Help chosing parts for a watercooling

[Elganja]

I've been looking around on frozencpu and I'm a bit overwhelmed. I was wondering if you guys could help me piece together a kit with all the things I would need...

All I have so far, is 2 GTX 295 waterblocks (Koolance branded ones)

My current case is a Antec 900... not ideal at all. I don't mind mounting the radiator outside (I may come up with something nifty and mount it on the back of my computer desk hidden away). Downsides to mounting the radiator, coolant container and pump outside the case?

But if it becomes too much of a pain, I may get the 800D ... just for pure sexiness!

In anycase, not including the case, my budget is 500 bucks for anything else i need (so minus a new case, and minus the gpu blocks I already have).

What I want in the loop:
-CPU
-Both GTX 295's (have the blocks)
-X58 Chipset
-Am I missing something?

**EDIT for Dual Loop Setup... Loop 1 - Vid Cards, Loop 2 - CPU and Chipset

What I think I need
-CPU Block (thinking this)
-X58 Chipset Blocks (thinking this)
-1/2" hoses
-koolance compression fittings (how many or whatever... beats me)
-SLI compression fittings, right next to each other with no slot in between
-Pump x 2
-Coolant Container x 2
-Radiator x 2
-Coolant
-What else?

 

[aigomorla]

okey 2 x 295 GTX is a lot of heat...

I am recomending u go at least dual loops because the idle heat from the 295GTX in SLI will effect your CPU temps.

Since u already have the gpu blocks, 500 is most doable on the h2o.
But you would most definitely need a larger case to contain dual loops.

 

[Elganja]

okey 2 x 295 GTX is a lot of heat...

I am recomending u go at least dual loops because the idle heat from the 295GTX in SLI will effect your CPU temps.

Since u already have the gpu blocks, 500 is most doable on the h2o.
But you would most definitely need a larger case to contain dual loops.

I'm fine with getting the 800D, unless you can suggest something better?

As far as dual loop goes... does that mean what I think it means? Basically 2 radiators, 2 pumps, and 2 coolant containers? More or less, 2 independent loops? Guessing vid cards on one, and the cpu/chipset on the second?

 

[aigomorla]

I'm fine with getting the 800D, unless you can suggest something better?

As far as dual loop goes... does that mean what I think it means? Basically 2 radiators, 2 pumps, and 2 coolant containers? More or less, 2 independent loops? Guessing vid cards on one, and the cpu/chipset on the second?

yup...

means 2 rads... 2 pumps.. and u really dont need 2 res's... you can always t line.

And my advice is check out these other stores as well.
You picked the Neiman Marcus of watercooling to shop at.

Sidewindercomputers.com
Jab-Tech.com

Those stores are usually the cheapest.. followed by
Performance-pcs.com

And then finally the most expensive:
Frozencpu.com

The 800D is fine... you probably need at most a 120x2 for your cpu, and id recommend a 120x3 on your gpu.

 

[Elganja]

yup...

means 2 rads... 2 pumps.. and u really dont need 2 res's... you can always t line.

And my advice is check out these other stores as well.
You picked the Neiman Marcus of watercooling to shop at.

Sidewindercomputers.com
Jab-Tech.com

Those stores are usually the cheapest.. followed by
Performance-pcs.com

And then finally the most expensive:
Frozencpu.com

The 800D is fine... you probably need at most a 120x2 for your cpu, and id recommend a 120x3 on your gpu.

any recommendations on the brand or type of radiator? how is this one?

How about pumps? how is this one?

Can you also give me a rundown on the barb sizes. some of them are 3/8 x 1/2... etc... does that mean the hole it screws into is 3/8 and the hose you would connect is 1/2? or is it the other way around? I feel retarded asking these questions

For this cpu waterblock what kind of fittings would i need to get (compression fittings)?

 

[aigomorla]

any recommendations on the brand or type of radiator? how is this one?

How about pumps? how is this one?

Can you also give me a rundown on the barb sizes. some of them are 3/8 x 1/2... etc... does that mean the hole it screws into is 3/8 and the hose you would connect is 1/2? or is it the other way around? I feel retarded asking these questions

For this cpu waterblock what kind of fittings would i need to get (compression fittings)?

the MCR series radiator by swiftech is the best buy rad u can get.
When i say best buy, it mean on the entire scale of value / performance.

The MCR is the Camry of the radiator sector.

There are better rads, like XSPC RX which will allow you to use quieter fans.

The pump you selected was a D5, since ur limited on space, im recomending u go with DDC's, or MCP-355, and get 2.

Then you will use an XSPC bay res, which fits in 2x 5 1/4 but allow you to run 2 independent loops on.

http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/dubayreforla.html

This would save you a lot of space in the long run and should make things easier.

The ApogeeXT you selected is a great block.
It has one of the easiest mounting options you can ask for.
And its in the top 5 of its class.

Another great block is the EK HF with the P1 nozzle, that is currently the king.

