My water cooling setup plan (with images)

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krishy

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Jun 1, 2013
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Hello,

Okay so i was going to get the XSPC 360 ready to go kit, but i decided to choose my own gear, so that i can be more flexible and choose my own parts.

I have a zalman z11 pro case, which i love - its been tricky to get a good cooling plan, but this is a plan i have so far, please let me know what you think, and if i should make any changes.

1.jpeg


I know from the stickies that the reservoir is favorable at the bottom, but i would prefer it where it is because i like the idea of the bay with temp displays etc (also this case has good vibration reduction on these bays - good for the pump)

The 120 fan at the bottom is odd to me, but thats the ONLY other air-outlet i can find.

Please bear in mind, this is what i have in my setup:

3570k @4.2ghz
8gb corsair vengeance ram
2 x 7970 crossfire
1000w modular psu
etc


Please let me know what you think of the directions of the liquid, and if would be efficient as it is.

Many thanks

-Krish


(p.s. I have terrible paint/art skills, please mind my terrible use of arrows. Also, i do not intend to use tubing this thin in reality :) )


Ah i forgot to mention, the pump i will be using will be the infamous XSPC D5 Vario (which should be more than capable of this flow)


One last question, would a 2-loop design be more efficient?

Thanks again
 
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krishy

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I also forgot to mention, I understand the general rule of thumb is 120 rad per block.

As i have 3 blocks in total, I decided to have 4 rads (240 + 120 + 120) simply for safety, but perhaps better fans on a 240 + 120 would be sufficient?

Thanks
 
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kogut

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I get why you've got it setup the way you do...

But I'd still prefer that the first thing a pump hits be a block. Have you considered some of the integrated resevoir bay/pump combos? Would save you some room and headache with configuration (and some tubing).

Regarding dedicated loops, you'll see a lot of personal opinions... I run dual dedicated loops with a 120.2 for my 3770k, and a 120.3 for my GTX 690. It's a personal preference. I went dedicated loops because it allows me to swap an individual component without draining the entire system. For example, if I want to add a second 690 to my system, I only have to drain (or clamp) that loop, and I can leave the CPU loop as it stands. It also allows me to have more water flow on each loop. I use a dual reservoir bay w/ Swiftech pumps integrated.
 
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krishy

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Hello again,

I have considered the dual res/pumps, but they are either less powerful and/or more expensive. The dual loop idea sounds much better, however because its my first time I wanted to start slowly (thats what she said) - and stick with simplicity for now.

I do feel as thought the tube from the pump to the 240 rad is huge, but it seems the best way in terms of space.

Why do you prefer the pump to reach the block first? I did it in this direction mainly because i care more about the temp of the CPU than the 7970's ... but many people say it doesnt matter which way round it goes, aslong as theres good fans on the rads, a good pump etc.





Ah, my bad - its not actually my rule I have been researching on so many forums, and many people seem to agree that 120 rad per block is the way of looking at it. But you are right, all the factors you mentioned are just as important.


May i ask also, I have found very cheap parts such as this CPU block: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251244831655?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

And this VGA block: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251242455974?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

What are you views on these? I know they are dirt cheap, and not as reputatable as known brands like EK but the price is certainly attractive. I have also read on another forum, that its not too bad at all (link: http://forums.hexus.net/pc-hardware/285629-chinese-watercooling.html)


 
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kogut

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In a system like the ones we put in our computers, all the liquid essentially normalizes to a single temperature. While it seems like a good idea to have that cold water from the radiator hitting your block, most people get better results having the pump hit the block first.

My loops are Pump>Block>Rad>Res. You get a lot more flow to whatever is at the beginning of the loop (after the pump) than at the end, due to the liquid having to make that journey. Modern blocks are designed to take advantage of water pressure (flow). Just look at all those silly little fins they have inside. The difference in temperature of liquid coming out of the radiator and liquid going into the radiator is astonishingly small. The difference in flow going out of your pump vs the end of the loop is astonishingly large.

