Water cooling

[eli]

If I were to get my new computer, and use the stock cooling for a short period of time, then get a water cooling system, would It be a hassle with all the thermal pasts and stuff. Also, I'm very unfamiliar with doing this kind of thing, but I just have to ask. Do you need a heatsink with water cooling? and if you change heatsinks, wont you make a mess off your computer with all the arctic silver?


Thanks a lot!!

[Google]

[jadison]

First of all, judging by your previous posts a pre-built watercooling setup would be the best thing for you instead of you building one. Why? Well, it would require more work and skill on your part and generally it takes longer.

Now, I suggest you go with Air Cooling for now and for the next few weeks/months take time to read up on H2O-cooling, and any guides you can come up with via net search. From reading your past posts you'll be getting an nForce2 based system w/an AthlonXP (I recommend the XP 2400+ for a great OC'er) -> and from what Nathan suggested as a HSF combo I say stick with that for now.

Once you come to the point where you want to H2O-cool ur rig, you'll need to ask yourself how much ur willing to spend. Most H2O-cooling setups cost between $150-300, so this will be something you want to make a wise decision on.

Here is a great WaterCooling FAQ that will answer most if not all of your questions: H2O-Cooling FAQ and of course we're here too

Now, here are a few references you can read up on to see what H2O-cooling rigs look like (there are a variety), how they work, which one works best, how much, etc...you should definitely read the H2O-cooling reviews from HardOCP!

- HardOCP H2O-Cooling Rig Reviews

- Various H2O-Cooling complete kits by Koolance, Innovatek, Evercool, etc

- Thermaltake's H2O-cooling kit offering -thx DMW

- Koolance's line of H2O-cooling, incl. Case w/Kit and all

Finally, to answer your other question:

[[TN] Nathan]

and don't worry about the thermal paste, you can remove it with a little rubbing alcohol and a paper towel.

Remember, to only put on a THIN layer of thermal paste, maybe a couple of sheets of paper thick. Don't goop it on and only apply it to the core, not the heatsink.
_________________
Owner & Administrator
www.Tweaknews.net
www.Pocketbookpinch.com

[eli]

That all sounds really encouraging. I think I actually might be able to do that. I've decided on the koolance exos, and I'm going to get in once I feel comfortable with my setup. Do you apply arctic silver to your GPU, chipset, and ramsinks on your GPU, or is it just a CPU thing.



Thanks a whole bunch guys!

[[TN] Nathan]

you can apply some if you are attaching a heatsink of some sort on it or a waterblock or something.

For the memory on your videocard, you will have to use thermal adhesive to permanently glue them on.
_________________
Owner & Administrator
www.Tweaknews.net
www.Pocketbookpinch.com

[eli]

Ok, that all sounds good, do you think I will be up to this task, I have an older friend thats a computer expert, that would help me, do you think the koolance exos would be a good system, I was kind of thinking about the Thermaltake Aquarius II, what do you think.


Thanks

[[TN] Nathan]

I will recommend that you take this in a progressive manner.

Air Cooling
Water Cooling
Exos

You need to build up a knowledge of these systems to install and operate them properly. Without taking the necessary precautions, you will be exposing your new system to potential danger.

My recommendation is to READ, READ, and do somemore reading.
_________________
Owner & Administrator
www.Tweaknews.net
www.Pocketbookpinch.com

[eli]

Do you mean after air cooling is the exos, or another water cooling system? and I am going to read up all about water cooling, thanks for the advice!

[jadison]

[jadison]

Also note that most quality watercooling rigs include 2 waterblocks: one for the CPU and the other for the motherboard chipset or your GPU (graphics processor). If your motherboard chipset and/or GPU already has a HS/HSF you need to remove that 1st (obviously) before attaching the waterblock to it. If you want to be extreme and OC your graphics card to get the most out of your gaming experience then I'd suggest attaching that 2nd waterblock to the GPU, otherwise just attach it to the mobo chipset.

[eli]

To answer your questions, yes I helped my friend build his computer, some I am basically a biginer in computer hardware. I've never overclocked so im not familiar with that, and yes I do want to overclock when the time comes.

So, I am going to get a water cooling system, but im going to do what you said, and use a heatsink and fan first.


I'm very interested in computer hardware, and I want to try everything possible, including water cooling.


I think I know how to overclock, but I dont have my motherboard manual, so I guess I couldn't, but when I get my new computer, I will be able to do that stuff. Im really not under estemating the complexity of computers, and I am doing some research.

this is the best forum I've ever used thanks to you guys!

[DMW]