Need help with a custom loop

nemosomen · June 26, 2015

I have been planning this loop for mod and I have been doing a lot of research but nothing beats experience and I would love to get some opinions and advice. Mostly I see myself having closure problems. I do have most parts picked out.

I need to cool a R9 295x2, TDP of 400-500, and an Intel Core i7-5930K, TDP 150.

Simple questions:

I would like to OC the CPU and the eXtreme PSU calculator told me at a theoretical OC of4.5 Mhz 1.4V it will draw 245W, is that the same as a TDP rating?
Should I even be going as far as calculating TDP ratings?
If I am not even going to near max loads can I cut some corners?
Do I need speed control on a pump?
Do fitting compositions matter?

CPU/GPU/RAM Block: I was thinking of going with XSPC. I have clear coolant, so I could get a Black EK CPU/GPU block, or and the XSPC counterparts which have a cleaner look and led. Also EK’s GPU block has Nickle and I do not want to mix metals. Swift Tech does not have a GPU block, and they also have a nice CPU Block, but unity bro. Any thoughts?

Tubing/Pump: XSPC tubing have some bending issues according to this http://www.pureoverclock.com/Review-detail/xspc-fittings-tubing-radstand-roundup/3/, and I guess I could get more fittings for the tight bends. I am worried about XSPC pumps tho, the man said MCP655 all the way, and I might need to go into a Pump/Res/Rad combo.

Fans: I have seen a lot of recommendations, and they come down to SP optimized fans like the ones from Noctua, Coolermaster, and Crosair, those are the ones that stand out. I am getting the impression that they will mostly depend on the rad setup.

Radiators: Rad wise I am limited to a 40mm Max thickness. There is space for Two Dual 120s/140s and One Single 120. I feel that I do not have enough heat dissipation with this for the projected 550-650 TDP. I could go for higher FPI meaning louder fans, or include Res/Pump inside the single 120 allowing me another single 120, maybe a third if I pushed it. Maybe it would be better to do a combination of both.

Extra info:

Looks: I want a blue color scheme, and I would like to include UV, but it is negotiable,and LED in the build. I do not mind branding that much and if there it is existant I like unity. Also seeing PBC, electrical components, and especially copper bother me. Only exception is the mobo really IDK.
Performance: I really do not know what go for Temp wise. I live in FL but recently my house has been freezing (for me ) at 24.3C(74F) so ambient temp is from that to 26.7C(80F).
Noise: I currently have a Fractal case with 4 of their fans, and a Nocuta Fan/Heatsink. At max RPM I would hear them, but I zone in on the game usually, so that is not a problem for me. At idle they are a whisper and it is nice to hear them breathe. I would like to duplicate this.

Thank you for your time!!!