Help choosing a Liquid cooling kit
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Overclocking
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Last response: in Overclocking
Gmodjackass
August 26, 2014 7:23:56 AM
What liquid cooling kit should I get? I have two options (please don't suggest anything else unless it's on frozen cpu and costs less than roughly 200$) The kits are XSPC Raystorm 750 AX360 or the EX420
EDIT:
there is also the EX240 with the D5 pump variant
will the 240 mm rad be enough for high overclocks on the cpu and maybe later down the line add a gpu block? (leaning towards the EX240 atm because of shipping costs and a better pump)
EDIT:
there is also the EX240 with the D5 pump variant
will the 240 mm rad be enough for high overclocks on the cpu and maybe later down the line add a gpu block? (leaning towards the EX240 atm because of shipping costs and a better pump)
More about : choosing liquid cooling kit
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Reply to Gmodjackass
For a combination of ease of use and outstanding performance, I'd look at the Swiftech H220-X ..... though it's not expected to be on sale at FrozenCPU.com (or anywhere else but Swiftech headquarters) until August 31st. It combines the ease of use of an AIO with the flexibility of custom loop. All copper, low noise, high performance, great aesthetics and I like the pump / radiator combo much better than a bar reservoir / pump combo as the latter tend to rattle and sometimes leak along seams.
Like the other FCPU kits, the 220-x is all copper and can be expanded to handle GPU and other waterblocks. For the extra $60, I didn't see any return on the extra money. The pump in the Swiftech unit is a well regarded MCP model designed for high pressure and high flow whereas the pump in XSPC's < $200 range has not been enthusiastically received.
Reviews om the H220-X are glowing
http://www.swiftech.com/H220-X.aspx#tab5
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/25187/ex-wat-327/Swif...
With a radiators ability to handle about 60 - 75 watts per fan, the 360 is a bit of overkill unless you are using a LGA 2011 CPU.
Like the other FCPU kits, the 220-x is all copper and can be expanded to handle GPU and other waterblocks. For the extra $60, I didn't see any return on the extra money. The pump in the Swiftech unit is a well regarded MCP model designed for high pressure and high flow whereas the pump in XSPC's < $200 range has not been enthusiastically received.
Reviews om the H220-X are glowing
http://www.swiftech.com/H220-X.aspx#tab5
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/25187/ex-wat-327/Swif...
With a radiators ability to handle about 60 - 75 watts per fan, the 360 is a bit of overkill unless you are using a LGA 2011 CPU.
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Reply to JackNaylorPE
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The XSPC v4 pump isn't much to write home about. It's really only about as good as it needs to be for the kit it is tossed in with. Also, not really designed to be used in a loop that might see future expansion, either. Low flow and low head pressure are weak points of this pump.
Look for something with a D5/MCP655 or DDC/MCP355/MCP35x/etc pump as the heart. The DDC pumps are very compact and allow for great integration in small spaces with good flow and great head pressure for restrictive loops. I owned an MCP350 for about 3 years and ran it daily...still works today. The D5 is a higher flowing pump and is rock solid...I've personally run one of these for about 8 years without issue. The 35x is newer DDC pump with flow similar to a D5 and head pressure exceeding a normal DDC. There's actually a new pump as well, the MCP50x, which is a bump over the MCP35x.
If you get away from the mindset that your watercooling loop has to be 'from a kit' you'll open up a whole new set of doors.
Look for something with a D5/MCP655 or DDC/MCP355/MCP35x/etc pump as the heart. The DDC pumps are very compact and allow for great integration in small spaces with good flow and great head pressure for restrictive loops. I owned an MCP350 for about 3 years and ran it daily...still works today. The D5 is a higher flowing pump and is rock solid...I've personally run one of these for about 8 years without issue. The 35x is newer DDC pump with flow similar to a D5 and head pressure exceeding a normal DDC. There's actually a new pump as well, the MCP50x, which is a bump over the MCP35x.
If you get away from the mindset that your watercooling loop has to be 'from a kit' you'll open up a whole new set of doors.
