Hows this for a quick pump writeup?

[redleader]

I'm trying to write up a few things for a cooling FAQ on ArsTechnica. Before I post it over ther I was hopeing for some feedback from some the very knowledgeable readers here.

Q. Which pump should I use to watercool my computer?

A. For most people a Danner or Eheim pump is best. Danner pumps are very reasonably priced and of good quality. Eheims are more expensive, but are considered to be the highest quality by many enthusiasts. Rio pumps are used as well, but are considered to be much less reliable for use in computers.

If price is an issue, go with the Danner. They are good pumps and to get equivalent flow from an Eheim will easily cost you twice as much. If you want a nearly silent pump you can put in and never have to touch again go with the Eheim.

Popular models of Eheim are the 1048 and 1250 rated at 158 and 316 GPH respectively. Popular Danner pumps are the Model 2, Model 3, and Model 5, rated for 250, 350, and 500 GPH respectively. Larger pumps are available from both companies, but tend to be less useful due to the large amount of heat they add to the coolant and flow rate limitations in the actual setup.

What size you need depends on your setup. Larger pumps are restricted more and more by the size of your tubing while adding more and more heat to the system. An Eheim 1250 pump heats the coolant as much an 866MHz P3 or dual Celeron 300As! Also consider the restrictions in your block and radiator. A maze block, and cooling cube would be better paired with a larger pump then a low restriction setup using an open block and a heatercore.

With that in mind we know that some setups are better with certain pumps then others, but any of the pumps listed on this page will flow enough for a basic watercooling setup.

So, what do you think? Did I forget anything important?

Edit: I should probably link to stores for pumps. How does DangerDen and Petsmart sound?

[GuyBFF]

Might want to note that the new Maze 2 "upgrade" in 1/2" is one of the best flowing blocks around. It may not be completely open, but sometimes flows better due to the new tuned design, would hate to discourage the use of one of the best blocks.

Other than this sounds excellent.

[Flash]

Excellent summary! You might want to note that Danner pumps leak like sieves if used inline and not properly sealed.

[GuyBFF]

I'm still trying to figure out what everyone is doing to the danner pumps to make them leak. I've got two systems now, both water cooled, both inline, and both installed out of the box. No extra sealing. I even tried pulling on the hoses to "distort" the head like everyone says is the problem, again I've never lost a drop.

Maybe they send the good ones to Canada? I still wouldn't buy anything else.

I bought them from a friend who's sold many, and again, he's never heard of this. There sold to fish and hydroponics guys who might not be as critical, but if there was a problem you think he'd know.