Liquid cooling?

[MouSe-2005]

Ok, my system specs are in my signature. CPU cooler is a Xigmatek Dark Knight. Does anybody think I'd benefit much, if at all, from liquid cooling?

The only thing I can think that would benefit would be my GPU's.

 

[Jaillum Malord]

I cannot speak for other Liquid cooling solutions since the Corsair H50-1 is my first forray into water cooling, but all i can say is that with it and my system running at 4.0 ghz idle temps are 35 degrees and load is never more than 53

 

[DaJMasta]

Depends on what kind of setup. Something like the H50 or H70 would give you slight benefits over what you've got in overall temps and lower spikes with sudden loads. An older 1/4" system would be a downgrade. Some of the water cooling kits that run 3/8" would also be a downgrade. If you went to a nice half inch system you'd get lower temps on your CPU, much lower temp spikes, and you'd be able to run a GPU or two in the mix if you had a decent sized radiator.


You wouldn't see a huge difference either way, but you could potentially get a bit more OC and get more components on the loop (less heat in the case, less case ventilation needed). With a reasonable loop you would also see consistently lower temps.

 

[Greasy]

Don't bother with water if you're not doing a custom setup. If you buy some descent components from (swiftech, danger den, ek, etc) you'll destroy that Xigmatek. You'll also spend 300 bucks in the process.

Thermaltake = No!

 

[MouSe-2005]

So what I'm gathering is since I'm not really worried about getting a crazy OC out of the deal, I'm good with what I got?

 

[Greasy]

So what I'm gathering is since I'm not really worried about getting a crazy OC out of the deal, I'm good with what I got?

Yes.

 

[MouSe-2005]

Copy, thank you.

 

[Qb2k5]

Save your money and keep what you have. In your setup the only benefit you will get is a much quieter system and cooler temps. $250+ for a good water cooling kit could easily be used for a second gpu or an ssd drive.

 

[MouSe-2005]

I already have 2 cards, hence the "x2" after the video cards in my sig.

 

[Qb2k5]

Well damnit, get an SSD.

I noticed you live in florida. Do you live in south florida or up north?

 

[MouSe-2005]

I live in the panhandle, 50 miles west of Pensacola. Not for long though, getting stationed in Korea soon.

 

[meerkat154]

The primary reason I went with water cooling was the fact that I can reduce the noise and fans rotating in my case. It certainly dropped the noise level waaay down and then when you pair that with an SSD drive your machine is very quiet except for the PS and pump on the water cooler.
-Kat

 

[Ristogod]

I live in the panhandle, 50 miles west of Pensacola. Not for long though, getting stationed in Korea soon.

That's a year most people don't really speak fondly of.

 

[MouSe-2005]

That's a year most people don't really speak fondly of.

I can't wait actually. If I spend another year in my current squadron I'll go insane quickly.

 

[SteadV?x]

So what I'm gathering is since I'm not really worried about getting a crazy OC out of the deal, I'm good with what I got?

i'd say so, I used to work in specialist watercooling shop, and as much as my mate would hate it, i'd say water cooling is a waste of time (and considerable amount of money) unless you want to do a massive o/c.

worst memorie I have is dual pcb cards, stupidly expensive, stupidly easy to mess up with a waterblock.

saying that, I totally see the hobby side of it, but for practical reasons, its a bit crazy

 

[@md_Guy]

The primary reason I went with water cooling was the fact that I can reduce the noise and fans rotating in my case. It certainly dropped the noise level waaay down and then when you pair that with an SSD drive your machine is very quiet except for the PS and pump on the water cooler.
-Kat

I too had moved to water cooling in the quest for a silent PC .. however the constant "whhhiirrr" of the pump, although "quieter" just added more of a audible nuisance than using 120mm high flow low rpm fans. With a Noctura 120mm and 2 MSI 5770s hawks in CF the system is barely audible and only when extreme OCing does it "come alive".

And while Thermaltake would NOT be my 1st choice it's hardly BAD.. I customized a thermaltake system (added a 2nd fan in.. ie [FAN][RAD][FAN] a suck > pull fashion) along with a Volcano HSF and even the minuscule 3/8 to 1/4 tubing was able to keep the CPU from ever going over 35C. I finally retired the h20 system in favor of a nearly maintain-less HSF assembly.. no more seemingly weekly refills. I do wish I could have kept the Volcano HSF, for the $ it was nearly unmatched.