Solved Water cooling

[msalton1]

I'm about to build a machine and am shopping cases. The one I'm leaning toward has water cooling options (actually, they make two versions of the case, the one in the link is the 'airflow' edition).

• I've never employed water cooling and am unsure of the set up/advantages. My questions are:
• How high are the risks of leakage?
• Does the use of a radiator eliminate the need for case fans?
• Are water cooled systems significantly cooler?

Honestly, if water cooling eliminates the need for fans, the absence of dust and noise are enough to convince me.


ps - I'm not adverse to suggestions for a different case. I'm looking for roomy, easy access to HDDs for adding/removing on demand, quality build, good cooling prospects.

 

[file3456]

Water coolers do use fans on the radiator to rid the heat from the water in the radiator much like a car. See here


I don't think water coolers are worth it because I have read many times over your temps will drop only a few degrees versus an air cooled CPU. There is the risk of a water leakage and I've heard it happen, though I don't think it's something that happens all that often.


I don't use a water cooler for the reasons I wrote and I don't want water near my computer. Even though it may not be likely you'll have a leak it could happen and I saved for a year to build my system. I wouldn't want a faulty water cooler destroying my investment.

As to dust, a water cooler won't do that since the fans are on the outside of the radiator. But you'll still have case fans which can create dust. It's gonna happen regardless. That's why once a year you use computer air spray and blow out the case. You want to use the computer spray as it's anti-static.

 

[msalton1]

Your opinion mirrors my line of thought. I can live with fans. The case I'm looking at seems to have a decent filter system. As to compressed air, I use this DataVac.


Thanks for your input (on many occasions).

 

[Golden]

• How high are the risks of leakage?
• Does the use of a radiator eliminate the need for case fans?
• Are water cooled systems significantly cooler?

There is a minimal chance of leakage - especially with high quality sealed systems
You will still need case fans to cool the other components
Yes, they are significantly cooler due to water transferring heat far more efficiently than air.

Have a look at the Corsair H60 as an entry system - I've had the same one for about 8 years and its worked flawlessly.

 

[NoN]

I builded a custom watercooling loop back in mid 2014 with two radiators 120/240 in push-pull...never had a leak or troubles with tank or pump or even fans. It stills running smooth and did only once full drain, next drain is planned late this year. I had for my money!

 

[msalton1]

Thanks for your inputs. I went with the H60. The biggest selling point for me was that the air cooled options are absolute monsters, whereas the radiator can be tucked flat at top or back. The extra cooling doesn't hurt either.

 

[Golden]