[sdiy] new computer

[Brice D. Hornback]

Ah... water cooling.  A bit off-topic but since most of us record to our
computers it's not really.  Here is definitely a DIY project I did a few
years ago (when the Duron 700 was first released):

http://www.cyberbound.net/overclock/

That *was* my primary PC.  It ended up with an Athlon 1.333 GHz processor in
it, etc., etc.  WAS being the primary word there.  The 250 gallon per hour
"pond pump" decided the impeller seal didn't need to work any longer and
dumped all the coolant (a mixture of distilled water and a bit of "water
wetter" with food coloring added) into the bottom of the case.  There was
enough copper (the water block is VERY well designed) to keep the processor
cool for a while... but when all the coolant hit the 120mm front inlet
fan... well... yes, it hit the fan.  Coolant everywhere.  <POOF>

So... after a new motherboard, processor (with heatsink/fan this time!),
memory, hard drive, etc... my new Athlon 2800 XP system was born.  This is
what I use for recording all my samples.

Long story short... water cooling a PC is great.  It is very quiet (I didn't
need to run the pair of 120mm inlet and outlet fans but usually did as I was
overclocking the processor WAY beyond what should have been possible).  Will
I do it again?  Probably.  Will I use an inexpensive (read as in plastic...
this pump was nearly $80) and INTERNALLY mounted pump?  No.  I would use a
very high-quality industrial pump mounted externally to the PC case.  Do I
recommend water cooling a PC?  No.  Why?  Because not matter what... (I
don't care what the manufacturer says if you're buying one of the
pre-assembled units) water cooled computers require maintenance.  You have
to check the seals and retighten the hose clamps every once in a while.
Complete system flushing is also recommended (just like your radiator for
your car).  If done correctly, it is a very good way to cool a computer.
BUT... I've also heard a lot of horror stories to add to my own.

Have fun!
- Brice
http://www.SynthModules.com

"The trouble with real life is that there's no danger music."
- Jim Carrey from "The Cable Guy"

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Roman" <modular at go2.pl>
To: "jhaible" <jhaible at debitel.net>
Cc: <synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl>
Sent: Wednesday, April 07, 2004 3:30 AM
Subject: Re: [sdiy] new computer


> Since I've installed "Arctic Cooling" fan in my PC, the biggest noise I
can hear now is my Barracuda HDD, which is pretty quiet anyway. No need for
fanless PC for me. I considered water cooling, but I'm happy now with
solution 20 times cheaper.
>
> Roman
>
> ---- Wiadomość Oryginalna ----
> Od: jhaible <jhaible at debitel.net>
> Do: diy <synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl>
> Data: Wed, 7 Apr 2004 01:38:03 +0200
> Temat: [sdiy] new computer
>
> >Remember my deep aversion against noisy fans in the
> >music studio? Kept me from doing any music related
> >stuff on the PC so far. I hope this will change soon.
> >I ordered one of these today:
> >http://www.deltatronic.de/int/pc/index.html
> >Can't say if it's worth the extra money yet, but I'm
> >eagerly waiting to find out. (It will come by the
> >end of next week.)
> >
> >JH.
> >
> >
> >
> >
>