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From woosh to sploosh - Some newb questions

Tronnic
By Tronnic
in Custom Loop and Exotic Cooling
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Hi everyone!
I think about to watercool my system. You can find all details about my current system in my signature.
 
My 2 R9 290X's get blazing hot and they are pretty loud when under load. I have the Corsair Air 540 Case directly next to me. Currently removed the plexiglas from the sidepanel because it decreases my temps by about 5-10C.
I thought that watercooling my system will greatly decrease temps and noise.
 
I just spent a few hours on the EKWB shop and filled my shopping cart with stuff.
 
I came up with this:

 

  file_135_1.jpg EK-FC R9-290X - Acetal+Nickel (Rev.2.0)

€ 104.95
€ 209.89

  fc-r9-290x-backplate_front_800.jpg EK-FC R9-290X Backplate - Black

€ 26.38
€ 52.75

  pc_black-3-8-1-2-1_800_3.jpg TUBE PrimoChill PrimoFlex™ Advanced LRT™ 15,9 / 9,5mm - Onyx Black RETAIL 3m

€ 22.31
€ 22.31

  b13191x800_1.jpg EK-CSQ Fitting 10/16mm G1/4 - Black

€ 5.03
€ 70.37

  ek-d5-x-res140csqp-pwm-1_800.jpg EK-XRES 140 D5 PWM (incl. pump)

€ 134.94
€ 134.94

  csq-45-black_800.jpg EK-CSQ Adapter 45° G1/4 Black

€ 8.08
€ 16.15

  csq-90-black_800.jpg EK-CSQ Adapter 90° G1/4 Black

€ 8.08
€ 16.15

  atx-bridging-24pin.jpg EK-ATX Bridging Plug (24 pin)

€ 2.03
€ 2.03

  file_132_3.jpg EK-Cable PWM Fan Extension (30cm)

€ 2.95
€ 2.95

  file_132_1.jpg EK-Cable Y-Splitter 2-Fan PWM (10cm)

€ 2.95
€ 2.95

  ek-rad-pe240-2_800.jpg EK-CoolStream PE 240 (Dual)

€ 50.79
€ 50.79

  ek-rad-pe360-2_800.jpg EK-CoolStream PE 360 (Triple)

€ 64.00
€ 64.00

  ek-supremacy-evo_ca_front1_800_1.jpg EK-Supremacy EVO - Acetal

€ 62.95
€ 62.95

  ekoolant-clear-1_800.jpg EK-Ekoolant CLEAR (premix 1000mL)

 
€ 6.60
€ 19.80

 
Total: 728.03€
 
Is there any way to reduce the cost? Are all parts compatible? Will the pump/res combo be enough? What kind of coolant will I need? Can I also get needed coolant from the EKWB site?
Also, are my current fans enough? I think I can't go push pull cause of space, does that matter? I have: 3x Corsair AF120 Silent in the front, 2x SP140 top, 1x AF140 Silent in the back. Check my buildlog for more info and layout. Warning: Lots of pics to load there.
 
A little help would be much appreciated! Thanks everyone! :)
 
Cheers,
-Tronnic.

Intel Core i7 7700k | Asus GTX 1080 ti Strix | Asus ROG Strix Z270F | 32GB G.Skill TridentZ 3200 | 650W EVGA Supernova Plat | Corsair Crystal 460X | 4TB WD-B

Acer Predator X34P | Acer CB241HY | Logitech G513 | Logitech G903 & Powerplay | MMX300 Headpohnes | FiiO DAC-E10 | 250GB Samsung 960 Evo M.2

My System on imgur

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You could sell those 290xs and buy two 980s which will cost less than all that while performing better, quiet, and low temps.

NEW PC build: Blank Heaven   minimalist white and black PC     Old S340 build log "White Heaven"        The "LIGHTCANON" flashlight build log        Project AntiRoll (prototype)        Custom speaker project

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Ryzen 3950X | AMD Vega Frontier Edition | ASUS X570 Pro WS | Corsair Vengeance LPX 64GB | NZXT H500 | Seasonic Prime Fanless TX-700 | Custom loop | Coolermaster SK630 White | Logitech MX Master 2S | Samsung 980 Pro 1TB + 970 Pro 512GB | Samsung 58" 4k TV | Scarlett 2i4 | 2x AT2020

 

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Push pull is not necessary and doesnt increase cooling performance by much if at all. Looks like a good loop overall. These guys have great coolant http://www.mayhems.co.uk/front/pastel.html

 

Edit: GTX 980 aren't that much faster than the 290X... would keep them.

Core i7 4820K  |  NH-D14 | Rampage IV Extreme | Asus R9 280X DC2T | 8GB G.Skill TridentX | 120GB Samsung 840 | NZXT H440  |  Be quiet! Dark Power Pro 10 650W

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You could sell those 290xs and buy two 980s which will cost less than all that while performing better, quiet, and low temps.

You really make me thinking... Awww.. >.< What should I do now?

Push pull is not necessary and doesnt increase cooling performance by much if at all. Looks like a good loop overall. These guys have great coolant http://www.mayhems.co.uk/front/pastel.html

Edit: GTX 980 aren't that much faster than the 290X... would keep them.

