Water Cooling upgrade. Part 2. The GPU's and HUGE radiators are in!
19 March 2012, 06:02 PM
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Water Cooling upgrade. Part 2. The GPU's and HUGE radiators are in!
Hi Guys,
I have been taking my cooling to its final step this weekend so thought it may be of interest for folks to have a bit of a reference topic as to how a few things work out.
The system:
Case: Corsair Obsidian 800D
Mobo: Asus Maximus Extreme IV - Z
CPU: Intel Core i7-2600K @ 4.8ghz
GPU: 3 x Sapphire Radeon 7970's running standard clocks (for now)
RAM: 16GB of Corsair Vengeance 1866MHz
HDD: 2x OCZ Vertex 3 Sata 6 SSD
PSU: XFX Pro 1250w Black gamer Edition
Cooling & Monitoring
CPU Block: EK Supreme HF Plexi EN
Radiator: 1 x EK Coolstream XT 360mm Copper Fins - Single Circuit
Reservoir: XSPC Acrylic Dual 5.25 with pump inside
Pumps: Alphacool VPP655 - D5 Pump
Rad Fans: 3 x Scythe Gentle Typhoon 1850RPM - AP15s.
Case Fans: 3x Corsair 140mm fans.
Coolant: EK Clear
Ok,
So what I propose to do is as follows:
The radiator being added is a Phobya Extreme Supernova 1260.
The 4 x 200mm fans being installed on it are the Cooler Master MegaFlow 200
If anyone has any usefull comments or suggestions I would love to hear them.
I have been taking my cooling to its final step this weekend so thought it may be of interest for folks to have a bit of a reference topic as to how a few things work out.
The system:
Case: Corsair Obsidian 800D
Mobo: Asus Maximus Extreme IV - Z
CPU: Intel Core i7-2600K @ 4.8ghz
GPU: 3 x Sapphire Radeon 7970's running standard clocks (for now)
RAM: 16GB of Corsair Vengeance 1866MHz
HDD: 2x OCZ Vertex 3 Sata 6 SSD
PSU: XFX Pro 1250w Black gamer Edition
Cooling & Monitoring
CPU Block: EK Supreme HF Plexi EN
Radiator: 1 x EK Coolstream XT 360mm Copper Fins - Single Circuit
Reservoir: XSPC Acrylic Dual 5.25 with pump inside
Pumps: Alphacool VPP655 - D5 Pump
Rad Fans: 3 x Scythe Gentle Typhoon 1850RPM - AP15s.
Case Fans: 3x Corsair 140mm fans.
Coolant: EK Clear
Ok,
So what I propose to do is as follows:
- Run the NEW Aida64's system stability test for 10mins as it is now and got a screenshot.
- Install my new radiator and fans and repeated the test and got another screenshot to see what the extra cooling area does for the CPU (if anything).
- Installed my EK waterblocks on the 7970's and again, repeated the exact same 10min test.
- Run the same test again, but with no fans. (Passive)
The radiator being added is a Phobya Extreme Supernova 1260.
The 4 x 200mm fans being installed on it are the Cooler Master MegaFlow 200
If anyone has any usefull comments or suggestions I would love to hear them.
Last edited by Evolution Stu; 19 March 2012 at 06:09 PM.
19 March 2012, 06:03 PM
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The first test is done and came out as follows.
As you can see, the CPU is being looked after very well with room ambients of 22C, and the 7970's core and VRM's are having a hell of a time, although its worth noting they never get quite that hot after an hour on battlefield, so god knows what Aida64 does to them!? One things for sure, it draws some power, its the ONLY test I have that gets these carsd that hot and draws over 1KW from the outlet!
Some pictures of the progress... [I]
200mm fans fitted to backplate.
3x EK 7970 blocks.
This rad is as big as my 24" monitor. LOL
2x 140mm NB pro fans to upgrade the 2 in my case while I am at it.
The missus helping me dry up a water spillage when I spat my dummy out.
Random parts shot.
The first card coming apart.
Ready for the block.
Block fitted.
Backplate fitted.
Dont wanna slip with a screwdriver round here!
3 cards ready to be fitted with bridge and links.
1st link fitted.
All built up and ready to install. Shockingly heavy.
The Loop. Not totally happy with this as its a bit untidy, will renew later.
More testing pics soon...
As you can see, the CPU is being looked after very well with room ambients of 22C, and the 7970's core and VRM's are having a hell of a time, although its worth noting they never get quite that hot after an hour on battlefield, so god knows what Aida64 does to them!? One things for sure, it draws some power, its the ONLY test I have that gets these carsd that hot and draws over 1KW from the outlet!
Some pictures of the progress... [I]
200mm fans fitted to backplate.
3x EK 7970 blocks.
This rad is as big as my 24" monitor. LOL
2x 140mm NB pro fans to upgrade the 2 in my case while I am at it.
