Liquid Cooling

[Dave Johnson]

Ben Scott writes:
> On 5/30/06, Sean <tech.junk at verizon.net> wrote:
> > I actually figured there would have been a few people here who would be
> > using liquid cooling, but no responses.
> 
>   For whatever reason, the members of this group appear to tend
> towards a pragmatic bent, and/or are IT professionals.  Liquid cooling
> is generally not cost-effective (it gives you a comparatively small
> performance gain, for a high cost and risk).  It's major application
> seems to be so people can indulge in games of one-up-manship.  Nothing
> wrong with that, but you don't see it much in a business environment.
> 
> -- Ben

If you're after a quieter computer (as to over-clocking) there are some
easier steps to take before liquid cooling:

* Invest in a quieter cpu HS/Fan with adjustable speed (manual or
  temperature based).  I've had great success with Zalman parts.

* Get a case with BIG intake/exhaust fans, 120mm is very good, 60mm
  should be avoided at all costs.

* If the fan covers are punched out of the case material cut them out
  especially if they are made up of tiny holes.  Replace with an
  attachable wire grill.  I've seen some cases with more than 66% of
  the fan covered with only very small holes cut out.  You can double or
  triple the airflow by opening up the fan.

* If your case rattles or vibrates get some sound dampening material.
  I've had very good success with Akasa PaxMate brand material.

* If you're motherboard has a north-bridge fan, consider replacing it
  with a large passive heat sink.  Some companies sell these but this
  of course isn't for the novice.  Same goes for a GPU fan.

* Get an adjustable fan speed controller for your case fans.  If
  you've done the above steps you can under-volt your case fans
  significantly and still get more than enough airflow.  A good 80mm
  case fan can be very quiet at 1300rpm and still push a lot of
  airflow if it is unobstructed.

-- 
Dave