computer Liquid cooling?

Question

If you read my last few questions (You don't need too) you will realize I am getting a new PC. Cooling is one of the most important features for a case. The case I am looking at is this

http://modders-inc.com/reviews-story-5-119.html
here is a review on it also. URL for review below.

http://fusionmods.net/?theCase=viewThread&threadID=438

with 5x120MM fans and 1x200MM fan. I am looking to get an 8800GTS video card probably the 320MB version. So I am worried about it being so big and causing bad airflow plus its powerful and produces lots of heat anyhow.

How much does liquid cooling cost to setup in a case. When stacked against fan cooling how good is it? What can go wrong? is it easy to manage once its properly setup. Are there differnt types of liquid cooling?

The first URL should of been this.

http://www.antec.com/us/productDetails.php?ProdID=15900

I always have bad luck. I hate managing things. The though of leak makes me scared. Its also somewhat expensive. I think my case is probably pretty good for a non crossfire or sli setup.

Answer 1

I researched this myself. You can't set it up inside the case yet, but Dell has come out with a PC that already has it built in. You can buy a separate unit that has a reservoir, a pump, and a radiator in it, but those can cost 150-430 dollars. Of Course theres a chance of something leaking, which would be catastrophic to your PC. It can also make it much higher maintenance. Also, you will still have to leave one fan in it, and it can be complicated and time consuming to set it up. The upsides are, if installed correctly, can help your computer run about 25 degrees cooler. It is also much quieter than a bunch of noisy fans. So basically, If it's going to get really hot, and you want it to run cooler, you might want to look into liquid colling.

Answer 2

We're talking expensive here.

Six fans, in addition to the cpu hsf and the chipset fan and the vid card fan and the psu fan[s] = plenty of noise.

So since you don't mind spending some on a computer, to cut the noise you should go for liquid cooling. Unless you don't mind the noise.

People have the 8800's in regular cases without liquid cooling and fewer fans and do fine with that. So if you are building the machine, just be sure there is plenty of room, the wires and cables are well managed, and the box is not tucked into some heat trapping cubby hole.

Answer 3

Well liquid cooling is better than a fan because that's what cars use (liquid cooling), but for something like a computer, I would rather use fans because if something goes wrong and the liquid pipes break, you could have a very nasty situation on your hands. My store bought computer right now has 2 small fans, and it's never burned out. Don't leave your computer on for excessive amounts of time, leave it on hyberation or stand by to reduce the possibilities of meltdowns. Also keep it in a well ventilated area, not too close to ground and keep the fan area clear.

Answer 4

I think you are trying to crack an egg with a hammer, first, graphics card will have a fan, and these are normally designed to take out the heat while its inside a case, with the amount of case fans you have, I doubt it will ever overheat, the only time it might do it is during the hot seasons, when your room temp is higher, so your case is sucking in warm air rather than cool, making cooling less efficient.

I have a server here with a dual-core 3.4GHz and 8 hard drives, they most likely produces more heat than your graphics card, yet they are cooled by 1x12cm at front and 2x12cm at rear.

Answer 5

I'd skip the Liquid cooling.

But check everything out at http://www.newegg.com and read the customer reviews. You might look at liquid cooling

For instance, look at Thermaltake Big Water SE 120mm Liquid Cooling System $109.99
at http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835106063
The negative reviews are almost funny, when you imagin the trouble they went through. I would go with MORE AIR.

Good luck and Happy Computing!

Answer 6

First thing to consider when building a liquid cooling system will be the space available inside your casing. you will need some space to place your pump inside the case.

Next you will need to tidy up all the power cables inside your system so that it look neat and will be easier for you to work on your liquid cooling pipes later on.

One recommended liquid cooling system will be 3D Galaxy II from gigabyte.
http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Products/LiquidCooling/Products_Spec.aspx?ProductID=2341&ProductName=3D%20Galaxy%20II

Its splitter valve design is definitely great for faster replacement and add new cooling equipment, eg a VGA waterblock for your VGA card cooling.

Price for liquid cooling will range from 100USD to 300USD, depending on the type of component you are going to get.

Answer 7

You really don't want to get into liquid cooling. It is expensive, it will be difficult to install enough pipework in the case, subject to leakage (which could destroy the machine) and needs a substantial heat exchanging system externally.