SOLVED Building An External Water Cooling Loop- Need Confirmation On Parts

[fencingdude101]

Hi,

So as the title hints, I am creating an external water cooling setup from scratch. The case will be 8 inches wide, 25 inches high, and 20 inches deep. I need some help on the parts I will be buying to cool off my PC. This will be an extreme performance water cooling loop, and $750 is my budget (This budget is for the internal parts only, the actual case is already made)

Most of my stuff will be coming from Koolance, however I also have some Swiftech parts picked out.

I will be using copper and brass parts, so no aluminum. I'm still debating between silver or nickel accessories (fittings, etc)

The Parts I need:
(1) Pump $110: http://www.swiftech.com/mcp655.aspx

(1) CPU Block $80: http://www.swiftech.com/ApogeeHD.aspx

(1) 120.4mm Radiator $75: https://www.koolance.com/water-cooling/product_info.php?product_id=817

(4) 120x38mm fans $92: https://www.koolance.com/water-cooling/product_info.php?product_id=2038

(4) 120mm Fan Grills $10: https://www.koolance.com/water-cooling/product_info.php?product_id=195

(1) Rad Aluminum Shroud $40: https://www.koolance.com/water-cooling/product_info.php?product_id=693

(2) 930ml reservoir bodies $45: https://www.koolance.com/water-cooling/product_info.php?product_id=2013

(1) Res top with fill port $11: https://www.koolance.com/water-cooling/product_info.php?product_id=2018

(1) Res base $22: https://www.koolance.com/water-cooling/product_info.php?product_id=2019

(1) Res coupler $12: https://www.koolance.com/water-cooling/product_info.php?product_id=2016

(2) Male Quick Disconnect $27: https://www.koolance.com/water-cooling/product_info.php?product_id=1050

(2) Female Quick Disconnect $29: https://www.koolance.com/water-cooling/product_info.php?product_id=1049

(8) Compression Fittings $38: https://www.koolance.com/water-cooling/product_info.php?product_id=399

(10) Ft PVC tubing $18: https://www.koolance.com/water-cooling/product_info.php?product_id=765

(1) Fan/Pump Controller $30: http://www.nzxt.com/new/products/fan_control/sentry_mix

(8) Grommets $10: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/1...Pass_Thru_Grommet_-_4_Pack_-_GR-WPT-34-4.html

(1) PTNuke $10: http://www.petrastechshop.com/pepcobi1.html

Total: Around $700

So, please take a look and let me know if you have any ideas or suggestions. I need to make sure all the parts will work together, and that I'm not over-doing anything I don't need to do. I'm aware the radiator and fans are too much for a single CPU, but they will be used for more parts later on.

Will the fan controller control the speed of the pump, or is that not a possibility?

I can provide pictures if you need them just to offer an idea of what it'll look like.

Also, should I buy different/silver compression fittings and put in a silver coil on the Fill Port tube instead?

Anything else, let me know! Thanks!

 

[Modz 4 Higher]

On the pump I would go with a MCP-35x and a matching res top. CPU block is a great choice. I would also drop the aluminum rad shroud unless you have to have it for mounting purposes. It'll save you $40.00. With that money saved, you can pay a tad more and get Primochill tubing that is 3/4OD opposed to 5/8OD. JMHO

Edit: you do not NEED PT Nuke and Silver Kill Coil fwiw

 

[m0r7if3r]

Just to clarify: You need either PT Nuke OR kill coil, both is fine, neither is not.

 

[Modz 4 Higher]

Sorry my post may have been misleading. Just meant you do not NEED both. But it won't hurt

 

[Radeon28]

I would stay away from the Koolance radiators and quick disconnects. My first system used Koolance parts and I cannot even begin to describe how disappointed I was at their performance. The radiators are sub-par and require a lot of air flow (which is why they recommend pairing them with their obnoxiously loud fans). The quick disconnects also inhibit your flow heavily, I would look into other brands. Additionally, the tubing they send is low quality and had kinks in it.

Not trying to discourage you, but I just don't want to see another person go through the same nightmare I did with that company. The res stuff and grills shouldn't be an issue, but I would look into different radiators, fans, and quick disconnects... maybe look at some Scythe fans and XSPC radiators. Check skinneelabs for fan and radiator round ups, since you are going high performance.

 

[fencingdude101]

On the pump I would go with a MCP-35x and a matching res top. CPU block is a great choice. I would also drop the aluminum rad shroud unless you have to have it for mounting purposes. It'll save you $40.00. With that money saved, you can pay a tad more and get Primochill tubing that is 3/4OD opposed to 5/8OD. JMHO

Edit: you do not NEED PT Nuke and Silver Kill Coil fwiw

I know the pump-res combo is good for a lot of users, however I wanted a separate res for simplicity and customization; I have enough room for it, and it offers a few good features over the combo.

