-- Water Cooling with a Junk Yard Heater Matrix
-- 8.12.2001
-- By: Nick Easton
-- Page: 1 2
At present to
cool my Tbird 1333 CPU I am using an OCZ Gladiator II, with a 42
cubic feet, black Label Monster! Which as per what you read on
web sites is very loud. The Quote; “YOU GET USED TO AFTER A
WHILE”, kind of wore off after a bit, although I was blessed with
very nice temperatures 35-46 (depending on load and Ambient
temperature) and a very stable 1430. Not bad for a Abit KT7 non-A or
Raid which is now maxed out on multipliers 12.5 and FSB of 115.
Anyhow, the noise prompted
me to dip my toe in the water “as it were” and plumb for a
water-cooling rig.
I
spent a lot of time browsing the Web through almost endless
information on the subject, and found that the BE
Coolings offering of there Copper Water-block seemed to stand
out from the crowd. Properly because of the ribbed water
galleries inside the block giving additional surface area, moreover
it only cost $30
Mmm, looks nice,
Beware of Swarf still inside block though! BE
Cooling also offered a nice solution for the pump and reservoir for
$50.
They quote: - Rio
Pump - High performance powerhead. 120-gallons/hour
submersible. Energy efficient, low heat 3.4 watts,
120/240VAC operation. VERY QUIET.
Only 1 moving part - the ceramic shaft/impeller.
Not much more to say its true,
seems to move around enough coolant as well.
The case was supplied by Overclockers
UK
And
is as follows:
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Manufacturer:
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Chieftec
/ Chenming
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Model:
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Full-Tower
DA-01WD
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Description:
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This
full tower version of the popular Dragon is identical to the
Antec SX 1240 case. Featuring a lockable front door, 6x
5.25"+2 x 3.5"FDD, 6x 3.5"HDD bays, the DA-01WD
measures 475x 205x 670mm(D x W x H). This particular case is not
supplied with PSU
or Case
Fans. For full spec. And internal views, visit Chieftec
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Next I went to local junk
yard, and asked the chap there if he had any old heater matrixes? The
owner leaned over his desk, and almost magically one appeared.
Is it Ok I asked?
He puffed so hard down the holes his cheeks turned red he just held
that pose for too long, (I had to hold back from laughter).
Anyhow it passed the Junk Yard Man Blow test with flying colours! So
its ok for me, I walked away with 2 of them, they originally lived in
a Mk 4 Ford Escort which seem to be just about the right size for the
case, better still, after I explained what I wanted them for, I only
had to part with £10.00 for the pair ($14) he must of felt sorry for
me, although he did say “Get hot them computers don’t they?” he
must have an Athlon as well, I thought.
I was totally gob
smacked with these heater matrixes, car manufactures have over time
evolved these to a very fine art. I have struggled to find any
aftermarket product, which came even close to this quality. I
also feel happier because they are recycled.
Be careful though, look for any signs of seepage and give them a very
good flush out before using.
Wow, these guys have
huge Cooling potential, count all of those fins! Erm,
yep there’s 2 of them in there as well!
The matrixes needed a little modification at the entry point, I used a
hack saw to remove the 3” strait plastic pipes which originally came
out from the ends, then attached 2 copper micro bore 90 degree bends,
per matrix. These are firmly held in place with epoxy resin. However,
before they were glued, both the copper 90 degree outlets and the
inside of the plastic entry point were keyed-up with emery paper, this
gives a much nicer surface for the epoxy resin to stick to.
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