Windows 7 - To water cool, or not to water cool...that's the question.

**GrmReaper** · 09-06-2010

So, I was perusing TigerDirect the other day, looking for a really good BBK, found what I wanted and ordered it. However, I know a guy, who knows another guy, that can get me the uber edition of the i7 core for less than TD can. As I was discussing overclocking with him, I brought up water cooling (I'm still old school, MAKE my own cases...ect), he then proceeded to tell me that water cooling was "soooo last decade" and that fans have come a long way...blah blah blah. I've seen a few of the rigs posted on here, and some are still doing WC...is it safe to assume that it's still alive and well?

**Lordbob75** · 09-06-2010

Water cooling is by FAR better than air cooling. The guy that talked about fans being better doesn't know that water transfers heat over 10 times better than air. Regardless of how powerful your fans are, a water cooling system will be more efficient.

~Lordbob

**Wishmaster** · 09-06-2010

I would agree water is better.

However, many of the better Air Coolers do quite well, for most Overclocking. Unless you are going to really be pushing for very high OCs or trying to get every last bit out of your hardware, a good Air Cooler should do just fine.
This was probably what your friend was meaning.

They are also much cheaper, and to really get the best out of a water set up, its going to cost you, as Im sure you're aware.

**pparks1** · 09-06-2010

Personally, I would use air over water because I don't want the hassle of setting up a water cooling rig. Since I never push overclocking far enough to require it...it's way overkill for my needs. However, if you are going for the max....then I believe water cooling is the best option.

**A Guy** · 09-06-2010

There are excellent air coolers now. They can get you to very high OC's. For extreme OC's, you would need to go to water cooling. Water cooling is very efficient, but unless you are planning an extreme OC, it isn't necessary. A Guy

**Kinggo** · 09-16-2010

Watercooling for sure. My GTX 480's are overclocked from 700MHz stock to 900MHz and memory from 1400 stock to 2100.
Now these things run between 90 to 100 degrees C stock with huge noisy air coolers.

I am running EK waterblocks with a GB pump and a swiftech 2 core 3 fan radiator and under 100% load with the huge overclock they max out at 59 degrees C.

Really there is no question about watercooling.

**xarden** · 09-16-2010

90-100C?
What is the ideal temperature supposed to be?
I dont know what my cpu is doing, but I thought my gpu is getting hot at 50C before I put twin fans under it... now it gets to 32-36c
I've recently put a basic Corsair H50 on my CPU any way, just to be

**Everlong** · 09-16-2010

Quote: Originally Posted by xarden

90-100C?
What is the ideal temperature supposed to be?

Well that's if the fan is at stock speeds. Increasing the fan speeds to around 60-70% will give better temps.

**bobtran** · 09-19-2010

Definately go water cooling if heat is an issue for you. If you don't want to go to the work of putting all the different items together you could just use a "Thermaltake Bigwater" system which is a complete system in a box. Personally I use the Thermaltake "Bigwater 760is " and have found it to be very good overall.

Cost $189 for complete system: Thermaltake

**linnemeyerhere** · 09-28-2010

GrmReaper,
Looking at your system spec's I would say that if you intend to OC only the CPU then I would consider either a sealed water system which has become all the rage lately like the Cool-it or the Corsair H50/H70's. If you want to take the card up, number one your will want to look at a new card and much high wattage PSU. Soon you are in a whole other ball game adding cost and complexity though the rewards can be great they can also end...poorly. Also look at the air and thermo electric coolers out there like the Ultras or V10 CoolerMaster, they do an amazing job as well. Good luck and may I also recommend reviewing your fan choice as many high output fans don't like pushing through a tight finned radiator and I've gone to Nactura's for just this reason.
The Cheese

Windows 7 - To water cool, or not to water cool...that's the question.

To water cool, or not to water cool...that's the question. problems?