my black one. pics don't do it justice.

hmm I dont like the sound of that

Maybe ill go for the HAF X instead?

Tea_Bag

Ideally, you want 120mm rad per component + 120 extra for noise reduction.

so you want GPU GPU CPU -> 3(120) + 120 = 480mm.

that's a lot of radiator. Best bet is to find a case that can hold a 360mm + something else.

....The 600T can do a *skinny* 240mm up top, or a 360 with a hacksaw.

Then it can take a phobya 200mm in the front, which has more surface area than a 240. layman's terms, it'll be just enough to support your components, and even better for next gen GPUs which run cooler. I'm toying with the idea of adding a single 120mm rad at the back, which it has space for too.

also, the 600T + water doesn't lend itself well to 1155 based boards, cause of the large heatsinks above the CPU socket. I might have to cut my rad slightly.

As I said, its not ideal, but I love the 600T too much to part with it. the only case I consider to be an upgrade in form and function is the Cosmos2, but it costs a fortune.

Headshot

This looks a very nice case

NZXT Switch 810 Big Tower Case
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-076-NX

I also found this built with it

2 graphic cards like myself
http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1676328

deceit

Tea_Bag wrote: »

Ideally, you want 120mm rad per component + 120 extra for noise reduction.

so you want GPU GPU CPU -> 3(120) + 120 = 480mm.

that's a lot of radiator. Best bet is to find a case that can hold a 360mm + something else.

....The 600T can do a *skinny* 240mm up top, or a 360 with a hacksaw.

Then it can take a phobya 200mm in the front, which has more surface area than a 240. layman's terms, it'll be just enough to support your components, and even better for next gen GPUs which run cooler. I'm toying with the idea of adding a single 120mm rad at the back, which it has space for too.

also, the 600T + water doesn't lend itself well to 1155 based boards, cause of the large heatsinks above the CPU socket. I might have to cut my rad slightly.

As I said, its not ideal, but I love the 600T too much to part with it. the only case I consider to be an upgrade in form and function is the Cosmos2, but it costs a fortune.

Your best bet for a decent watercooled case is the nzxt switch 810 or the xigmatek elysium. Both are good value, look decent and are really good for watercooling.

Tea_Bag

Headshot wrote: »

This looks a very nice case

NZXT Switch 810 Big Tower Case
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-076-NX

I also found this built with it

2 graphic cards like myself
http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1676328

deceit wrote: »

Your best bet for a decent watercooled case is the nzxt switch 810 or the xigmatek elysium. Both are good value, look decent and are really good for watercooling.

The Switch 810 ticks all the right boxes... but do not buy it!.

Ive built a rig around it and its a piece of ****. Well for its price it is anyway.:o

colours dont match up between metal and plastic.
the door hinge screws are rubbish.
if you watch any vids it points out a little switch type mechanism ease of removing the door. what everyone fails to point out is that youve to remove the screw anyway when reattaching the door, something you shouldnt have to deal with on a 200 case.
as is the vent thing up top. gimmicky and rubbish. doesnt actually do anything for noise either.

The top 5.25" bay has a built in "flap" for the CD drive (at the front), and it doesnt close properly unless you press on it after every eject if you know what I mean. and ive seen that in review videos too. You also cant remove it without some ugly left behind.

The window, while wonderfully big, is at a very odd angle, and just doesnt look right. the top corner shows off the 5.25" bays again.... why?

The rubber grommets for cable management lose their elasticity VERY fast. take out the 24pin power 2/3 times while doing cable management and it stays open.

at the rear the 120mm fan has "this wonderful feature" where it can slide to your desired position. they dont mention that you chip the paint while fastening it with the screw again. and thats not hard or anything, just enough to take its own weight.

If you follow the front bezzle plastic to the top, there is a small gab between it and the above mentioned gimmicky vent. well they're angled like a pyramid at each other. you can see it if you look closely at a vid of it. basically there is no "flow" to the shrouds around the metal.

