Watercooling advice for a beginner...

grebgonebad

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Hi all!

To cut a long story short I plan on building what is basically my dream rig a few weeks from now, and want to include a custom watercooling loop. However I have had no previous experience with watercooling whatsoever aside from fitting a H80i into a friends rig once, and that really wasn't that much of a challenge. =P

What I wan't to know is, what exactly do I need, and do you have any recommendations?

I plan on watercooling 3 GPU's along with the CPU, I would watercool the RAM and Motherboard but unfortunately I don't think it's possible, I could be wrong however (Corsair Dominator Platinum Memory and Asus X99 Deluxe Mobo).

I know that I need waterblocks for the GPU's and CPU (Doy =P) and tubing, and I also know that I need fittings, coolant, pumps and whatnot, but I'm not sure exactly what to get?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. =D
 
Solution
There are SOME 980 Blocks available
http://www.frozencpu.com/cat/l3/g30/c311/s2312/list/p1/Liquid_Cooling-Water_Blocks_VGA_-_Card_-_nVidia-GTX_980_Water_Blocks_-Page1.html

If there is space in the bottom, I would highly recommend this radiator (and the 240mm one for the CPU). Its extra thick, and has low pressure drop, also a really good price.
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/14317/ex-rad-313/EK_Ultimate_Performance_CoolStream_480_XTX_Series_Liquid_Cooling_Radiator_EK-CoolStream_RAD_XTX_480_.html?tl=g57c597s1902

And the coolest fittings I have been able to find are the "MyModToys" carbon fiber fittings (but that is just my taste)...
Have you built a PC before? With custom cooling? Doesnn't sound like it.

Its really expensive. What budget have you got for the whole PC?

Post your build.

Have a look in Frozen CPU to see what they have. Try XSPC stuff.

You'd need a loop for the CPU and another for the GPU's. Have you got a big case? For 3 GPU's, you'd need a 360mm or 2 x 240mm radiators plus a 240 for the CPU. What GPU's?
 

matt1-0-1

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It is possible to buy ram, and mosfet waterblocks from EKWB, but they are gimmicky and pointless - basically a waste of money. I would recommend checking out the Singularity Computers youtube channel for some pretty awesome 'ultimate watercooled builds'.
 

cdburner5911

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First off, what CPU/GPUs?
What case do you plan on using?

Do you have a budget for your water cooling? considering 3 GPU blocks could easily run you $3-400 total, plus probably no less than $500 for a good kit and extra tubing/fittings.

Do you know how you want to lay out the water loop yet? With 3 GPUs a CPU the layout will be complicated, you want to make sure you have it laid out on paper before you start cutting tubing, so you don't get confused.

Do you have any specific brands you want to use for parts?
Any specific store/website? (I use frozenCPU.com, and they have a great selection, and decent prices)


And motherboard/RAM cooling is possible, but not necessary. You only would need to do it if one of them was overheating.


So I am not necessarily an expert, I have only built one system, but I think a good starting point would be a pre-built kit, as they are usually are cheaper than buying parts outright.

I used the old EK x360 kit (was a lot cheaper than the current one) but with a gtx770 superclock and a i7 3770k (and an extra 120mm rad) the fluid never gets more than 2.5F above ambient.

Also, If you have it in your budget, I highly recommend the Corsair SP120 High performance High Static fans, they are awesome (but a bit hard to mount because of the rubber mounts. They aren't the quietest, but I tested them for maximum pressure, and achieved slightly higher than the stated value.


TL;DR What CPU/GPUs are you going to use, what case, and what is your budget?

EDIT: also, are you planning on overclocking?
 

grebgonebad

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I mentioned in my post that I've never built a PC with custom watercooling before. I have built many PC's however.