The missus helping me dry up a water spillage when I spat my dummy out.
Random parts shot.
The first card coming apart.
Ready for the block.
Block fitted.
Backplate fitted.
Dont wanna slip with a screwdriver round here!
3 cards ready to be fitted with bridge and links.
1st link fitted.
All built up and ready to install. Shockingly heavy.
The Loop. Not totally happy with this as its a bit untidy, will renew later.
More testing pics soon...
19 March 2012, 06:03 PM
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Had a small issue with Aida in as much as, I liked it so much I bought it, but the *beta* i dumbly downloaded it doesnt seem to recognise my 3rd card! Damn thing. 
Still,
Got it all up and running and did some testing with heaven V3 / 3dmark11 etc and all seems to be working and benching as it should, so I have proceeded.
This test was run exactly the same as before, Aida 64 stability test for ten mins with fans all at full speed, and identical screenshots taken, so here we have it...
To say I am happy with the results is a huge understatement!
So, with such great results I figured the ultimate test was in order. No fans in the system running at all.
Totally passive and, more interestingly, SILENT.
Please note:
I havent made it clear that this system has retained the EK 360mm rad in the roof as well, so I have a LOT of rad surface area. And its working.
Some almost final images...
Still,
Got it all up and running and did some testing with heaven V3 / 3dmark11 etc and all seems to be working and benching as it should, so I have proceeded.
This test was run exactly the same as before, Aida 64 stability test for ten mins with fans all at full speed, and identical screenshots taken, so here we have it...
To say I am happy with the results is a huge understatement!
So, with such great results I figured the ultimate test was in order. No fans in the system running at all.
Totally passive and, more interestingly, SILENT.
Please note:
I havent made it clear that this system has retained the EK 360mm rad in the roof as well, so I have a LOT of rad surface area. And its working.
Some almost final images...
19 March 2012, 06:04 PM
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The Aquaero system controller is now programmed as follows:
If the 1260 radiator inlet temp reaches 27 degrees fire up the 200mm fans at 20% speed.
This then ramps up at 20% every 1 degree until 30degrees at which point they run full speed.
If the water outlet into the reservoir sees 30 degrees water temps, we can assume the 1260 alone isnt dropping temps enough so the 3x scythe AP15s on the 360mm rad fire up at 20% but this time go to 50% at 31 degrees, 75% at 32 and full speed at 33 degrees.
The case fans both follow a similar curve, aiming to keep the case ambients below 28C.
All in all I am VERY happy, and for anyone interested in fan noise, the 200mm's really are silent unless you are within 12" of them.
The AP15s arent though. LOL
If the 1260 radiator inlet temp reaches 27 degrees fire up the 200mm fans at 20% speed.
This then ramps up at 20% every 1 degree until 30degrees at which point they run full speed.
If the water outlet into the reservoir sees 30 degrees water temps, we can assume the 1260 alone isnt dropping temps enough so the 3x scythe AP15s on the 360mm rad fire up at 20% but this time go to 50% at 31 degrees, 75% at 32 and full speed at 33 degrees.
The case fans both follow a similar curve, aiming to keep the case ambients below 28C.
All in all I am VERY happy, and for anyone interested in fan noise, the 200mm's really are silent unless you are within 12" of them.
The AP15s arent though. LOL
19 March 2012, 09:02 PM
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im not sure what makes the most heat.
gfx cards or cpu lol ...
what water out temps you getting from the cpu and monster awesome looking gfx array ?
also interested to know how the water splits into each coolant block ..
gfx cards or cpu lol ...
what water out temps you getting from the cpu and monster awesome looking gfx array ?
also interested to know how the water splits into each coolant block ..
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20 March 2012, 09:00 AM
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Imagine using a water chiller fed from elsewhere to cut noise out !
( Perhaps I should try and fit four into mine ?) - Nah, don't play games....
(evil) dunx
P.S. 3 GPU's will easily beat a CPU for heat output.
( Perhaps I should try and fit four into mine ?) - Nah, don't play games....
(evil) dunx
P.S. 3 GPU's will easily beat a CPU for heat output.
Last edited by dunx; 20 March 2012 at 09:05 AM.
20 March 2012, 10:16 AM
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No need for temps lower than this now, the rads are that big they cool passively. The fans only came on last night after just over 2hrs of BF3 with CPU @ 4.8ghz, all 3 cards overclocked significantly, screen res at 5760x1200 with all BF3 settings at ultra. Silence was indeed golden.
The CPU only dumps about 120W.
The GPU blocks are set up with a parallel link so they get a third of the water flow each. This is the most efficient way as in serial config, the last card in the loop gets the hottest water through it.
There is no noise mate, its totally silent.
For all but benchmarking, the fans dont even come on now.
