[Gooserider]

I'd like to get some opinions on the following WB design which I'm planning for my next system.

The system I'm designing for has to use a clip on type mounting, using the lugs on the CPU socket. I can't use a 4-bolt style because the mobo I'm using doesn't have the holes for it.

I see this as constraining my design in some ways. I don't see an easy way to do a center input for instance, since the clip will be using that real estate for applying mounting pressure.

Instead, I'm planning to do a high flow serpentine pattern with a bunch of turbulence pins in the center part of the passage over the die area. I'm using 1/2" inlet and outlet barbs. My mill is manual, so I can't do the level of fancy curves and such that the CNC guys can put out. This design is all straight lines, so it should be pretty easy to make.

As I interpret the AMD Athlon cooling design docs, I have a maximum width (between the clips) of 63mm (2.44") by up to 80mm (3.2") long. Are these dimensions right?

Assuming that they are, my block will look about like the following <UGLY ASCII ART ALERT!!>

--------------------------------------
|.....................................|
|..|-------------------------------|..|
|..|.........................|.IN..|..|
|..|.........................|BARB.|..|
|..|.....|..X..X..X..X..X..X.|.....|..|
|..|.....|.X..X..X..X..X..X..|.....|..|
|..|.....|..X..X..X..X..X..X.|.....|..|
|..|.....|.X..X..X..X..X..X..|.....|..|
|..|.....|..X..X..X..X..X..X.|.....|..|
|..|.....|.X..X..X..X..X..X..|.....|..|
|..|.....|..X..X..X..X..X..X.|.....|..|
|..|.....|.X..X..X..X..X..X..|.....|..|
|..|.OUT.|.........................|..|
|..|BARB.|.........................|..|
|..|-------------------------------|..|
|.....................................|
--------------------------------------

<END UGLY ASCII ART>

The block will be about 3/4" thick, with a 1/4" copper top. The bottom will be about 3/16" thick (3-4mm). The walls will be about 5/16" thick, mostly so I have room to drill and tap for #6-32 screws to hold it together. (I'm thinking 3 screws on the short sides and 4 on the long ones (mostly to clear the clip hardware) should be appropriate.) Side question on the screws, Is Stainless OK to use for fastening screws, or should I look for brass or copper screws?

The channels on the outside will be about 1/2" wide to minimize flow restriction.

The X's represent the turbulence area, which I plan to make by using my smallest mill bit (1/8") to cut as many passages as I can at a 45* angle to the block in each direction with about equal amounts of width for the channels and the pins. I think I should be able to get at least 5 sets of channels into the space which will give me a bigger flow area than the side channels, but a lot more turbulence.

What do people think? Will it work reasonably well?

I know it probably won't even come close to some of Cathar's blocks, but I don't think I need to. I would like to think I can match some of the commercial efforts. FWIW, I am planning to use a high volume pump such as an Eheim 1048 or 1250 or equivalent, so what I don't get in cooling quality, I should make up for in volume.

Comments and suggestions are welcomed and appreciated...

Thanks,

Gooserider