Budget is no object. A rundown of the basic specs are as follows:

Intel Core I7-5960x
3 x EVGA Superclocked Nvidia GeForce GTX 980's
32gb DDR4 Corsair Dominator Platinum 3000mhz
Asus X99 Deluxe
Dual Corsair AX1200i PSU's (OTT I know, but I plan on heavily OC'ing the GPU's and CPU so one is purely to power the GPU's...)

The case is going to be a Corsair Obsidian Series 900D, so space won't be an issue either...

I do plan on having two loops seeing as I've got 3 GPU's and a CPU to cool, however what sort of config should I have? I know I can fit 1 480 rad and 3 240 rads along with 2 pumps and 2 reservoirs into the case, and the sort of config I'm going for is similar to that show in this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sv8baCwGSYw

The only difference being that with having two PSU's I won't be able to fit a second 480 rad in the bottom, hence the third 240 in comparison.
 

grebgonebad

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I have heard compression fittings are better. Money is no object (He says, shuddering), I really want this to be a beutiful system so I'll spend whatever it takes. =P
 

grebgonebad

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Yeah, I've seen kits that make you replace the stock heatsink on RAM modules to ones that have mounting holes in for the waterblock, but I really want to keep the stock look of the Dominator Platinums. I'll probably give RAM watercooling a miss on this one then. =)

I'll definitely take a look at that youtube channel though. =)
 
You only need 950W for 3 x 980's - per RealHardTech. You won't need 2 PSUs - even for heavy overclocking. One good PSU will be fine. Just use one AX1200.

I'd run a 480 for the GPUs and a 240 for the CPU.

I don't know if anyone has waterblocks for 980's yet.
 

grebgonebad

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I'm using the Intel Core i7-5960x along with triple GTX 980's, all stuffed into a Corsair Obsidian Series 900D. =)

Money is no object, this is my first time watercooling and I want to do it right as well as make it as good looking as possible. =)

I have an idea of a layout, something similar to what is in this video if possible:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sv8baCwGSYw

I want to use 1 480 rad along the top of the case along with a 240 in the front and 2 x 240's in the bottom (The rig in the video has a 480 along the bottom but as I plan on using dual PSU's I won't be able to fit one in).

I'm not partial to brands, providing it looks good and performs well I'm happy. I'm familliar with Frozen CPU and have no problem with ordering from them, however I do live in the UK so a UK site would be preferable but not essential.

As it is I can't find any watercooling solutions for my RAM/Mobo choice anyway so I won't be watercooling them anyway.

I'm more than happy to accept advice off anyone, even yourself. =) Like I say this is going to be my first custom watercooled PC so I want to do everything right.

I'd much rather buy everything separate as it ensures I get the best of everything, if you know what I mean? As I've said, money isn't an issue as I'll literally throw whatever it takes at it. I plan on building and keeping this PC for many, many years so I'll splash out on the proper gear.

I do plan on using Corsair fans, however I want to use the silent ones. Call me finicky but I want to experience 'silent' computing. XD My current PC sounds like a wind turbine on ecstasy.

I do plan on Overclocking, I want to push the 5960x to at least 4ghz and I plan on modestly overclocking the GPU's as well. Hence the amount of radiators.

I was thinking of two loops, one for the GPU's and one for the CPU, the GPU's would be linked to the 480 and a 240 (I may even include a 140 at the rear of the case and hook this loop up to it), and the remaining 240's for the CPU? Your thoughts?

EDIT:- I'm not going to include that extra 140 rad after all, I think I'll install a 140mm fan back there as an exhaust to help remove some of the warm air from inside the case.
 

grebgonebad

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I know that dual 1200 watt PSU's is overkill, but I plan on heavily OC'ing both the CPU and the GPU's, so a second PSU would be essential in my opinion. Plus it gives me room for the future.

I was thinking a 480 and a 240 for the GPU's, possibly with another 140 if I decide to include one at the rear of the case, and the remaining 2 x 240's for the CPU?

