rmvvwls

So I'm looking at watercooling an Antec mini p182.
I've worked out that I can probably fit 1x 120mm radiator and 1x 240mm radiator in the case.

Would this be enough to cool:
Intel i7-860 (tdp 95W, will be OC)
2x ATI 5850 (aiming for tdp 400W combined) OR 1x ATI 4870x2 (tdp 280W)

For a combined total of ~500W off those rads?

Also, can such a system be used without needing to be drained for 2 years. I'm hoping that this could basically be maintenance free.

Attached is how the system could be laid out.
If this proves too difficult, the other option is to spend the money on an i7-920 and do a good job air-cooling it.

Attached Thumbnails

 

__________________

OtherMike

looks like a pretty good layout to me. im guessing you want to run it in a series such as; pump>big radi>cpu>small radi>gfx>return, thats how i would do it anyway. what parts did you have in mind?

__________________
take the high road, there will be more room for me down here.

rmvvwls

Just a thought, how much heat is a single 240 rad capable of dissapating? ie would I be able to run the entire loop off just that one.
If not, it would be something like pump > cpu > 120 > gfx cards > 240
If so, then pump > cpu > cards > 240

Edit: as for parts... not really sure. I was more seeing if it was feasible at the moment.
I would prefer that as many parts as possible come from www.altech.com.au, but www.pccasegear.com.au will be the fallback shop.

__________________

OtherMike

i wouldn't run the cpu AND the x2 card off of the one radi, iirc the x2 cards run really hot. also its usually a good idea to run the radi right before the cpu if you can.

__________________
take the high road, there will be more room for me down here.

ChielScape

2 cards and a CPu put out some serious heat. a 240 would do, but you'd see a notable improvement from a 360. maybe even a 480 if you want to use silent fans.

__________________

rmvvwls

360 might be a bit big. 480 won't fit at all.
ATM, I'm definitely using the mini P180 (mATX), but only thinking about watercooling it.

If I were to just have one 5850, a 240 would easily cope I assume?

Thanks for the help guys.

__________________

imadude10

I have a mini p180 so if you want some measurements of specific places, let me know. depending on the space availible, you could use one of those "monster" radiators. The really thick ones. could help cooling. My friend has a true in his mini p180 and he has room to do push pull with 25mm thick fans.

rmvvwls

Hey thanks!
The one measurement that would make or break this setup would be where the front 240mm rad would go. Could you please measure the distance from the underside of the top 5.25" bay to the psu area separation panel at the bottom?
Basically where the red box is in the picture on my OP.
That has to be large enough to fit a 240mm rad. If not, it's back to air cooling for me...
Thanks in advance.

__________________

imadude10

That space is 10.25 inches, assuming you remove the HDD cage sliders at top and bottom. I'm not an expert at watercooling by anymeans, but you could use 2 120mm rads at the front if that 240 doesn't fit. the width is there, just not the height.

rmvvwls

Ah... It's gonna be tighter than i thought. rep+ for taking the time to measure that for me, I really appreciate it.
10.25" = 260.35mm.
I could always dremel out a slot in that bottom piece if the rad is just a bit too long.
The only problem I can see with using 2x 120mm rads is the barb areas. I would have to deal with 2 of them, as opposed to the one if I went the 240.
Might have to break out sketchup when I get home.

__________________