I personally use the Koolance 360. I love that block... mount system is the best ive seen, and it performs like a champ.

Normally i ask that you pick out all your parts and just have me review what is good an what isnt.

You should learn what is good so, you dont need to ask me or someone each time u get the upgrade bug.


Lastly, fittings are listed by the barb. This number should match the inner diameter of tubing..

Example... u have a barb which says its G1/4 - 1/2
This tells you the barb is threaded G1/4... which most LC eq is... and has a barb diameter of 1/2.

You would need to match this barb with 1/2 tubing....

In compression you need to match both outer and inner diameter.
Long run i gave up on compressions because there a Pain in the butt, and dont look that much better vs Koolance clamps + silver barbs.

I also recomend u getting silver barbs..

http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/big1trsi1fi.html

Silver is a great way to keep your water clean and free from anti microbs..

you would need at least 4 barbs to keep up with 1 loop from my guess.
More the better...

 

[faxon]

as always aigo rocks for WC advice. www.petrastechshop.com is another great place to shop and the prices there are usually pretty good, their service is amazing as well if you ever have to deal with their staff. as you can see im using the apogee XT, the MCR320-QP, and the D5, but if you're space constrained the MCP355 18w pump is a good alternative, though its noticeably louder if you are picky about that. if you do go with that pump you can get a res top from XSPC for $40 as well to go with it, if not you can always T-Line as aigo said, or do something cool looking and have multiple external reservoirs flanking the sides of your case or something cool looking. if you decide not to use silver barbs, petras also sells these silver leaf coils that you can use, just stick one in your res or in a piece of tubing where it will lodge itself and not inhibit water flow, should keep your loop microbe free along with the copper from your block

ed: considering those are the bitspower barbs that im using now, but silver coated, and the price is the same for 4 chrome barbs + a coil, i would just get the silver barbs myself. didnt know they made those with silver plate. im using a few dozen of these in my two rigs and my friends rig right now http://www.petrastechshop.com/dadepofbofig.html

 

[aigomorla]

Sidewindercomputers.com merged with petra.

Your better off going to sidewinders direct unless you live in IN.

Also if u do order from Sidewinders.. put a little note saying Aigomorla or Naekuh referred you to the store, and gary tends to take a little extra care on the people i refer.

(i get no commissions... or credits... lol... its more for your benifit then mine..)

My name also works at jab-tech with john.

 

[faxon]

ahh thats good to know, i knew that sidewinder and petras had a business arrangement prior, but that was back when they were still in san jose, about 20 min on the freeway from where i live. i was sad when they moved , it was nice having an enthusiast shop like that where i could do same day pickup if need be

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Block comparisons and flow Link

And those Radiators come in a stackable configuration Link

 

[crazylocha]

Knew that Petra's had very good customer service.
Didn't know they merged with Sidewinders.

Even better that Aigomorla reccomends.(and many others here and other forums)

Am a small business owner myself and would much rather deal with a reputable small business owner that is willing to work on any issues than trying to navigate the Big Box hell that is the big boys.

Every little bit to help make America strong again starts at the neighbor level.

 

[Elganja]

I destroyed my initial budget... but it's not too big of a deal...

What I have, and have been using (what is relevant for this build)
-i7920 @ 3.80 Ghz (plan on going further on water)
-EVGA X58 SLI Mobo (original one, none of the other ones existed when I built this system a year ago)
-2x GTX295 (original dual PCB ones)
-PSU, Corsair 1000HX

What I have ordered
Case:
-Corsair 800D (got the 10% off... still mad at myself missing the deal a few weeks ago)

Waterblocks ordered:
-2x Koolance GTX295 Dual PCB GPU waterblocks (bought these used from a user here)
-Swiftech Apogee XT Extreme Performance CPU waterblock
-EK EVGA X58 Cipset Waterblock (only place that had them in stock)
-12G Artic Silver 5

Radiators:
-Black Ice GTX 360 Radiator (Loop 1)
-Black Ice GTX 240 Radiator (Loop 2)

Pumps:
-2x Swiftech MCP 355 12v DC Pump

Reservoirs:
-2x XSPC Single 5.25" Bay Reservoir

Hoses and Fluids:
-12 feet of the Red (Loop 1)
-12 feet of the Blue (Loop 2)
-Blue Fluid
-Red Fluid
-10x Random plastic clamps incase I need them (thinking for the pump connections)

Fittings (I know I will have extras... just how my head works):
-10x Bitspower Compression Fittings 45deg
-10x Bitspower Compression Fittings
-4x Bitspower Barbed Fittings
-Bitspower SLI fitting (i'm hoping this works, I may find out it doesn't and have to get a different one)

Temp Sensor Stuff:
-Bitspower G 1/4in. Temperature Sensor Stop Fitting
-Bitspower Matte Black T-Block
-Bitspower Matt Black Male to Male G 1/4 Fitting

Fans and Fan Controllers:
-Scythe KAZE MASTER ACE 5.25" Bay Fan Controller
-5x Cooler Master 120mm Blue LED Case Fan

Loop Plans
-Loop 1, CPU and X58 Chipset using the larger radiator
-Loop 2, Both GTX 295's
-Loop Order... need some help here...
-Loop 1 - Pump->radiator->cpu->chipset->reservoir
-Loop 2 - Pump->radiator->gpus->reservoir

Other
I know it's a ton of stuff, but I am super excited... Can't wait to start putting everything together...

