My water cooling setup.

[appleshaq]

Tell me what you think of this water cooling setup.

Case - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=18317

CPU waterblock - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=18563

GPU waterblock - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=17971

CPU radiator - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=15838

GPU radiator - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=15839

Pump - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=11767

Reservoir - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=12182

Coolant - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=17655

Tubing - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=11616

CPU - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=16531

GPU - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=17006

Fans for the radiators (x1 on 120 radiator and x2 on 240 radiator) - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=15589

Tell me what you think and if I should change anything. Also what fitting and adaptors will I need (how many, what size of each)?

Thanks!

 

[boiler1990]

Case - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=18317

See my comments about rads - you may not have enough space in here.

CPU waterblock - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=18563

GPU waterblock - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=17971

Both are good blocks. I have 2 EK Nickel blocks and they haven't given me any problems.

CPU radiator - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=15838

GPU radiator - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=15839

This is enough rad space to cool about as well as the stock coolers. If you're looking for something that'll get you below 50C on the GPU and good CPU OCs, you'll need to be looking at 3x120 for the GPU and 2x120 for the CPU.

Pump - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=11767

Reservoir - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=12182

Good combo, though the EK res seems a little expensive as far as D5 reservoirs go

Coolant - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=17655

Tubing - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=11616

Go for colored tubing + distilled water + killcoil/PT Nuke. Premixes don't work as well and have a tendency to clog.

CPU - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=16531

GPU - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=17006

Now that you fixed your GPU choice, the blocks you picked will work.

Fans for the radiators (x1 on 120 radiator and x2 on 240 radiator) - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=15589

I've seem some Xigmatek's that push more air quietly. Really, look for fans than can do about 60CFMs at 20 dBA or lower.

Also what fitting and adaptors will I need (how many, what size of each)?

You need 2 fittings per component (one inlet/one outlet), and the pump + res counts only needs one pair. You'll need to get fittings with inner diameters (ID) that match the ID of the tubing, and clamps/compression fittings that match the outer diameter (OD) as well.

 

[appleshaq]

Case - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=18317

See my comments about rads - you may not have enough space in here.

CPU waterblock - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=18563

GPU waterblock - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=17971

Both are good blocks. I have 2 EK Nickel blocks and they haven't given me any problems.

CPU radiator - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=15838

GPU radiator - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=15839

This is enough rad space to cool about as well as the stock coolers. If you're looking for something that'll get you below 50C on the GPU and good CPU OCs, you'll need to be looking at 3x120 for the GPU and 2x120 for the CPU.

Pump - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=11767

Reservoir - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=12182

Good combo, though the EK res seems a little expensive as far as D5 reservoirs go

Coolant - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=17655

Tubing - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=11616

Go for colored tubing + distilled water + killcoil/PT Nuke. Premixes don't work as well and have a tendency to clog.

CPU - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=16531

GPU - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=17006

Now that you fixed your GPU choice, the blocks you picked will work.

Fans for the radiators (x1 on 120 radiator and x2 on 240 radiator) - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=15589

I've seem some Xigmatek's that push more air quietly. Really, look for fans than can do about 60CFMs at 20 dBA or lower.

Also what fitting and adaptors will I need (how many, what size of each)?

You need 2 fittings per component (one inlet/one outlet), and the pump + res counts only needs one pair. You'll need to get fittings with inner diameters (ID) that match the ID of the tubing, and clamps/compression fittings that match the outer diameter (OD) as well.

Hi there

Thanks for the response and information. Do you think that it is really worth it to have my components water cooled if I can only get a 120 radiator for my cpu and 240 for my GPU? I can't find a case that I like that will fit a 240 and a 360 radiator. Also I wanted coloured liquid so I can spot leaks easier. I was also thinking that if I did get the radiators you mentioned, it might go over my budjet.

Thanks!

 

[appleshaq]

Is this a good water cooling loop for my components?

Thanks!

 

[boiler1990]

We don't know what kind of budget you're on since you didn't post it, or what kind of temps you're looking for, etc.

If you build the loop right, you won't have any problems with leaks. They do happen on occasion (bad luck), but you can tell- air in the tubes, smells, etc. A colored dye with a bunch of additives like that will hurt you if there is a leak, because the dye and additives will make the fluid more conductive and most likely fry components. Distilled water + killcoil/PT Nuke is far less conductive, and there are a lot of stories where it just dries up and the problem is avoided.

As far as cooling goes, you won't get great temps but it should work at least as well as the stock coolers. If you just want a quiet alternative, then the loop might be worth it, but if you're looking to OC then it won't be.

 

[appleshaq]

I'm so confused right now.

I guess it's not worth water cooling for below 10C delta temps, right?

Thanks!

 

[rubix_1011]

I guess it's not worth water cooling for below 10C delta temps, right?

Best case scenario, you GET 10C or below delta...this is ideal if you have the budget.

We don't know what kind of budget you're on since you didn't post it, or what kind of temps you're looking for, etc.

