Jump to content

Help/Advice needed for first time watercooling

PCforMe
By PCforMe
in Custom Loop and Exotic Cooling
 Share
Posted

Hello folks!

 

I've been building rigs for nearly 15 years and now I'd like to build my first watercooled PC.

Thanks to Linus and his awesome tutorials, I've gathered much Info, but on some things I'd like to get some advice.
(Keep in mind I'm a total WC noob, if I forgot something important, please let me know)

 

Here's what I've planned for my next build (mostly Video Editing, some gaming in 1080p):
- Processor: Intel i7 4770k
- CPU-Cooler: EK Water Blocks EK-Supremacy Clean CSQ
- Mobo: Asus Maximus VI Hero
- RAM: Corsair Vengeance Pro 32 GB (1866 or 2133, not sure)
- SDD: Samsung 840 Pro 250 GB (for Win & Progs)
- HDD: WD Red (2 for RAID 0 or 3 for RAID 5)
- Graphics: EVGA GTX 770 SC ACX (4 Gigs RAM) with waterblock or GTX 780 SC ACX (3 Gigs RAM) with waterblock

or EVGA GeForce GTX 770 Classified Hydro Copper 4096 MB or EVGA GeForce GTX 780 Classified Hydro Copper 3072 MB

The price difference between "card + waterblock" vs. "card with waterblock installed" is quite big, is it worth it? Besides the loss of warranty if you ruin your card...
- Power supply: 750W (Corsair RM or AX)
- BD-Burner: Plextor PX-950SA (making Videos myself, so in need for archival burning)
- Windows 7 Pro (I HATE, and i mean, HATE Windows 8)
- Fans: Corsair SP 120 PWM's
- Case: Cooler Master HAF 935 Stacker

- Rads: 2x240 or 2x360 (recommendations please)

- Pump: aqua computer D5 (adjustable speed) - I can't seem to get Linus's preferred swiftech model here
- Res: XSPC made of Acryl for Laing D5 (http://www.xs-pc.com/reservoirs/acrylic-tank-reservoir-for-laing-d5) Any thoughts on Bay-reservoirs?
- Fittings: compression, Bitspower or similar (half the price - Link to german shop) (http://www.caseking.de/shop/catalog/Wasserkuehlung/Anschluesse/13/10mm-Anschluesse/Anschluss-1-4-Zoll-auf-13-10mm-geraendelt::12167.html)
Thoughts on the monsoon stuff? (http://monsooncooling.com/fittings.php)
- Tubing: PrimoChill PrimoFlex Advanced LRT 13/10 mm red or Masterkleer PVC 13/10mm UV red (pros/cons?)

Is there a difference in looks between "red" and "UV red?" - I am not planning any UV-lighting inside (maybe some red or white LEDs)
- Coolant: Pure distilled water + silver coil or alternative: clear tubing + Aquacomputer Double Protect Ultra red

How do you guys connect that many fans to your system? Fan splitters like Linus's preferred Swiftech PWM splitter are not easy to get here, any other ideas?

 

Any help appreciated!

 

Thanks

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/90154-helpadvice-needed-for-first-time-watercooling/
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted

Speed of ram doesn't really matter unless you're doing heavy editing. Vengeance Pros are also usually quite expensive and I'd take a look at cheaper ram.

I'd recommend getting the 840 Evo unless you're getting the 840 Pro for the warranty.

I wouldn't recommend corsair fans. They're quite mediocre. There are better/cheaper fans available. Plus, SP120's are darn loud.

Since you're watercooling, you might as well take a look at 780's or 290's.

Why the HAF stacker? Just wondering. It ain't the most pretty thing imo.

 

Is watercooling worth it? For the performance, not really until you're already going balls to the walls with like 4 780 Ti's and an Intel hex core already.

The silence, looks, and cool factor are what you're paying for when it comes to watercooling.

If you ever need help with a build, read the following before posting: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/3061-build-plan-thread-recommendations-please-read-before-posting/
Also, make sure to quote a post or tag a member when replying or else they won't get a notification that you replied to them.

Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted

You mean you hate the metro apps and metro screen in windows 8? not the operating system?

This. 

Classic Start is the best...

† Christian Member †

For my pertinent links to guides, reviews, and anything similar, go here, and look under the spoiler labeled such. A brief history of Unix and it's relation to OS X by Builder.

 

 

Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted

Yeah, or start is back is a nice alternative. 

I really should try that program one day.

† Christian Member †

For my pertinent links to guides, reviews, and anything similar, go here, and look under the spoiler labeled such. A brief history of Unix and it's relation to OS X by Builder.

 

 

Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted

Its real nice. Yeah you have to pay a one off fee for it but its just like having the "real" start menu back.

See, and that's the thing. Classic Start feels like the "real" start menu, but with more features. 

... And it's free. So I don't get what could possibly make StartIsBack better. 

† Christian Member †

For my pertinent links to guides, reviews, and anything similar, go here, and look under the spoiler labeled such. A brief history of Unix and it's relation to OS X by Builder.

 

 

Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted

See, and that's the thing. Classic Start feels like the "real" start menu, but with more features. 

... And it's free. So I don't get what could possibly make StartIsBack better. 

Suppose its just personal preference really. Yeah start is back has some great add on features. 

Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
  • Author

Speed of ram doesn't really matter unless you're doing heavy editing. Vengeance Pros are also usually quite expensive and I'd take a look at cheaper ram.

I'd recommend getting the 840 Evo unless you're getting the 840 Pro for the warranty.

I wouldn't recommend corsair fans. They're quite mediocre. There are better/cheaper fans available. Plus, SP120's are darn loud.

Since you're watercooling, you might as well take a look at 780's or 290's.

Why the HAF stacker? Just wondering. It ain't the most pretty thing imo.

 

Is watercooling worth it? For the performance, not really until you're already going balls to the walls with like 4 780 Ti's and an Intel hex core already.

The silence, looks, and cool factor are what you're paying for when it comes to watercooling.

As I stated, I will do mostly video editing on this machine, so I guess speed does matter for me here. Do you have a suggestion for cheaper but worthy RAM?

Evo instead of Pro, ok - saves a couple of bucks...

What do you recommend for fans? I hear noctuas are good, but I don't like their color scheme.

780 were in my radar - Do you have a specific brand in mind? Option on my EVGA picks?

I kinda like the look of the stacker. Plus it haves space for 2x 360 rads with no modding :-))

Yeah, it's expensive, but it's a new challenge for me building a watercooled system.

 

This. 

Classic Start is the best...

Hm maybe I'll have to try that - for now, I stick to my Windows 7 :-)

Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted

As I stated, I will do mostly video editing on this machine, so I guess speed does matter for me here. Do you have a suggestion for cheaper but worthy RAM?

Evo instead of Pro, ok - saves a couple of bucks...

What do you recommend for fans? I hear noctuas are good, but I don't like their color scheme.

780 were in my radar - Do you have a specific brand in mind? Option on my EVGA picks?

If what you're going for is just performance, water cooling is not worth it. If you have some other reason, then sure.

I might have some recommendations. Where are you shopping? Budget?

Brand doesn't really matter.

If you ever need help with a build, read the following before posting: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/3061-build-plan-thread-recommendations-please-read-before-posting/
Also, make sure to quote a post or tag a member when replying or else they won't get a notification that you replied to them.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing Custom Loop and Exotic Cooling

×