Water Cooling Decision Help

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Monofthedead

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Jul 26, 2015
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Hello everyone! Thank you for taking the time to read my thread.

Prior to posting this, I have never owned or even looked into water cooling of any kind. My normally slight interest in water cooling has increased due to my CPU fan recently ceasing to work. I don't have a lot of spare time because of a full time job (among other things) to devote to researching and making a custom water cooling loop, so I've come to you guys for help.

My main question is: Despite how much I read that custom water cooling is better than pre-made systems by Corsair etc, would a pre-made water cooling setup be a good replacement for my fan?

Specs:
Case: NZXT Phantom
PSU: Raider 650W
MOBO: ASUS Rampage Formula IV
CPU: Intel i7 3930k 4.5MHz
GPU: GTX 970
RAM: G Skill Ripjaws 2x 8 GB

Other details:
I have read the water cooling sticky which leads me to believe the answer is not unless I spend enough money that would be better spent on a custom loop.
The broken fan was a Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
I'm not particularly interested in cooling the GPU unless told I should.
I don't have a specific budget in mind.
I have nothing against air cooling if told I should stick to that. I just figured if I'm replacing the fan why not upgrade, especially if it allows me to overclock further.

I think that's everything. Thanks again for reading, I know time is a precious resource.
 
Solution
rubix_1011
I would skip anything by Corsair, NZXT, etc, and skip straight to a Swiftech H220-X or 240-X. It is much better performing than a normal 2x120 closed loop cooler due to the pump used (Laing DDC variant) and can be expanded to add a GPU and another radiator if you choose down the road...meaning it is meant to be expandable. They are in the $150 range. I would only recommend one of these if you're looking into the closed loop cooler market, but not wanting a full watercooling loop,although, this 'technically' is kind of a beginner loop.
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rubix_1011

rubix_1011

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Jan 12, 2007
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I would skip anything by Corsair, NZXT, etc, and skip straight to a Swiftech H220-X or 240-X. It is much better performing than a normal 2x120 closed loop cooler due to the pump used (Laing DDC variant) and can be expanded to add a GPU and another radiator if you choose down the road...meaning it is meant to be expandable. They are in the $150 range. I would only recommend one of these if you're looking into the closed loop cooler market, but not wanting a full watercooling loop,although, this 'technically' is kind of a beginner loop.
 
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Monofthedead

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Jul 26, 2015
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Thanks for the reply! Beginner loop sounds like my kind of loop all right. The expandability is nice and it's also cheaper than I expected! I couldn't have asked for a better reply!

Now based on my research it seems the only real benefits to the 240 is a quieter machine and a larger form factor. I'm not too concerned with the noise level as I doubt I'd notice the difference, however the airflow range seems be a lot better on the 240. I assume this is because of its bigger size. This leads me to believe I should purchase the 240. I think I have the space in my case and I am more interested in performance than a quiet machine and the price is nice. Any other thoughts before I pull the trigger?
 
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rubix_1011

rubix_1011

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A 240 radiator is also better equipped to handle the increased TDP of an overclocked CPU. Given that most i7's are around 90-100w at stock TDP, and most 120 radiators are really only good for around ~150 watts (on average), you're not giving yourself much headroom. Also, that 150w is assuming you can get good flowrate on coolant/water in the loop, which most closed loop coolers do not have.
 
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DonkeyOatie

DonkeyOatie

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Sep 16, 2014
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I have done a lot of research and second rubix_1011's recommendation with the Swiftech H220-X or H240-X. For me, it's 'go big, or go home' for liquid cooling. My case is too small for the H 240-X.

Good 'big air', like the Noctua NH D15 or the S version, will be a bit cheaper, easier, quieter (or as quiet), and only a little warmer.
 
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