Full System Water Cooling Loop

GetOwnedGaming · May 1, 2016

Yo guys.

I am working on a custom loop that will cover my CPU and GPU. Don't worry about the budget for now, I just want to know what my options are without going crazy on the $$$. I already have picked out a kit, XSPC Raystorm EX240. What I am wondering is, what do I need in addition to this kit to cool my GPU as well. Please do it as inexpensively as possible, without completely going cheap.

If you need my PC specs, you can find them here.

Thanks guys.

ajpaolello · May 2, 2016

You will need top get a waterblock for your graphics card, some fittings for the card, and you might want to consider a second radiator, but I only would if you notice it being an issue with heat.

GetOwnedGaming · May 2, 2016

ajpaolello :

Would you be able to include some exact parts? I am new to this, and have no idea where to start. xD

Epicness937 · May 2, 2016

i would highly recomend learning about this a bit more like getting a 20$ pc at good will and configuring with that before your own pc
for the water cooler i would say something more like this http://www.performance-pcs.com/water-cooling
also that 970 looks epic i never have seen it before

rubix_1011 · May 4, 2016

Have you read through the watercooling sticky?

4Ryan6 · May 4, 2016

The first mistake I see you are going to make is in your parts list to do what you want to do you need the housing for it, please consider a different case and take a look at the link below, it has plenty of room to expand your water cooling and is one of the best made cases I have seen in a long time, plus it is freaking beautiful.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811854003

If you're going to start out with a kit go for the quality of this one, comes with a D5 pump, and EK Supremacy CPU water block

http://www.performance-pcs.com/ek-kit-p280-premium-watercooler-kit.html

Note: Starting out with a kit is yes a cheaper start to getting into a custom loop, but don't start out with a kit that you'll regret buying.

Are you planning on overclocking your 4790K?

GetOwnedGaming · May 4, 2016

rubix_1011 :

Yes, most of it. I have a fairly good grasp on water cooling I believe, but I just wanted to check with some people who have done this before. You know, before I go blow north of $300.

GetOwnedGaming · May 4, 2016

4Ryan6 :

Hey, I am not looking for a case change. I am fairly certain that my case can handle all I need just fine. Maybe I accidentally linked the wrong one? Just to verify I have the NZXT Phantom 630 Windowed Black.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146112&cm_re=nzxt_phantom_630-_-11-146-112-_-Product

Correct me if I am wrong, but I should have plenty of room for a rad, pump, and all that other snazzy stuff in this case.
Also, I am having a custom PSU cover made, so all this can fit underneath without being seen.

So, in reply to both of you, here is what I am thinking. I have a $320 budget, after tax and shipping.

Basically, I can't afford the one that you suggested, Ryan. I was looking around for another with a D5 pump, and here is what I found.
http://www.performance-pcs.com/xspc-raystorm-extreme-universal-cpu-watercooling-kit-w-ex240-radiator-d5-pump-res.html#Specifications

I know you also said to look for an EK Supremacy block, but I could buy that by itself rather than with the kit.

Now here comes to my last question (so far xD ).

At this point, would it be best to just ditch the idea of going with a kit, and starting from scratch? 9

4Ryan6 · May 4, 2016

GetOwnedGaming :

Disclosing the budget would have made a difference in my suggestions you do realize a full coverage GPU water block will cost on the plus side of $100.00, all by itself, right?

That last kit you linked will work just fine starting out, the Raystorm water block is not as good as the EK Supremacy EVO but is still a great CPU low restriction water block.

If it was me I would buy individually but not with with that low of a budget for a custom water cooling loop.

You didn't answer if you planned on overclocking the 4790K, because that would be a determining factor on how much radiator cooling field you will need for the entire loop, you're not going to get the job done with only one 240 rad.

My suggestions are hopefully to give you enough information so that when all the money is spent and your water cooling loop performs worse than if you had just air cooled the machine, and you get that feeling like someone had just punched you in the stomach realizing what you've spent on it!

I know that feeling, Been There, Done That!

FYI: Your 4790K is an 88w TDP the GTX 970 is a 145w TDP that's 233w and that's without any overclocking.

Edit: Almost forgot the 4790K is a hot running CPU anyway, because it is overclocked out of the factory door.

GetOwnedGaming · May 4, 2016

Okay. So basically I just need to save more money before I do this. Dang it. :|

4Ryan6 · May 4, 2016

GetOwnedGaming :

That's sounds very smart to me, it will give you more time to plan it out.

GetOwnedGaming · May 14, 2016

4Ryan6 :

Hey, what if I was to just cool my CPU? Considering it is a 970, it doesn't get super hot, and I am not OC'ing it. I am OC'ing my CPU however. I can always add another rad, and anything else I need in the future to cool my GPU.

ajpaolello · May 17, 2016

If you want to just do the cpu and go liquid cooling without too much $$$ a closed loop cooler might be a better choice for you.

rubix_1011 · May 17, 2016

I'd advise against a closed loop cooler unless you're considering Swiftech H220/H240 or the EKWB Predator line. The Swiftech H220 X2 can be had for right around the cost of a Corsair H110, etc. and it's built of better quality components.

ajpaolello · May 17, 2016

rubix_1011 :

Just with the budget he has in mind it might be easier. Plus with an NZXT Kraken G10 he can use one on his GPU

rubix_1011 · May 17, 2016

If it were me, I wouldn't go that route.

The EK Predator 240 can run a 10C delta-T at 300 watts and the fans on full speed. This means you can add a GPU to the cooler without adding an additional radiator - just add the GPU block.

AIO coolers almost always utilize aluminum radiators and very low flowing pumps - there is a reason they are low cost. They typically also run a poor delta because of these factors.

ajpaolello · May 17, 2016

rubix_1011 :

And I agree with you. But if he's looking to not spend a whole lot a CLC might be his best option.

rubix_1011 · May 17, 2016

I would debate that just getting a good air cooler would be his best option on a very limited budget. There's nothing under $120 USD that I would buy that uses liquid for CPU or GPU cooling. The Swiftech H220 X2 can be found around $139 USD and that's about the basement of where I recommend any liquid cooling. There are also a couple XSPC kits in the $140+ range that utilize the 420 pump, which is decent for a small loop.

I personally do not advocate a closed loop cooler for much of anything. I have a Corsair H110i GTX sitting in the box in my office - I cannot bring myself to using it on anything I own.

4Ryan6 · May 18, 2016

rubix_1011 :

I have to agree with that and I am running the EK Predator 240 on my wifes computer running a 2700K overclocked to 4.5ghz and it does a great job with acceptable load temperatures at that clock speed but that's just cooling the CPU.

Full System Water Cooling Loop

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