My first WC build - i5 2500k - 6950x2 - single loop

[ViviTheMage]

That is what I want to get ... might just do it, save 70 bucks from that koolance one. How hard is it to get the D5 in there?

How about CPU block.

EK-Supreme HF (high flow) or Apogee XT rev2, or the XSPC rasa block?

I am still up in the air on GPU cooling...are there any good connectors if I go FC? or if I go MCW80?

 

[littlezipp]

That is what I want to get ... might just do it, save 70 bucks from that koolance one. How hard is it to get the D5 in there?

How about CPU block.

EK-Supreme HF (high flow) or Apogee XT rev2, or the XSPC rasa block?

I am still up in the air on GPU cooling...are there any good connectors if I go FC? or if I go MCW80?

The pump is easy to get in, there is ample room. Make sure to put the pump speed dial at the bottom though so you have access to it in the future.

EK Supreme HF is the top choice right now

As I already stated, I think full coverage if you plan on running the cards for awhile. As a user that setup both a Crossfire MCW80 and a Crossfire full coverage setup I will say the EK blocks were easier. They also have less restrictive flow which is good for your 3 component loop. To connect my FC blocks I just cut a piece of tubing. My x16 slots run x16, x8, x8, x16 rather than x16, x8, x16 so I have a little extra room to play with. EK makes a nice, although pricey, SLI bridge that is quite nice.

 

[ViviTheMage]

Thanks littlezipp ... I like the single tube idea, but a xfire bridge would be better, and sway me more towards it. To save $100 on my loop, I could cut out the 200MM phobya?

Do you think a single RX240 would handle 2 gpu's and 1 cpu? Keep the phobya 200mm out of the loop?

Which EK Supreme? They're all 3 HF ... but acetel, full copper, or nickel? frozencpu has a rev2 listed? Or is that just the HF version?

 

[littlezipp]

Thanks littlezipp ... I like the single tube idea, but a xfire bridge would be better, and sway me more towards it. To save $100 on my loop, I could cut out the 200MM phobya?

Do you think a single RX240 would handle 2 gpu's and 1 cpu? Keep the phobya 200mm out of the loop?

Could it handle it? Yes. Would you get braggable temps? No.

Here is what a RX360 looks like sitting on top of a 600T case. Remember mine is behind a TV so it doesn't have to be pretty.

http://img850.imageshack.us/i/imag0004a.jpg/

 

[dawp]

you might hold off a little while and see how the koolance CPU-370 does, it will be released soon and should do pretty well.

http://skinneelabs.com/cpu-370-performance-preview/

 

[ViviTheMage]

Could it handle it? Yes. Would you get braggable temps? No.

Here is what a RX360 looks like sitting on top of a 600T case. Remember mine is behind a TV so it doesn't have to be pretty.

http://img850.imageshack.us/i/imag0004a.jpg/

Yeah, I want it mounted internal ... so rs240 and 200mm phobya should give me great temps.

Some decent numbers dawp, but how long is 'hold off for a little bit'?

Should I get a D5, or a mcp655 to put in the XSPC Acrylic Dual 5.25” Reservoir for Laing D5 ?

Few questions still stand :


Which EK Supreme? They're all 3 HF ... but acetel, full copper, or nickel? frozencpu has a rev2 listed? Or is that just the HF version?

Which connector should I use IF I got the full cover blocks? if I do that as well, go nickel or acetel?

EDIT : Would I get better temps/quieter, if I just went with dual loops with MCP350's? Or are MCP350's a lot louder then level 3 MCP655?

I am still mixed about getting a kill coil, or pt nuke, which is better, long term? If I use a dye as well (like Mayhems DyeCandy)?

 

[Zebo]

I am partially following what this guy did :

http://www.techreaction.net/2010/11/28/blog-corsair-graphite-series%E2%84%A2-600t-all-internal-dual-loop/

I don't want to cut, and he was able to throw in 2 rads stock.

I plan to sell the H70, for the record. I need the space for both rad's...and a CPU block is only 80 bucks~

I am still a bit confused with which reservoir I should get, with a MCP655, haha...the koolance or XSPC.

Ah I see. My personnel opinion is that pump is too loud but I like 3am silent. I still use an old eheim and everything stays below 50C with two 6850s and 920 @ 4.2Ghz. Fans run at 800-1200rpm on only 2x120mm rad.

I'd get this kit for $125
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/11...HOT.html#blank

Two MCW80s for $50 ea or two full cover blocks for $100 ea and call it a day.

Add other rad later if you need it.

 

[ViviTheMage]

That kit doesn't look bad, I have been contemplating it as well.

I don't know how good that CPU heatsink is, or if that pump can handle 3 blocks + 2 rads.

 

[Zebo]

Yes it will. Germans use 1/4" tubbing and even less powerful pumps and cool just fine. And you can always add a DCC inline and 200mm rad later inline if not happy. It really depends what your goals are.

