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Installation
Installation is very straight forward. We advise
you to use the guide that comes with your package or go directly to Swiftech's
site and access their on line instructions by clicking on the following link:
http://www.swiftnets.com/products/installationguide_MCW5000-A.pdf
Because installation is such standard fare, in this section we will focus on
sharing some tips that will make your life easier. Some of these we have
shared with you before, but are worth repeating.
The easiest way we have found to apply a thermal interface material, e.g.
Arctic Silver, is to first identify the area of the water block (or heat sink)
that requires coverage. After careful measurement, define the area to be
covered with masking tape.
Apply a small bead of the thermal paste at the
center of the surface. Using a credit card (or the equivalent).
Carefully spread the paste evenly over the entire area until it is entirely
covered.
The thickness of the application should be as
close to possible to the thickness of the masking tape used. The
following picture shows the end result.
In order to achieve maximum cooling, the proper
clamping pressure must be applied to the CPU core by the water block (or heat
sink for that matter). We found that the addition of 2 thin washers placed
after the retention mechanism's springs allowed greater pressure to be exerted
to the CPU core. We measured CPU temperature with and without the additional
washers and found that with the washers we were able
to decrease temperatures by an average of 2 degrees.
All of our water cooling components we use require 1/2" diameter tubing. In
order to properly match this water block to our other components, we acquired
two 1/2" stem to 1/2" hose barb fittings. In the following picture we show the
fittings we used. One fitting is plastic and has a standard interior
dimensions. The brass fitting is manufactured by Swagelok. The interior
dimension of this fitting's stem is smaller than the standard. The Swagelok
will be the fitting we use on the inlet side of the MCW5000. Its narrower
interior stem diameter will effectively increase fluid velocity entering the
water block's open chamber. The increased fluid velocity should aid in rapid
heat transfer.
The final tip we want to share is that a drop of
super glue should be added to the retention mechanism's screw threads after
the proper adjustments are made. This will prevent the water block from
becoming lose over time.
The following pictures show the MCW5000-A mounted on our test motherboard.
**click to enlarge**
**click to enlarge**
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