PC Watercooling Radiator Guide

Each PC watercooling system is unique and requires different radiators. They range from different lengths, to different thickness, and even different fan sizes. I have created a chart that shows their relative cooling capacities. Be aware that it is assumed that all radiators have the same fins per inch, fans speeds, as well as fluid transfer speed. This chart only shows the difference if the radiator size is varied.

The chart is comparing their densities, as I think that is the best way to determine relative cooling capacity. It is interesting to note that no matter the length (when I compare a 140mm 30mm thickness radiator to a 120mm 30mm thickness for example) that it has the same relative cooling capacity increase as an increased length (say, 280mm 30mm thickness compared to 240mm 30mm thickness).

G5 Motherboard Tray

There seems to be five main ways to put an ATX (really any) form factor motherboard  in a G5 power mac case.

1) Mountain Mods Motherboard Tray  ~$54.99

http://www.mountainmods.com/mountain-mods-modular-removable-motherboard-tray-pi-56.html

One must use the two 80 mm fans, as the 120mm (for this tray) does not work. Here is the main link to builds using this tray.

Inserting Motherboard Tray into G5 Case (eelhead's guide)

2) Lian Li Motherboard Tray.  ~$44.95

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=popup_image_scroll&products_id=29655&image_scroll_id=0

The downside to this tray is that it does not include the rear i/o slot as well as the PCI slots. You will have to pick one up, and try and match them up in the case.


3) Laser Hive Motherboard Tray.  ~$112

http://www.thelaserhive.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/PA251063.jpg

These are expensive, but you can get a 120mm fan over the two 80mm fan from the mountain mods tray.

4) Motherboard tray from another tower.  ~?

The above link is to a build that uses the tray and rear i/o panel from a previous tower.

5) Homeaid. Made from raw aluminum. ~?

This is one that is completely custom. If you don't like the look of the back panel, check out the build below. Its impressive. Although the build in the link below does use the mountain mods tray, the back panel is custom.

Hackintosh Pro - PowerMac G5 2004 model (brammee's guide)

There are disadvantages and advantages to each, but more importantly is the amount of time, money, and skill you want to put  into it. One really could install an ATX motherboard without a tray at all by simply epoxying motherboard stand off to the G5 case? Although it would require excellent measuring, it would be the cheapest solution.  The best would be a complete custom tray built from raw aluminum, however it would require certain tools and knowledge. Generally most people choose the mountain mod way simply because its cheap and very effective. The only down side is that there is a non-flush surface on the back. Some don't mind this since its in the back but others do mind. It all depends on how picky you are about aesthetics, and how deep your pockets are.  Do realize that there are all sorts of variations and the like with each option. The choice is up to you. 

A lot of the decision process lies on component layout as well.  Some use the G5 as a server and therefore require lots of HDD space, while others are fine with a single SSD Velcroed to the inside  roof of the tower. 

You decide. 

-TKT