Planning my custom loop.

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Levelog

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Jan 23, 2014
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Hey all, I'm trying to plan out a custom loop. Been wanting to get into it for a while, but I should (read hopefully) have the money to in a couple months. I am planning on purchasing http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=59_202_972&products_id=39024 (Starter Kit)

http://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-fc680-gtx-acetal-nickel-csq-1.html (GPU Block)

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=59_457_667_671&products_id=35888 (120mm Radiator)

I am also ordering a http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127742 off of ebay once my current paypal funds pull through as my GPU.

http://imgur.com/xfyV61t (The image link does not seem to work with imgur. Any better ideas?)

This is what I currently have in mind. Running from the pump/res to the CPU block, through a top-mounted 240mm radiator, to the GPU block, and through a 120mm radiator mounted on my side panel before going back to the pump/res. I think my side panel will have enough clearance. I've done some measuring, and I'm between 1/8th and 1/4th of an inch too tight, so I'm trying to figure out a way to make it work. A slim fan perhaps? If those even exist.

Anyways, sorry for the long post, but I was wondering if you veterans had any words of advice or vast improvements on my craptastic vision. I've read the sticky on here and about 5 other guides, and am just trying to get started. I've got a 4670k and I chose the 770 Lightning to see how far I could push it on a lower-end custom loop. I'm no stranger to overclocking, but it's all been on air or a couple friends' Closed Loop cooler's.

TL;DR
Need help planning my custom loop. Dunno if it's absolute crap.
 
Solution
4Ryan6


I totally agree the pump difference is worth the extra money of the kit!

To the OP, Avoid a pump inside the reservoir it is not designed to be replaced by you, as it is sealed inside the reservoir it would be a factory replace, as I have learned the hard way.

You say you have plenty of overclocking experience on...
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manofchalk

manofchalk

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May 11, 2012
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4Ryan6

4Ryan6

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Apr 14, 2002
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I totally agree the pump difference is worth the extra money of the kit!

To the OP, Avoid a pump inside the reservoir it is not designed to be replaced by you, as it is sealed inside the reservoir it would be a factory replace, as I have learned the hard way.

You say you have plenty of overclocking experience on air but are new to water cooling, I strongly suggest you reveal your overclocking intentions for your 4670K as you may very well not be starting out with enough radiator to to handle your overclocking intentions.

If that's the case you fall in exactly what MoC is trying to say with, " but its better to spend the cash now than have too later on", there's nothing worse than spending a chunk of money thinking it will be the cure all for your goals then discovering it isn't.

Since you are new to water cooling I suggest starting out cooling the CPU only, as a full coverage GPU water block is card specific, meaning, you buy it, you're probably stuck with it 4evr, you need to think about that starting out.

I have 2 shelved 580GTX full coverage water blocks my self, and that was a $100+ dollar apiece sting, that I am still living with today! :)

For the overclocking of the 4670K you will need to keep it as cool as possible so what are your overclocking goals for it?

Additional Edit: Most think, I have to conform with what my case allows for , and convenience lah' te dah!

And many have discovered there are other ways like a top mounted, or side panel mounting of a radiator, some have even gone as far as a separate RadBox, the point is don't let your case accommodations dictate the cooling you end up with choosing, if it's not enough radiator cooling field, it will not do the job, and you will end up dissatisfied.

Not trying to scare you just warning you before you take the plunge, so you can think of possible alternatives, many have top mounted 360 or 480 radiators and they came out looking fantastic, just something for you to consider!

From an overclocking the CPU point of view and suggesting a top of the case installation of the radiator this is my starter suggestion kit.

http://www.performance-pcs.com/cata...oduct_info&cPath=59_202_972&products_id=38687

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=33484

The XSPC kits used to come with the rad mounting brackets, but I think since they started supplying compression fittings they dropped supplying the brackets, so that's why I added the link to the brackets.

I hope this advice helps you, and doesn't make your decision process even worse!

It's always best to know there's water in the pool before you jump in it! Ryan

 
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Levelog

Honorable
Jan 23, 2014
3
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10,510
My goal for the 4670k is 5ghz, and to tweak the GPU to it's max (within thermal restrictions). I'm trying to do both because it is also for a final project for a class. However, since you have brought up the fact that I may not have enough radiator room, what about this. If I go for the 360 kit you linked, to mount on top of my case since I have 2 water cooling holes at the top back of my case directly after the CPU block, then mount a 240mm radiator to my HDD bay right after the GPU block leading back up to the pump. It's a bit out of my intended price range, so I may not be able to afford it in time for the class... unless I delay my gun purchase.

Edit: I may go with a GTX 680 lightning to save money. The thing is, I don't even game that much anymore. Tweaking and maximizing performance just more of a hobby nowadays and I've always wanted to get into Liquid.
 
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Levelog

Honorable
Jan 23, 2014
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10,510
So I think I may slow this down a bit and just get this 360 for now to mount on the top of my case. I'll focus on the CPU for now, and get a 240mm slim radiator to mount on my HDD bay for my GPU at a later date.
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=38687:32a677805e97f89c29b098a8018b5bbb
Do I need http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=33484 then? I'm slightly confused on how they'd be used.

Also, what else do I need? I assume everything in the kit will be compatible. Comes with 2 meters of hose, which should be plenty. I may also see if I can somehow keep my 2 240mm fans on the internal and set up the 3 120's in a pull config for a kind of faux push/pull setup. (If that's a good idea)
And as for coolant, I seem to find that just plain old distilled water is the best. Is there any advantage to http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=59_381_1063&products_id=27047 over distilled water from a grocery store?

Thank you so much for all of your help everyone.
 
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4Ryan6

4Ryan6

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Apr 14, 2002
20,610
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Excellent choice, you can always add the GPU later if you desire, the 360 kit and the mounting brackets is everything you need except for the coolant which you can pick up from your local grocery store.

I use pure steam distilled water with zero additives, (read the label and make sure it is steam distilled), and no kill coil either once every 6 months I just siphon and refill about 3 reservoir fillings and the coolant is completely refreshed, no bugs, no critters, no problems. :)

 
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