First Watercooling Project

[eXz]

Hi All,

I'll start by saying, my camera sucks, haha. This is my first water cooling build and I was ambitious to try video card and CPU my first time. I did a lot of research and now am looking for some feedback. I followed alot of DazMod videos and found them very helpful.

System:

i7 920 @ 4Ghz
Rampage 3 Extreme
6GB Corsair 2000mhz Domintator
GTX480 (Koolance Waterblock)
2x80 Intel X-25M
Corsair HX-1000 PSU
HAF 932 Case

I used the Swiftech H20-220 kit, however, I used custom Blue UV tubing although it looks purple on my crappy camera. Feser One UV Blue Liquid, and compression fittings where I could. I will also most likely be replacing the swiftech res because although I love most of the products that came in the kit I was disappointed with not being able to put compression fitting on the res. All in all I think it was a success my video card temps dropped about 40 degrees.

Please let me know what you think, thank you.

[eXz]

Any comments are appreciated.

[gingerbee]

Welcome to hwc's very nice work on the build how are cpu temps with card in loop in that order on just 1 mcr220 right? just curiuos

[eXz]

Temps on the 480 are awesome, on load they are at 50 degrees @ 850 core and 2000 memory.

On the CPU they are not as good because I was more concerned about the graphics card I am about 30 - 35 degrees idle in Windows and 40-45 degrees load with video game testing. I would have really liked to do a second rad on the back to give the CPU some more cooling however I'm okay with the temps right now.

[eXz]

I should mention though, I tried 2 types of loops and bleeding it was a real pain, however, in my findings I found CPU hit first with cool or second, did not really affect the temperatures too much after the system got going.

However I think if I want optimal cooling, I would need 2 rads. So I more went with "what looks the best" rather than the standard CPU first. Has anyone else tried this and noticed a difference in cooling?

[Liu Kang]

Originally Posted by eXz

I should mention though, I tried 2 types of loops and bleeding it was a real pain, however, in my findings I found CPU hit first with cool or second, did not really affect the temperatures too much after the system got going.

Water temp doesn't vary much in a loop assuming you have decent flow. I'm not a fan of Swiftech, but that's a nice setup for a first timer.

[eXz]

Thank you very much, though I really like the CPU Block, and the RAD is doing a decent job. On a future build, I would probably use custom parts though the value of the H20-220 kit is really good.

I really dislike the reservoir. Does going from a 2 fan RAD to a 3 fan RAD affect temperatures much? I think for a CPU GPU loop a 2 fan rad though it works, is not ideal.

[gingerbee]

those temps are pretty good was curious how much a single 480 would add. what's your ambient?

[eXz]

Typo on CPU on load I am at 45-55 degrees not 40-45 my mistake.

My ambient is around 34 degrees average.

Would a 3 fan rad help much?

[ForTheGG]

Yes, the size and make of the radiator determines how much heat it can dissipate.