Planning Help - Parts Recommendations

[MblaZe7run]

I'm just now beginning to plan my first custom loop, and was wondering where to start in terms of acquiring parts. I need everything aside from a GPU heatblock, as I have one already. I've also decided that I would like to get a 2x5.25" or 1x5.25" bay reservoir, as there isn't really room in my case for a standard cylindrical res. My case can accommodate a 2x120mm radiator at the top, which I plan to use on its own if I can. I have a planned budget of about $250 if all goes my way. My question is, what fittings, bay reservoirs, pumps, CPU block (for FX-8350 AM3+ socket), and tubing would you recommend with that budget?

 

 

EDIT: Modified title.

[D3LTA9]

For your budget I would probably look at getting an XSPC kit. Something like this:

 

http://www.xs-pc.com/watercooling-kits/raystorm-d5-rx240-watercooling-kit

 

Or if you cant fit such a thick rad (the average case cannot with a top mount) they do other kits with less thick rads like the ax and ex series. Think they are around 240ish usd. Then down the line if you want you can swap fittings and tubing colours etc and also add more rads or whatever you needs are. 

 

I am not familiar with the TDP of AMD cpus but you will  be cutting it a bit close with only 120.2 rads for cpu and gpu cooling. Will work but likely will have to run your fans at higher rpm and I personally wouldnt go much less than 120.3.

[MblaZe7run]

I am not familiar with the TDP of AMD cpus but you will be cutting it a bit close with only 120.2 rads for cpu and gpu cooling. Will work but likely will have to run your fans at higher rpm and I personally wouldnt go much less than 120.3.

Thanks for the reply, glad someone took interest in helping a noob The max TDP of the 8350 is 125W according to Newegg. I'm more worried about the video card than I am the processor, which is why I want the card to lead directly to the radiator, then to the CPU block. My 8350 hasn't ever gotten hotter than 60-65*C on air, according to HH MONITOR and the motherboard. The card usually idles at 60-70*C, and almost hits 100*C umess I manually adjust fan speed, but then it sounds like my computer is about to take off the runway. The video card is the entire reason I want to get watercool. I know it would be more practical to get a new card, but I've wanted to run water for a while now, so I have a legitimate reason to.

I'll look into the kits, thanksď

[Necrodead]

 I'm more worried about the video card than I am the processor, which is why I want the card to lead directly to the radiator, then to the CPU block.

Just to let you know, your routing won't make a difference in component temprature. The water in the loop moves so quickly that it dosen't make any difference what order the radiators are in, so you should go with whatever is easiest to route for your case.

 

What GPU are you using that gets to 100C? Reference R9 290?

 

Edit: could have just checked your sig...

 

The 6950 has about a 250W TPD, and I think my R9 290 is 275W. I have the same CPU, except its binned as a 8320 (same CPU with different stock speeds) Currently I have a 140.3 and a 140.2 radiators in my system and it seems pretty warm to me, hit 40C water temp the other day in GTA 5, so I would reccommend at least a triple rad for those 2 components, and more if you plan to overclock.

[MblaZe7run]

Just to let you know, your routing won't make a difference in component temprature. The water in the loop moves so quickly that it dosen't make any difference what order the radiators are in, so you should go with whatever is easiest to route for your case.

 

What GPU are you using that gets to 100C? Reference R9 290?

 

Edit: could have just checked your sig...

 

The 6950 has about a 250W TPD, and I think my R9 290 is 275W. I have the same CPU, except its binned as a 8320 (same CPU with different stock speeds) Currently I have a 140.3 and a 140.2 radiators in my system and it seems pretty warm to me, hit 40C water temp the other day in GTA 5, so I would reccommend at least a triple rad for those 2 components, and more if you plan to overclock.

I know the routing won't make a difference once the temperature equalizes, but in my head, I can't help but think it would be hotter if I ran GPU>CPU>Rad instead of GPU>Rad>CPU.

 

Do you think 2-2x120 would work as opposed to just one? With some modification, I'm sure I could fit a 2x120 in the front. No room for a triple rad, and I don't want another case if I can prevent getting one.

 

EDIT: Corrected an error in the section above.

[Necrodead]

I know the routing won't make a difference once the temperature equalizes, but in my head, I can't help but think it would be hotter if I ran GPU>CPU>Rad instead of GPU>Rad>CPU.

 

Do you think 2x120 would work as opposed to just one? With some modification, I'm sure I could fit a 2x120 in the front. No room for a triple rad, and I don't want another case if I can prevent getting one.

Like @D3LTA9 said, it will probably work, as long as you don't overclock, and you may have to run the fans at a higher speed to make sure you get the cooling you need.