Starter Loop for CPU; Seeking Advice

zherocharisma · January 21, 2016

So I decided not to watercool my 970 (will wait for a beefier card or for the urge to cool more), but I want to build a loop for my CPU that I can add on to eventually. Here's what I've got planned so far:

http://i.imgur.com/ZLfFbTy.jpg

EK Supremacy MX CPU block
EK Coolstream CE 280 (fans TBD)
EK Uni pump bracket (plus 120 to 140mm adapter)
EK XRES 140 pump/reservoir with D5 vario
Alphacool Terminal TEE
Alphacool Double Nipple coupler (to mate T-fitting to pump inlet)
EK-AF Fill port (will be drilling hole in bottom of case for drain port)
XSPC 1/2" barb fittings and 5/8" hose clamps
Primoflex LRT 7/16" x 5/8" tubing (clear)

I don't have a window, so I'm not concerned about using compression fittings, colored tubing, or anything fancy; I just want a safe loop that I can easily expand to include a graphics card and another 140mm radiator.
I'd love comments or feedback, but one question: is the drainport enough, or should I add a ball valve before it (belt and suspenders kind of thing). Thanks!

W-L · January 21, 2016

-SNIP-

Welcome to the Forums!

For a loop that looks pretty solid, I would recommend to just go with compressions since the cost of fittings and clamps are fairly close to the same cost and just makes things easier during install. Also you have the wrong sized barbs they need to be the same ID of the tubing, as for the tube itself going for the thick walled stuff like 3/8"ID 5/8"OD is better for tight bends without kinking.

As for the drain though your going to have stagnant flow in the drain line so using a ball valve at the T is a better idea and just capping it off is good, when you drain it you can attach a length of tube and just pipe it our of the case.

zherocharisma · January 21, 2016

Thanks!

I picked the bigger barb to do the hot water trick for the tighter seal. I wouldn't mind doing compression fittings, but I'm curious about price vs. performance. Will I be okay with $4 XSPC coin fit compressions, or is it really necessary to buy something more premium? I've also seen posts about buying Barrow fittings from Aliexpress, but with shipping it comes out to roughly the same price as the less expensive fittings from Performance-PC (I can drive to Palm Bay for pickup, so no shipping costs there).

I like your idea about the ball valve off of the T-fitting. I'm guessing that would be another spot where I'd need to use a coupler, right?

W-L · January 21, 2016

Thanks!

I picked the bigger barb to do the hot water trick for the tighter seal. I wouldn't mind doing compression fittings, but I'm curious about price vs. performance. Will I be okay with $4 XSPC coin fit compressions, or is it really necessary to buy something more premium? I've also seen posts about buying Barrow fittings from Aliexpress, but with shipping it comes out to roughly the same price as the less expensive fittings from Performance-PC (I can drive to Palm Bay for pickup, so no shipping costs there).

I like your idea about the ball valve off of the T-fitting. I'm guessing that would be another spot where I'd need to use a coupler, right?

XSPC makes good stuff at great value for watercooling fittings but it's just ease of install since you wouldn't need to install clamps, using the proper sized barb would be a better option though since it's designed to hold that tubing properly with a hose clamp and less hassle than stretching.

For the T fitting to the valve you could get something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004TD7WEQ/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687722&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B004TD7RUA&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1QY3195VZ2BM4MRVM1GE