How does this setup look?

[danstaa]

Hey there! I've done quite a bit of research in regards to water cooling and have a pretty good idea what I'm doing (I'm a computer tech so know plenty when it comes to PC building) however this is my first custom water cooling loop. but I just want to be sure all the stuff I'm chosen will work with one another and if there are any changes I should make.

 

First off I should likely tell you what my specs are. I have an Intel Core i7-4790k, GTX 980ti, 750W PSU and it will all be going into the Fractal Design Define S w/Window Case.

 

Pump - Swiftech NCP655 Variable Speed 12v Pump

Resevoir - Swiftech MCRES Micro Rev. 2

CPU Block - EK Supremacy EVO Universal CPU L.C Block - Acetal

Radiator - Alphacool NexXoS ST30 360mm (3x120mm)

Tubing - 3/8" ID / 1/2" OD Red PrimoChill LRT Tubing

Fittings - EK G1/4 Thread Perfect Seal Compression Fitting - 10mm ID x 13mm OD (3/8" x 1/2") - Black Nickel

 

I'd like to know if these are quality parts (Reviews on FrozenCPU seems to say they are) and ensure everything will work together, I believe it should all be fine, but want to be sure. Also, how many fittings will I need? I'm currently cooling just the CPU, but will be adding the GPU into the loop at a later date, when a waterblock for my 980 ti becomes available (MSI Gaming 6GB).

 

Thanks in advance for any advice, info, recommendations, etc!

 

Edit: Just realized I forgot coolant, recommendations on this would be great, as I'm not entirely sure what I should be looking for, I'm using red tubing, so I dont know if i'd be better off with red coolant or just clear coolant?

[doctorraichu]

Looks sexy af, Masturbated to this list.

[airdeano]

welcome to the Linus tech Tips forums!

 

coolant: distilled for now. this is your first, so keep it budget-friendly. once all the

bugs are worked out, then look for a specific coolant color/use.

 

fans: since using the ST30, the loose fin density allows pretty much any fan to be

used. that'd be an aesthetic/performance/silence decision.

 

since looking to add your GPU later, might consider the XT45 360 and add the

XT45 240 when the GPU is installed. you'll find the single 360 to be adequate,

but the fans will prolly be in the 1200rpm to control the temps comfortably. adding

the 240 will allow the fan speeds to drop to 800rpm, thus quieting the build.

 

fittings: 2 per connection=8 fittings, possible angle fittings to aid in aesthetics.

[danstaa]

welcome to the Linus tech Tips forums!

 

coolant: distilled for now. this is your first, so keep it budget-friendly. once all the

bugs are worked out, then look for a specific coolant color/use.

 

fans: since using the ST30, the loose fin density allows pretty much any fan to be

used. that'd be an aesthetic/performance/silence decision.

 

since looking to add your GPU later, might consider the XT45 360 and add the

XT45 240 when the GPU is installed. you'll find the single 360 to be adequate,

but the fans will prolly be in the 1200rpm to control the temps comfortably. adding

the 240 will allow the fan speeds to drop to 800rpm, thus quieting the build.

 

fittings: 2 per connection=8 fittings, possible angle fittings to aid in aesthetics.

 

So a 360 rad wouldn't cool a cpu and gpu effectively or is it just innefficient? Noise isn't that big of a deal aslong as its possible to turn them down low while I'm sleeping, as the PC is in my bedroom. Thanks for the information, look forward to your reply.

[airdeano]

a 360 will do fine, but it'll depend on hot the overclocking goes. might make the

temps a bit uncomfortable with low fan speeds. thus pushing the speeds to get

a better temp, but the noise associated might be a concern. the extra 240 will

allow extra headroom of thermal control for lower fan speeds and less noise.

plus if upgrade is 2x GPU you are already covered in control, just need routing

tips.

