Need help with first custom loop! (CPU/GPU)

[Spev]

I've decided to go ahead and plan my first custom loop. I do have some parts left over from my last loop, however I was not the one who assembled it, so this will be MY first loop on my own. Some thoughts:

 

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PARTS LEFTOVER: (Purchased back in 2011, I believe these are the correct links to the products, although it's been a while)

 

Pump/Res: http://www.xs-pc.com/discontinued-eol/x2o-750-dual-bayrespump-acrylic-v4

 

CPU Block: http://www.xs-pc.com/discontinued-eol/rasa-cpu-acetal-black                                                            240mm Radiator:

 

 

Tubing/fluid needs to be 100% replaced. As per suggestions so far I'm going with distilled water, and a silver coil or biocide(or both?). I'm just learning about measurements today, my CPU block says G1/4" threads, so I assume that's the end that screws in. However I don't have any idea what the barbs fittings are on the end. Also, barbs fittings could be replaced, maybe with compression fittings. Those are just what I was using before, like I said, I don't know the measurements for the other end or the tubing.

 

Not sure if this helps...I feel it might be a scetchy measurement or not sure if I did it right: 

 

So that's what I have laying around. My goal is to setup a custom loop (as secure fittings as possible, so probably compression fittings are best?) for my CPU & GPU. Possibly CPU now and GPU later. My GPU is the EVGA GTX 970 FTW so there isn't a full block for this guy yet, so I'm waiting on that.  http://www.coolingconfigurator.com/step1_complist?gpu_gpus=1537 I don't HAVE to use these parts listed, but I assume they are all still good? As far the the CPU block, radiator, and pump go, I assume they don't "wear out". Well the pump could, but the block and radiator I would assume not.

 

 

 

 

 

So I'm looking to do the whole loop CPU & GPU as soon as the block is released. As I mentioned I don't have to use these leftover parts, but I figured I might have to use 2 radiators to have enough cooling, that that my old 240mm might come in handy. I'm going to be transferring cases soon, so I'll have more space for water cooling. This is most likely my choice, haven't ordered yet but it's my #1 pick atm unless something better is suggested. http://www.phanteks.com/Enthoo-Luxe.html I'm not planning on selling my house to setup some water cooling but budget is not a huge issue. Hoping to spend around $200 but $300 if I have to. I would figure for those prices I could get all new equiptment though. Anyways any suggestions are appreciated, thank you. This will be my first water cooling project solo so I could use some advice

 

Questions: For a CPU/GPU setup, should I buy a 2nd radiator & will my pump be ok or do I need a 2nd one of those too?

[Benji_w]

Yes you are correct the G1/4" is the screw thread size and the barbs look like 1/2" ones there, my custom loop is all compression fittings and I kind of wish I went with 1/2"ID tubing instead of 3/8"ID because bending it results in kinks and as tubing ages it gets softer too. All your parts should be fine, and as compression fittings are the only things I've used so far I can't advise you further than making sure they are tight in the rad/block/etc is all you need to do, don't tighten them with the collar on as they're a pain to get back off if overtightened and they pinch the tube to seal it so you don't need to be too heavy handed.

 

I'm a noob too but the best thing I did was draw my loop out on paper so I could try and keep my loop as clean as possible, however I didn't redraw it when I flipped my 240 rad and ended up with a messy loop as a result. Also loop order doesn't matter so long as the res goes to the pump first. Sorry if you know all this haha. 

 

EDIT: 

Really can't read today! To answer your questions Dazmode said for every part you are cooling a 120mm area should be fine, personally I'd say 240mm but I overclock everything and the more volts you apply the hotter it gets in that case. I would imagine your pump will be ok, with both a cpu block and gpu block so I wouldn't worry.

[Neroxis]

Go ahead and take that X20 750 res/pump and throw it in the trash. They are known for failing spectacularly. I had several spider fractures in the housing along with a horrendous buzzing noise from a poorly seated pump. I strongly recommend using a D5 variable speed pump and a tube reservoir. It may take some modding of your case to get it fitting properly but it's well worth it. 

[Benji_w]

Go ahead and take that X20 750 res/pump and throw it in the trash. They are known for failing spectacularly. I had several spider fractures in the housing along with a horrendous buzzing noise from a poorly seated pump. I strongly recommend using a D5 variable speed pump and a tube reservoir. It may take some modding of your case to get it fitting properly but it's well worth it. 

