setup for CPU+2xGPU

[marscay]

Ok i have since answered my own question about this from a bit more investigation but i still have a few more queries that i would like some help with.

Firstly i guess i am going to need either 2 HC's or 2 radiators with either a single or dual loop setup. I would much prefer to get away with everything in 1 loop if i could as it would a little bit cheaper and also cut down on some clutter in my box.

I will be overclocking both processor and video cards as far as i can, using fan controllers for when i leave it on overnight on low. Using a v2000 lian-li case i could place 1 rad/hc just above where the psu sits, could fit 2x80mm rad there, and also one on the upper level near the mobo, this would be 1x120mm. This one is where the exhaust fan would sit normally. Can anyone suggest the most approriate hc/radiator for my needs, bearing in mind that i need 2 working together and i don't have the tools for modding nor do i want to once i get this case LOL. I was also thinking of 1/2" tubing, but would i be better off with 3/8"

Here is a pic of the v2000 case so you can get an idea of the space and layout i am talking about if you aren't already aware of this case.
http://www.cluboverclocker.com/revie...2000/page2.htm

pump>rad1>cpu>gpu1>rad2>gpu2>res/t-line>pump -- does this look, sound about right??

I realise there's a wealth of information on these threads and i have spent a decent amount of time trying to increase my knowledge as fast as i can but everybody has a different view and i would appreciate everyone's idea as to how i might get there w/out modding my case and having a relatively straight forward install.

[Butcher]

1 decent rad would be sufficient. I've dropped ~400W off a TEC into my loop and my heatercore kept up reasonably well.

1/2" tubing will generally give better results, if you can fit it in.

[killernoodle]

probably not enough room for 1/2" with all that crap. 3/8" would be fine but just remember that adding complexity does not always increase performance. K.I.S.S.

[marscay]

I am all for keeping it simple but i got the impression from some other threads that cooling a 90nm 3500+ or a FX-55 and 2x video cards would require more than 1 internal radiator.

Would a Black Ice Extreme with 1x120mm fanbe upto the job? i don't think an Extreme 2 with its 2x120mm would fit horizontally in the lian-li case. Unless you can recommend a better case for this purpose.

[pdf27]

Originally Posted by marscay

Unless you can recommend a better case for this purpose.

Silverstone TJ-06? If you're willing to cut out part of the floppy bay there should be room for a dual 120mm rad at the front (that's what I'm currently planning to do, measurements look OK as the top of the floppy bay is level with the top of the motherboard, and there is a 92mm and 120mm fan in that space initially).
Not sure how much you'll think of it though - it's great for what I want but the body is steel and it's a fair bit plainer than the v2000.
I'm planning on a lower heat load (lower level A64 skt939 and a single graphics card), but reckon on needing double rads to keep fan requirements low while still having low enough temps to have a play at overclocking it.

[marscay]

yah i have had a look at the silverstone cases and i do like them, could be an option.

starting to think maybe i will ditch my SLI idea and just go the X850 pcie instead, i really want to go SLI but i don't have the resources to make necessary mods for a dual rad. Unless i tried mounting it externally with a radblock?!?!?!? or find a case which doesn't need any modding for a dual rad.


Arghh decisions decisions

[black_dante]

If you have the cash to buy an fx55 and sli/x850, i would suggest looking at this. nikhsub has one here.
you can fit a double, triple, or multiple single radiators. It is big, heavy and expensive, but perfect for water cooling. Then again the MSRP of the v2000 is aroung 250-270 in the states, so whats a hundred dollars. plus the exchange rates are heavily in your favor.

[Butcher]

Not convinced you need dual rads for SLI. If I can find some way of mounting two gpu+ram blocks on my cards I'll find out though.

[marscay]

Originally Posted by black_dante

If you have the cash to buy an fx55 and sli/x850, i would suggest looking at this. nikhsub has one here.
you can fit a double, triple, or multiple single radiators. It is big, heavy and expensive, but perfect for water cooling. Then again the MSRP of the v2000 is aroung 250-270 in the states, so whats a hundred dollars. plus the exchange rates are heavily in your favor.

Beast!!!!

Trouble with importing this is the import duty we get hit with on top of the high price of the case - albeit with the nice exchange rate atm.

i was thinking exclusively for the lian-li v2000 case because it's so sexy, but now looking at the Coolermaster stacker, it seems perfect for my needs - place thermochill on case floor where there is a grill for some airflow and we'll see how it handles the heat from a 2.8ghz A64 + 2x6800 GT's. What do you guys think is the best pump and cpu block for this setup considering i probably will have to go with 3/8" tubing due to the amount of it. I am leaning toward the eheim 1250 and mcw6000 for this flow rate. Sound ok??

[Butcher]

MCP650 is probably a better pump for your needs - it has a higher max head which means it'll be better at pumping through multiple blocks and rads.

[marscay]

alrighty mcp650 it is - you think i could actually get away with 1/2" tubing or would the difference be neglible anyway? with the cooling i want to achieve i would like to get it as good as possible.

thnx for the advise everyone - just can't wait to order and put her all together now. I didn't mention that i used to have a prometeia, going to be great not worrying about insulating the board for condensation!!!!!

[Butcher]

1/2" depends on whether you have the space for it in the case, it's hard to say for sure without actually getting everything in there. Don't forget you can form tighter bends without kinking with 3/8".

[marscay]

i'm going to give 1/2" a go, should have plenty of room in the stacker case.

also think i will go with a dual heater core instead of the BI or Thermochill, cheaper and should handle my heat loads better?!?!?

[Nickd]

since you're in the UK too I guess you're familiar with Coolercases, in which case I also guess you might have come across this thread . Looks like it would fit...
Nick

[marscay]

yes nice - thnx for that mate.