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Reply to rubix_1011
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Gmodjackass
August 26, 2014 10:38:55 AM
rubix_1011 said:
The XSPC v4 pump isn't much to write home about. It's really only about as good as it needs to be for the kit it is tossed in with. Also, not really designed to be used in a loop that might see future expansion, either. Low flow and low head pressure are weak points of this pump.Look for something with a D5/MCP655 or DDC/MCP355/MCP35x/etc pump as the heart. The DDC pumps are very compact and allow for great integration in small spaces with good flow and great head pressure for restrictive loops. I owned an MCP350 for about 3 years and ran it daily...still works today. The D5 is a higher flowing pump and is rock solid...I've personally run one of these for about 8 years without issue. The 35x is newer DDC pump with flow similar to a D5 and head pressure exceeding a normal DDC. There's actually a new pump as well, the MCP50x, which is a bump over the MCP35x.
If you get away from the mindset that your watercooling loop has to be 'from a kit' you'll open up a whole new set of doors.
I can mainly buy kits because individual components cost more and the hassle of picking everything and shipping it (shipping is expensive).
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Reply to Gmodjackass
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Gmodjackass
August 26, 2014 10:39:39 AM
Gmodjackass said:
quick update:the EX240 with the D5 is also available!
Yes, they have always had those kits (well, not initially, but they added the better pump choices soon after the XSPC kits debuted). They also used to have DDC versions of them, as well.
Is there something specific about only ordering from FrozenCPU, or are you open to other online retailers?
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Reply to rubix_1011
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Gmodjackass
August 26, 2014 11:07:14 AM
rubix_1011 said:
Gmodjackass said:
quick update:the EX240 with the D5 is also available!
Yes, they have always had those kits (well, not initially, but they added the better pump choices soon after the XSPC kits debuted). They also used to have DDC versions of them, as well.
Is there something specific about only ordering from FrozenCPU, or are you open to other online retailers?
pretty much specific (and I said it was available to me because of it's lower shipping cost which compensates for it's higher cost)
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Reply to Gmodjackass
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For around similar cost ($220) you can go with an Alphacool kit that has an XT45 rad and a much better pump, the DDC: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/21220/ex-wat-226/Alphacool_NexXxoS_Cool_Answer_240_DDCXT_-_Complete_Kit.html?tl=g30c321s1793
EK 240 $239: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/18964/ex-wat-249/EK_L240_Complete_Dual_120mm_Liquid_Cooling_Kit_EK-KIT_L240.html?tl=g30c321s1367#blank
Phobya 240 kit, $205: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/22864/ex-wat-294/Phobya_Pure_Performance_Liquid_Cooling_Kit_-_240LT.html?tl=g30c321s2233
Also depends if you really want a 240 radiator or what you need based on your potential loop TDP.
EK 240 $239: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/18964/ex-wat-249/EK_L240_Complete_Dual_120mm_Liquid_Cooling_Kit_EK-KIT_L240.html?tl=g30c321s1367#blank
Phobya 240 kit, $205: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/22864/ex-wat-294/Phobya_Pure_Performance_Liquid_Cooling_Kit_-_240LT.html?tl=g30c321s2233
Also depends if you really want a 240 radiator or what you need based on your potential loop TDP.
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Reply to rubix_1011
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Agreed, the Alphacool and EK kits I like more than the Phobya but 1) they were over the $200 budget, 2) they have bay reservoirs which I am not a fan of. Also agree with Rubix that custom loops are the way to go but again, tough to do on a $200 budget and w/o knowing the case, tough to determine if a tube res will fit.
Tho I have a strong dislike for AIOs or kits in general as it seems each one has at least one part, you really feel like you are "settling for". OTOH, I have really been impressed by the H220-X as has everyone who has reviewed it. Looks way cool too
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Tho I have a strong dislike for AIOs or kits in general as it seems each one has at least one part, you really feel like you are "settling for". OTOH, I have really been impressed by the H220-X as has everyone who has reviewed it. Looks way cool too

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Reply to JackNaylorPE
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Watercooling isn't cheap. It, like most other hobbies, is something that you pay more of a premium for in order to get what you feel you want to get. A good performing custom loop can easily cost a few hundred dollars just for a CPU only loop (as we've seen). You can also go cheaper, but as you go less money, you compromise performance, future expansion and future performance. Planning and budget go a long way in saving you the most money when it comes to watercooling gear simply because you end up making good decisions with a well laid-out plan rather than snap decisions based on the moment without consideration for what you might want down the road.