This info would help tremendously.

If you build the loop right, you won't have any problems with leaks. They do happen on occasion (bad luck), but you can tell- air in the tubes, smells, etc. A colored dye with a bunch of additives like that will hurt you if there is a leak, because the dye and additives will make the fluid more conductive and most likely fry components. Distilled water + killcoil/PT Nuke is far less conductive, and there are a lot of stories where it just dries up and the problem is avoided.

This is exactly right...every word.

You might consider a larger case...for the $159 you allocated for that Corsair case, you should consider something else for watercooling...it looks rather small. Are you only able to purchase from PC Case gear, or are other sites open to you ordering from?

 

[appleshaq]

I guess it's not worth water cooling for below 10C delta temps, right?

Best case scenario, you GET 10C or below delta...this is ideal if you have the budget.

We don't know what kind of budget you're on since you didn't post it, or what kind of temps you're looking for, etc.

This info would help tremendously.

If you build the loop right, you won't have any problems with leaks. They do happen on occasion (bad luck), but you can tell- air in the tubes, smells, etc. A colored dye with a bunch of additives like that will hurt you if there is a leak, because the dye and additives will make the fluid more conductive and most likely fry components. Distilled water + killcoil/PT Nuke is far less conductive, and there are a lot of stories where it just dries up and the problem is avoided.

This is exactly right...every word.

You might consider a larger case...for the $159 you allocated for that Corsair case, you should consider something else for watercooling...it looks rather small. Are you only able to purchase from PC Case gear, or are other sites open to you ordering from?

Well, i'm buying a brand new computer so my budjet is about $2500 just on the computer.

I don't know if I want to water cool anymore

 

[boiler1990]

If you know that you do want to do it but just don't have the money, you can easily plan for it. Spend a little extra on a bigger or mod-able case with spots for rads, get cards that are easy to add blocks to (like reference-style cards), etc.

Plus, you'll have a lot more time to read up more on what you need for watercooling, and you can probably start amassing parts (new or used) for your loop.

 

[appleshaq]

If you know that you do want to do it but just don't have the money, you can easily plan for it. Spend a little extra on a bigger or mod-able case with spots for rads, get cards that are easy to add blocks to (like reference-style cards), etc.

Plus, you'll have a lot more time to read up more on what you need for watercooling, and you can probably start amassing parts (new or used) for your loop.

Thanks, what about this case:

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=25_1290_608&products_id=17941

Thanks!

 

[boiler1990]

The FT02 is a pretty case. It's basically a higher-end version of my RV02, which I modded a little bit (just drilled a few holes really) to use better fans on my 360 rad. I've seen quad rads that fit into the case, and I'd recommend taking out the 180mm fans and using good 120mm fans when you switch to liquid.

 

[appleshaq]

Thanks!

I would prefer new components over used ones.

Ill keep looking around the forums, Thanks!

 

[rubix_1011]

Some stuff like rads and blocks are usually pretty good as used. If you can find a good deal, just see if you can get as many photos as you can before you buy. Pumps are usually ok, but you never really know if they have been run dry or not, however, you can always pick up a pump rebuild kit that can help restore them to like-new in many cases. There aren't too many people posting on Tom's with used gear that I have seen over the years simply because not a lot of folks on here actually watercool.

 

[appleshaq]

Some stuff like rads and blocks are usually pretty good as used. If you can find a good deal, just see if you can get as many photos as you can before you buy. Pumps are usually ok, but you never really know if they have been run dry or not, however, you can always pick up a pump rebuild kit that can help restore them to like-new in many cases. There aren't too many people posting on Tom's with used gear that I have seen over the years simply because not a lot of folks on here actually watercool.

Would this work in this case?

Case - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=17941

CPU block - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=18563

GPU block - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=17971

120 radiator (at the top of the case, will it work)? - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=15838

360 radiator (can I replace 2 of the bottom 180mm fans for a 360 rad)? - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=15730

Pump - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=11767

Reservoir - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=12182

Fans (x4) - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=15589

Will this work? I am just concered about the radiator mounting and fan mounting. Can I put a 360 radiator in place of two of the 180mm fans at the bottom, and can I mount a 120 radiator at the top instead of a 120mm fan?

Please reply with an answer because I think that will be a sufficient amount of radiator for the GPU and CPU, right?

Thanks!

 

[rubix_1011]

I think it's going to be pretty cramped in that case. I really don't see how you can get that 360 in there without running it with only 2 fans unless you remove or modify the HDD cage. As for the bay res- you might want to look for a reservoir to hold that D5 like this:
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=207_160_299&products_id=14352

You could also run a DDC pump instead for a smaller footprint and install in a res, similarly.

You should be able to mount a 120 anywhere a 120mm fan would mount, but be advised: this isn't always the case. Radiators are larger LxWxH than fans, so while they have the same screw mount pattern, they don't follow the size and may or may not fit depending on side clearances.

