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a chilling tale

Fitseries3

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OK....


for a while now i have been researching how to build a cheap/affordable way to make your computer run colder than watercooling.

the answer is phase/chiller.

now i didn't build this outta expensive parts and refrigerants that are hard to use or hard to get. i sought after affordable parts and tools so that i could show you how to build one yourself if you choose too.

parts needed:
pierce valve (local hvac store or ebay. www.undertheice.com may have them too)
schrader valve/stems (local AC supply store or www.undertheice.com)
9ft 0.031" capillary tubing (local AC supply store or www.undertheice.com)
condenser (from a window AC)
several different sizes of copper tubing (lowes is the easiest place to find it)
compressor (from a window AC)
fans (varies depending on how large the condenser is)
reservoir (small water jug @ walmart/target for $8 works good)
pump (water cooling pump like a D5 or iwaki style with high flow works best, submersible work well too)
watercooling tubing (1/2" is best for this build, smaller tubing might freeze)

Tools needed:
MAPP torch/gas
copper brazing rods
tubing cutter
R12 -> R134a low side adapter/fitting(your local auto parts store should have this for about $5 or less)
12-24oz can of r134a (depends on how large your system is)(can be found at walmart cheapest. get the one with the hose/guage)

what you need to know before you attempt this:

1. PLEASE understand how air conditioners/refrigeration works. do your research.
2. you must know how to solder/braze like a pro. practice makes perfect.
3. be aware of the dangers. you are working with compressed gasses that may be flamable and could possibly explode.


first you need to find a cheap/free window AC. these are usually found on trash day or at garage sales. you can also pick up one off of craigslist rather cheap. another possibility is find a compressor out of a freezer/fridge. you want to stick with one thats under 6500btu. to be honest... 5200btu and up can be used for a full blown phase change unit if you later decide to use it for that. 7500btu and up are a bit large unless you know exactly what you are doing. i dont recommend using one that large.







 

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Last edited:
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Sounds pretty cool.
 
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*subscribed*
 

Cold Storm

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Woot! So, that's.... If its from Fits, it should freeze the dang chip!

Can't wait to see more!!!!!
 
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It´s basicly a refrigiator......hmmm why not put the computer in the freezer? ;)
 
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/me subscribes.
 

Fitseries3

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so far i have only $80 in this build.

its chilled to -6c so far but im still tuning it. i'll have to use some non freezing coolant to keep the water from freezing to the evaporator.
 
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Excellent work fit! It's a shame that in some States (mine included, though I have a license) that you need a license to use A/C gasses. You could get yourself a pretty sweet paying job up here, HVAC guys are always needed. :toast:
 

Bo$$

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very nicw work and extremely cheap aswell :toast:
 

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Stop teasing us! all you do is tease and tease till someone just "busts" because of it!!!

:roll:

Yes I would love to see it
 

Fitseries3

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Fitseries3

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Easy Rhino

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cool, but too bad you have to keep your PC in that ugly rack!
 

Fitseries3

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nope. once i get the cooler tuned im going to run my loop over to the pc. i still need to insulate the suction line before im done.
 

Cold Storm

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:roll: easy... lol.. Who cares about the rack when your doing mad a$$ crazy temps with the price! Looking good Fits.
 

Fitseries3

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look at it this way...

im A LOT cooler than a water setup... and its cheaper :D
 
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i'd take that ugly rack over ambient temps any day
 
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Needs moar evap line.
 

Cold Storm

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sweet stuff man! sweet stuff! I'd like to put my hand in it! :roll:
 

Fitseries3

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Needs moar evap line.

more captube yes. im waiting on some from undertheice.com i just used what i have for now.

i will be evac'ing the refrigerant before changing the cap tube so i will be able to reuse the gas.
 

Fitseries3

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lol.....

here you see the $12 can of R134a and she's frosted all the way back to the compressor. (not ideal BTW) still needs some tuning.



 

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Cold Storm

Battosai
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yeah, not good, but surely shows how beset a 12 dollar thing can do!! Now more is needed!!!
 
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