Thanks for the tubing tip, I've been looking around for a better company to provide tubing. The only reason I used an OD of 5/8 was because of the fittings, however I think I'll just get silver fittings for the better tubing.

I want both silver and PT Nuke in there just to be safe- it's not too much money, and I'd rather be a safe as I can get for this situation.

 

[fencingdude101]

Just to clarify: You need either PT Nuke OR kill coil, both is fine, neither is not.

Yep, thank you. I just want to stay as safe as possible, I don't want any bad situations in terms of buildup in the system.

 

[Conumdrum]

Umm, you can get that pump cheaper at other places.

Sidewinders is only $68.99 for the same pump.

Even the best pump is over $10 cheaper at other places. Sidewinders has the 35x at $86.99

We have many more stores availible than just the ones you listed.

Jabtech Oklahoma
Performance PCs Bit more, has a ton of inventory Florida
Sidewinders
Frozen CPU

Good places

And the Koolance rads. Mehhhh.........

You need to know about these other places for testing data. You's got a nice list, but now you need to know about it more before you buy....

http://www.overclockers.com/forums/showpost.php?p=6489396&postcount=3

 

[fencingdude101]

I would stay away from the Koolance radiators and quick disconnects. My first system used Koolance parts and I cannot even begin to describe how disappointed I was at their performance. The radiators are sub-par and require a lot of air flow (which is why they recommend pairing them with their obnoxiously loud fans). The quick disconnects also inhibit your flow heavily, I would look into other brands. Additionally, the tubing they send is low quality and had kinks in it.

Not trying to discourage you, but I just don't want to see another person go through the same nightmare I did with that company. The res stuff and grills shouldn't be an issue, but I would look into different radiators, fans, and quick disconnects... maybe look at some Scythe fans and XSPC radiators. Check skinneelabs for fan and radiator round ups, since you are going high performance.

Yeah, that's what I've been hearing from a few people, sadly. I am looking into better tubing, and I think the Primochill UV blue tubing the guy up above recommended will work well (ID 1/2, OD 3/4).

The fan and radiator combo was just what I was thinking. Here's my idea:

Rad: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/9391/ex-rad-160/XSPC_RX480_Quad_120mm_Radiator.html?tl=g30c95s570

Fans: http://www.scythe-usa.com/product/acc/022/dfs1238_detail.html

I think I'll get the 3000RPM version, but under volt them with my fan controller since they offer the best CFM/DBA.

As for the quick disconnects, thanks for the heads up. Anything you would recommend?
This is the only other ones I could find: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/1...ad_Thread_-_Silver_65092.html?tl=g30c405s1566
I know I want the disconnects, however I'm not sure of the best product.

 

[Modz 4 Higher]

Yup, better safe than sorry with the PT nuke and silver coil. Take my advice on the tubing, its great. Those Phoyba disconnects are a good product as well Also to agree with what others have said, visit martins liquid lab and skinnee labs for radiator roundups. You will see what we mean

 

[GTXJackBauer]

I would keep the koolance disconnects for w/e reason you want them for as I have the same QDCs (4 sets and using 3 in my system atm). Great when moving things around as I did the other day and had to change a fan which than I had to move my air cooled gpus (2) and let me tell you it felt great not draining the system and just disconnecting in 3 places. I would go with the mcp35x if you're going to use the QDCs and add more things exp. rad/blocks etc in the future. Also you have more flexibility assuming your MB has PWN on it to control the pump. Just my 2 cents but you have a great pump there but lacks the control you'd get with PWM/head pressure if needed. Overall you have a nice list and if money ain't the issue go with bitspower compression fittings. My system is 1/2 IN 3/4 OD Bitspower compression fittings and koolance QDCs w/ x2 MCP35x via EK V2 top being controlled by corsair link. Hope this helps and goodluck on your build.

 

[Modz 4 Higher]

Man Jack, sounds like you have a hell of a system. Got a link to pics?

Sorry about the hijack, back in topic.

 

[QBobWatson]

I would keep the koolance disconnects for w/e reason you want them...

+1 Koolance QDCs. I'm running a pair of the VL3Ns (see the link in my sig) and they work great. Also it's extremely convenient to be able to separate the pump(s) and reservoir from the waterblocks for bleeding purposes -- if you set up your loop right, you can drain and fill the part of the loop with the waterblocks without ever having to re-bleed the pumps or radiators.

 

[QBobWatson]

By the way, when you say "external" loop, what do you mean by that? Phobya has a good line of parts for mounting single radiators and mounting multiple / very large radiators with the pumps and reservoir separate from the case. In my view, once you decide to separate the reservoir from the case you might as well go completely overboard.

 

[WarDad]

Don't forget a fill T at the high point of your loop. it will make it easier to bleed the bubbles out of your system.

Xtreme... forum has some beginers guides too.
They don't recommend resevoirs. They say loop order doesn't matter. They recommend the high placed fill T.