If I missed something please let me know...

I will start a new "build" thread with tons of pictures (my d90 feels lonely) as I go along.

Motivation to do it this way from this thread ... http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2645/3976362703_4052f616c7.jpg

 

[MotF Bane]

You need something to keep little creatures from growing in your loop. Get some PT_nuke or silver.

 

[Elganja]

You need something to keep little creatures from growing in your loop. Get some PT_nuke or silver.

I thought the Primochill PC Ice stuff would have the additives... was my assumption incorrect?

 

[crazylocha]

Get the Silver, buy it once and drop it in a coke once a year to remove any tarnish, never buy additive again. Better for the environment and the wallet.

 

[Elganja]

yup...

means 2 rads... 2 pumps.. and u really dont need 2 res's... you can always t line.

And my advice is check out these other stores as well.
You picked the Neiman Marcus of watercooling to shop at.

Sidewindercomputers.com
Jab-Tech.com

Those stores are usually the cheapest.. followed by
Performance-pcs.com

And then finally the most expensive:
Frozencpu.com

The 800D is fine... you probably need at most a 120x2 for your cpu, and id recommend a 120x3 on your gpu.

I was going to do it the other way around where the 3x120 would be for the cpu/chipset and 2x120 would be for the GPU's... now i don't know what to do... lol

can you expand more on your recommendation? I have plans on oc'ing the cpu to 4.1-4.2Ghz

 

[Elganja]

Get the Silver, buy it once and drop it in a coke once a year to remove any tarnish, never buy additive again. Better for the environment and the wallet.

will keep that in mind in the future

 

[smackababy]

I was going to do it the other way around where the 3x120 would be for the cpu/chipset and 2x120 would be for the GPU's... now i don't know what to do... lol

can you expand more on your recommendation? I have plans on oc'ing the cpu to 4.1-4.2Ghz

The GPUs will put out a ton more heat than the CPU. The 3x120 should be the to GPU and the 2x120 should be for the CPU. You shouldn't have any problems with that. A 1x120 radiator can dissipate 150w, so a 2x120 should do about 300w. Your CPU won't be putting out more than that.

A good rule of thumb is use http://extreme.outervision.com/PSUEngine and just enter what you'll be using in the loop (including the pump) and that is how much heat you need to dissipate. I'm not sure the voltage needed for an i7 at 4.1ghz, but I did 1.45 and with the pump it was 223w.

 

[Elganja]

I guess my thought process was that the gpus could take more heat to start with... i.e. its normal under load for a gpu to get up to 75-85c and that is a no no for the cpu.

I trust you guys know more then me, so I guess I will use the 360 for the gpus and the 260 for the cpus... Just will require a little more routing which isn't a big deal

 

[smackababy]

The GPUs can take more heat, but they also put out a lot more heat. Like I said regarding the link, 295s in SLI and a pump take 563w. That is more than double the CPU. I would go for a larger radiator myself or 2.

 

[Elganja]

The GPUs can take more heat, but they also put out a lot more heat. Like I said regarding the link, 295s in SLI and a pump take 563w. That is more than double the CPU. I would go for a larger radiator myself or 2.

Point taken... I'm sold

 

[aigomorla]

You picked the wrong res bay.

And you will need tops for your DDC's.

The TOPS help a lot, which i why i recomended the bay res which has a DDC mount for it.
Or even better the split res, so you could have 2 loops with 1 res.
http://jab-tech.com/Acrylic-Dual-5.25-Reservoir-for-Two-Laing-DDCs-BayRes-Two-pr-4550.html

ALso i dont like premixes unless your mixing copper + alu or copper + steel, or alu + steel.

Stainless steel is sometimes OK so ask b4 u introduce stainless steel.
Brass if fine with everything as well as nickle.
Silver will corrode, but it will take about 100+ yrs.

 

[Elganja]

edit: can you recommend a pait of TOPS to get?

for fluid, you mean if I mix metals right? not actually adding something to it? all the fittings are brass as is the cpu waterblock.... not sure about the GPU, but i believe that it is copper that is nickel plated

 

[Elganja]

Alright, I got these tops: 2x EK Waterblocks EK-DDC X-Top Rev 2

Now I should be set right?

 

[aigomorla]

Alright, I got these tops: 2x EK Waterblocks EK-DDC X-Top Rev 2

Now I should be set right?

yup.. those are great tops also.

i would really recomend u go straight distilled, and possibly just add silver to each loop.

All you would need is 1 of these guys in each loop for anti microb and there reusable.
http://www.petrastechshop.com/sikibyia.html