For best cooling you'd want high rpm fans, large rad, large pump, large tubing etc
For quiet you'd want low rpm fans, large rads, small pump.

Also depends how much you want to spend. I just presented a cool, quiet and cheap alternative.

 

[ViviTheMage]

Quiet is the goal, but being able to keep up with 1 cpu and 2 gpu's.

I am reading a fair amount of reviews, and the CPU block and pump seem to actually perform well.

I plan to have near silent fans on there...and probably will add a 200mm phobya(overkill?).

I want to keep loads for both GPU and CPU under 55~ If I can do that, with some decent OC, i'll be happy.

Is that possible with this kit?

 

[aigomorla]

the RX wont fit if im looking at that blog carefully.

your limited to a blackiceGT, MCR320, or the RS series.
Personally id get a MCR220, as its the camry of radiators, and its price is nice if ur stateside.

That blog also uses pumps – x2 Swiftech MCP350.
Dan, he's using a dual pump solution, you are using a single pump solution.
You are going on 1 big loop, he is split up into 2 loops.

Its two different systems, you can not use his worklog minus placement of parts.

The bay res and pump is what kills a lot of your budget.
Bay res's arent cheap.
Koolances bay res's are top dollar, and so are DD Monsoon's.


Lastly im very impartial on the Raza kit.
Will it work? Yes it will work.
How well will it work....

mmm... id rather spend a bit more and build something like this:

which is probably what you should find.. a PA160, but unfortunately, that is also a discontinued radiator.

 

[ViviTheMage]

I am using his worklog for rad placement only, nothing more. The RS240 fits up top with no drilling, the 200m phobya requires a little drilling of 4 holes to mount.

I am leaning towards that kit now ... save me a boatload of money! But can it handle 3 blocks around 55C on load? With quiet fans. If the one rad is not enough, i'll get the 200mm phobya. Just want to know opinions on the loop now, with that kit + 2 GPU's.

I plan to put a silver strip in it, + a drop or 2 of IandH dead water stuff.

If it looks good, i'll probably get nice, colored tubing for when I feel I am good/done testing.

With the money I am saving, I will get the FC EK blocks ... can I use this as my bridge?
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/10968/ex-blc-755/EK_FC_Link_R48X058X06970_-_SLI_Connection_EK-FC_Link_R48X058X0.html

 

[aigomorla]

I am using his worklog for rad placement only, nothing more. The RS240 fits up top with no drilling, the 200m phobya requires a little drilling of 4 holes to mount.

I am leaning towards that kit now ... save me a boatload of money! But can it handle 3 blocks around 55C on load? With quiet fans. If the one rad is not enough, i'll get the 200mm phobya. Just want to know opinions on the loop now, with that kit + 2 GPU's.

I plan to put a silver strip in it, + a drop or 2 of IandH dead water stuff.

If it looks good, i'll probably get nice, colored tubing for when I feel I am good/done testing.

With the money I am saving, I will get the FC EK blocks ... can I use this as my bridge?
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/10968/ex-blc-755/EK_FC_Link_R48X058X06970_-_SLI_Connection_EK-FC_Link_R48X058X0.html

the kits dont save you money.

you think it saves you money until you piece it.

Then you realize you spend just as much if u pieced it, except the fact that you dont get the premium parts you would of normally selected.

The D5 vs the pump in the kit is like in simple terms... a Mac Truck vs, a Pickup.

The choice is yours... personally for a pump.. that being the heart of the LC system, i think id like to be behind the wheel of a mac truck.

 

[ViviTheMage]

the kits dont save you money.

you think it saves you money until you piece it.

Then you realize you spend just as much if u pieced it, except the fact that you dont get the premium parts you would of normally selected.

The D5 vs the pump in the kit is like in simple terms... a Mac Truck vs, a Pickup.

The choice is yours... personally for a pump.. that being the heart of the LC system, i think id like to be behind the wheel of a mac truck.

I just did this ... $480vs $580, I think i'll spend the extra $100 and piece it. I'll get the XSPC res...save myself 80$ from the koolance one too.

Any thoughts on the connector?

I plan to put a silver strip in it, + a drop or 2 of IandH dead water stuff. Is that proper? + Distilled water?

What should I use to fill the rad?

 

[dawp]

I know you want the d5/mcp655 but what I like about the mpc35x is 1. compact size and 2. it has a pwm lead that your motherboard can use to control the pump speed if ya hook it up to your cpufan header.

 

[ViviTheMage]

I am ok with turning it to 3/4/5 and leaving it. Now if my fan controller could control it, i'd be interested.

I would not mind 2xmp350's, becuase I could get them for $35 a pop...but they pump out less.

 

[ViviTheMage]

I am curious of temps, everyone is telling me a MCR220 and 200mm rad wont cover 3 blocks.

