Swiftech + gpu block

fael097 · March 22, 2016

ok, so at first I was biased by youtube reviews, and wanted to install just one corsair h110i gt and cool my cpu.
Then I got worried the air intake would be too low since the only place to fit a dual fan radiator on the S340 is the front intake, and thought my gpu would heat up a little more than it should, and I wouldn't be able to overclock at all, so I thought of buying a evga 980ti hybrid.
But then I started thinking it wasn't worth it, cause while I could upgrade my cpu and keep the h110i, the 980ti hybrid's radiator is only compatible with it, and I wouldn't be able to keep it after upgrading the vga in the future, specially if I decide to sell the vga.
So I started thinking of getting a reference pcb 980ti and a corsair hg10 mounting bracket and a single radiator aio water cooler like the h75. that way I could upgrade my gpy and keep the radiator, would only need to buy a proper mounting bracket for the next graphics card I buy. price of the whole thing was about $220ish and I was happy with my decision, only thing that bothered me is that my case would look a little bloated, but I could live with that.
But after some more research about CLC I only read bad things about them, and everyone was suggesting swiftech products, and while I didn't want to build a full custom loop (since cpu and gpu blocks plus tubings, radiator, fans, reservoir and pumps and fittings and whatnot would break the bank) it was a relief when I thought it would be affordable to cool the cpu and the gpu in the same loop, with no separate controllers and radiators scattered around the case, and different sizes of tubes and textures and etc.

So I decided to get a swiftech H240 x2 (radiator+pump+reservoir combo with the option to expand the loop seems like a good deal for a first water cooling loop on a budget) and a gpu waterblock. I see there's a swiftech one for the titanx/980ti, but there's also other brands. I also noticed swiftech sells separately a backplate for the gpu block.

so I have some questions that are bugging me, if you guys want to help me out:
-is the backplate actually needed for the swiftech gpu block? if not, would it help keeping a lower temperature?
-are there cheaper/better value compatible gpu blocks out there? what would you recommend?
-is the h240 x2 compatible with lga 1366?
-wich and how many extra fittings would I need?

-what size and dimensions of tubing do I need?

-do I need to fill the extra tubing? what should I use?

I believe that's what I need to know to do this. thanks in advance

colinreay · March 22, 2016

Have you already bought a H240x2? I know EK Makes the predator 240 with QDC, much easier to expand, with the option to also buy EK QDC waterblocks for the gpu, very nice and simple.

As for backplates on a waterblock, backplates are generally for structural rigidity and asethetics. Since a waterblock is fairly light, the backplate is generally for looks and can provide support to the card. (It will probably have no effect on temperature.)

As for gpu waterblocks, all should perform similarly, I know Alphacools GPX blocks are very cheap, as they utilize a core and sort of hybrid cooling engine, while EK and Heatkiller are generally regarded as the best by many.

It doesn't look like the H240x 2 is compatible with 1366, you might have to get an new waterblock mount/backplate.

As for fittings, I would recommend getting the same barb size as the H240x 2 tubes, so everything can connect. For blocks, you'll need at least 2 per block, and might want some extra 90 degree or 45 degree adapters for more flexibility. Barrow is a great low cost option, who oems for the much more expensive Bitspower, and can be found on Modmymods.com and Aliexpress.

You will need to refill the loop to account for the extra tubing and blocks. You can either go for distilled water or for nanofluid. I would also recommend adding another 120mm rad into the loop, 240mm might not be enough for a 980ti and a cpu. Great places to look at for help is at overclock.net and choosemypc.com.

fael097 · March 23, 2016

Hey, thanks for taking your time to help me out.

I haven't bought it yet, but it's either the h240 x2 or those corsairs aio clcs. the ek predator is more expensive, and along with a gpu waterblock, most likely beyond my budget. let's say $270 is the max I can spend on the whole loop. also, the ek predator is a 240mm radiator, while swiftech's h240 x2 is actually a 280mm. yeah, swiftech's naming suck. like 1 fan x 120 = h120, 2 fans x 120mm = h220, 2 fans x 140mm = h240. i also didn't see a 280mm option from ek.

alphacool gpu block is cheaper and comes with a backplate, wanted to know if it's performance matches the other blocks like ek's.

where did you get the info that h240 isnt compatible with 1366? it's kinda hard to get info from swiftech products, but it looks like it's compatible using a backplate. it's compatible with 2011 anyways, and the distance between holes is the same, the difference is that 1366 motherboards have holes only, while 2011 have a mounting plate with screw holes, so it makes sense that a backplate would solve the problem. apogee XL cpu block is indeed compatible with 1366 via backplate, but didn't find anything about apogee xl-2 wich comes with h240 x2. should be fine though, just wanted to know if anyone knows for sure.

well yeah, I know it's probably better to get the same fittings and tubing size as the h240 x2. what I don't know is what fittings and tubings size it utilizes. I saw on their page the specs, but I don't seem to be able to get the same fittings. nor understand what those dimensions mean.

their website says:

waterblock fittings: Swivel elbows, 3/8" (10mm) OD

radiator fittings: Integrated swivel 90° elbows, 3/8" (10mm) OD

but why would the Outer Diameter of the tubing be relevant for the fittings? I'm guessing it's a typo, but twice? their tubing specs say 5/8" x 3/8" (16/10mm) so I assume 3/8" is the inner Diameter instead. it says nothing about the part that screws into the block though, I don't know if they're all the same size, if I need another thing to fix the tube into the fitting, as the barb appears to be not very safe, nothing.

the reason I'm going for the h240 is because it can be expanded to add a gpu waterblock without the need of getting another rad (as I'd do if I was getting 2 corsair clcs) but as I mentioned, h240 is a 280mm rad, so I hope it's enough for adding just one gpu block to the loop.

and yes, I know about those other forums, I asked there for help as well, but Idk, not getting much help on this, that's why I posted here too.