Water Cooled carPC

Nicorolla · 01-10-2005, 05:29 PM

I'm sure this idea crossed the mind of everyone wanting a above average performance carPC. Yes, a water cooler inside a carPC

At first i thought what a crazy idea but more i thought about it, the more i want to do it.
Does anyone here have enough experience with water cooler to say if it's a bad idea or not?
My carPC is crammed in a tight spot with little airflow so it would be somewhat useful (i just need a reason to put it in there).
The first problem i can think of is, well it's winter and water + cold = ice, so maybe mixing alcohol. Worst comes to worst water cool will be a summer thing.

I just think it would look cool in my future acrylic case and not to forget braging rights

(to those ppl who like to ******, sorry if this has been asked often, i did a search and too many results came out for "water" and "cool" that were'nt what i was looking for)

IntellaWorks · 01-10-2005, 05:33 PM

I don't recommend it... what happens if tempratures drop below 32 degrees... even if you live in a climate where it "never" gets that cold, weather is unpredictable...

If it freezes, the occuring ice would burst the tubing.. when it starts to melt it would drip inside your pc and either short out or even worse short out and start a small fire..

kozmo · 01-10-2005, 05:42 PM

What about anti-freeze as a coolant instead of water?

Vacheron · 01-10-2005, 05:47 PM

I think that sounds like a great idea.

I have built watercooled PC's in the past including this one: http://www.vacheron.btinternet.co.uk...re/socmore.HTM
and I doubt the freezing problem would be an issue. Many watercooled PC builders often use an antifreeze mix in their rigs anyway to reduce the surface tenstion of the water and reduce corrosion.

The beauty of doing the install in a car is that if you are using the system on the move then you may not need any fans as you could just use a small heater matrix mounted in the engine bay for the radiator.
(Some watercooling hobbyists use a car heater matrix as a cheap alternative to expensive PC designed radiator units in their home rigs.)

All in all, two thumbs up from me if not only for the pure crazyness factor!

I'd be happy to offer whatever help I can if you decide to go ahead with it!

JoezDog4 · 01-10-2005, 05:47 PM

They can use an anti-freeze/water mixture... Weather really isn't an issue with good anti-freeze

JoezDog4 · 01-10-2005, 05:50 PM

KUDOS on that pc Vacheron, it looks good, and welcome to the site

Oh what diffterent Water Cooling brands have you used, just curious?

Nicorolla · 01-10-2005, 05:52 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by kozmo

What about anti-freeze as a coolant instead of water?

I'm gonna

for info on thermal properties of liquids. I'm sure that there's a liquid that won't freeze and that won't screw up the pump + seals and will have good thermal properties to work in the water cooling system.

Also i could put in some silicon tubing, that stuff streches so i wouldn't have to worry about the pipes bursting unless i poke a needle thru it.

Hell-Stopper · 01-10-2005, 05:52 PM

water cooling has been used for a while, but i dont think not much ppl have done it in a car pc.....but it isnt really needed since ur not overclocking a pc in the comp now are u?.......btw if u need more sources on water cooling go to
www.overclockers.com
or
http://www.procooling.com/

theres even phase change, evaporative cooling, tecs, lots off things, inculding how to mill water blocks etc those are sum good sites.

JoezDog4 · 01-10-2005, 05:54 PM

Tell us what you find.

Tred · 01-10-2005, 05:54 PM

it wont freeze if you use something with a high solute concentration.

frodobaggins · 01-10-2005, 05:56 PM

vibrations....loose connections...
can all be over come, but maybe hassle

TruckinMP3 · 01-10-2005, 05:56 PM

Why fix it if it is not broken? Air cooling is just fine and cheaper.

JoezDog4 · 01-10-2005, 05:57 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Hell-Stopper

water cooling has been used for a while, but i dont think not much ppl have done it in a car pc.....but it isnt really needed since ur not overclocking a pc in the comp now are u?.......btw if u need more sources on water cooling go to
www.overclockers.com
or
http://www.procooling.com/

theres even phase change, evaporative cooling, tecs, lots off things, inculding how to mill water blocks etc those are sum good sites.

I think he's more maybe concerned about having a clean/silent install of his Carpc w/ no bulky fans that add more noise than is needed

Correct me if I'm wrong Nicorolla

Hell-Stopper · 01-10-2005, 05:59 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by JoezDog4

I think he's more maybe concerned about having a clean/silent install of his Carpc w/ no bulky fans that add more noise than is needed

im just posting so if he wants more research he can go there and gain more but the trouble just to getting it quiet is not really worth it imho, cuz all the research and the money, then theres also maintence cuz water goes bad too u no... after a while that is...

JoezDog4 · 01-10-2005, 06:02 PM

I understand what you're saying Hell, cause I personally would not put water cooling on my Celeron... the cooling system would prob cost more than my CarPC cpu.