Future proof waterblock?
 

Hi,
I've been watercooling with a rubbish off the shelf kit for a year now and want to build a custom kit. The thing is I want to get into peltier cooling but haven't got the cash at the moment... I'll have to wait another 6 months, however I don't want to have to change my setup too much when I finally get round to it.
I was pretty much set on getting a LRWW but then realized this can't be used effectively on a pelt.
Does this also apply to the DD RBX cos thats was my next choice?
If so it's gonna be either the Maze 4 or 3. Any ideas on that?

future proof waterblock? pretty much your only option would be something based on a s940 setup. AMD plans to have it around as long as they have had sA.

intel will just flop around a bunch as per usual. the s754 is going to fade soon, and s939 isnt released yet.

s940 was designed with dual core processers in mind :)

You might look into the AquaJoe block: made for a TEC, and "future compatible".

dig deeper, compare what is offered

Ben is promoting a lesser performing wb (see OCers),
and an amateurish implementation of a TEC
and most others - but not all - are no better

I would say the Swiftech blocks. Strong performers with or without TEC's. As for future compatibility, acrylic/lexan were made for a reason.

I would not say its “amateurish” ;) although it does require a little more knowledge of pelts then just slapping it on and provide power – it is clearly targeted for the more advanced users yet it is not so complex that it cannot be solved by someone with minimal experience.

sold in pieces, not assembled
ONLY 4 retaining screws
no (diecut and installed) closed cell insulation

please joemac, I was not referring to the purchasers as “amateurish”

There's always the ole trusted DD Maze 4-1 product. Haven't seen it used with a TEC though. Swiftech makes a good product too, another time tested product.

The RBX is not a candidate for a TEC (at least according to DangerDen.com ) as the design just isn't meant to accomodate one.

you need to get a block that had been designed from the ground up, specifically to be used with TEC's.....
unfortunately, I have to say, anything other than a pin-grid design would probably not come close to what can be had with a properly implemented pin-grid block.

Cheers for the info guys.. so no one can recommend the maze 3 on a pelt then? I thought that was a commonly used config.

What I'm trying to say is that is the swiftech mcw5002 the only block that is made for a pelt but can also be comfortably used to cool the cpu straight?

AMD or Intel ?

-> the MCW5002-PT™ has a flat bp (with which the TEC is in contact);
it is an Intel solution, it does NOT have a relief for the socket 462 cam box

there is an AMD TEC head also, but it has not been released (too many things goin' on)

there are other mfgrs of TEC heads, but they are different in the details

Sorry its for a p4 2.8. I'm thinking of the maze 4-1 at the moment as it seems to have better reviews than the swiftech... however I'm really not that sure. I'm trying to do as much research as possible this week before I go back to uni. Anyone rate the maze 4-1? Ive heard the 3-1 is rated better by some people but the majority seem to go with the 4.

He he, pHaestus here just posted a review of the Maze 4, and the Swiftech block still beats it. But hey, see for yourself:
http://www.procooling.com/reviews/ht...iew_-_4_11.php

Bill in his typically charming way points out a vital aspect of peltier usage. Peltier mounting pressure is critical to overall performance, and choosing a block that can supply a lot of pressure evenly is a good idea. The Swiftech and the Aquajoe perform pretty similarly in straight water cooling testing and so the 8 screw mounting of coldplate for Swiftech vs. 4 for Aquajoe is really the only way they'd differ in performance significantly in peltier tests. The Maze 4 also uses 8 screws for coldplate mounting but the water channels dont even cover the entire size of the peltier so I'm not sure how well it does.

ok here's another quick one... Is it true that the swiftech mcw5002-pt has less of a problem with condensation than a maze 4-1 as it is an all in one solution. I think i read this a few hours ago but can't see how it is true. Anyone shed any light on that?

While I don't know if there is a TEC version of the new Silverprop SE 462 block, the internal micro fin pattern is the only micro block I've seen with enough area to, I think, cover a TEC well.

Sorry to say I don't know if they are going to offer such.