Easiest, most effective WC kit for novice

[imported_browsing]

I was going to spend too much money on a pre-built with a WC loop already installed since I've never messed with it and was worried about damaging my equipment, but after doing a cost/benefit analysis, I'm willing to give it a shot myself.

Can anyone recommend the easiest, most complete WC kit that will be able to handle both a good OC on an IVB CPU as well as a GPU. I'd prefer to not have to try to put all the parts list together as I'm scared I'll end up buying something like the wrong tubing size for the rest of my parts. I don't mind paying a premium if there's less chance I'll botch it by forgetting to buy something.

I'm also looking for case suggestions. I'd prefer to have a mid-sized tower over a full size and I like a plain look as opposed to the chunky gamer designs with big glowing fans on the front that a lot of people like, or at least that a lot of merchants stock.

Does anyone have any suggestions? No real budget restraints here, just want something relatively easy to work with.

 

[topazsparrow]

XSPC RASA or Raystorm kits will be best suited for your needs. They include everything you need.

Raystorm is the step up and well worth it in my mind (compression fittings vs barbs, better pump, better waterblock).

The limiting factor would be that you'll likely need more than 240mm rad space to cool an OC'd IVB as well as an OC'd GPU. From what I've read you should been looking at a total of 360mm rad surface or more.

I'm no expert and welcome any corrections though.

 

[imported_browsing]

Thanks for the feedback. Any ideas on the best place to buy a Raystorm online? I was checking this out here but I'm not sure if FrozenCPU has the best selection of them.

Any mid-size cases that this will for sure comfortably fit into?

Also, any idea on timeframes for more water-cooled gtx 680s or the 670s to get here?

 

[Kenmitch]

Thanks for the feedback. Any ideas on the best place to buy a Raystorm online? I was checking this out here but I'm not sure if FrozenCPU has the best selection of them.

Any mid-size cases that this will for sure comfortably fit into?

Also, any idea on timeframes for more water-cooled gtx 680s or the 670s to get here?

Here's some more kits http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=59_202_972

Case wise ??? without knowing what style you like it's hard to make suggestions. There are many cases that are kinda radiator ready that require no mods.

 

[imported_browsing]

Here's some more kits http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=59_202_972

Case wise ??? without knowing what style you like it's hard to make suggestions. There are many cases that are kinda radiator ready that require no mods.

My last two builds were p-180s, if that gives any hint as to my taste. If I'm going to do water, i'd almost like to have a window so I can see if I've screwed it up and inadvertently turned my case into a greenhouse complete with sprinkler system. Here are a few cases I randomly glanced at and liked the visual on:

http://www.amazon.com/Technologies-C...588045&sr=1-50

http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Obsidi...587944&sr=1-23

http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-...587944&sr=1-15

http://www.amazon.com/Antec-P280-Bla...588009&sr=1-34

http://www.amazon.com/NZXT-Phantom-T...588009&sr=1-41

 

[Kenmitch]

When looking at cases that are for water cooing you need to look at rear images. You need space above the MB for a Rad and fans. It's easy to get an idea of clearance by looking at images.

Not much space but maybe a thin rad would fit. MB heatsinks or rams may eliminate the possibility. Anything less than this clearance is a no go most likely unless you mount rad on top which kinda looks tacky.

You can quickly eliminate choices this way. Easiest way to judge is by the backplate cutout as it's at the edge of the motherboard.

The next thing to consider is the top of the case as far as fan mounts. The stock configuration isn't so important it's more the optional fan mounts and the spacing that is pre-drilled that is of concern.

Look at the fan mount spacing to get an idea. This is from HAF 932 which has the proper spacing for mounting a 120mm based rad at top. It'll give you and idea of what to look for in images.

Here's an example that out of the box will hold 2 rads. 1 at top and 1 at bottom. The upper rad would most likely need to be a thinner one tho. Looks to be setup for dual 120mm rads.

http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-...590371&sr=1-13

I guess another thing you'd need to consider is external 5.25 drive bays. If your gonna go for the drive bay res you'd wanna make sure you leave enough open for optical drives, etc.

 

[topazsparrow]

Thanks for the feedback. Any ideas on the best place to buy a Raystorm online? I was checking this out here but I'm not sure if FrozenCPU has the best selection of them.

Any mid-size cases that this will for sure comfortably fit into?

Also, any idea on timeframes for more water-cooled gtx 680s or the 670s to get here?

I bought my Raystorm kit from performance-pcs.com. They were very prompt and helpful. Also just a smidge cheaper than Frozen-CPU.

I'm putting my raystorm XS240 (60mm thick!!) kit in with an additional EX120 rad in my Fractal ARC MIDI. It's about the roomiest mid tower you can find. It's only downside is a lack of drive bays (only two), but it's not an issue for me as I have a portal dvd burner and always install operating systems off usb. Both drive bays are taken up by the raystorm res bay.

As for watercooling GPU's, I'd just pick up a universal gpu waterblock because you can swap out your video card if a deal comes along.

 

[Kenmitch]

As for watercooling GPU's, I'd just pick up a universal gpu waterblock because you can swap out your video card if a deal comes along.

I'd think a GTX 680 would last him many years playing the current console ports. But to be fare we don't even know what resolution his monitor is or if he's running multiple ones. Full water block is the way to go if you wanna do it right.

Going with a factory installed full water block evga card would be easiest way to go. No fuss no muss. Although it would be cheaper to install it yourself.

 

[imported_browsing]

Starting to lean toward the Corsair 650D as it balances space with the sort of design I like. Right now I have a 24 inch 1920 monitor. I don't think I'll go to a three monitor setup anytime soon but I could see moving to a 27 inch with larger resolution later so I'd like to have some room with a better gpu. Can't decide between the 680 and the 670 now...

 

[Kenmitch]

Starting to lean toward the Corsair 650D as it balances space with the sort of design I like. Right now I have a 24 inch 1920 monitor. I don't think I'll go to a three monitor setup anytime soon but I could see moving to a 27 inch with larger resolution later so I'd like to have some room with a better gpu. Can't decide between the 680 and the 670 now...

The performance diff between the 2 isn't that great.

Adding a full water block to either of them isn't that difficult either.

The price diff between the two would pay for a water block for the 670 if it helps you decide....Based on the price of a 680 without a water block that is.

Found this from EK....Looking at the 670's PCB it makes me wonder tho.

EK-FC680 GTX is a high performance full-cover water block for nVidia reference design GeForce GTX 680 & -670 series graphics cards. Please check our Cooling Configurator online compatibility system for detailed compatibility list!