Water cooling

[tater]

I'm thinking of building a new machine. Right now, the best possible place to put it is in an under desk cabinet, however. While vented, it's not vented enough. I was thinking of getting an external water cooling radiator like that reservator tower. I realize that might not quite be enough, but perhaps with the bulk of the heat removed I could cool the rest within the cabinet.

On the desktop is another option, but if so I want it to be dead quiet---if I cannot easily hear the hard drive it's too noisy.

Any ideas?

[Arclight]

I think watercooling will be the quitest, most effective solution.

Gaming PC usually has at least 3 case fans, 1 or 2 CPU fans, PSU fan. That said, I can definitely hear my HDs above the fans (more the sound of moving air, to be precise).

A good investment is always good fans, and case insulation to stop vibrations. Heck of a lot cheaper than watercooling, though far less effective. :hmmm:

[tater]

I tried to make my last build quiet (p180 case, quiet PS, etc), but it's just not. Since it's in the "media room" I'd like it to be a little more quiet, I don't hear air noise, I hear fans.

One idea I had was that my desk in question is built in (really a granite countertop area). It's next to a utility closet... I was thinking I might move the radiator into the closet if I do water cooling. If I do this:

http://www.silent.se/bilder/reserator1_c_p-410.jpg

they have a fan to add to the top if you like, but I can put that in the closet (the new one is not blue, happily, so it would look fine on the desk).

[Arclight]

For me it's mainly about gaming, I'm willing to put up with some fan-noise. But if it's for media-playback, I think watercooling is the way to go, if only to minimize noisy parts. :hmmm:

Might consider a small SSD for the OS and stream media over a network, just use large regular drives in another PC, strategically placed outside the mediaroom. (That's what I do with my second PC in my bedroom... except it doesn't have an SSD and is actually noisier with 1 fan than my gaming PC with 6. :lol:)



I think that tower will do fine for cooling without a fan, as long as you don't run a powerhungry CPU and GPU at full tilt for games.

[Task Force]

Hmm... I am useing air cooling myself... (4 fans) Its kind of loud, not too bad lol. (but WTF, Im useing a headset. lol)

From what I understand, watercooling is expensive... Ive also heard they can get a leak...:o That would suck to get a leak, lol

[CaptainHaplo]

Depending on the specs of the system - make sure you get something designed to handle the heat of your system. The initial Reserator is not designed for multi-core machines. Since the Reserator is entirely passive (no fans anywhere cooling the water), the V1 version will overheat.

Look into the V2 version instead. That will handle a quad core passively.
http://techgage.com/article/zalman_reserator_2_fanless_water_cooling/1

You can also look into the Reserator XT. Unlike the 1&2 - it is not entirely passive - but is still VERY quiet. If your really looking for no sound - the V2 is the way to go.

As for leaks - the water additive make the liquid non-conductive and non-corrosive. Its also wise to run the system for a bit before hooking it up to your pc (easy to do without having to remove and reconnect hoses if you take your time) - just to make sure. Leaks can still cause damage - but usually that is from the leak allowing an overheat - or staining the carpet.

Water cooling is fantastic - but it really requires a builder to be PATIENT.

[tater]

CaptainHaplo, thanks for that info! Will look into it. The newegg reviews on the XT are poor, but as I said, I can also shove the whole thing in my utility closet (the XT unit) and not hear it I bet.

Interesting.

I don't require ZERO noise, but a lot less than I have now would be nice.