Custom loop in a NZXT h440

[ZeroSix]

Hello everyone! I recently decided I wanted to upgrade my current/build a new PC and I had a solid idea for the hardware I wanted inside, and came to the part of the process where you pick an adequate case. In particular, I was considering getting something smaller and lighter than the Define R4, but I do like the sleek minimalist aesthetic that that case had and how silent it ran, so I was attracted to the NZXT H440 which was highly recommended by a few sites, and which Linus also called "Define R4 Killer?" in the thumbnail for his review of the case. 

So what I want to know is simply this: If I want to install custom water cooling what pump and reservoir solution would be the best? Should I use a pump/reservoir combo? What Rads would you recommend, and my biggest concern, where would I mount them? My build theory crafting hit a wall here.

 

For reference, I plan to go with a single GPU solution, very likely an ASUS ROG Poseidon GTX 780 or GTX 980 with a water block. As far as storage drives I'll most likely have only 1 or 2 SSDs in the build.

 

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

[Shaqo_Wyn]

EK 140 X-RES D5 pump/res combo, Alphacool 360mm UT60 in the front and 240mm ST30 in the top.

[ZeroSix]

 

EK 140 X-RES D5 pump/res combo, Alphacool 360mm UT60 in the front and 240mm ST30 in the top.

Nice suggestion, If I go with the H440 to build in, I want the reservoir to be very visible through the window. I wonder if it is possible to mount a reservoir or res/pump combo next to the motherboard where the rubber grommets are (removing those of course) along the top of the PSU compartment, or beneath the rear fan (or in place of that fan)

[Faceman]

@ZeroSix

 

I know you said that you want to go minimal and smaller.  But I want to at least propose the Phanteks Enthoo Pro and Phanteks Enthoo Luxe.  These are full tower cases, but they are absolutely incredible.  Keep an open mind, just wanted to at the very least present the option for a full tower case that costs the same, while offering better airflow, build quality, and features.

 

 

[Shaqo_Wyn]

 

 

Nice suggestion, If I go with the H440 to build in, I want the reservoir to be very visible through the window. I wonder if it is possible to mount a reservoir or res/pump combo next to the motherboard where the rubber grommets are (removing those of course) along the top of the PSU compartment, or beneath the rear fan (or in place of that fan)

 

 

Should be possible, especially if you're willing to do some light modding. Good luck.

[PuNkPoEtS]

@ZeroSix i would suggest not getting the ASUS ROG Poseidon GTX 780 as the waterblock that is preinstalled on these cards are only for the GPU and also it is aluminium which means you would have to worry about corrosion in the loop. the best bet is to get a card that comes with either a fullcover block (eg. EVGA Hydro Copper) or getting a card that is air cooled to test it then install a waterblock on to that card

[ZeroSix]

@ZeroSix

 

I know you said that you want to go minimal and smaller.  But I want to at least propose the Phanteks Enthoo Pro and Phanteks Enthoo Luxe.  These are full tower cases, but they are absolutely incredible.  Keep an open mind, just wanted to at the very least present the option for a full tower case that costs the same, while offering better airflow, build quality, and features.

 

I don't like the enthoo series very much because of the weight (it's heavier than my Define R4) and how easily scratched the window is. I take my PC to LANs and sometimes to gaming events and I don't want an even heavier case, or one with an easily scuffed up window. I did consider the 750D but the H440 won me over in the end.

 

 

@ZeroSix i would suggest not getting the ASUS ROG Poseidon GTX 780 as the waterblock that is preinstalled on these cards are only for the GPU and also it is aluminium which means you would have to worry about corrosion in the loop. the best bet is to get a card that comes with either a fullcover block (eg. EVGA Hydro Copper) or getting a card that is air cooled to test it then install a waterblock on to that card

Thanks for the heads up. I'm definitely going to be holding onto my current GPU, CPU and motherboard especially as the Gigabyte UD4H was pretty rare even before it was discontinued, and I really like it. Eventually I'll upgrade the gpu before I add my water cooling loop, and I'll get an after market water block.

 

This build is awesome. I won't be using rigid tubing I don't think, but I like where the bitspower Tank-Z 80 res is mounted. Do you think there is a way I could mount a Tank-Z 150 there without drilling holes?

 

[GatsbyH440]

Hey ZeroSix, thanks for using Gatsby as a point of reference for where you want to put the reservoir. As far as your questioning with the 150 res drilled holes, you're going to have to drill. It doesn't take much and it's not scary, though.

 

Also, if you do decide to use rigid tubing, they hold the computer better. As in, the screws that are in the holes I drilled out don't really hold it down much. Everything is locked in place with no give because of the tubes supporting each component. 

 

 

I hope this is in time! It's crazy seeing gatsby on a forum. I still haven't seen anyone mount their reservoir where I did -- and know it is a super PITA to fill up (have to go through front fan with a standard tube). I also only have a 240 rad in the front, leaving the bottom slot open to get access to the reservoir.

[GatsbyH440]

Here are two examples of refilling a res mounted sideways on the H440 from my build.

[MOR0095]

Sorry to jump onto an old thread,

but i mounted my res onto the drive cages that are hidden behind the stealth panel. i then used two long screws as extenders, making the res visible through the window. this means that instead of removing the rubber grommets and mounting the res next to the mobo, destroying cable management in the process, i get to keep my cables hidden and i get to have a nicely mounted res

[CrustyTissue]

Sorry to jump onto an old thread,

but i mounted my res onto the drive cages that are hidden behind the stealth panel. i then used two long screws as extenders, making the res visible through the window. this means that instead of removing the rubber grommets and mounting the res next to the mobo, destroying cable management in the process, i get to keep my cables hidden and i get to have a nicely mounted res

Could you show me a pic?