How to get the best from your dice!

[scooter.jay]

I am starting this thread because i have now done a couple of dice sessions and i have quickly gained confidence using it for cooling. So now that i have done it a couple of times i have got the insulation thing sorted. So in this thread i would like to move on from that and find out some information about getting the most out of a dice session. Hopefully the information people post in this thread will help anyone so i will try to update it i some way and maybe make a guide out of it a later date once some testing has been done. I really want make up an easy set of rules for myself to follow as i can get a bit carried away sometimes and maybe dont get the best out of it. Basically an A-Z of tips and tricks!

[scooter.jay]

Lets take this as the the first thing i'll ask questions after this and edit the post when anwsers come in to make up step by step guide.

First question what do people recommend for scooping dice out box or putting pellets into to make it easy to add to the pot as one plastic cup i used was fine but last session i did one cup used melted a bit so must have been damaged by dice. So what is best thing to use?

Also i have not used any temp monitoring equipment the last two times and next time i would like to could anyone give me links to some reasonable gear at a reasonable price?

Also what temp can really be achived with dice as i have heard many different claims?

[Barron_Greenback]

Just a few things that I do before/during a session..

- When I first install the POT, i usually fire the system up at std clocks and boot into the bios with NO ICE installed. Monitor CPU temps until they reach mid 40*c. This helps to spread out and cure the TIM before you start.


- Good quality Acetone is a MUST. Nail polish remover does work, but contains water and affects temps quite a bit. Near as you can get to 100% pure is best. I use this stuff from Ebay


- Dont fill the POT to the brim. This is a waste of ICE and is not required.


- Storage of your ICE is also important if you have alot of it, 20kg+. I store mine in a large cardboard box, with 2" thick polystyrene insulation on all sides and the top. Dont keep it in plastic bags as it can set into a big lump. Always try to use the pelleted type of ICE, its nice and easy to work with.


-Safety is also important. Always use goggles and wear gloves if your handling the stuff. Dont get cocky, it only takes one "spit in the eye" from boiling acetone at -60*c to blind you!


-Have Fun!

[scooter.jay]

I found as above only a small amount of dice now and then works best no point chucking loads in best piece of advice i was given.

[I.L.P]

for putting it into the pot i'd imagine a small garden trowel would perhaps be best? alan titchmarsh would be proud

[weescott]

When I did DiCE I got 10kg blocks and had to break it up outside while in the plastic bag it came in, and take in a small amount as required.

I'm getting a pressurised container for DiCE on tuesday. I'm not sure how easily available these are generally, but they are ideal for DiCE storage and transportation.

[scooter.jay]

Sounds good scott pm or post in this thread when you get this. Does having one of these mean you can slow/stop it melting away as dice benching always seems against the clock?

[Highland3r]

Insulated drinks cup (el chepo £1.50 from wilko's) works wonders as a pourer for dice. Helps keep the DICE nice and cold and usually there's enough for a good 20 mins of benching. Get a bit of condensation on the outside of the cup sometimes though so something to wipe and prevent drips is a good idea.
Make a funnel out of a piece of paper and stick it in the top of the tube. Helps prevent stray dice/drips falling onto the mobo.

Another quick tip is to use a rod of some sort to prevent lumps of ice/DICE forming in the bottom of the tube. Few prods now and again works wonders and can help temps significantly.

Thermometer wise, I used a K102 unit from conrad-direct (sites down at the mo) it's dual input so allows you to monitor 2 tubes at a time if needed. Around 50 quid gets you the unit and 2 k-type probes.

[scooter.jay]

Thanks for the info Highland3r i should be able to test all of this in a couple of weeks.

[Johnny Bravo]

scooter.jay - there's a good sticky at the head of this topic should keep you well informed

[scooter.jay]

scooter.jay - there's a good sticky at the head of this topic should keep you well informed

Yeah i know was just asking the question again as there is alot of ideas out there at the moment so as i will be having a few sessions in the near future be nice to try a few of em. Also what equipment people are using is not always the same so good to see whats being used too!

[reno 456]

I use a tablespoon with a plastic handle to put it in i find it is just the right amount and it's easy also the plastic handle stops you hand getting too cool but wood would probably be better. Always wear gloves and goggles. Freezing acetone on you hand leaves nasty freezer burns.