 

[aigomorla]

I would not mind 2xmp350's, becuase I could get them for $35 a pop...but they pump out less.

dual 350 > single D5.

You get 33% more flow in series and 100% more head.

That means u get way more then a D5 could dream about, and also get redundancy incase of pump failure.

not to mention most 350's -> 355's with a simple solder mod.


Vivi make sure u get with me on your final list b4 u start buying.
So i can double verify you got stuff right.

 

[aigomorla]

I am curious of temps, everyone is telling me a MCR220 and 200mm rad wont cover 3 blocks.

it wont if ur a folder...

meaning ur gpu's are always @ 100% load, and your cpu is always @ 100% load.

Cpu ~ 160W of heat...

gpu:
Measured power consumption - 6850. Advertised TDP = 127W ; System in IDLE = 172W ; System Wattage with GPU in FULL Stress = 275W;

148W ~ 150W... so total of 300W.

300W + 160W = 460W

Average 120x1 on a MCR120 ~ 150W of heat @ 7d/t /w 1600rpm fans.

460/150 = 3 (and some change.)

Recomended radiator size = 120x4 total.


MCR220 + MCR120 up front, you'll get away if your a normal user.. like gaming... encoding... but rarely BOTH.

Or you can STACK MCR120 up front.. but it will be loud, and u should be golden even if ur a folder.

If you do both, you will still get better temps on air, but it wont be as low as one may expect.

 

[Lightflash]

Just a few things I would like to add.

I am using the Koolance 402 bay res with dual pumps and it was very simple to fill as long as you did not rush the process and have a syringe or something to top off the right side of the res.

Also the Koolance CPU-370 is out now and is a great looking block. I was going to use the EK, but decided to wait the few days I needed until it was available. I love the look of the block compared to just a square of the EK.

Aigo will set everything straight though since I am but a new water cooling guy. I love it though and already can tell that I will not want to go back to just fans. More fun to find ways on how to run tubing and placement of reserviors and pumps.

Already looking to add a second loop that would change to one loop with CPU and another with 580 GTXs in SLI.

Good luck with the build ViVi.

 

[ViviTheMage]

I don't fold, so I might be .. OK

I am thinking rs240 + 200mm or 140mm (no drilling needed for 140)

 

[ViviTheMage]

dual 350 > single D5.

You get 33% more flow in series and 100% more head.

That means u get way more then a D5 could dream about, and also get redundancy incase of pump failure.

not to mention most 350's -> 355's with a simple solder mod.


Vivi make sure u get with me on your final list b4 u start buying.
So i can double verify you got stuff right.

Interesting, do tell on that mp350 mod. I also want it quiet...I know the mp655 is variable. Why do you say mp350x2 is better then single mp655, got any numbers? What res. would you advise?


Thanks a lot aigo, i'll definitely update my list prior to purchase.

Thanks for the tidbit Lightflash! I still think the EK HF would perform a bit better. the XSPC CPU cooler actually performs really well i've read.

 

[aigomorla]

Just get a 120mm... a thicker one then the MCR120 if you want.

120mm rads > 140mm rads, because you dont have the fan selections you do on 140mm side that u would on a 120mm side.

So the 120mm rad WINS all around.

That is why u dont see me running anything larger then 120mm for radiators, because we just dont have the fan options
to make the model work better vs. on the 120mm rads.

 

[aigomorla]

in order of pumps its always been the 350 < 355 /w no top = 350 /w top < D5 < 355/w top.

Meh.. theres more pumps.. but i cut the ones u would never see, like the RD-30, and the 24V D5 Strong.

Having 2 350's will give you about 33&#37; more flow... which is higher then a d5.
And head pressure is 100% carried over on pumps in a series.

The hard part is getting a top to use dual DDC's or getting the bay res, because they're pricey.

but if ur heading into dual DDC territory... a dual top + cyclender res might be a solution over the bay res.

Here is an example of a dual top:

You would do a simular setup like this...

Cyclender res.. tied down to a pump short.. and then out.

you wont be able to use that exact one.. but there are options from watercool, eK, and koolance.

And here is a D5 next to an RD-30..

And a D5 + Rd-30 next to a PA120.3

The D5 is a big pump... dont think its tiny.


If your set on the D5 tho... there's always this:

That turns into this with just cylinders..

lol ViVi u see now why i am trying to nudge koolance at ya.
They make watercooling almost noob proof.

Koolance listens to advice we throw at them to make things easier.
They have only been good to us since they did the 180 degree face change.
And it was my most hated company, face changed to my favorate company, all in a short span of 2 yrs.

Koolance is even trying to make things more noob friendly, by making rad puncturing a thing of the past with this guy:

There still work in progress, but im working with koolance to make them more friendly on other rads.

 

[ViviTheMage]

This makes sense. I'll get a thicker 120mm.