Getting into watercooling

[Gaben the Great]

So I've planned to put some water in my rig... I didn't really mind a AIO or a custom but I was told that custom loops are really just for looks and are significantly different than a AIO solution.  So I've decided to go with an AIO

 

 

I've gathered multiple AIO coolers and would like to hear your opinions and any personal experiences, getting a general overview of which is best. My specs are in my sig.   Oh and I want to put a AIO CPU cooler on my GPU via the G10 bracket from NZXT

 

List of AIO coolers :

 

Raijintek Triton AIO

 

H110i GT

 

Cooler Master Nepton 240M

 

Antek Kuhler H20 1250

 

NZXT Kraken x61 

[dmanschramm]

So I've planned to put some water in my rig... I didn't really mind a AIO or a custom but I was told that custom loops are really just for looks and are significantly different than a AIO solution.  So I've decided to go with an AIO

 

 

I've gathered multiple AIO coolers and would like to hear your opinions and any personal experiences, getting a general overview of which is best. My specs are in my sig.   Oh and I want to put a AIO CPU cooler on my GPU via the G10 bracket from NZXT

 

List of AIO coolers :

 

Raijintek Triton AIO

 

H110i GT

 

Cooler Master Nepton 240M

 

Antek Kuhler H20 1250

 

NZXT Kraken x61 

 

I would recommend going with the NZXT Kraken x61. According to Linus' tests, it's 'best in class'.

 

But if you don't like it for some reason, the H110i is another great option.

 

Happy watercooling!

[Gaben the Great]

I would recommend going with the NZXT Kraken x61. According to Linus' tests, it's 'best in class'.

 

But if you don't like it for some reason, the H110i is another great option.

 

Happy watercooling!

 

 

Thanks! What about a X41 with a G10 bracket for my GPU? I have a 970.

[Altecice]

Custom loops are generally better. But it depends on how many rads you put in your loop. Most AIO's have a dual Rad. If you made a custom loop with a tripple Rad then it would perform better, but will cost more.

[Gaben the Great]

Custom loops are generally better. But it depends on how many rads you put in your loop. Most AIO's have a dual Rad. If you made a custom loop with a tripple Rad then it would perform better, but will cost more.

 

Ok, is there any good radiator that is 360 mm? My case is the Cosair Air 540 and I could fit a 360mm in the front. I've looked at this: http://www.swiftech.com/mcr-x20-drive-rev3.aspxbut this may lead me into the custom loop which I will eventually do just bit by bit.

[Altecice]

Ok, is there any good radiator that is 360 mm? My case is the Cosair Air 540 and I could fit a 360mm in the front. I've looked at this: http://www.swiftech.com/mcr-x20-drive-rev3.aspxbut this may lead me into the custom loop which I will eventually do just bit by bit.

 

for custom loops stick to EK parts and Mayhems coolant.

[dmanschramm]

Thanks! What about a X41 with a G10 bracket for my GPU? I have a 970.

 

Sounds like a good plan! But if you can fit a dual rad, then put in a dual rad. If you saw Linus' video on AIO watercooling the 'manly way' (on vessel), he says get what fits biggest.

[Faceman]

Definitely go for the Cooler Master Nepton 240M for your CPU.  Its the best blend of silence, performance, and price.  You also don't need to buy new fans because the included ones are incredibly high end.

 

For GPU, you really don't need more than a 120mm radiator for your GPU.  At most, 140mm.  You experience diminishing returns pretty quickly with the G10 past 120mm radiators.

 

What specific EVGA 970 do you have?  Some 970s have the VRMs on the left side of the card, but the G10 bracket has the fan on the right side.  This is a small obstacle to overcome, it just costs a little bit more.

 

I have more information on it here in my How To Water Cool a CPU and Single GPU for Under $200 USD Guide

 

Its essential an AIO for each, which is what I have done in my own rig.  Its an excellent way to get terrific performance at a low cost.

[Essential]

Ok, is there any good radiator that is 360 mm? My case is the Cosair Air 540 and I could fit a 360mm in the front. I've looked at this: http://www.swiftech.com/mcr-x20-drive-rev3.aspxbut this may lead me into the custom loop which I will eventually do just bit by bit.

Swiftech had the H320, a triple rad expandable AIO, just like the Fractal Design S36, you can expand it later