The hidden usb ports at the front with the mic/headphone jack is stupidly designed. you dont realise how often you reach for those, or how many of the front USB ports you use, untill you've to flip that flap up and down. it breaks the lines at the front to leave it open. Its hard to describe. its just annoying. the reset button when you're OCing....:mad:

on the front there is a 120mm fan.. with almost no ventilation holes, so its noisy. this is coming from someone who uses a 600T, which is basically a sieve and doesnt absorb any sound.:o

you also CANNOT fit a 240mm rad in there, despite what you may think. its not possible. the fans are spaced 2/3mm too far apart to hold the rad.

The built in fan controller... isnt a fan controller at all. it just powers 7 fans with a molex. ie 100% 12v 24/7. thats it.

the HDD toolless bays. OMFG where to begin. RUBBISH!

once you have a HDD in it, the pivot things holding it in place get pushed out too far to fit back into the bloody cage. I kid you not, if you can follow what im trying to say. you have to tear off the rubber part (anti vibration) of it to get back it. hardly ****ing quick swap.:mad: junk.


urg Ill update with more later, ive to go get trashed cause i finished exams.

sorry for teh rant, its been a long time coming.:o:o:o

Serephucus

Kind of what I was thinking when I saw the switch mentioned. Aside from a few select cases, NZXT mostly focuses on the G4M3R crowd - Gaudy, low quality cases.

The 600T isn't a bad choice, really. You can stick and EX240 up to (just about, I think) which will supposedly cool close to the RX's capacity, and then another 200mm in the front. If you really wanted, I think you could fit a 120 in the floor too, though I'm not sure on this one.

You could look at the old favourite: The TJ-07 from Silverstone. I think it's a bit hard to come by these days, and I've never really liked it (though I'm not sure why) but maybe you will.

What are you looking for in a case, exactly, Heatshot? Plain and simple, sleek, lights-galore, etc.?


Incidentally, I have plenty of free time as it happens, despite what I mentioned earlier, so once you figure out a case, we start nailing down parts.

Headshot

If the 600T had better space, id be all over it. Serephucus what im after with a case is just somthing that has great space tbh. Im not into lights and all that jazz

What im looking at now is the Cooler Master HAF-X. That seems to fit all the bill but I also thought that for the NZXT Switch 810 but Tea blew that out of the water

Bloodwing

You could always get the 600T and bolt one of these on to the side??

deejer

what about the xigmatek elysium that deceit mentioned above. Gives you loads of space and have read plenty of good reviews for it. Prob the best combination of cost/performance.

The Cosmos II, the 800D or the TJ07 are a slection of some of the best watercooling cases but you just pay so much for them.

Or the mother of all cases if you ask me, the TJ11

Headshot

deejer wrote: »

what about the xigmatek elysium that deceit mentioned above. Gives you loads of space and have read plenty of good reviews for it. Prob the best combination of cost/performance.

That to me looks horrible but I dont really care about looks truth be told. Would that be better than the Cooler Master HAF-X?

Serephucus

When are you looking at buying all this Heatshot?

I only ask, because I have the ATCS 840 from Cooler Master, and it's very similar to the HAF 932 on the inside. I'm going to be selling most of my computer in the next week or two, and buying new stuff over the Summer, so if you're interested in it, might be something to consider.

Headshot

Serephucus wrote: »

When are you looking at buying all this Heatshot?

I only ask, because I have the ATCS 840 from Cooler Master, and it's very similar to the HAF 932 on the inside. I'm going to be selling most of my computer in the next week or two, and buying new stuff over the Summer, so if you're interested in it, might be something to consider.

asap

Truth be told im not sure on your case and what's it like for water cooling?

I hope to agree on a case tonight and buy it tonight

Serephucus

Ah, I see. Well you could collect it from here next Tuesday, if you needed it ASAP, dunno if that's any good to you.

With the right radiators, it can hold 2x360 and a 120 internally. I haven't tried it, but AFAIK two RX360s and an RX120 should work fine.

Headshot

Serephucus thanks for the offer but I dont want to be traveling all the way to Dublin or Kildare. So ill just get it from a shop and get it shipped to me

May i ask your opinion on the xigmatek elysium and Cooler Master HAF-X?

