Need some help starting water cooling

So I'll cut right to the chase and say that while I'm not new to computer building, I'm very new to the practice of water cooling. Haven't ever built a water cooling system and I'm quite intimidated by the prospect of pushing fluid through my tower for fear of it leaking everywhere! But, with 2 8800 Ultras in SLI, the heat is just becoming too much of an issue and I really can't do air cooling anymore. So! I need some help designing a water cooling system to fit my needs. As of right now, I'm looking to cool the following,

EVGA nVidia 8800 Ultra 768MB x 2 in SLI
Intel Quad Core 6700

I'm using a Lian-Li V2000B right now, so I think I have a fair amount of space to be put to use. I'm not working with too much of a budget here, but I don't want to be spending an absurd amount of money on the thing. I'm trying to go roughly mid-range. I'm essentially looking for any parts reccommendations and links to good how-to guides with pictures and whatnot.

A quick question as well - when I take off the stock heat sink for the graphics cards, is it just a few screws or will I have to crack off any thermal paste? Like I said, I'm pretty nervous to do this stuff after all the money I've put into my computer... But, it's time to step it up :hurt:

Thanks again guys.

ok so here is a guide i made, with lots of pics, but i made it a while ago so grammar and what not is bad, though i still suck at english.


for your setup i would go with the following.

2x Swiftech MCW60 VGA cooler = 36.90
1x Swiftech MCP655 Pump = 69.99
1x D-tek FuZion V2 = 63.95
1x Swiftech MCR 320 rad =53.95
1x Swiftech MicroRes = 16.99
1x Swiftech HydrX = 2.99
10x ClearFLEX 60 Tubing 1/2" ID / 3/4" OD = 8.90
6x YATE LOON 120mm Case Fan = 19.80
2x Swiftech MC8800 Kit = 34.95

total = $380.27

that will be enough to cover the 3 items, give you decent temps, and is good quality stuff.

I notice that the VGA coolers aren't made for 8800 Ultras... Is that going to be a huge problem? I was looking at some of the Danger Den 8800 Ultra coolers. I know Danger Den has a good reputation in Water Cooling products.

http://www.dangerden.com/store/produ...&cat=48&page=1

Thoughts?

it will work with the 8800 ultra, it has the 8800 mounting kit.

but if you want a full coverage block then yes the danger den ones are nice.

The G80 adapter plate for the MCW-60 blocks don't come with the MC8800 kit do they? I thought that kit only contained the RAM and mosfet heatsinks.

Everything Spawn listed is good but I would get a drive bay reservoir instead of the swiftech one. More coolant will help keep your temps lower, especially if you are cooling 2 8800ULTRA's and a Q6700.

http://ekwaterblocks.com/shop/produc...roducts_id=143 Full cover 8800 blocks from EK. It says it'll fit the GTX too so i bet anything that is GTX compatible will also fit the ultra. only 80Eur each. Which i think comes in at about $130us a piece.

Or

You could get 2 of the D-Tek Uni-Sink's to go with the list of parts that spawn gave you. Just nix the tiny ram sinks.
http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/dtunfornv88g.html
You might need to change the gpu blocks to the fusion ones. I have one for my 8600 gts (not on there currently.) its a solid performer and reduced my temps more than 40c. Went from low 80's to mid-high 30's.


[edit] Review of the uni-sink and installation instructions on a 8800 ultra
http://www.techpowerup.com/printrevi...d=/DTek/Fuzion

The MCW-60 is far better than the Fuzion GPU block.