First custom loop, buying parts help please.

[Lethalviperr]

Hey everyone/anyone,

So gonna make the plunge into water cooling since PCCG has some discounted kits and rads atm. But I have never done this before and have no idea what I am doing... 
Here is my currents parts list:
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=wish_lists&wlcId=283237&action=wish_lists 

2x XSPC G1/4 Black Chrome 7/16 Compression Fitting
1x XSPC Raystorm D5 EX240 Water Cooling Kit

1x XSPC EX240 Radiator

Are they all compatible and good choices?

What do I need for coolant? Do I need silver or aint microbial things? I don't want coloured liquid.
Is there a good blue tubing that would work for what I am getting?
Will this fit I have a Fractal Define R4, and intend to put the 280 rad in the front and the 240 rad in the top? 
​What kind of maintenance is involved with a liquid cooled system?

Cheers Lethal

[Evostatic343]

Hey everyone/anyone,

So gonna make the plunge into water cooling since PCCG has some discounted kits and rads atm. But I have never done this before and have no idea what I am doing... 

Here is my currents parts list:

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=wish_lists&wlcId=283237&action=wish_lists 

2x XSPC G1/4 Black Chrome 7/16 Compression Fitting

1x XSPC Raystorm D5 EX240 Water Cooling Kit

1x XSPC EX280 Radiator

Are they all compatible and good choices?

What do I need for coolant? Do I need silver or aint microbial things? I don't want coloured liquid.

Is there a good blue tubing that would work for what I am getting?

Will this fit I have a Fractal Define R4, and intend to put the 280 rad in the front and the 240 rad in the top? 

​What kind of maintenance is involved with a liquid cooled system?

Cheers Lethal

4 radiators seems a bit overkill for just cpu. add a gpu block to that loop and your golden. the rule of thumb is two 120mm rads per block. so with two dual rads you can cool two things. good luck. and happy building.

[Lethalviperr]

Yeah good idea, but I don't know what the pcb design of my gpu is if it's reference or not?

[Theblasphemouscoffee]

Yeah good idea, but I don't know what the pcb design of my gpu is if it's reference or not?

What exact model of graphics card do you have?

 

[Lethalviperr]

@Theblasphemouscoffee, MSI Boost Edition 7970, http://www.msi.com/product/vga/R7970_TF_3GD5OC_BE.html 

[Theblasphemouscoffee]

@Theblasphemouscoffee, MSI Boost Edition 7970, http://www.msi.com/product/vga/R7970_TF_3GD5OC_BE.html 

I think that any of the EK water blocks will fit that card.

Use this to check: http://www.coolingconfigurator.com/

or if you dont like any of those then check other manufacturers such as XSPC 

[Lethalviperr]

oh cheers thanks man!

So any liquid suggestions? Do I need additives for them?

[Lethalviperr]

Any advice? Stuck on coolants and additives what do I need? And what kind of maintenance does a custom loop require?