Serephucus

Not a fan of either looks-wise, but I suppose that's irrelevent. The HAF X might be a good option because Phobya does a dual 200mm rad that would fit perfectly in the HAF X (if it can take it) and gives you an insane amount of radiator - almost as much as two 360s, all on its own. You could maybe fit another 120 in the back as well, though you'd have to look at dimensions.

If you really just want a lot of radiator, why not an external rad? Phobya do a couple of very big rads - the Nova 1080 (9x120) and the Supernova 1280 (9x140) are great. I use the 1080 at the moment, and it pretty much cools a processor and GPU passively.

deceit

I would pick the xigmatek case over the haf x. If you can get a bracket for it you can fit a full thickness 480mm rad in the front of the case and a 360mm rad in the top so more than enough for any cooling needs.
check this out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICPvEjUDgz0&feature=plcp
also just to show what reviewers say about the switch 810
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LHjJ8sPe_8&feature=plcp

Headshot

you know what im going to get the Cooler Master HAF-X. Ill order it tomorrow from germany

Decit thanks for your help on the xigmatek but I just dont like the look at it at all. It looks a good case dont get me wrong but the cooler master seems to have everything I want

So the next step is what to buy and from where?

deceit

Specialtech is usually the best bet bet for getting watercooling for ireland. www.specialtech.co.uk . You should get a full thickness 360mm rad and try get another rad to fit in the front like serephucus said as one 360 rad would be a bit too warm for the 3 parts for the exspense your going to.
Parts you should be getting
360 rad - I prefer RX360's but there could be better ones now i'm not sure
200 rad
xspc raystorm (personal preferance and cools really well)
If your going to go for a drive bay res/pump combo dont get a ddc pump, get a d5 and res as would be a fair bit quieter.
With fittings I would get black bitspower compression fittings or ek ones. 7/16 ones look best imo.
Then all your need is tubing and the two gpu blocks (I would get copper/acetel if looks are not a concern)

Serephucus

Pump
Radiator
Reservoir
CPU Block
GPU Block
Fittings
Tubing

I haven't worked out numbers of fittings, or if the rad there will physically fit. The HAF X does have two 200mm fans up top, and it looks like it has room, but I can't be sure. You'll want to look into that one. I've also left tubing colour up to you.

Headshot

Serephucus wrote: »

Pump
Radiator
Reservoir
CPU Block
GPU Block
Fittings
Tubing

I haven't worked out numbers of fittings, or if the rad there will physically fit. The HAF X does have two 200mm fans up top, and it looks like it has room, but I can't be sure. You'll want to look into that one. I've also left tubing colour up to you.

wow thanks alot Serephucus. I presume I need to buy 2 of the GPU blocks that you suggested?

Also if you dont mind can you suggest another CPU block, the other isnt in stock

Give me an idea of the typical amount of fittings one would usually need? (ill add on 5 extra just to make sure)

Ill probably go for this tubing http://specialtech.co.uk/spshop/customer/XSPC-12-ID---34-OD-13-19mm-High-Flex-Tubing--Blue--UV-Blue-pid-4547.html

will 1 quantity do it?

Serephucus

Yeah, you'll need two blocks. Another CPU block would be the XSPC Rasa. You'll need about eight fittings (I think), but you'll want to work out where stuff is going, in case a 90° or 45° fitting would work better in place X or Y vs. a straight fitting. Tubing is done per metre, so at least 2, maybe 3. Never hurts to have spare.

Headshot

Serephucus wrote: »

Yeah, you'll need two blocks. Another CPU block would be the XSPC Rasa. You'll need about eight fittings (I think), but you'll want to work out where stuff is going, in case a 90° or 45° fitting would work better in place X or Y vs. a straight fitting. Tubing is done per metre, so at least 2, maybe 3. Never hurts to have spare.

Im not to sure on that tbh

Serephucus

Grab a picture of the HAF X, stick it in Paint, and draw lines for tubes, see what looks like it'll work best, and where you'll stick the pump (as it's the only thing that doesn't have to mount to something else).

