Results

The un-modified Reserator System yielded a 40 degree C CPU and 48 degree C GPU operating at full load.

The fans mod reduced this to 36 and 44 degrees respectively.

The pump mod further reduced things to 34 and 43 degrees.

At idle I’d never seen a sub 30 degree CPU before so 29 degrees was a pleasure to see, even if it was only briefly.

In addition I’ve noticed an improved return to idle temps and a marked resistance to increase, so both components take longer to heat up. Mundane tasks like web browsing, letter writing and e-mailing and the CPU is steady at 33 degrees. In essence there’s little difference between load and idle temps.

Here’s a screenshot immediately after 40 minutes of 3DMark06 loops.
Not my best score but here if you’d like to compare:  2487

The GPU was slightly above stock with 380 core and 1058 memory which are my regular settings. CPU was at 2207 MHz.

Conclusion

In all a fun and worthwhile project. The improvement will offset my upgrade to hotter components by 6 degrees so for example the 54 degree CPU temp expected with FX-57 using an un-modified Reserator should be reined in to 48 quite nicely with the enhancements.

The fans have carried the day in the end and was the more rewarding to do.

The pump had a lesser effect than I hoped, I was thinking maybe a couple more degrees to equal the fans but it wasn’t to be. I was told several times not to expect too much but chose to go ahead anyway.

I’m pleased I did as I would always have wondered if not. In cash terms it all cost about £50.
 
Safety

Safety is not just for wimps people - so wear the gloves, goggles, face-mask etc. It’s too late when a Dremel cutting disk disintegrates and flies into your eye, so take care.
The close proximity of water and electricity is always a situation to respect too, I check twice if not more before plugging in, booting up or reaching near the internals of a live system.

Comment

As I’m very much a water-cooling newbie I hope you older sweats out there will forgive this trawl through my observations, I’m sure for you much of it stated the obvious. It is the first time around for me; my hope is others of similar limited experience will find something here to encourage them and seriously consider this quiet and efficient method of cooling.

Forums Discussion

Editor: Admin