First water cooling attempt

[gamingguy27]

Hello,

Could some just check the follwing proposed water cooling build?

Swiftech Laing D5 Vario 12V Pump - 1200LPH
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-004-SW

TFC Xchanger - Single Radiator 120
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-008-FO

XPC Resivoir
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-009-XS

Zalman Anti-Corrosive Coolant 500ml (need about 4?)
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-002-ZA

And some 1/4 inch connctors and tubing.

What do you think?

Thanks.

 

[EXCellR8]

If you're only looking to liquid cool the CPU, I would just buy a pre-built kit. Swiftech makes a great little compact kit which includes a waterblock/pump and a radiator/reservoir all in one easy-to-install two-piece system. I can also recommend it because, not only do I actually own the kit, but it includes the coolant and is 3/8 ID... which is a lot better than 1/4. You can still purchase additional stuff if you're looking for a more custom setup, but it's a lot easier to start off with a solid kit over picking and choosing certain parts. This kit does a great job of keeping my overclocked Q6600 cool with a single radiator!

You can check it out on the manufacturer site... it's the H20-120 Compact
http://www.swiftnets.com/

 

[gamingguy27]

Thanks man,

What temps do you get? I'm looking to do exactly the same as you, I just wanted a decnt overclocking platform for my q6600.

What speed & vcore are you on?

Regards,

 

[EXCellR8]

I am running my Q6600 @ 3.2Ghz on 1.35 vcore 24/7. With this Swiftech kit, temps run around 35c idle and never reach 50c while under full load. These are actually high temps for my setup because the system is in the corner of a small room which is typically 10-50 even 20 degrees warmer than the rest of the house. I also have two video cards and a Mid tower case, which holds the heat in a lot more than a full tower. The kit does it's job though; I've NEVER once had a problem. It was easy to install and is very very quiet. The compact design is great and it really requires no maintenance. Just check it every now and then and that's it. Highly recommend!

 

[LinkedKube]

I've seen temps vary so much with q6600's and their oc's, and then a lot of people wind up adding too much voltage depending on which version you have, most people have "b0." If you're going to get a kit, make sure its a good one, and dont use 1/4" tubing, something a little larger.

 

[EXCellR8]

I've seen temps vary so much with q6600's and their oc's, and then a lot of people wind up adding too much voltage depending on which version you have, most people have "b0." If you're going to get a kit, make sure its a good one, and dont use 1/4" tubing, something a little larger.

Yes, overclocked Q6600s produce all kinds of temps. It really buckles down to which motherboard, case, and thermal compound you are using. The "G0" revision seems to be the best overclocker but I've seen decent results with other versions as well. Also, the kit I have recommended uses 3/8 laboratory-grade Nonprene tubing. Good stuff for liquid cooling

 

[LinkedKube]

Ahh I'm rocking Tygon right now, it just cost a bit. 1/2" though.

 

[gamingguy27]

I've got the G0 stepping on my CPU so I think the water kit should get me a pretty decent OC!

At the moment I'm running a 320 FSB with no vcore change (multiplier x9) 2.9ghz.

Hopefuly push it to 3.5 + ghz? with water cooling.

 

[EXCellR8]

The kit should do just fine under 4Ghz. It's designed to handle the Q6600 even though it's an older chip and produces more heat than some of the newer 45nm chips. I am actually using a lower multiplier and a higher FSB with my overclock. If I used the x9 multi, the speed would top @ 3.6Ghz but I didn't want to push it up that high. The noticeable difference in performance is only marginal when you hit the 3.2ish mark, so why risk it? You're going to need to raise the vcore eventually, or the system will not remain stable under heavy load. With liquid cooling you don't need to worry as much with voltage though.