[danstaa]

a 360 will do fine, but it'll depend on hot the overclocking goes. might make the

temps a bit uncomfortable with low fan speeds. thus pushing the speeds to get

a better temp, but the noise associated might be a concern. the extra 240 will

allow extra headroom of thermal control for lower fan speeds and less noise.

plus if upgrade is 2x GPU you are already covered in control, just need routing

tips.

Ok, I see what you're saying. I don't know when I'll be adding the GPU in to the loop, or even when I'll be doing this, but could I not add the extra 240 in when i add the GPU? unfortunately i'm not made of money, so i wont be doing 2x gpu for a while, if ever. Once again thanks for the info.

 

Edit: looks like EK has a waterblock for my 980 ti already, https://shop.ekwb.com/ek-fc980-gtx-ti-tf5-nickel?SID=1iamn660so5du1quie2p36ud11

[airdeano]

yes, that'd be the plan to add the 2nd rad with the GPU integration.

a CPU loop on a 360 is overkill, depends on time to upgrade. maybe

use the XT45 240 on CPU loop and then the XT45 360 on GPU upgrade to keep

cost levels down. another cost-cut would be using 1/2" barbs and 7/16" tubing

(no clamps needed).

 

maybe use this XSPC photon 170 w/D5 for a res/pump combo.

 

 

[danstaa]

yes, that'd be the plan to add the 2nd rad with the GPU integration.

a CPU loop on a 360 is overkill, depends on time to upgrade. maybe

use the XT45 240 on CPU loop and then the XT45 360 on GPU upgrade to keep

cost levels down. another cost-cut would be using 1/2" barbs and 7/16" tubing

(no clamps needed).

 

maybe use this XSPC photon 170 w/D5 for a res/pump combo.

 

 

I think im going to like compression fittings, they seem like they're easier to work with. They might cost a bit more, but i'm not looking to pinch pennies, lol. I'm guessing that's your build in the pic? The blue is exactly what I'm wanting to do, but red instead. Is that the best pump/res combo? I think I may go with the Photon 170. How does mounting it in the PC work? little difficult to see in the pic but it looks like there is a mounting bracket? Will the XT45 be the same as the 360 in terms of fans? Will I be able to use almost any fan with it?

[airdeano]

not my build (random goggle image)

best combo? subjective. like any/all some found it the best, some found it the worst.

 

another random pict with define s and proton 170 w/D5. http://www.kitguru.net/components/cases/anton-shilov/kgtv-fractal-design-showcase-new-products-at-computex/

 

[danstaa]

Man, looks like such a nice case to build in, I can't wait to get my hands on it! I think ill need some industrial strength velco to mount it, otherwise, looks like it'll be perfect! I honestly cannot wait for some of the parts to come in stock on frozen cpu so I can buy them! Are there are other sites that sell water cooling components that you'd recommend? As of right now I only know of FrozenCPU. Thanks again for all the info and help!

[airdeano]

the forward slat wall (HDD mounts) has mounting slots to attach the pump/res to.

fans: the length of the rad has no effect on fan performance.

 

look to PPCs as FCPU is having difficulties shipping stocking product.

http://www.performance-pcs.com/combo-pump-reservoir/d5-photon-170-reservoir-pump-combo.html

[danstaa]

Ok so this is what my cart looks like currently. Is there anything I'm missing, besides coolant obviously? Approximately how much coolant will a need? Also, PPCs doesn't seem to have just distilled water, I'm guessing this is something I can buy at a grocery store, Wal-mart, etc?

 

[airdeano]

yeah, walmart distilled water is 88¢ per gallon.

fans?

try this link: http://www.performance-pcs.com/hot-xspc-raystorm-d5-photon-ax240-watercooling-kit-19266.html

complete starter and excellent radiator and fans are not that bad.

fittings and good color tubing. only needs a biocide or silver kill coil for internal

algae growth. you can customize it for color and what nots..

[danstaa]

Wow, didn't even see that! That takes all the guess work out of it. Forgot about fans! Think I have everything I need to get a start on this project, the only thing i'm missing now is money (cmooooon payday!) Thank you so much for all your help!