Planning Custom Watercooling Loop

[ScottishTapWater]

Budget (including currency): £500 (flexible)

Country: UK

Games, programs or workloads that it will be used for: Fluid Dynamics Simulations + Games

Other details (existing parts lists, whether any peripherals are needed, what you're upgrading from, when you're going to buy, what resolution and refresh rate you want to play at, etc): 

So, I've built many a computer over the years, but I've never strayed beyond the AIO when it comes to cooling. I also understand that I don't *need* a custom loop, but I want one...

 

So my current system is:
Corsaire 5000D Airflow Case

ASUS PRIME X670E-PRO WIFI

AMD Ryzen 9 7950X

Sapphire Radeon RX 7900 XTX Nitro+ Vapor-X

Kingston FURY Beast DDR5 RGB 32GB

Thermalright PS120SE CPU Air Cooler

 

Ideally, I'd like to build a loop which encompasses both my CPU and GPU. I think I'll go with hardline tubing, because if I'm doing this for looks anyway, I may as well go balls-to-the-wall.

 

I've tried the EKWB custom loop configurator, but that doesn't have my motherboard. So I've taken a look at Corsaire's configurator too and they don't have any options for my GPU.

 

I've found this waterblock for my GPU but I'm a bit sus because I can only see it on AliExpress.

 

Could someone please help me out here? I really have no idea what I need...

[PDifolco]

The GPU block is from Alphacool, get it from them directly (they're in Germany)

[ScottishTapWater]

1 minute ago, PDifolco said:

The GPU block is from Alphacool, get it from them directly (they're in Germany)

Think I've found it https://shop.alphacool.com/shop/gpu-wasserkuehlung/amd/13540-alphacool-core-rx-7900xtx/xt-nitro-mit-backplate

 

I can't seem to find any reviews though...

Also not sure what I should be looking to pair with it, or will any old pump/res combo work?

[PDifolco]

6 minutes ago, ScottishTapWater said:

Think I've found it https://shop.alphacool.com/shop/gpu-wasserkuehlung/amd/13540-alphacool-core-rx-7900xtx/xt-nitro-mit-backplate

 

I can't seem to find any reviews though...

Also not sure what I should be looking to pair with it, or will any old pump/res combo work?

It's a waterblock, and they do good waterblocks (less bling than Corsair or EK tho)  

You can use them with any pump but for a full loop you'd better get a DDC pump anyway

Used one on a 3080, worked well, and I've had a good experience with their support (lost some washers for my AIO they sent me replacement free in a few days..)

 

 

[ScottishTapWater]

5 minutes ago, PDifolco said:

It's a waterblock, and they do good waterblocks (less bling than Corsair or EK tho)  

You can use them with any pump but for a full loop you'd better get a DDC pump anyway

Used one on a 3080, worked well, and I've had a good experience with their support (lost some washers for my AIO they sent me replacement free in a few days..)

 

 

Sorry DDC? I'm really not au-fait with the watercooling terminology.

Also, in terms of rads, would 1x360mm likely do the job or would I be better off going CPU -> Rad -> GPU -> Rad -> Pump?

[PDifolco]

Just now, ScottishTapWater said:

Sorry DDC? I'm really not au-fait with the watercooling terminology.

Also, in terms of rads, would 1x360mm likely do the job or would I be better off going CPU -> Rad -> GPU -> Rad -> Pump?

DDC and D5 are the most used  models of pump, with DDC having an higher flow

For a 7900XTX and a 7950X you need at least 2 rads, 2x360 or 1x360 and 1x280 if 2x360 can't fit 

[ScottishTapWater]

6 minutes ago, PDifolco said:

DDC and D5 are the most used  models of pump, with DDC having an higher flow

For a 7900XTX and a 7950X you need at least 2 rads, 2x360 or 1x360 and 1x280 if 2x360 can't fit 

I'm fairly sure you can fit 2x360 in a 5000D (you might actually be able to fit 3), one on front and one on the top.

I'll see if I can find a good DDC res combo. How are they usually mounted in your case? Just cable tied in somewhere?