HAF X Water Cooling Project - loop configuration?

[blakelocati]

Hey guys,

So. I plan on venturing into the territory of water cooling soon, and I need a little advice. First, I want to let you know my plans to get started. I will be cooling a i7 930 (@4ghx) and a reference GTX 680 with this loop in a HAF X case. I plan (at first at least - I may add a 120 rad at a later date if needed) doing this with a single rad and pump and a push-pull set-up. I plan to purchase a "EK-KIT H3O - Supreme HFX 360 Water Cooling Kit" to do this. I think this is a good starting point for me to get into water cooling, as it is cheap and has almost everything I need to get the job done. From reviews, it also looks like a very solid kit. I will also be buying an EK 680 block, coolant, and (2) compression fittings to go with this (please see links below). Here's are my questions:

1. Am I missing anything? Is there anything else I should purchase to get the job done? More tubing possibly (in case I make mistakes)?

2. Does this look like an OK loop rout for what I want to accomplish? If not, please feel free to make suggestions. I am going for the most clean and good looking loop I can achieve.

3. Do I only need one bottle of coolant?

Thank you for any response! I really appreciate it!


EK kit: http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=33430

680 block: http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=35784:a8f3b08c668599ebde6993a8439314bb

barb fittings: http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=28402

coolant: http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=32224

 

[rubix_1011]

Why the coolant? Your EK kit already comes with blue (which I still wouldn't use)...why not just get red tubing? Coolant is only going to provide color which can be done other ways than coolants... It won't make any difference performance-wise.

Why not something like this: XSPC Raystorm Extreme Universal CPU Watercooling Kit w/ EX360 Radiator/D5 Pump/Res

Better pump, comparable radiator, good block, less money....pump+reservoir bay combo. $60 cheaper and much better pump. Also conserves space as long as you have 2 spare 5.25 bays. Just an option....choice of fitting and tubing sizes as well.

 

[blakelocati]

Ok. That actually sounds like a wonderful idea. The only thing that was really holding me back from the XSPC kit was the fittings (I want compression) and the tubing. That's actually perfect. Thanks! As far as the loop goes, what do you think about the way I have it configured? Any changes. Is there a negative with going with the EK coolant other than it's more expensive?

 

[rubix_1011]

That link allows configuration of compression fitting and tubing sizes you want. You'd just need to add the correct fittings for the GPU block being used.

You don't really need or want coolant. Get colored tubing for $2 a foot or go with a dye...you just really don't want to get into coolants as they can break down and clog components under load temps.

 

[blakelocati]

On second thought, I don't think that kits going to work, as I want to stick to the thick (triple) 360 rad. Maybe I am best off buying everything individually?

 

[rubix_1011]

The EX radiator line performs almost as well as the RX line which is much thicker. It's all about fin and tube density offering more cooling surface area to make up for the thinner radiator size.

But yes, you can pretty much do anything you'd like when choosing components for a custom loop...just make sure fittings and tubing sizes match for all I/O.

 

[blakelocati]

Thanks again. Found this kit which seems great:

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=33549

I will be choosing:

-intel socket
-red led's
-1650 rpm fans
-3/8"x5/8" fittings
-Primoflex tubing UV red (will 6' be enough?)
-black chrome fittings

I will also be getting either that ek block or a XSPC 680 block and an extra 2 3/8"x5/8" compression fittings (may get 2 45's for connecting cpu and gpu). Everything seem good?

edit: any idea what compression fittings come with this kit? I'd like to match them.

 

[Motopsychojdn]

Flagging
Moto

 

[rubix_1011]

Not entirely sure, but wouldn't at all be surprised if they weren't XSPC brand. You should be able to email their customer/sales support inbox and get a definite answer.

 

[blakelocati]

Thanks again!

 

[Motopsychojdn]

https://www.google.co.uk/shopping/product/196617803313962563?hl=en&sugexp=les%3B&gs_rn=2&gs_ri=serp&tok=QHU30Ky0jxf4kra_Jr5JZA&pq=desk+fan&cp=13&gs_id=1w&xhr=t&q=xspc%20compression%20fittings&pf=p&safe=off&sclient=psy-ab&oq=xspc+compress&gs_l=&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&biw=1680&bih=920&wrapid=tljp1360335352062038&sa=X&ei=-hEVUbudL6yq0AWOnYHgCw&sqi=2&ved=0CGgQ8wIwCg
in whichever colour you choose
Moto