Help chooses my parts

[jaywald]

I'm looking to put together my first watercooling system. I have enough space for a 2x 120mm radiator (although it may be a bit tight), I want a drive bay reservoir, 1x CPU and GPU blocks, clear tubes (not sure on size), blue non-conductive anti-algae liquid, a pump and compression fittings if their not too expensive in comparison to others.

I know very little about watercooling apart from watching loads of YouTube videos. My case is a Zalman Z9+, it is a mid tower so there's not masses of room. I was considering buying a Zalman Reserator V2 (
http://www.amazon.co.uk/ZALMAN-RESERATOR-V2-Liquid-cooling/dp/B000S8CICM/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&coliid=I6XV6POC707N1&colid=3HE27JDOPUYVW ) it seems perfect but I was just really wondering if I could make my own watercooling system cheaper.

 

[rubix_1011]

1) Avoid Zalman Reserator at all costs. It's far from perfect...it's actually dismal.
2) What are you wanting to cool?
3) Have you read the watercooling sticky?

 

[jaywald]

Thanks on the advice on the Zalman, yes I have read the sticky and I am wanting to cool a CPU and a GPU.

 

[boiler1990]

What exact CPU/GPU? Cooling capability utimately comes down to adequate heat removal, and that is dependent on the TDP of the components you're cooling.

 

[jaywald]

What exact CPU/GPU? Cooling capability utimately comes down to adequate heat removal, and that is dependent on the TDP of the components you're cooling.

CPU: Phenom II x4 965BE
GPU: ASUS Radeon HD 7850

The CPU is the most important however I would prefer lower temps on the GPU as well.

I've been looking at some water cooling kits, namely the Rasa 750 RS240. I would have to buy the GPU block separately but I don't know if a 2x 120mm is big enough for 2 blocks. Will it be harder for the pump if the loop is longer and is the pump that comes with the kit strong enough?

I like the kit because I know everything will fit and I really like the fact the pump and the reservoir are hidden away in drive slots as my case is not massive.

Am I better off buying the parts separately, if so could you pick some out for me?

Thanks

 

[Lutfij]

if you read up on the sticky, all those would've been answered by you take it slow, read it a couple of times and they will start to ring in your head.

to understand how much raddage you'll need, you'll need to do the TDP calc - in the sticky
to understand which kits to shoot for - in the sticky
if you have a good budget you'll still get a kit - also in the sticky

my 2 cents

 

[jaywald]

if you read up on the sticky, all those would've been answered by you take it slow, read it a couple of times and they will start to ring in your head.

to understand how much raddage you'll need, you'll need to do the TDP calc - in the sticky
to understand which kits to shoot for - in the sticky
if you have a good budget you'll still get a kit - also in the sticky

my 2 cents

Thanks, I'll read the sticky thoroughly as I have to admit I did just skim through it. I hate blocks of text but I'm glad it's there.

 

[Lutfij]

post back here with anymore questions best to keep all your wandering ideas on one thread... then after all is finalized, you can open a new thread for your build log

 

[rubix_1011]

If there is anything you'd like to see differently or a better way to present the materials, let me know...I'm open to new ideas that are best suited for the new watercooling user.

 

[jaywald]

Ok my whole system TDP is 514w, the CPU being 125w and the GPU being 130w. But I don't understand how I know what size or FPI radiator will be good enough. Can someone please tell me if the radiator with the Rasa 750 RS240 is good enough?

 

[rubix_1011]

125w+130w= 255w. CPU+ GPU = watercooling loop total TDP (You can also assume 20w or so for pump heat dump and maybe even a 10-15% overall thermal output lower than actual TDP. Power consumed is never 100% heat in watts being produced, although they are directly correlated)

But I don't understand how I know what size or FPI radiator will be good enough

This is added in the sticky, as well as the new thermal coefficient table to help estimate a radiator's cooling potential based on total volume in mm^3 based on the 15 sample radiators and their reviews from Skinneelabs.com.

 

[jaywald]

Best answer selected by jaywald.

 

[jaywald]

125w+130w= 255w. CPU+ GPU = watercooling loop total TDP (You can also assume 20w or so for pump heat dump and maybe even a 10-15% overall thermal output lower than actual TDP. Power consumed is never 100% heat in watts being produced, although they are directly correlated)

But I don't understand how I know what size or FPI radiator will be good enough

This is added in the sticky, as well as the new thermal coefficient table to help estimate a radiator's cooling potential based on total volume in mm^3 based on the 15 sample radiators and their reviews from Skinneelabs.com.

I'm going to get the Rasa kit as it will be enough for my CPU, which is what is more important. Then when I get a GPU block I may buy another 120mm rad and possibly a better pump if I feel they are needed.

 

[Lutfij]

so you're going to have 2 pumps for your loop?

 

[rubix_1011]

Not necessarily needing a better pump, but if you plan to expand in the future, you might consider it either now to be ready, or do it then. The Rasa kits are fairly outdated and they are working themselves out of stock where the Raystorm kits are taking their place. It's an updated CPU block and the choice of the EX or RX rad (RS is being phased out). They also have versions of the kits with a DDC or D5 pump upgrade that you can purchase instead of the usual X20 750 pump. There are quite a large number of people running a multiple block loop with the X20 pump, though.

 

[Lutfij]

^well the rasa kit owners thread does have users using a dual sli setup on a 360 with a 120 on it. but the pump is(as boiler would put it) total hit or miss.

 

[jaywald]

Not necessarily needing a better pump, but if you plan to expand in the future, you might consider it either now to be ready, or do it then. The Rasa kits are fairly outdated and they are working themselves out of stock where the Raystorm kits are taking their place. It's an updated CPU block and the choice of the EX or RX rad (RS is being phased out). They also have versions of the kits with a DDC or D5 pump upgrade that you can purchase instead of the usual X20 750 pump. There are quite a large number of people running a multiple block loop with the X20 pump, though.

I'll just wait until I know an upgrade is necessary before doing it. I might look into a more expensive and updated kit though, any suggestions? <£200

 

[Lutfij]

at that price range, nope no kits.

 

[jaywald]

Ok then, I'll start of with the Rasa 750 RS240 and upgrade parts of the kit piece by piece when necessary.