20 March 2012, 02:59 PM
#12
Bloody Hell Stu looking amazingly with those radiators...
I'm planning put on mine setup in near future(if i would go with i7-2600k) Danger Den plus some goodies from Koolance,lovely setup and really looking like neat setup too
CM MegaFlow are great and not too noisy,as almost every fan from CM
Just wait on banter from Jack,he will tell you are spending too much and for those money you will have Mac which outperform your PC easily
Jura
I'm planning put on mine setup in near future(if i would go with i7-2600k) Danger Den plus some goodies from Koolance,lovely setup and really looking like neat setup too
CM MegaFlow are great and not too noisy,as almost every fan from CM
Just wait on banter from Jack,he will tell you are spending too much and for those money you will have Mac which outperform your PC easily
Jura
20 March 2012, 03:40 PM
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Thanks.
Its well recommended mate, so nice to have silence instead of the sound of a fighter plane at full afterburn under my desk.
Absolutely silent mine, very very pleased with them.
Possibly a hard one to defend. LOL
Ah, now that one I can fight no problem. LOL
I'm planning put on mine setup in near future(if i would go with i7-2600k) Danger Den plus some goodies from Koolance,lovely setup and really looking like neat setup too
CM MegaFlow are great and not too noisy,as almost every fan from CM
Just wait on banter from Jack,he will tell you are spending too much
and for those money you will have Mac which outperform your PC easily
20 March 2012, 08:28 PM
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was wondering if you looped the cpu into the top cooler then out of that into the gfx array would it work any better ?
and do you want this chuffing box ? or shall i donate it to the ever growing rubbish pile ?
and do you want this chuffing box ? or shall i donate it to the ever growing rubbish pile ?
21 March 2012, 12:52 PM
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Sorry mate, havent been able to pull my personal email yet as my normal drive is still out while I get this rig finished. How can I arrange delivery?
Drop me an email to sales@remapping.co.uk pal, thats my work address.
22 March 2012, 09:15 PM
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Well, I guess for now its finished.
Cpu is now running 4.9ghz stable with the cards at 1200 GPU & 1575 Ram.
Max recorded power draw now is...
Have really enjoyed building this, but now my CPU is holidng back the GPU's so its time to bide my time and await the outcome of the latest IVY bridge hardware.... then, I guess we start again, but for now, I am going to get some benchmarks done.
Cpu is now running 4.9ghz stable with the cards at 1200 GPU & 1575 Ram.
Max recorded power draw now is...
Have really enjoyed building this, but now my CPU is holidng back the GPU's so its time to bide my time and await the outcome of the latest IVY bridge hardware.... then, I guess we start again, but for now, I am going to get some benchmarks done.
24 March 2012, 10:54 AM
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Stu, can I ask. How much? Everything now. Monitors, cooling, components etc. If you don't mind of course.
I reckon not a kick in the **** of £5k.
Last edited by bigsinky; 24 March 2012 at 11:13 AM.
25 March 2012, 12:40 AM
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I tune cars for a living... I guess tuning PC's too just comes naturally. LOL
I love benchmarking to be honest, its very geeky, but fun too..., think of it as the time attack series for computers, lots of different disciplines to concentrate on, such as cpu speed, bus speed, memory speed, 3D performance, 2D performance etc etc.
I currently rank No:7 in the UK enthusiast league and 256 in the world.
Those numbers will be improving soon now this things stabilising and I have my new 30nm ram to overclock...LOL
Stu, can I ask. How much? Everything now. Monitors, cooling, components etc. If you don't mind of course. 
I reckon not a kick in the **** of £5k
I reckon not a kick in the **** of £5k
25 March 2012, 08:38 AM
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Just short of £5600 if you buy it all from scratch at once, although you would expect a decent discount if you were buying this all in one transaction, so I recon your £5K is probably spot on mate.
Last edited by Evolution Stu; 25 March 2012 at 08:39 AM.
26 March 2012, 01:53 PM
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Borrowed these images from another forum I use to save me the bother... they get the point across.
26 March 2012, 04:48 PM
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1 of those cards is twice what i paid for my i3 @ 4.4Ghz. runs what I want so I am happy. my biggest extravigance was the ssd. Ubuntu up in about 10 seconds.those screen shots look schweet man :nods:
26 March 2012, 05:06 PM
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SSD is still definately the biggest single improvement you can make to a modern PC. Mine boots to desktop from off in 8 seconds now and everything you do is literally instant.
Mechanical disks are so bloody old technology... people are shocked when I fit an SSD for them. Even more so if I install 2 in raid 0 for 1gb per second.
Mechanical disks are so bloody old technology... people are shocked when I fit an SSD for them. Even more so if I install 2 in raid 0 for 1gb per second.
Last edited by Evolution Stu; 27 March 2012 at 02:42 PM.
