Is a single 120mm rad enough for a cpu (2500k) only water loop

[dan2222]

Hello, im hoping for some advice regarding my first watercooling loop. I am planning on just cooling my cpu and was wondering if a single 120mm rad in push pull would be enough for a 4.5ghz overclock. Im aware that a 240 rad will be far superior and that it will allow for more expansion options in the future, however my case is small and a 120mm rad is going to make things to difficult. Im not bothered about having the lowest temps possible, just better than my hyper 212+ would be acceptable. Would appreciate any feedback!

 

[dan2222]

Sorry, I meant to say that a 240mm rad is going to make things difficult!

 

[rubix_1011]

Depends...a thick 120 will do well if you aren't planning any serious overclocking, but really depends on what components you are looking at or if this is a closed loop cooler.

 

[dan2222]

Its gonna be a custom loop, I was gonna go with an rx120 xspc possibly. I bought an xspc raystorm rx240 kit but am changing than. Im thinking of getting a aquabox proffesional single bay res but not sure what pump to get yet!

What im wondering is whether a single 120mm rad with a custom loop is equal or better than something like a corsair h60i.

 

[boiler1990]

A custom 120 loop will be better than an H60/H80 simply because you'll have a much better pump. However, the radiator size ultimately determines the performance, so the custom loop will only perform marginally better and you'll end up paying a lot more for the loop than the CLC option.

 

[dan2222]

Yeah I kinda guessed that, and I know it wont work as well as a 240. But Im thinking its a first go at watercooling and its as much for looks as any thing elase. The bitfenix survivor case i got just wont fit a 240

 

[boiler1990]

I'd be surprised if you couldn't replace one of the 200mm fans (like the top one) with 2x120mm fans + a 240 rad, or mount the rad on top. It does have the WC cutouts.

 

[dan2222]

Yes your right but I cant bear the thought of having rad outside, and if inside everything else gets too tight!

 

[manofchalk]

If your willing to remove the front 3.5" drive bays, you could mount the radiator there.

 

[Meoricin]

You could buy a 200mm radiator?