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Reply to rubix_1011
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^^ Agreed ..... the last thing ya wanna be doing is, as you expand, having to get take something you bought, and dump it or sell it buy something bigger / better which you really wanted to buy in the first place but got what ya did to save $20 ..... that's $20 and then some that you will spend again later after taking the loss on the "budget" choice ya made. That's why I no likie CLCs....gotta toss the whole shebang when you expand,
Suggestions:.....
Case.... one that will take both 120mm and 140mm rads / fans
Pump ..... D5 or better
Radiator .... one with good stats on martinsliquidlab site and the more ports the better....(copper only wetted parts) ... 240/280 for CPU, 420 or 480 for twin cards in SLI/CF
Reservoir ....avoid bay res if possible, tend to be noisy.
Push / pull capability on at last one rad (bigger one)
Tubing .... don't go cheap..... you will pay in the long run.
Be wary of "old stickies" ....what was true 5 years ago is outdated today.
Suggestions:.....
Case.... one that will take both 120mm and 140mm rads / fans
Pump ..... D5 or better
Radiator .... one with good stats on martinsliquidlab site and the more ports the better....(copper only wetted parts) ... 240/280 for CPU, 420 or 480 for twin cards in SLI/CF
Reservoir ....avoid bay res if possible, tend to be noisy.
Push / pull capability on at last one rad (bigger one)
Tubing .... don't go cheap..... you will pay in the long run.
Be wary of "old stickies" ....what was true 5 years ago is outdated today.
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Reply to JackNaylorPE
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Gmodjackass
August 26, 2014 10:31:32 PM
JackNaylorPE said:
Agreed, the Alphacool and EK kits I like more than the Phobya but 1) they were over the $200 budget, 2) they have bay reservoirs which I am not a fan of. Also agree with Rubix that custom loops are the way to go but again, tough to do on a $200 budget and w/o knowing the case, tough to determine if a tube res will fit.Tho I have a strong dislike for AIOs or kits in general as it seems each one has at least one part, you really feel like you are "settling for". OTOH, I have really been impressed by the H220-X as has everyone who has reviewed it. Looks way cool too
I do like the h220X but I'm afraid it wont be enough, cpu cooling with an overclock is fine but what about adding a single gpu? (not in stock but I don't mind looking at ebay and such)
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Reply to Gmodjackass
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Gmodjackass said:
What liquid cooling kit should I get? I have two options (please don't suggest anything else unless it's on frozen cpu and costs less than roughly 200$) The kits are XSPC Raystorm 750 AX360 or the EX420 EDIT:
there is also the EX240 with the D5 pump variant
will the 240 mm rad be enough for high overclocks on the cpu and maybe later down the line add a gpu block? (leaning towards the EX240 atm because of shipping costs and a better pump)
It really depends on what CPU we're talking, and what your intentions of a high CPU overclock actually is?
Many think a 4.5ghz ~ 4.7ghz is a high overclock, I consider that to be a medium overclock, with a high overclock being closer to 5ghz, so it is important to know what your true goals are?
The 240 radiator, no matter which one, can only dissipate so much heat through it's tubing and fin field, and in some situations depending on how high you intend to overclock whatever CPU you have, a High Quality air cooler running 110cfm cooling fans may actually outperform the 240 radiator.
You could end up seriously disappointed in going with water cooling in the first place if you are determined to stick to a $200 budget and just hope for the best, without even knowing your CPU or overclocking intentions?
Whatever you do, with your GPU expansion down the road plans, do not go with any pump less than a variable speed D5 pump, it will give you flow control so you can fine tune the flow rate you need to get the best cooling performance from your water blocks.
If you are really serious I suggest educating yourself on what you'll really need to reach your goals, and during that time save some more money to invest in your water cooling endeavor.
Water cooling is still air cooling using water, it is still dependent on ambient air to cool the radiators.
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2196038/air-cooling-water-cooling-things.html
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Reply to 4Ryan6
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Gmodjackass
August 27, 2014 4:02:17 AM
4Ryan6 said:
Gmodjackass said:
What liquid cooling kit should I get? I have two options (please don't suggest anything else unless it's on frozen cpu and costs less than roughly 200$) The kits are XSPC Raystorm 750 AX360 or the EX420 EDIT:
there is also the EX240 with the D5 pump variant
will the 240 mm rad be enough for high overclocks on the cpu and maybe later down the line add a gpu block? (leaning towards the EX240 atm because of shipping costs and a better pump)
It really depends on what CPU we're talking, and what your intentions of a high CPU overclock actually is?