I've found 980 waterblocks, still deciding on which ones to go for though. =P
 

cdburner5911

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There are SOME 980 Blocks available
http://www.frozencpu.com/cat/l3/g30/c311/s2312/list/p1/Liquid_Cooling-Water_Blocks_VGA_-_Card_-_nVidia-GTX_980_Water_Blocks_-Page1.html

If there is space in the bottom, I would highly recommend this radiator (and the 240mm one for the CPU). Its extra thick, and has low pressure drop, also a really good price.
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/14317/ex-rad-313/EK_Ultimate_Performance_CoolStream_480_XTX_Series_Liquid_Cooling_Radiator_EK-CoolStream_RAD_XTX_480_.html?tl=g57c597s1902

And the coolest fittings I have been able to find are the "MyModToys" carbon fiber fittings (but that is just my taste)
http://www.frozencpu.com/cat/l3/g/c409/s1609/list/p1/b214/ModMyToys-Fittings-Compression-12_x_34_Compression-Page1.html


Oh, if you want a big case for a comical sum of money... ;)
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/24379/cst-1760/CaseLabs_Magnum_TH10A_Customizable_Case.html?tl=g58c649s2082
 
Solution

grebgonebad

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Yeah, I've managed to narrow my GPU waterblock choice down to either the Koolance one or the XSPC Razor. I'd be more inclined to go for the Razor due to the cool LED lighting, which would match my colour scheme nicely, however I'm unsure of what to expect performance wise? I know that Koolance have a good rep, and their block still looks pretty nice.

I'm planning on fitting 2 x 240 rads in the bottom, along with a 240 in the front and a 480 up top, so I definitely need advice as to what reads to get. =P My only worry is with the bottom mounted rads, what with there also being 2 AX1200i's stuffed in there is there going to be enough room for tubing?

Call me a killjoy, but I prefer the look of the chrome fittings. =/
 

cdburner5911

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I cant say for those blocks or the 980, but my card (gtx 770) and a EK block, it idles at room temp, then under full load, it sits at 40c basically forever. So assuming you had adequate water going through you could probably expect something roughly the same? Cant say for sure. However, the last card would likely be a bit warmer.

Well, this image would seem to indicate that it would be possible: http://img.ncixus.com/images/79369_18.jpg

Hey, everyone has their own preferences, no worries!



And as far as rads, my choice would be the EK CoolStream 480 XTX (and 240 XTX)

The problem is they are quite thick!!! but if you only put fans on one side, they should be OK (I hope)
They were just about the lowest flow restriction of any radiator.
Also, for a CPU block, assuming it fits, is the EK Supremacy EVO, again, just about the lowest flow restriction.

Im not an EK fan boy...OK, maybe just a bit ;-)
 

grebgonebad

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40C under load!? That's incredible! I'm happy if my cards keep below 90C on air! It's amazing how much difference it makes!

Yeah, I think the only issue I might have is routing the tubing from the two rads to the reservoirs.

Yeah, the colour scheme I'm going for is chrome/black for all the major components, with white tubing/coolant which will compliment the white accents on the mobo. Seeing as I'll be using Corsair SP120's as well I can use the white trim pieces for them. =)

I just found a video where a guy shows that it is possible to mount a 60mm rad with a 25mm fan on either side, you just have to get creative with the CPU power connector and the fan wires. =) I've taken a look at the radiators you mentioned, they look pretty sweet! You mention though about low flow restriction? What does this mean? I assume it's something to do with the resistance put on the flow of the water, so high resistance = lower performance, low resistance = higher performance?

Never be ashamed to admit you're a fanboy. ;-) Nvidia/Android/Intel/Xbox/Nexus fanboy and proud! XD
 

grebgonebad

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What makes you say there are better choices?

I've chosen the 900D because it looks stunning without being flashy, there's more than enough room for me to work with and make it a good looking system, and also because of the amount of options it offers. Also what with all of it's intake areas having VERY easily removable filters it's a doddle to clean despite it's size. =)

What other cases do you have in mind?