Can you give me a basic list for liquid cooled components for a starter?

sum12merkwith

Honorable
Jan 16, 2014
24
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10,510
I am looking to build my first liquid cooled pc but i cant seem to figure out what i should get or use. I want green UV coolant. can you give me some tips? Also what cases work best for liquid cooled systems? anything helps, thanks. anything would help
 
Solution
Well to begin with, there are some VERY important things you must fulfill:

ALWAYS have the reservoir right before the pump, as the coolant in your loop also keeps the pump from overheating, so if there is no liquid when the pump is running, it will overheat and break, which isn't covered by warranty.

Secondly, make sure to leak test for at least 4 hours while all components except for the pump are off, remove all power connectors to your components except for the pump, then google how to "jump" your power supply so that only your pump will turn on. Place paper towels over all components so that if it does leak, it won't be too bad.

Thirdly, I don't recommend any coolant other type of coolant except for distilled water. It's cheaper...

Nuclear101

Honorable
Well to begin with, there are some VERY important things you must fulfill:

ALWAYS have the reservoir right before the pump, as the coolant in your loop also keeps the pump from overheating, so if there is no liquid when the pump is running, it will overheat and break, which isn't covered by warranty.

Secondly, make sure to leak test for at least 4 hours while all components except for the pump are off, remove all power connectors to your components except for the pump, then google how to "jump" your power supply so that only your pump will turn on. Place paper towels over all components so that if it does leak, it won't be too bad.

Thirdly, I don't recommend any coolant other type of coolant except for distilled water. It's cheaper and won't clog up your loop. Buy a silver "Kill" coil and place it inside of your reservoir.

I prefer tube-type reservoirs over bay reservoirs due to using rigid-acrylic tubing, the bay reservoirs are also a great choice, just be sure to leave some "slack" in the tubing (extra tubing) so you can pull the bay reservoir out to fill it.

With cases, try to find a case that has large fan mounts eg. space for 3x120mm fans so that the radiators will be easier to install.

For filling your loop, fill up the reservoir, then turn the pump on until the

Recommended companies:

Water cooling blocks: EK Waterblocks (Use coolingconfigurator.com to find compatible blocks)
Radiators: XSPC AX Series
Fans: Corsair SP 120 High Performance or Noctua fans
Tubing: No real difference, just make sure they fit your fittings
Fittings: I personally prefer EKWB, but XSPC is also reliable
Pump: No brand, but a Laing D5 is the most reliable and high performing


My apologies if I sound demanding, it is because when I built my first loop, I did not prepare for a leak, and so I lost $2000 of computer components.
 
Solution

dragonbud20

Honorable
Feb 9, 2014
9
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10,520


depending on how confident you are about preventing and testing for leaks you may want to use a non-conductive coolant instead of water simply because it wont fry your computer in the event of a leak. I do agree with everything said about water as a coolant and it is perfectly fine as long as you are careful and know somewhat what you are doing.