Thanks. The tubing I took is not transparent. I heard that I can use distilled water, right? But I also heard that I need to insert some anti algy and other things.

Intel Core i7 7700k | Asus GTX 1080 ti Strix | Asus ROG Strix Z270F | 32GB G.Skill TridentZ 3200 | 650W EVGA Supernova Plat | Corsair Crystal 460X | 4TB WD-B

Acer Predator X34P | Acer CB241HY | Logitech G513 | Logitech G903 & Powerplay | MMX300 Headpohnes | FiiO DAC-E10 | 250GB Samsung 960 Evo M.2

My System on imgur

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You really make me thinking... Awww.. >.< What should I do now?

Thanks. The tubing I took is not transparent. I heard that I can use distilled water, right? But I also heard that I need to insert some anti algy and other things.

I personally would get the 980s...

a lot less trouble than watercooling

NEW PC build: Blank Heaven   minimalist white and black PC     Old S340 build log "White Heaven"        The "LIGHTCANON" flashlight build log        Project AntiRoll (prototype)        Custom speaker project

Spoiler

Ryzen 3950X | AMD Vega Frontier Edition | ASUS X570 Pro WS | Corsair Vengeance LPX 64GB | NZXT H500 | Seasonic Prime Fanless TX-700 | Custom loop | Coolermaster SK630 White | Logitech MX Master 2S | Samsung 980 Pro 1TB + 970 Pro 512GB | Samsung 58" 4k TV | Scarlett 2i4 | 2x AT2020

 

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I agree.  Go for the 980s.  Way better performance, way low temps, and a lot less energy being used.

 

Watercooling is a really expensive endeavor.  It is also incredibly complicated.

 

I would go for the 980s.

"I genuinely dislike the promulgation of false information, especially to people who are asking for help selecting new parts."

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Hi everyone!

I think about to watercool my system. You can find all details about it in my signature.

 

My 2 R9 290X's get blazing hot and they are pretty loud when under load. I have the Corsair Air 540 Case directly next to me. Currently removed the plexiglas from the sidepanel because it decreases my temps by about 5-10C.

I thought that watercooling my system will greatly decrease temps and noise.

 

I just spent a few hours on the EKWB shop and filled my shopping cart with stuff.

 

Is there any way to reduce the cost? Are all parts compatible? Will the pump/res combo be enough? What kind of coolant will I need? Can I also get needed coolant from the EKWB site? All I found is that pastel stuff.

Also, are my current fans enough? I think I can't go push pull cause of space, does that matter? I have: 3x Corsair AF120 Silent in the front, 2x SP140 top, 1x AF140 Silent in the back. Check my buildlog for more info and layout. Warning: Lots of pics to load there.

 

A little help would be much appreciated! Thanks everyone! :)

 

Cheers,

-Tronnic.

 

Nice components and great case! 

 

Suggestions: drop the reinforcement brackets, you don't need them. The back plates are enough. Monsoon Free Center Compression fittings come in 6-packs and they're a bit cheaper than EK. Not sure if your tubing and fittings match up. The fittings are a bit bigger. Just stick with the size of the tubing for both 3/8" ID 5/8" OD. 

 

Personally I'd go with an EK Supremacy EVO CPU block. They look nicer.

 

The pump/res combo is great and definitely enough.

 

EK has normal colored coolants too but you would be better off just going with distilled water and a kill coil.

 

Great rads btw! However, they might not fit. The front rad is 64mm thick and having a 280 in the top might not make it (the rads won't fit in the right corner where they meet). If you put a 240 in the top I think you're fine. Maybe @Jodomcfrodo can comment on this. Keep in mind that right now you have a XTX and an XTC rad listed.

 

An alternative which will make the build look less crowded while not sacrificing anything in performance is going with 240 and 360 Alphacool XT45's (UT60's would work too). 

 

You would be fine with push or pull only if you had some good static pressure fans since your rads are low fpi. AF fans won't cut it. You need SP's. 

Bert & Ernie before squirting spermie. 

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Nice components and great case! 

 

Suggestions: drop the reinforcement brackets, you don't need them. The back plates are enough. Monsoon Free Center Compression fittings come in 6-packs and they're a bit cheaper than EK. Not sure if your tubing and fittings match up. The fittings are a bit bigger. Just stick with the size of the tubing for both 3/8" ID 5/8" OD. 

 

Personally I'd go with an EK Supremacy EVO CPU block. They look nicer.

 

The pump/res combo is great and definitely enough.

 

EK has normal colored coolants too but you would be better off just going with distilled water and a kill coil.

 

Great rads btw! However, they might not fit. The front rad is 64mm thick and having a 280 in the top might not make it (the rads won't fit in the right corner where they meet). If you put a 240 in the top I think you're fine. Maybe @Jodomcfrodo can comment on this. Keep in mind that right now you have a XTX and an XTC rad listed.

 

An alternative which will make the build look less crowded while not sacrificing anything in performance is going with 240 and 360 Alphacool XT45's (UT60's would work too). 

