Scrapyard Wars 2: $500 Water-Cooled PC Build With Junk Parts

Scrapyard Wars 2 Challenge

• 🎯 The challenge: Build a PC with a $500 budget ($300 for the PC, $200 for water cooling) with a twist – no off-the-shelf PC water cooling gear.
• 🏆 Judging criteria include creativity, effectiveness, aesthetics, acoustics, and overall score, with points deducted for outside help, going over time, or exceeding budget.

Luke's Approach: The "Ghetto FR 3000"

• 💡 Luke aimed for a functional build, focusing on creative water cooling solutions using unconventional parts like a water bottle reservoir and a mounted power bar for a cleaner setup.
• ⚠️ His build faced significant challenges, including a leak into the power supply, raising doubts about its reliability and functionality.
• 💰 Luke returned $40 worth of fittings to stay within budget, spending $280 on the PC and $198 on water cooling.

Linus's Approach: The "Uber Cooler Magic Machine 5000"

• 🚀 Linus focused on a copper coil cooling system (CCS), utilizing a car heater core as a radiator and custom-made CPU block from CNC-cut aluminum and copper.
• 🛠️ He faced difficulties bending copper tubing without kinking, eventually resorting to filling it with sugar and using zip ties for fittings.
• 📈 While his CPU temperatures reached 87°C under load, he emphasized the passive cooling aspect and the system's quiet operation, aiming for a high score in acoustics.

Component Sourcing and Fabrication

• 🚗 Both builders scavenged parts from auto junkyards, pet stores, and hardware stores, looking for radiators, pumps, reservoirs, and materials for custom blocks.
• ⚙️ Linus utilized a neighbor's CNC mill for precise fabrication of aluminum and copper blocks, while Luke relied on JB Weld and silicone for sealing.
• 💧 Sourcing submersible pumps and finding suitable, affordable radiators proved to be significant hurdles for both participants.

Challenges and Setbacks

• 🚧 Linus encountered issues with bending copper tubing, kinking, and finding appropriate fittings, leading to a mixed-metal loop and the need for corrosion inhibitors.
• 📉 Luke struggled with leaks, pump head pressure, and the curing time of sealants, requiring multiple attempts and repairs.
• ⏳ Both builders went over the allotted time, with Linus admitting to being 18-20 hours over.

Judging and Outcome

• 📊 The judges evaluated creativity, effectiveness, aesthetics, acoustics, and overall impression, factoring in budget and time constraints.
• 🏆 Linus's "Uber Cooler Magic Machine 5000" was declared the winner of Scrapyard Wars 2, scoring 138 out of a possible 200 points.
• 💔 Luke's "Ghetto FR 3000" received a score of 100 points, with judges noting its significant leaks and functional issues.