Is it ok to go air-cool first, and later convert to water?

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CnvHybrid

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Jan 16, 2014
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My Build so far:

Looking for a longer term 5-6 year reliability, minimal to average OC, for home professional use but with gaming on the side. I just happen to have access to 2xGTX 770's.

CPU: 4930k
Mobo: x79 Sabertooth (5 year warranty! quality build!)
Ram: G.Skill 16Gb Ripjaw Z
GPU: 2x770's
SSD: Corsair m500 (still reviewing SSD's and interested in dual boot linux/win)
Case: Corsair carbide white 500r
Monitors: Dual screens, asus 24''? not sure what resolution just yet but i like 1900x1200's
PSU: Still researching
CPU cooler: Still researching

1) I am interested in applying an average OC on this processor, but only with water cooling. Is there any issues with first applying the air-cooler and down the road converting (just scrape off thermal paste)?

2) Anyone keen on if this case will allow for water cooling solutions? I dont think ill ever cool my GPU's just whatever is available for the mobo

3) if you have any other recommendations or concerns/comments i would be more than happy to read them as i plan on buying most of this over the coming week end
 
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I wouldn't go for the Noctua anymore. Grab this Phanteks instead: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/phanteks-cpu-cooler-phtc14pebk
It cools just as well and it's just as quiet. However, it looks much better than the Noctua and it comes in different colors to match different color themes.

The Define R4 vs 500R is definitely a hard choice. The 500r will still be fairly silent, it won't be too noisy and it does have better airflow. However, I wouldn't say that you'll get 10c better over the Define R4. It definitely has better airflow, but not by that much. The Define R4 already has decent airflow that should be enough to keep your build cool and it has dust filters everywhere to keep dust out. It's a very popular case for a reason. You'll...
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realchaos

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1. Depends on what you mean by minimal and average overclocks. However, it's perfectly fine to just grab a heatsink now and when the time comes, replace it with a liquid cooler.
2. Depends on what kind of liquid cooling you plan to do. If it's just a CLC like the Corsair H100i or something, then you could. If you plan to do a custom loop, the 500r isn't really the best case for that.
3. Your build looks fine for your needs. Though I need to ask, what kind of professional work will you be doing?
 
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CnvHybrid

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Jan 16, 2014
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1) regarding my OC, i pretty much plan to just any available "auto OC" feature that might exist in the BIO's etc. If not, i believe mid-4GHz seems middle of pack (maybe low end) for OC'ing that i have seen on this processor with water cooling. I believe that woud be average yes? I dont want to reduce my life time TOO much and I would consider simply using water cooling to reduce the noise level.

2) I have never done any liquid cooling so at this point im open to either. Do you have the 500r too? I thought the top panel was primarily good for most reservoirs but maybe not.

3) engineering/simulation that take advantage of mult-core/threads.
 
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realchaos

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1. I wouldn't do any sort of auto-OC. It may be simple, but they typically overshoot the voltage, meaning that your processor would be running hotter than if you just overclocked it yourself. You should be able to reach 4.5-4.7ghz with a good cpu cooler by overclocking it yourself. If you really want to reduce the noise levels, go for either air cooling or a custom loop. CLC are much more louder than air cooling because of the pump. It can reach up to 35-40 decibals while a good air cooler is only ~20 decibals.

2. I don't have the 500R, but I haven't seen anyone do a custom loop in there. There's other case options that is more suited for a custom loop at a similar price point.

Also, if you really want silence, consider the Fractal Design Define R4 case. That's the most silent case on the market due to the sound-dampening pads throughout the inside of the case, reducing the noise vibrations and making it quieter. It's a high quality case with decent airflow and it's well-built.

 
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CnvHybrid

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Jan 16, 2014
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Im now at another crossroads due to your recommended case :)

The R4 vs the 500R... seems a lot of people had similarly tough choices. I decided on using the Noctua NH-D14, but what i can't find anywhere online is the temperature difference im going to experience vs the noise level between the two cases.

1) If i go with the 500R, is it going to be pretty loud with the stock fans but much better cooling? 10C would be my deciding point on temp.
2) If i go with the R4, im convinced the build will be quiet but will i experience a 10C rise in temps?

I also read the 500R has dust problems due to the side panel not having a dust filter. I did manage to find this DEMCiflex Corsair 500R Magnetic Dust Cover for ~20bux...

i just sort of like the 500R's looks better :/ But i dont want a dusty noisy monster on my desk.
 
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Joelsjet

Joelsjet

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If your not going to be pushing the limits when it comes to OCing then just go with air for now. The benefits of water are real but the extra effort for a new build is a bit of a pain. You are going to get fine Oc's with air, just make sure you have plenty of system ventilation and grab a good air cooler like a Noctua. Anyway that's my tad bit of input hope your build goes well!
 
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realchaos

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I wouldn't go for the Noctua anymore. Grab this Phanteks instead: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/phanteks-cpu-cooler-phtc14pebk
It cools just as well and it's just as quiet. However, it looks much better than the Noctua and it comes in different colors to match different color themes.

The Define R4 vs 500R is definitely a hard choice. The 500r will still be fairly silent, it won't be too noisy and it does have better airflow. However, I wouldn't say that you'll get 10c better over the Define R4. It definitely has better airflow, but not by that much. The Define R4 already has decent airflow that should be enough to keep your build cool and it has dust filters everywhere to keep dust out. It's a very popular case for a reason. You'll already have great temps with the Phanteks cooler anyways.

I think at this point, the looks should be the deciding factor. Each case has their pros and cons that are equal. Case is always a personal preference due to looks, so if you like the 500r looks better then go for it.
 
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CnvHybrid

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Thanks a lot! I did end up going with the phantek instead (last minute cancellation!)... and i went with the carbide 500r.

now im just left comtemplating my final purchase... dual 24'' or 1x27''
 
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