upgrading current rig to water cooling advice needed thanks in advanced

Here is what I recommend, go for the real deal. You'll be happier with the temps and about the same cost. You can add radiators and GPUs as you see fit. The AIO coolers are OK, but a high end air cooler is about as effective.

I'd take a look at this page, I def can recommend the XSPC and Alphacool kits. I just think with the money you're investing may as well get something vastly superior to air cooling.

http://www.performance-pcs.com/complete-kits?dir=asc&limit=30&order=price&p=2

Well, perhaps I was wrong, maybe you aren't ready. I was just thinking value for your money.

AIO kits you can be looking at mid 30s Celcius for idle temps. Load could go up to 50Cor more. About the same as air cooling. GPUs will be higher. Count on idle temps in the 40-50s. Load really depenmds on your GPU, but for a midrange card like the 760 prolly around 60-70s load.

You aren't going to get sub ambient temps for water cooling. My FX 8320 is currently idling at 22C. I know that isn't correct because the room is at 22C. But I would guess its actually idling about 30C. I have one monitor on one GPU and two on the other. I'm getting 38C on the one and 48C on the other.

Loaded with 3Dmark Fire strike I have seen the main GPU edge up to 70C. Under load my CPU goes to 40C.

So you get your AIO cooler for your GPU and CPU. Then you decide its mediocre. Then what? How about a second GPU down the road? That's what the flexibility of the open loop gives you. I've changed my GPUs a few times and added one to the loop, I've also upgraded the CPU a couple of times. Also added a second 120mm rad.

I started with the XSPC kit with a 240 rad. I've added components over time. Its kind of like tattoos, once you get started you may just go crazy.

First check this link:

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cooling/2007/08/22/watercooling_101/1

Of course leaks are a possibility, and quite frankly when first starting an eventuality. We build loops outside the case first. After moving everything inside the case, we use a jumper to engage the PSU with out applying electricity to the components, just to run the pump. After finding leaks, tighten up the fittings and then leak test for 24 hours with towels and rags around the fittings. Once everything looks good and tight, then you can put the PSU in the case and fire up the components.

Of course also don't use any additives or any other junk when first testing. Distilled and de-ionized water will not conduct electricity with no ions to carry the current. It will however still corrode components if left to dry. If it does happen, clean components with Isopropyl alcohol, 91% is good. Also have a fan at the ready to dry up any residual water.


Its a worthy endeavor and you are right to be cautious. But its also very rewarding to build your own loop and know that expandibility is only limited by your imagination. And wallet.
GL

BTW, I am using universal XSPC GPU blocks so I can change the cards whenever I like. I use backplates and passive heatsinks to mitigate the disadvantages of not haring full cover clocks.

A view of my custom loop with dual GPUs:

https://www.facebook.com/BuzznutzModz/photos/pb.394783690550831.-2207520000.1420019661./927659453929916/?type=3&theater