BIP mounting advice nOOb alert

[z3scott]

Figuratively and literally dipping the toe into the H20 pool hopefully this weekend.
Components: DD RBX w/SHD, DD Maze4 GPU, BIP, Frozen Tundra single bay res, Hydor L30, 3/8"id pvc, HydrX, Panaflo 120mmx38mm and CritiCool 2 relay.

This is all going in a Chenbro Xpider for my son's birthday, pix and description:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...=BROWSE&depa=0

System specs: Bart 2500 1.825v "locked"; Biostar M7NCD Pro; Buffalo BH-5 PC-3700 2x256MB; ATI 9800; 2x Cuda 7200.7 80GB Raid 0; Antec True 480w PSU; currently running 11x204 have had it 11x214 1.85v but heat starts climbing too high for my comfort level and it gets a bit dodgy (memtests & prime's ok though)

Given my intentions are to 1)lower noise levels 2)provide some additional OC headroom based on lower temps attained with the new cooling setup (I have accumulated decibel and temp data for b4/after comparison). I'm considering two approaches to mounting the BIP radiator without resorting to serious case mods.

My preference would be to find a secure way to mount the BIP internal at the rear 120mm fan exhaust location and utilize my current Sunon 120x25 (90cfm) pushing combined with the 120x38 Panaflo (87cfm) pulling, {the Panaflo would be mounted external perhaps w/standoffs and kluge a shroud around it}. I thought this would provide convenience for good expeditious exhausting of the radiator's heat. If I can't find a relatively safe and secure means of aligning and mounting it (and the fans) there the backup plan would be internal toward the front of the case below the HD cage using a 92x25 cfm? at the the input feeding fresh air to the BIP with the Panaflo drawing thru the rad.

As along as I have the Tundra bay res higher in the box than the other components does the orientation of the BIP's barbs (nice alliteration eh?) matter? In other words can I have the rad on it's side or tilted (if mounted in the lower front location) etc. w/o any major consequences and prevent trapping air in the it?

I propose to have it flow in this manner: pump>rad>RBX>y connector>Maze4 gpu>res>pump

Suggestions, comments very much appreciated.
TIA
Scott

[Gooserider]

Given that you want low noise as well as good cooling, I would probably make my first choice to mount the rad at the front of the case pulling in cool air from the outside.

Fans inside the case will make less noise, and the cooling will be best using room air instead of air that has already been partially warmed by going through the chassis. (but the chassis cooling won't be noticeably hurt...)

Given the components you mention, what I would probably do is put the BIP on the front inside, with no fan in front of it, then put the 120 X 38mm Panaflo pulling through it via a 1-2" deep, tightly sealed shroud. I would NOT use a push fan in the front of the rad since front mounted fans are big noise generators (since there is a direct path from the fan to your ears). That and the PSU fan might be enough to cool the system, if it isn't I would add the 120 x 25 mm fan to the back of the case as an exhaust fan. (if doing this, seal all other case openings)

In either case, I would also remove ALL stamped steel intake and exhaust fan grills, and make sure there is a good free air path to the intake side of the rad. If you are worried about pets or baby fingers, use a steel wire grille, otherwise leave the holes open - this will minimize noise and maximize airflow.

Also pay attention to decoupling (rubber mounting) all fans, HDD's, and other moving bits. You might want to check out the Silent PC Review (SPCR.COM) website and forums for more details. This is the best cooling site, but they are the "Pro-Cooling" of low noise.

As along as I have the Tundra bay res higher in the box than the other components does the orientation of the BIP's barbs (nice alliteration eh?) matter? In other words can I have the rad on it's side or tilted (if mounted in the lower front location) etc. w/o any major consequences and prevent trapping air in the it?

Yes, it makes a BIG difference! You should make sure the rad output barb is at the highest possible point, on the rad so as to avoid trapping air in the rad. In general you should try to arrange the coolant flow to be as close to straight up and down as you can, avoid loops where the coolant line goes up and then back down, as any loop can trap air and trapped air will do really bad things to your cooling ability.

Also make sure to use a LARGE hose between your res and the pump intake if they are seperated. It is very important that the pump not have to 'work' to get it's intake flow. (Assuming the rest of the system was 1/2" tube, I would make the res -> pump in line 3/4" tube, preferably reinforced so it can't collapse.)

Good luck,

Gooserider

[z3scott]

Originally Posted by Gooserider

Yes, it makes a BIG difference! You should make sure the rad output barb is at the highest possible point, on the rad so as to avoid trapping air in the rad. In general you should try to arrange the coolant flow to be as close to straight up and down as you can, avoid loops where the coolant line goes up and then back down, as any loop can trap air and trapped air will do really bad things to your cooling ability.

Also make sure to use a LARGE hose between your res and the pump intake if they are seperated. It is very important that the pump not have to 'work' to get it's intake flow. (Assuming the rest of the system was 1/2" tube, I would make the res -> pump in line 3/4" tube, preferably reinforced so it can't collapse.)

Good luck,

Gooserider

Thanks for giving me the feedback.
I'm on vay cay til Sunday evening and borrowing limited comp time so will respond with more then.

I'm a bit confused regarding your comments on the H2O flow. So highest rad barb s/b the output?

The best routing for my system is pump>>cpu>>gpu>>res>> rad>>pump. Rad is on it's "side" up front as you have mentioned thus one barb is higher than the other.

***Due to the fact this is an extremely tight Mid-tower configuration I'm using 3/8" tubing from the pump>cpu>gpu>res 1/2"out from res>BIP rad>pump input. Obviously I'm not taking advantage of the reservior out to pump. This is in trying to minimize additional tubing, bends or 90 degree fittings (partially due to space considerations), also to eliminate the degrading effects of the same. Am I "missing the boat" by taking this course. What are the indicators of problems to watch for in this configuration (res>rad>pump)?

I have re-plumbed the res output to the "lower" BIP fitting per Gooserider's recommendation and will be water testing tonight.

Thanks again for the advice.