You never answered my question if you are limited to buying all your gear from this one website or not. They don't seem to have an extensive selection on most components, so it's difficult to offer alternatives.

Yes, that would cover you pretty well for radiators on your loop. I think we kind of touched on the budget and ideal delta, but it depends on you and your expectations for money spent and temps from overclocking. I'm not too worried you'll encounter any issues, though.

 

[rubix_1011]

boiler has some great points...if you still wanted to go watercooling, but your budget isn't quite up to snuff, just keep planning and see what you can find and put together over time. There isn't a rule that when you build a new rig, you have to install your new water loop on your new shiny hardware right away. Relax- there is time. Read up, figure out what you need for your specific applications and plans, and then move toward those goals. If you are looking for used gear, maybe make a note in your signature to have people with used gear to PM you.

(I don't know, but it got me thinking to figure out the best way to link people to the buy/sell forums. I'll look around and see what I can do.)

 

[appleshaq]

I think it's going to be pretty cramped in that case. I really don't see how you can get that 360 in there without running it with only 2 fans unless you remove or modify the HDD cage. As for the bay res- you might want to look for a reservoir to hold that D5 like this:
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=207_160_299&products_id=14352

You could also run a DDC pump instead for a smaller footprint and install in a res, similarly.

You should be able to mount a 120 anywhere a 120mm fan would mount, but be advised: this isn't always the case. Radiators are larger LxWxH than fans, so while they have the same screw mount pattern, they don't follow the size and may or may not fit depending on side clearances.

You never answered my question if you are limited to buying all your gear from this one website or not. They don't seem to have an extensive selection on most components, so it's difficult to offer alternatives.

Yes, that would cover you pretty well for radiators on your loop. I think we kind of touched on the budget and ideal delta, but it depends on you and your expectations for money spent and temps from overclocking. I'm not too worried you'll encounter any issues, though.

Thanks for that.

i was thinking of switching out 2 of the bottom 180mm fans (180mm X2 = 360mm) for a 360 radiator but still keeping the other radiator under the HDD cage in. Like this:


[ HDD cage ] [120mm][120mm][120mm]
[180mm fan] [///////////360 radiator////////] < in place of the 2 180mm fans.


If I needed to, I would mod it, but have never had any experience modding.

Thanks!

 

[appleshaq]

I am limited to www.pccasegear.com as well.

Thanks!

 

[boiler1990]

I think it's going to be pretty cramped in that case. I really don't see how you can get that 360 in there without running it with only 2 fans unless you remove or modify the HDD cage. As for the bay res- you might want to look for a reservoir to hold that D5 like this:
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=207_160_299&products_id=14352

The FT02 is basically the same as my RV02. He just has to pull out the 180mm fans and do a little drilling to mount the 360 rad. The FT02 will come with radiator mounts exactly like mine, and you just need to drill 4 holes where you want to put the mounts and then attach the rad.

A bayres is also probably the best option. All I can fit in my 5.25" bays are my HDDs. Good thing I don't use discs

You should be able to mount a 120 anywhere a 120mm fan would mount, but be advised: this isn't always the case. Radiators are larger LxWxH than fans, so while they have the same screw mount pattern, they don't follow the size and may or may not fit depending on side clearances.

i was thinking of switching out 2 of the bottom 180mm fans (180mm X2 = 360mm) for a 360 radiator but still keeping the other radiator under the HDD cage in

In my RV02, I couldn't leave a 180mm fan in because of the radiator dimensions. If you want to leave one of the fans in it is important that you get a lot of measurements and take into account some error. It'll be tight either way.


Take a look at my RV02 build - it may help you figure out what kind of stuff you need to do to make this work: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/267276-29-completed-18sep2011-raven-rv02-build

 

[appleshaq]

Thank you so much! I haven't finished asking questions but i'm going to have to give you best answer for all your help!

Thanks, and I'll ask question when I need to.

 

[appleshaq]

Best answer selected by appleshaq.

 

[appleshaq]

What case would you prefer out of yours and the one I want?

 

[boiler1990]

Here's another thread I came across when putting mine together - specifically for RV/FT02s

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?258624-Fortress-FT02-amp-Raven-RV02-Liquid-Cooled-Club

 

[boiler1990]

What case would you prefer out of yours and the one I want?

The FT02 is definitely a much nicer but more expensive case. It's all metal (I believe) whereas the RV02 has plastic here and there. Internally and cooling-wise, they're basically the exact same case. It's really just personal preference for the design at this point.

Not to sway you from Silverstone's cases, but the HAF X has built-in support for a 360 rad and is about the same price as the RV02 here in the states; in AUS it may be cheaper.

EDIT: Just remembered that the biggest difference between the FT02 and RV02 is the way the HDD rack is placed. I don't think the FT02's is moveable, but the RV02's is.

 

[appleshaq]

Sorry for the noob question but was does a back plate for the GPU do?

Thanks!