 
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rubix_1011

rubix_1011

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I have considered the dual res/pumps, but they are either less powerful and/or more expensive
Click to expand...
More expensive yes, but have never seen a dual pump setup that was less powerful than a single; i.e. 2 D5's vs. a single D5.

Those blocks look like generic, homemade blocks that someone with a CNC mill turned out. They might be ok to use, but you are looking to trust your expensive hardware to un-tested waterblocks? There likely has not been any internal testing or quality control done and how are you to be certain that these are viable replacements?

If there is but one rule in watercooling, it is that cheap products offer performance and longevity that is indicative of retail cost. If you are really needing to cut costs, it would be far more beneficial of you to save money until you can get quality gear that is trusted and tested when it comes to blocks, pumps and radiators. You can save money with fittings and tubing as long as you understand what to use that is suitable for your applications.
 
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kogut

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100% this. You want this (large) initial investment to last you for years. You can get 2 or 3 full computer builds out of the same liquid cooling parts. Given, I remember your GPU situation... But spend $100 on a quality CPU block at least. Please. I have an EK Supremacy, and I absolutely love it.

One additional thought... Beyond the quality of the part is the quality of the solution. Meaning that my EK Supremacy is the easiest thing in the world to mount. I've had blocks in the past with ridiculous mounting solutions that caused me more pain than the $20 price difference.

Also, consider saving money for compression fittings. Compression fittings are the greatest thing to ever happen to liquid cooling computers. Been doing it for 10 years, and I'd gladly go back to the modified pond pump I used to use instead of having to give up my compression fittings.
 
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krishy

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I see what you mean, i have resigned the flow diagram, but again its res>pump>rad>gpu ...
2.jpeg

I cant see any way of going the pump>gpu without using more tubing to come back to the bottom rad. If you can, could you show me a diagram you think would be better? I cant move the rads due to limited space, but I can move the pump + res.

Here is an emtpy image without the flows:
3.jpeg







By dual pump/res I thought he meant the 2-in-1 type res/pumps such as the XPSC rs360 etc.

I do agree thats it not worth the risk, I am waiting to see the next update to that thread/forum to see how it is in action.

 
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kogut

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http://imgur.com/DIP7bot

Found you a pic of my rig (pictured is my old i5, same setup now, but with an i7-3770k on a new Z77 board). Layout is identical to today.

Loop runs pump>block>rad>res

My CPU uses the bottom 120.2 and the GPU uses the 120.3 on the top.

I run dedicated loops as a matter of personal preference.
 
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kogut

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So I was thinking about your situation today...

I think the problem is that you have a budget in mind, and you have a performance expectation that is a bit higher than your budget.

"The best" or "the ideal" solutions are what you've generally been looking for, and what you've been provided mostly in your couple threads. There's nothing wrong with cutting a few $ (your currency here) here and there to get the build together.

Liquid Cooling is just one of those things where a few extra $ (your currency here) can get you a good deal of performance and reliability. Do a cost/benefit for yourself. It really is a personal thing, as there isn't an exact science since each situation is almost entirely unique to the person.

I do hope you get a build thread going here on Tom's Hardware once you get your kot together!
 
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krishy

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Your build looks good, i like how it looks simple but glows at the same time!



Hiya again, and you are absolutely correct - the biggest issue I am facing with water cooling is finance.

I mean i can justify spending around £100 on it, more than that seems like im just being greedy (especially when im not the most overkill user, the most I do on my PC is browsing, and gaming)

However, as a first time crossfire-er (however you would say it) - the 4 fans from the gpus alone would drive me insane.

I guess the bottom line is you get what you pay for, so for the time being I have decided to wait & save. Air cooling is not bad, it does the job,

Thanks though for all your help, you are the only one who helped me and I appreciate it.

If and when I do add my loop, I will certainly love to make a video showing it off :)

Many thanks

Krish
 
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