Many think a 4.5ghz ~ 4.7ghz is a high overclock, I consider that to be a medium overclock, with a high overclock being closer to 5ghz, so it is important to know what your true goals are?
The 240 radiator, no matter which one, can only dissipate so much heat through it's tubing and fin field, and in some situations depending on how high you intend to overclock whatever CPU you have, a High Quality air cooler running 110cfm cooling fans may actually outperform the 240 radiator.
You could end up seriously disappointed in going with water cooling in the first place if you are determined to stick to a $200 budget and just hope for the best, without even knowing your CPU or overclocking intentions?
Whatever you do, with your GPU expansion down the road plans, do not go with any pump less than a variable speed D5 pump, it will give you flow control so you can fine tune the flow rate you need to get the best cooling performance from your water blocks.
If you are really serious I suggest educating yourself on what you'll really need to reach your goals, and during that time save some more money to invest in your water cooling endeavor.
Water cooling is still air cooling using water, it is still dependent on ambient air to cool the radiators.
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2196038/air-cooling-water-cooling-things.html
thank you for the in-depth response, the CPU is an I7 4770k and I'm planning to push it to 4.5 or higher (if I can), I looked at the 220X and I liked it as well, budget is not getting any higher and air cooling like the big noctua ones (just to name one) are not something I want to use because of some limitations...
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Best solution
Gmodjackass said:
thank you for the in-depth response, the CPU is an I7 4770k and I'm planning to push it to 4.5 or higher (if I can), I looked at the 220X and I liked it as well, budget is not getting any higher and air cooling like the big noctua ones (just to name one) are not something I want to use because of some limitations...With that supplied information your level of desired overclock can be handled quite well with a 240 kit, so I suggest the EX240 with the D5 pump as the kit comes with the XSPC Raystorm CPU water block, and a variable speed D5 pump, usually the pump by itself cost a minimum of 80 bucks.
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/16070/ex-wat-210/XSPC_Raystorm_EX240_Extreme_Universal_CPU_Water_Cooling_Kit_w_D5_Variant_Pump_Included_and_Free_Dead-Water.html?tl=g30c321s1310
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Reply to 4Ryan6
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That's the kit I would have used in the past as the only think bothersome really in the original 2 choices was the Rev 4 pump .... but it was over the $200 budget. Frankly I dunno how Swiftech can sell that kit for S140.....Block is $65, MCP Pumps are usually $80 and up .... only beef is where's the 280mm model
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Reply to JackNaylorPE
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JackNaylorPE said:
That's the kit I would have used in the past as the only think bothersome really in the original 2 choices was the Rev 4 pump .... but it was over the $200 budget. Frankly I dunno how Swiftech can sell that kit for S140.....Block is $65, MCP Pumps are usually $80 and up .... only beef is where's the 280mm model
I have to admit Swiftech adding that -X on the H220 is an impressive change on their part, by moving the pump off the water block to the radiator and having a stand alone Apogee-XL water block is a very good improvement over the original H220.
I wish I could find pump flow and head pressure output specs on the MCP30 pump it comes with, as my searching did not.
However it is an impressive improvement and under this OPs price requirements I'll have to 2nd your suggestion.
http://www.hitechlegion.com/reviews/cooling/liquid/40870-swiftech-h220-x-open-loop-240mm-cpu-cooler-review?showall=1&limitstart=
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Reply to 4Ryan6
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Thatz my thinking but the significance of the model number differentions is one I have not been able to fathom
MCP30 versus ....
MCP350
MCP355
MCP35X
And still wish there was a 140mm version
A 3 x 140mm (H340-X ?) on top w/ pump .... say $175 + a MCRx40 (2 x 140) rad ($65) would make a nice entry level kit with two (now very affordable) Poseidons
MCP30 versus ....
MCP350
MCP355
MCP35X
And still wish there was a 140mm version
A 3 x 140mm (H340-X ?) on top w/ pump .... say $175 + a MCRx40 (2 x 140) rad ($65) would make a nice entry level kit with two (now very affordable) Poseidons
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