First timer planning full CPU GPU loop, need advice

Virtual01 · July 2, 2015

So earlier today I was in the market for a nice AIO CPU cooler. Then I remembered that my room is the hottest room in the house by a considerable margin (easily 75-80F or more in the summer) and my entire PC runs hot even at idle due to this. So now I want to cool my entire PC with water. I've never done this before so I'm looking for some advice.

I've spent some time looking around at forum posts and tutorial videos, so I'm not completely in the dark here. I'd like some general recommendations as well as advice about things like reputable brands, critical dos/donts, where to actually buy parts, etc.

I'm running a 4790k and a Gigabyte G1 980ti inside a Phanteks Enthoo Pro. A GPU block has been confirmed by EKWB in ~2 months so in the mean time I'd like to gather parts and plan everything out. I plan on using high quality components. I don't really have a budget, but I'm also not shooting for overkill. Not looking to spend hundreds of dollars on fittings and such. Aesthetics mean nothing because I'm using a windowless case.

What I need:

Rads: I would like recommendations regarding size, quantity, thickness, and FPI. I will have both of my components overclocked as high as I can get them. I was thinking of using 2 240mm rads to accomplish this. I could move up to a 240 plus a 360 or even a 420 but would rather not unless the previously mentioned setup would be insufficient. My case isn't gigantic, so I think that 40mm thickness would be about the limit there since I will also need to attach fans. I would also like some advice about FPI, but that leads me into...

Fans: Now obviously more FPI is better, but it also requires more powerful and noisy fans. I want to make it clear that I am not aiming for a silent build. I am aiming for a build that is exactly loud enough to drown out the coil whine of my GPU. Currently I am accomplishing this with two case fans (200 and 120mm) and my CPU fan all at about 55% fan speed. How loud are SP fans compared to normal case fans? I would consider buying premium "silent" SP fans if I'm going to have 4 or 5 of them blowing hard anyway.

Fluid: Is there any problem using plain old distilled water? Unless a very good argument can be made against it, I will use it. About how often will I need to flush out and refill my system with distilled water?

Pump: Is a variable speed pump recommended? Does pump power make a difference regarding performance? Is it possible for a pump to be too powerful for the loop? I'd like to use only one pump, I think anything more is overkill for what I am trying to achieve.

Brands: I'd like to brand match as much as possible, just for convenience and in case I need to contact customer service. What are some reputable brands/sites that offer everything or nearly everything I will need to build a full loop?

Tubing: Is any size/material preferred over the others? I definitely want to go with soft tubing.

Other stuff: How many normal case fans will I need, if any at all? I plan on using a push configuration for the rads, with the fans on the inside of the case blowing out. I'd like to equalize the negative pressure that will be created so I can fend off dust buildup.

If there are any videos or guides that can answer a lot of my questions, please direct me to them. Otherwise, just hit me with any information you have. Thanks!