Headshot

Thanks alot Serephucus, really do appreciate it

Serephucus

No problem. Post the picture when you get a layout that works, eh?

Headshot

Serephucus wrote: »

Not a fan of either looks-wise, but I suppose that's irrelevent. The HAF X might be a good option because Phobya does a dual 200mm rad that would fit perfectly in the HAF X (if it can take it) and gives you an insane amount of radiator - almost as much as two 360s, all on its own. You could maybe fit another 120 in the back as well, though you'd have to look at dimensions.

If you really just want a lot of radiator, why not an external rad? Phobya do a couple of very big rads - the Nova 1080 (9x120) and the Supernova 1280 (9x140) are great. I use the 1080 at the moment, and it pretty much cools a processor and GPU passively.

Asked on overclockers about fitting the Phobya on the inside top of the HAF X

This was the reply

"I can't say this for certain, but i don't think it will fit as the spacing on the 200mm fans at the top of the HAF are relatively far apart."

Ill have to do some investigation

edit

Im now looking at this case
Aerocool’s Strike-X ST
Thoughts on that?

deceit

Headshot wrote: »

Asked on overclockers about fitting the Phobya on the inside top of the HAF X

This was the reply

"I can't say this for certain, but i don't think it will fit as the spacing on the 200mm fans at the top of the HAF are relatively far apart."

Ill have to do some investigation

edit

Im now looking at this case
Aerocool’s Strike-X ST
Thoughts on that?

Should be of help to you if you decide to go down that route.
http://www.overclock.net/t/1200235/build-log-cpu-ferrari-phobya-xtreme-400mm-rad-inside-a-haf-x

Headshot

deceit wrote: »

Should be of help to you if you decide to go down that route.
http://www.overclock.net/t/1200235/build-log-cpu-ferrari-phobya-xtreme-400mm-rad-inside-a-haf-x

Thanks for that deceit

May I also get your thoughts on the linked case in my last post

Tea_Bag

Just to update you on the haf X case. it won't fit the phobya without a bit of cutting:


"It does fit however you have to cut the top of the HDD cage to slide in the rad. You will lose the top 5.25 bay as well. So yes there is some modding."

From the guy with the Ferrari mod hafX.

Headshot

Tea_Bag wrote: »

Just to update you on the haf X case. it won't fit the phobya without a bit of cutting:


"It does fit however you have to cut the top of the HDD cage to slide in the rad. You will lose the top 5.25 bay as well. So yes there is some modding."

From the guy with the Ferrari mod hafX.

Thanks alot tea

Do you think that modding will be easy (even worth it) or just go for another case or rad?

Tea_Bag

Headshot wrote: »

Thanks alot tea

Do you think that modding will be easy (even worth it) or just go for another case or rad?

I don't know

Thing is, you're going to need a dremmel, or angle grinder, and some balls. you'll have to take apart the whole case, and then probably sand down and repaint the cut stuff cause it'll be a nasty metallic silver.


actually, I change my answer: No.

I was in your position a while ago, looking for a case to hold a 480 or 2x360’s, and I couldn't find anything I liked that wasnt very expensive.

what's your budget for the case alone?

Headshot

Tea_Bag wrote: »

I don't know

Thing is, you're going to need a dremmel, or angle grinder, and some balls. you'll have to take apart the whole case, and then probably sand down and repaint the cut stuff cause it'll be a nasty metallic silver.


actually, I change my answer: No.

I was in your position a while ago, looking for a case to hold a 480 or 2x360’s, and I couldn't find anything I liked that wasnt very expensive.

what's your budget for the case alone?

Man I do not like the sound of that modding, thats a big no tbh

200 for the case, what ya think?
I could go higher but not by much tbh

Serephucus

Does it have to be an internal rad? You could get something like what myself and Neilos have - a ridonkubig external rad - and just run the tubing out the back of your case. If you want to make it a bit neater you could bolt it to the side panel.

Headshot

Serephucus wrote: »

Does it have to be an internal rad? You could get something like what myself and Neilos have - a ridonkubig external rad - and just run the tubing out the back of your case. If you want to make it a bit neater you could bolt it to the side panel.