 

You would be fine with push or pull only if you had some good static pressure fans since your rads are low fpi. AF fans won't cut it. You need SP's.

 

Thanks for your reply. I updated the parts list on the first post. I won't buy that all right now because it's kinda expensive. But probably next month then.

I am still not really sure. So many people suggesting the GTX 980. But I just bought the second R9 290X 2 weeks ago and I would feel really bad "wasting" another 500€ just to get 2 GTX 980's and only have like 3-5% more performance which is nothing in frames per second. Sure the heat & energy but I think you get my point. Also watercooling seems to be awesome.

 

Also thanks for mentioning the rads. I didn't realize that they are that thick! I changed them. Would they be still enough with some Corsair LED SP120's (non silent)?

 

IMAG0400.jpg

 

Currently a AIO 140mm rad. There's not much space left to the fans. But I may be able to place them outside.

 

 

Parts list:

  file_135_1.jpg EK-FC R9-290X - Acetal+Nickel (Rev.2.0)

€ 104.95

€ 209.89

  fc-r9-290x-backplate_front_800.jpg EK-FC R9-290X Backplate - Black

€ 26.38

€ 52.75

  pc_black-3-8-1-2-1_800_3.jpg TUBE PrimoChill PrimoFlex™ Advanced LRT™ 15,9 / 9,5mm - Onyx Black RETAIL 3m

€ 22.31

€ 22.31

  b13191x800_1.jpg EK-CSQ Fitting 10/16mm G1/4 - Black

€ 5.03

€ 70.37

  ek-d5-x-res140csqp-pwm-1_800.jpg EK-XRES 140 D5 PWM (incl. pump)

€ 134.94

€ 134.94

  csq-45-black_800.jpg EK-CSQ Adapter 45° G1/4 Black

€ 8.08

€ 16.15

  csq-90-black_800.jpg EK-CSQ Adapter 90° G1/4 Black

€ 8.08

€ 16.15

  atx-bridging-24pin.jpg EK-ATX Bridging Plug (24 pin)

€ 2.03

€ 2.03

  file_132_3.jpg EK-Cable PWM Fan Extension (30cm)

€ 2.95

€ 2.95

  file_132_1.jpg EK-Cable Y-Splitter 2-Fan PWM (10cm)

€ 2.95

€ 2.95

  ek-rad-pe240-2_800.jpg EK-CoolStream PE 240 (Dual)

€ 50.79

€ 50.79

  ek-rad-pe360-2_800.jpg EK-CoolStream PE 360 (Triple)

€ 64.00

€ 64.00

  ek-supremacy-evo_ca_front1_800_1.jpg EK-Supremacy EVO - Acetal

€ 62.95

€ 62.95

  ekoolant-clear-1_800.jpg EK-Ekoolant CLEAR (premix 1000mL)

 

€ 6.60

€ 19.80

 

Total: 728.03€

What do you think? ^^  What whould you do if you were in my position? :)

Intel Core i7 7700k | Asus GTX 1080 ti Strix | Asus ROG Strix Z270F | 32GB G.Skill TridentZ 3200 | 650W EVGA Supernova Plat | Corsair Crystal 460X | 4TB WD-B

Acer Predator X34P | Acer CB241HY | Logitech G513 | Logitech G903 & Powerplay | MMX300 Headpohnes | FiiO DAC-E10 | 250GB Samsung 960 Evo M.2

My System on imgur

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Thanks for your reply. I updated the parts list on the first post. I won't buy that all right now because it's kinda expensive. But probably next month then.

I am still not really sure. So many people suggesting the GTX 980. But I just bought the second R9 290X 2 weeks ago and I would feel really bad "wasting" another 500€ just to get 2 GTX 980's and only have like 3-5% more performance which is nothing in frames per second. Sure the heat & energy but I think you get my point. Also watercooling seems to be awesome.

 

Also thanks for mentioning the rads. I didn't realize that they are that thick! I changed them. Would they be still enough with some Corsair LED SP120's (non silent)?

 

 

What do you think? ^^  What whould you do if you were in my position? :)

 

Just stick with your 290X's, don't really see why the others felt the need to give you unsolicited advice on your GPU choice while completely ignoring your WC questions. :P

 

As long as you have SP series fan you'll be fine. 

 

A few things:

 

If you want your CPU block to match your GPU blocks, you need the acetal + nickel version of the Supremacy EVO. Also, the nickel plating on top of the copper keeps the water block looking better for longer (you start to see the corrosion on bare copper with time).

 

Finally, I'd still go for different rads. There isn't anything wrong with the EK PE series but they have high fpi. You have space in the 540 AIR for some thicker low fpi rads.

These low fpi rads will allow you to get the same performance as with high fpi rads while running your fan at lower speeds. 

 

Alphacool makes some of the best full copper rads in the world. 

I recommend you go with an Alphacool 240mm XT45 in the top and a 360mm XT45 in the front. It will fit since you don't have a 280 in the top anymore.

They're are available in the EU.

Bert & Ernie before squirting spermie. 

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