Effortless Guide: How to Make a Water Cooling Plate in 5 Easy Steps

Creating a custom water cooling plate for your PC can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to improve your system’s thermal performance. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, from designing the water cooling plate to cutting, assembling, and installing it. Get ready to dive into the world of DIY water cooling and unlock the full potential of your high-performance hardware.

Designing the Water Cooling Plate

Choosing the Material

The most common materials used for water cooling plates are copper and brass, due to their excellent thermal conductivity. For this example, we will use a 2mm thick copper plate, measuring 50 x 145mm. Copper is an excellent choice as it has a thermal conductivity of 401 W/m·K, allowing for efficient heat transfer from the CPU to the cooling water.

Planning the Water Tracks

The water tracks are crucial for the cooling performance of the plate. You can choose between two design ideas:

Idea A: This design provides the lowest water loading, resulting in higher flow and even cooling across the CPU area. The water tracks are shorter and more direct, allowing for a higher flow rate and more uniform temperature distribution.
Idea B: This design features longer water tracks, which result in higher output temperature and more water loading, leading to a hotter CPU. While this design may be more complex to manufacture, it can provide slightly better overall cooling performance in some cases.

For this example, we will use Idea A, as it is easier to make and provides better cooling performance.

Drawing the Milling Tracks

Using a milling machine, you will need to create the water tracks in the CPU water block. Make sure to use the correct coordinates and handle movements to ensure precision. The milling tracks should be designed to match the water track layout you have chosen, whether it’s Idea A or Idea B.

Cutting and Assembling the Water Cooling Plate

Cutting the Copper Parts

Using a milling machine, cut out the copper parts according to the design. Make sure to follow the correct dimensions and angles for a perfect fit. The copper plate should be cut with a tolerance of ±0.1mm to ensure a tight and secure fit within the water block.

Polishing the Plate

After cutting, polish the rear side of the plate using 400 -> 600 -> 800 -> 1000 grain sandpaper for a smooth finish. This will improve the thermal conductivity between the CPU and the water cooling plate, as well as enhance the overall aesthetic of the finished product.

Installing the Brass Water Connections

The water connections should be 9mm in diameter, like all other water blocks. These brass fittings will serve as the inlet and outlet for the cooling water, allowing the system to circulate and transfer heat effectively.

Painting the Plate

Paint the plate black matte to make it possible to measure temperatures later using an IR temperature meter. This will provide valuable data on the cooling performance of the water cooling plate.

Installing the Water Block

Mount the water block on the motherboard, ensuring a proper fit and connection to the CPU. Secure the water cooling plate in place using the appropriate mounting hardware, making sure to apply a thin layer of thermal paste between the CPU and the plate for optimal heat transfer.

Technical Specifications

Material: Copper plate, 2mm thick, 50 x 145mm in size.
Water Tracks: Idea A design, providing low water loading and high flow.
Water Connections: Brass, 9mm in diameter.
Finish: Black matte paint for temperature measurement.

References

By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to create a custom water cooling plate that not only improves the thermal performance of your system but also adds a unique and personalized touch to your PC build. Remember to always prioritize safety and follow best practices when working with power tools and electrical components. Happy DIY-ing!