I am planning to build a new system with buying the parts and having someone else put it all together. I called up one computer tech and asked about him doing what I wanted and he suggested Watercooling as an option. I don't know much about Watercooling, and so I hope you guys can fill me in with some answers.
First, here are some components I have chosen for my new system:
Case: Antec P150
MB: ASUS A8N-SLI Premium
CPU: AMD Athlon 3500 Venice
PSU: Seasonic 500 watts
Fans: 120mm Nexus for rear and possibly 92mm for intake.
HDD: I am considering a pair of WD 160 JD (SATA) drives in RAID.
Video Card is not selected yet.
The tech suggested Zalman's RESERATOR 1 Plus.
What I'd like to know is as follows:
1. What kind of maintenance should I expect?
2. Will that unit be compatible with my case, etc.?
3. Is there any smell from this Zalman RESERATOR 1 Plus?
4. What kind of fluid should be used?
5. How long can I expect the Zalman system to last?
Thanks!
Some questions about Watercooling
Moderators: NeilBlanchard, Ralf Hutter, sthayashi, Lawrence Lee
1) not much depending on what changes you make to the system. Personally, I change what's in my machines so often that I have to re-plumb the loop every time and that means emptying and re-filling the system 
If you don't mess with it, the occasional top-up of fluid should be all that's necessary.
2) Most of a Zalman reserator sits outside the case so it should be compatible.
3) I don't have one but I have heard reports of a mildly unpleasant smell.
4) Zalman provide their own but if you use a 90/10 mix of de-ionised water and anti-freeze (algae prevention and corrosion inhibitor) you would be fone although Zalman state that invalidates their warranty
5) It should last several years all being well.
Now for the less good answers.
These units have a less than stellar reputation on hard-core water-cooling forums. The pumps are weak and prone to failure. The anodizing on the aluminium is not great which means the possibility of galvanic corrosion. The tubing is small-bore which inhibits flow affecting cooling. Don't expect stellar temperatures or great over-clocks. It will be quiet but as I said, some have complained that the pumps have become noisy over time.
I think there are many superior solutions as far as performance and reliability but I will concede that in certain conditions where silence is the over-riding aim, the Zalman reserator has a place.
If you don't mess with it, the occasional top-up of fluid should be all that's necessary.2) Most of a Zalman reserator sits outside the case so it should be compatible.
3) I don't have one but I have heard reports of a mildly unpleasant smell.
4) Zalman provide their own but if you use a 90/10 mix of de-ionised water and anti-freeze (algae prevention and corrosion inhibitor) you would be fone although Zalman state that invalidates their warranty
5) It should last several years all being well.
Now for the less good answers.
These units have a less than stellar reputation on hard-core water-cooling forums. The pumps are weak and prone to failure. The anodizing on the aluminium is not great which means the possibility of galvanic corrosion. The tubing is small-bore which inhibits flow affecting cooling. Don't expect stellar temperatures or great over-clocks. It will be quiet but as I said, some have complained that the pumps have become noisy over time.
I think there are many superior solutions as far as performance and reliability but I will concede that in certain conditions where silence is the over-riding aim, the Zalman reserator has a place.