Can Watercooling Solve My Noisy Computer Problem?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the feasibility of using water cooling to reduce noise levels in a computer setup, particularly focusing on cooling two processors rated at 54.6W. Participants explore the effectiveness of a radiator's cooling capacity and the impact of fan voltage on noise and airflow.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant outlines a plan to use water cooling with a radiator capable of dissipating up to 790kcal/hour and questions whether one radiator will suffice to keep the processors below 45°C.
  • Another participant suggests that reducing the voltage of a 12V fan from 12V to 7V or 5V will decrease noise but also reduce airflow, implying a trade-off between noise and cooling efficiency.
  • A third participant performs a calculation to convert the radiator's cooling capacity from kcal/hour to watts, suggesting that if the radiator can dissipate 900W, the airflow could potentially be lowered by running the fan at 7V.
  • There are humorous remarks about software bugs and features, indicating a light-hearted take on the challenges of computer systems.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of reducing fan voltage on noise and airflow, and there is no consensus on whether one radiator will be sufficient for the cooling needs.

Contextual Notes

Some calculations and assumptions regarding the radiator's cooling capacity and the relationship between fan voltage, noise, and airflow remain unresolved and may depend on specific conditions or definitions.

jonnylane
Summer project: Watercooling a computer so it is a quiet as possible.

I have a computer case where the ambient air temperature is around 37’C and the room temperature is around 20’C.
I will be cooling two processors rated at 54.6W by piping water over them serially to a radiator which can dissipate upto 790kcal/hour providing there is an airflow of 100 cubic feet per minute.

This is quite easy to achieve, but that level of airflow creates about 60dB.

The plan is to use an ‘over-rated’ system and then have a fan powered at a lower voltage which should be quieter. It is straightforward to run the fan at 7v instead of 12v.

I have browsed around I have a pump which runs at 1200l/h. I will be using tubing with a diameter of 1/2inch.

My question is:
  • Is one radiator going to be enough to keep the processors below 45’C?
  • If a 12v fan makes 60dB moving 100cfm of air, what will happen when I run it at 7 or even 5v?

I appreciate it’s a little vague, just ask if you need more information :)
 
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If a 12v fan makes 60dB moving 100cfm of air, what will happen when I run it at 7 or even 5v?

well, it will make less noise, but it will also move less air. IMO.
 
I will be cooling two processors rated at 54.6W by piping water over them serially to a radiator which can dissipate upto 790kcal/hour providing there is an airflow of 100 cubic feet per minute.
so, I did some calculations and 790kcal/hour = (790000*4.19J)/(3600s) = 919W
you should check this anyway...
If the radiator can dissipate 900W and your processors give 54.6 W I guess you can lower the airflow a bit, by runnig the fan at 7V.
 
"Any sufficiently advanced bug is indistinguishable from a feature."

Whence: "If you can't fix it, feature it!"
 
Originally posted by HallsofIvy
"Any sufficiently advanced bug is indistinguishable from a feature."

Whence: "If you can't fix it, feature it!"

yep, but after you feature it you have to offer suport for that... :wink:
 

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