If it's not broken now 2 years on, why would it break now sudden.... "spectacularly"? I agree a D5 and tube res are my next move from my DCP 2.2 dual bay res but if I was in a stitch and needed something right now, it would do the job for a simple cpu loop. If it is full of fractures etc then fair point but I don't really see an issue with re using it if it's working well?

[Spev]

Yes you are correct the G1/4" is the screw thread size and the barbs look like 1/2" ones there, my custom loop is all compression fittings and I kind of wish I went with 1/2"ID tubing instead of 3/8"ID because bending it results in kinks and as tubing ages it gets softer too. All your parts should be fine, and as compression fittings are the only things I've used so far I can't advise you further than making sure they are tight in the rad/block/etc is all you need to do, don't tighten them with the collar on as they're a pain to get back off if overtightened and they pinch the tube to seal it so you don't need to be too heavy handed.

 

I'm a noob too but the best thing I did was draw my loop out on paper so I could try and keep my loop as clean as possible, however I didn't redraw it when I flipped my 240 rad and ended up with a messy loop as a result. Also loop order doesn't matter so long as the res goes to the pump first. Sorry if you know all this haha. 

 

EDIT: 

Really can't read today! To answer your questions Dazmode said for every part you are cooling a 120mm area should be fine, personally I'd say 240mm but I overclock everything and the more volts you apply the hotter it gets in that case. I would imagine your pump will be ok, with both a cpu block and gpu block so I wouldn't worry.

Ya, great. I just got my new tubing & compression fittings in the mail. I heard you don't have to, but I noticed that the compression fittings are a bit hard to get on after the tubing is attatched. Like it's really hard to screw it all the way down, is it necessary? I'm sure I could do it but since I was just testing the fitting & not actually doing my loop I didn't try cause it woulda been hard to get off. 

 

I have also heard that is the golden rule, 120 per component and 240 per component if overclocked. Thanks for your insight.

 

Go ahead and take that X20 750 res/pump and throw it in the trash. They are known for failing spectacularly. I had several spider fractures in the housing along with a horrendous buzzing noise from a poorly seated pump. I strongly recommend using a D5 variable speed pump and a tube reservoir. It may take some modding of your case to get it fitting properly but it's well worth it. 

 

I believe you but I have to say that I've been using it since 2011 (took it out about 2 months ago) and it has worked just fine all these years with no sound. I'm probably gonna upgrade the pump anyways when I get my new case. I suppose my radiator and block should be fine though?

If it's not broken now 2 years on, why would it break now sudden.... "spectacularly"? I agree a D5 and tube res are my next move from my DCP 2.2 dual bay res but if I was in a stitch and needed something right now, it would do the job for a simple cpu loop. If it is full of fractures etc then fair point but I don't really see an issue with re using it if it's working well?

True, although I don't know how "well" it's working. But from what I can see it's pumping water so I guess that's good. I don't know if it has worn out or not but it's still "functioning".

[Benji_w]

Probably why I'm struggling to cool my FX cpu then if it's 240 per OC unit lol, if your pump is working and functions well then there's no need to replace it unless it struggles to move the water in your loop, my EK DCP 2.2 is a very weak pump so it's a weak link in my loop as far as I can work out. You don't need to screw down the collars all the way, they will compress the tube for you but if you over tighten them you're going to end up damaging the tubing.

[Spev]

Probably why I'm struggling to cool my FX cpu then if it's 240 per OC unit lol, if your pump is working and functions well then there's no need to replace it unless it struggles to move the water in your loop, my EK DCP 2.2 is a very weak pump so it's a weak link in my loop as far as I can work out. You don't need to screw down the collars all the way, they will compress the tube for you but if you over tighten them you're going to end up damaging the tubing.

Check this out too: 

Skip to 14:25 hopefully that is helpful. Yeah I kinda figured if I forced it all the way it might damage the tubing. I will just hand tighted till I think it's good I won't use tools. Funny this is he actually talks about compression fitting and tightening in that video too lol.

[Benji_w]

Jay is the guy I watched in order to OC my CPU, I've spoken to him on twitter a few times too, but yea, I am lacking RAD space which is why I struggle to keep my CPU cool, not only that but I kind of brute force when it comes to overclocking, so I use too much voltage then scale it down and fine tune it. I've asked for a 240mm rad for next month lol as I can't afford to get one myself being a skint student with now job.