It doesn't have to be at all. I don't want a big bulky rad thou. I'd be happy to have a rad on top of the case no bother. I do worry about increase in noise thou but if it can't be help, it can't be help. (It's my main objective to decrease noise )


Can you give a link to what you have Serephucus

Tea_Bag

if you're willing to do external, you can be almost entirely passive. ie no fans at all. win.

Headshot

Tea_Bag wrote: »

if you're willing to do external, you can be almost entirely passive. ie no fans at all. win.

I like that idea

Is there much involved in that and is it dearer?

Will I have to get a new case or will the R3 do the job?

Tea_Bag

You might be able to keep your case.

I was very nearly going to do the same with my rig, but I don't fancy the drawbacks, so its a definite no-no from me.

The case will become awkwardly cumbersome with a big metal box filled with water attached to it. if it gets pulled by a kid or somebody, you're going to snap the pipes, and get water all over your components. bye bye. moving the case will be a 2 man job.

also mounting it to you're case will require you to fabricate some strong brackets. you'll also likely have to drill a big hole in the side panel to route the fan cables onto the motherboard.

its also not particularly aesthetically pleasing


the good points though are:

very good at cooling.
quiet, cause you'll probably only need 2 slow fans on the rad and one or 2 inside the case.

Headshot

Oh I know what your talking about now. That's a hell no from me lol

While researching for watercooling that came up and just like yourself the draw backs were far to much

I think the best option is to have the rad outside top of the case. Id love to figure out what case should I get tbh

Tea_Bag

I'm looking through cases now that require little to no modding.

how hard is it to make a case with a 480 rad space at the top that doesn't cost a fortune

Serephucus

It's not as difficult as Tea makes out. To mount the rad on the side panel, all you need are four screw holes. You just need four screws, and four spacers. Job done. You can then route the fan cables through an empty PCI bracket.

Also, if something happens to hit the radiator hard enough to make it leak, all it'll do is spill outside the case, vs. straight down internally, like with a top-mounted rad, so it's actually safer.

This is what I've got.

deejer

Tea_Bag wrote: »

I'm looking through cases now that require little to no modding.

how hard is it to make a case with a 480 rad space at the top that doesn't cost a fortune

Ya most medium price cases require you to use the front panel of the case to mount a 280mm rad or something if you are looking for a full loop. Im would be slow enough about doing this as in most cases this would starve you of good air flow, and unless you are putting everything under water you still need decent air cooling in the case.

Really annoying me how much I need to spend on a good watercooling case. trying to pick one up second hand is not proving so successful either

Tea_Bag

When I first built my 600T based rig, there was a little devil case for 200e second hand online, and I didn't buy it. I kick myself almost every day about it.

There is a very definite niche in the market for a big rad 200e case.


Headshot, if it were my money, I'd be getting an 800D and ghetto mounting a 480 rad in the front, leaving huge potential for more rads to go near passive in the future, or the white 600T and going down the way I already am.


another thing I missed was a 360 rad for £5 on eBay yesterday. somehow my bid was rejected

Headshot

Tea_Bag wrote: »

When I first built my 600T based rig, there was a little devil case for 200e second hand online, and I didn't buy it. I kick myself almost every day about it.

There is a very definite niche in the market for a big rad 200e case.


Headshot, if it were my money, I'd be getting an 800D and ghetto mounting a 480 rad in the front, leaving huge potential for more rads to go near passive in the future, or the white 600T and going down the way I already am.


another thing I missed was a 360 rad for £5 on eBay yesterday. somehow my bid was rejected

Ya another case I liked. what ya mean by "ghetto mounting a 480 rad in the front"

deejer

Ya I agree. I think its best to bite the bullet and spend a few quid on a good case as it is something you will be able to work with in future builds.

The 800D is only built to house a 360mm rad on top but again with a bit of modding it can house a 480mm. Its why I have the TJ07 ahead in my books. That and the better build quality.

Headshot

Hard to find a Silverstone TJ07