Aliexpress custom loop, worth it?

[jtomasrl]

So in my journey to find a good cooling source for my i7-9700k (TT core g21 case) I ended up choosing components for a custom loop on aliexpress. This is what I got so far (main components):

 

10W 145mm reservoir/pump (20dBa, 500L/h?)
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/owI0bj6

 

45x360mm radiator (brass water chamber and copper fins)
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/cA7Q5Txa

 

Bykski XPR-B water block (Intel)
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/csv45pSu

 

+ fittings and hard tubbing (10x14mm) + Arctic MX-4 + Tools

 

All that for USD160 (shipment included). I already have 3x1200RPM fans (45CFM).

 

What you guys think? Will it be a nay or a yay. Should I consider other AIO options for similar prices?

[Speed Weed]

Short answer: NO

 

Long answer: NO

 

 

[W-L]

Just now, jtomasrl said:

-SNIP-

I would suggest to look at a decent quality pump like a DDC or D5 unit. The main thing with watercooling brands from Asia is support and warranty on components. 

[XR6]

Aliexpress? I don't think that's the best source for water cooling. If you want watercooling go for a good quality AIO (Corsair H100i, Kraken X52/X62 etc.). Personally I wouldn't trust an Aliexpress custom loop seeing as you've got a 9700k. Never  cheap out on a custom loop.

If you still want a custom loop buy from a reputable company like EKWB.

[Enderman]

If you really want a leak in your system it is much faster and cheaper to just pour a cup of water on it.

If not, then buy proper watercooling components from reputable brands.

[Mick Naughty]

What does worth it mean?

[jtomasrl]

Regarding leaks, I’ve read bykski or barrw components are really trustworthy so its not my concern. 

 

I know pump are really an issue, maybe going for a reputable brand would be a smart choice here.

 

My concern here is related to cooling performance. I’m afraid the loop won’t be enough to cool efficiently, maybe i’m wrong

[jtomasrl]

9 minutes ago, Mick Naughty said:

What does worth it mean?

you know, if I can find another options at a similar price with tested performance, then it doesn’t worth it.

 

So, for instance an EKWB radiator similar to the one on aliexpress is USD30 extra for no additional gain. Same with EKWB water block, USD50 extra for similar design and materials.

[W-L]

11 minutes ago, jtomasrl said:

Regarding leaks, I’ve read bykski or barrw components are really trustworthy so its not my concern. 

I know pump are really an issue, maybe going for a reputable brand would be a smart choice here.

My concern here is related to cooling performance. I’m afraid the loop won’t be enough to cool efficiently, maybe i’m wrong

They do make 360mm AIOs and they have great cooling performance. With a custom loop you also need to take into account the time and effort to build and then maintain the loop. 

[Mick Naughty]

Sure any rad is worth it at that point. If it will work in the loop. 

[SolarNova]

Barrow and Bykski are fine. So i would sugest  getting one of their kits.

 

 

[AngryBeaver]

For around the same price you can pick up a H360x3 from swifttech. It is an expandable AIO, which means you can add another rad or even a gpu to it. It can be refilled so evaporation won't kill your loop.

 

The main reason I recommend it is because it performs much closer to a custom loop than other AIO's. It uses a custom loop water block and pump. If the pump dies you can sent it all back if under warranty, if not under warranty you can put a new DDC pump in it.

 

The OC FPU test. This is with a non-delidded 8700k. If it was delidded temps would likely be 20-25C lower.

 

The EK system is a modular system where you pick and match components. It is more a custom loop than AIO, but it can be about as simple as an AIO to setup. A similar setup with it though is about $100-$150 more.

[AT0MAC]

The rad and the block loops just fine - but that pump

would not trust it....

 

At least get one of the true and tested pumps.

 

About brand names to look for on the cheap - Barrow!

I have quite many small adapters and fittings from them, they are very close to Bitspower, just not as close tolerances but for the price they sure do a good job. Despite them feeling a little looser in the joints I have none of them leaking after about 6 months of use in my system

[Cigano]

On 12/6/2018 at 7:53 PM, jtomasrl said:

So in my journey to find a good cooling source for my i7-9700k (TT core g21 case) I ended up choosing components for a custom loop on aliexpress. This is what I got so far (main components):

 

10W 145mm reservoir/pump (20dBa, 500L/h?)
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/owI0bj6

 

45x360mm radiator (brass water chamber and copper fins)
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/cA7Q5Txa

 

Bykski XPR-B water block (Intel)
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/csv45pSu

 

+ fittings and hard tubbing (10x14mm) + Arctic MX-4 + Tools

 

All that for USD160 (shipment included). I already have 3x1200RPM fans (45CFM).

 

What you guys think? Will it be a nay or a yay. Should I consider other AIO options for similar prices?

I hope you didn't listen to any of the people suggesting that you shouldn't buy off aliexpress despite not having any idea of the quality. Did you end up buying this stuff and if so how is it now? 

[Tristerin]

Ive built 2 from Aliexpress and Ebay, components work just fine.  Ive paid less than $100 for each custom loop.  The most expensive part is good fans.  My temps are beautiful.  Mixed metals is also just beaten by science.

 

EDIT - Prestone 50/50 premix with Cor-guard has better ingredients than tier 1 coolants.

[Ravendarat]

I’m not the OP but I using bytski fittings, cpu block and distribution plate with pump, my only complaint is the pump is a bit loud and the power is molex, I am running an open air chassis though so if it was closed I’m thinking it would be quieter. Temps on my gear are fantastic though

[For Science!]

3 hours ago, Tristerin said:

EDIT - Prestone 50/50 premix with Cor-guard has better ingredients than tier 1 coolants.

Better documented, but also more toxic.