[Amateur] Mission ImPA120.3 - Overclock.net

Sun · 12-09-08

FINAL PICS: Page 4

Well, after some pondering, shuffling around, and a good bit stupidity, I have decided to squeeze a PA120.3 into an Antec 300. I want a completely internal setup.

Wish me luck.

Current Rig:

Sun · 06-30-09

The Objective:
Set up an internal water cooling system, using a recently purchased PA 120.3 from the forum.

The Reason:
My passive Orochi is starting to struggle. Intel specifies that my X3350 has a thermal limit of 71°C. The Orochi lets it get that hot without much fuss.

The Plan:
If the "passive Orochi" did not give it away, I like my system quiet. Therefore, I want to use minimal fans, and a quiet pump. My 3870 is loving the passive Accelero it is mated with, so it remains air-cooled. However, this CPU only loop will be fun fitting into my case, I suspect. Fitting a PA 120.3 into my cased will prove challenging, and fruitless if I use the wrong combination of components. First, I must pick out the parts to my loop, and make sure that they match and compliment eachother. Next, I want to fit all the new goodies inside my rig without altering its outside appearance.

The Details:
1. I am using 3/8" ID Tygon tubing, stretched over 1/2" fittings. Black cable ties will be used to secure the tubing.
2. I plan on using stock Antec fans to keep my current noise level unchanged. Some GentleTyphoons may come later.
3. Access will be dismal. It looks like I will have to tie in the loop in situ. Space is short.
4. I do not care for absolute performance, only that my processor temp never climbs above 71°C.
5. The case image must remain unchanged fro the outside.

Disclaimer
Functionality is key. I am not one to stress over detail. If you want polished work, please visit another log. My work is not atrocious, but it is not perfect by any stretch.

Sun · 06-30-09

The Parts:

PA 120.3
This monster was the king of quiet before TFC came onto the scene. Sure, the MCR320 will probably beat it at my heat load (sub 200 watts) and fan speed (single low speed 140mm) according to Martin, (MCR320 PA120.3), but I have always seen the PA as a beast, and its pressure drop is minimal compared to the MCR320. My pump choice warrants this.

Enzotech Sapphire Rev. A
After seeing this amazing post, I had to have the Enzotech. Second best thermal result, highest flow by a wide margin. Couple this with the fact that I bought it from the Egg for $40, it was perfect for my project.

D-Tek Db-1
This pump defined my loop. I heard it was the quietest available, and performed well to boot. However, I suspected that it had a low tolerance for pressure, so I sided with the high flow PA and Enzotech. Its small size also helps with placement, fitting anything larger would require crazy tubing, I think.
(I would rather not mention that I considered buying this pump at first, which was what really drove me to get low pressure drop components. I would much rather say I chose the Db-1 to begin with, but sparse information sacred me away from it. Luckily, it just so happens that the Db-1 is also a low pressure, high flow pump as well, so it worked for my build in the end.)

Sun · 06-30-09

Front of the box.

Back of the box.

Inside the box.

First layer of foam block removed.

Second layer, plus barbs and TIM.

Third layer, and the block is free.

Fourth Layer, the rest becomes visible.

All out, and the spread.

The layers, as you can see, they are plentiful.

The base reflects my [dirty] flash drive painfully well.

An inside shot, poor at that.

This does nothing to capture the clean beauty of the block.

Overall, not bad at all for $40. I was so close to paying 50% more to get it from Performance-PCs, as Frozen-CPU had it listed, but not in stock, for $50.

Sun · 06-30-09

The box.

Opened.

All the parts.

All the important parts.

Barbs come with O-rings, pump comes with isolating mounts, and it is small. A steal for ~$45.

Sun · 06-30-09

PA vs Sapphire

PA Thickness

Enzotech Fillport

The fillport will be connected to a brass Tee.

Sun · 06-30-09

Words cannot describe this process. Pictures speak all.

The two contenders.

Possible orientation.

Optical drives will not be happy.

Final orientation.

Marking the Cut.

I will butcher you.

Seems to fit.

Good from this end.

The back (barbs) of the rad rest on top of the PCI slots. The front rests upon the cutout I made. I have secured the back barbs to the case via zip ties through the fan grill. Hold is sturdy and true. The front needs filler to keep it stable, but I have an idea...