This forum has linkd to a build your own resevoir guide. It's recommended for the extra water capacity. To reduce cavitation at the blades a ready and ample supply of water from resevoir pump top or larger diameter hose from a resevoir is desired.

The 38mm deep fans you were looking at might be rebranded Deltas, which can be found on new egg. I heard you should not run the voltage too low, so pick the right RPM/Noise range.

Look into building your own rad out of heater cores. Theres a good guide floating around here. They are thicker and will need push-pull fans with good pressure.

I read a lot about but got cold feet. My Antec H2O 920 is working great. i7 2600K 4.4GHz OC @ 1.3v (w 40c, cpu 55c), extreme OC 4.8GHz @ 1.5v with Asus auto tune. I could do better but so what, I 'd rather be stable for Folding at Home. Higher core voltages will degrade your CPU and lead to an early death.

 

[GTXJackBauer]

Man Jack, sounds like you have a hell of a system. Got a link to pics?

Sorry about the hijack, back in topic.

Thanks mod. I don't have a HD or high quality camera like some do that take spectacular looking pics so I'am on hold on taking the pics of the system but when time comes I'll take a pic of my system.

 

[fencingdude101]

By the way, when you say "external" loop, what do you mean by that? Phobya has a good line of parts for mounting single radiators and mounting multiple / very large radiators with the pumps and reservoir separate from the case. In my view, once you decide to separate the reservoir from the case you might as well go completely overboard.

When I say external loop, I mean a custom built acrylic case. I made a case to house the radiator, pump, res, etc externally from the case my computer components are in. Lines then feed out into the computer case, cool the parts, then return to the custom, external case. Same idea as the radiator housing shroud you linked to, however I think mine looks nice, and its customizable.

 

[fencingdude101]

Don't forget a fill T at the high point of your loop. it will make it easier to bleed the bubbles out of your system.

Xtreme... forum has some beginers guides too.
They don't recommend resevoirs. They say loop order doesn't matter. They recommend the high placed fill T.

This forum has linkd to a build your own resevoir guide. It's recommended for the extra water capacity. To reduce cavitation at the blades a ready and ample supply of water from resevoir pump top or larger diameter hose from a resevoir is desired.

The 38mm deep fans you were looking at might be rebranded Deltas, which can be found on new egg. I heard you should not run the voltage too low, so pick the right RPM/Noise range.

Look into building your own rad out of heater cores. Theres a good guide floating around here. They are thicker and will need push-pull fans with good pressure.

I read a lot about but got cold feet. My Antec H2O 920 is working great. i7 2600K 4.4GHz OC @ 1.3v (w 40c, cpu 55c), extreme OC 4.8GHz @ 1.5v with Asus auto tune. I could do better but so what, I 'd rather be stable for Folding at Home. Higher core voltages will degrade your CPU and lead to an early death.

I will be using a res, not a T section. I don't think they look all that pretty, and the res just offers more customization.

And I switched from the Koolance fans to these: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/8...-_Bare_Lead_PFB1212UHE-F00.html?tl=g36c15s562
They are Deltas, just better performance and are on an easier website to buy from for me.

As for custom building stuff, I'll buy pre-made things now and upgrade later. I don't want to spend the extra time and hassle for what I'll get out of it, but its a good suggestion for the future!

 

[fencingdude101]

I would keep the koolance disconnects for w/e reason you want them for as I have the same QDCs (4 sets and using 3 in my system atm). Great when moving things around as I did the other day and had to change a fan which than I had to move my air cooled gpus (2) and let me tell you it felt great not draining the system and just disconnecting in 3 places. I would go with the mcp35x if you're going to use the QDCs and add more things exp. rad/blocks etc in the future. Also you have more flexibility assuming your MB has PWN on it to control the pump. Just my 2 cents but you have a great pump there but lacks the control you'd get with PWM/head pressure if needed. Overall you have a nice list and if money ain't the issue go with bitspower compression fittings. My system is 1/2 IN 3/4 OD Bitspower compression fittings and koolance QDCs w/ x2 MCP35x via EK V2 top being controlled by corsair link. Hope this helps and goodluck on your build.

Thanks for the suggestions. I may just go with the MCP35x, after reading up on it a little more. I'll just pick up a quick PWM controller (It's easier rather than running multiple lines to my motherboard from the external case)

I'm still not sure if I should go with the dual pumps, though. If I have the money, it would defiantly be beneficial over just one for my setup. Are there any charts comparing 1 MCP35x over 2? I know there are some for the 655, but not sure about this.

 

[WarDad]

QBob has a point about going completely overboard. It's a matter of matching porportions. Water cooling is expensive and a maintenance hassle. So why settle for marginally better performance over air cooled or sealed loop (Antec H20 920) system?
Why not include the GPU? Why not a larger radiator and quiter low speed fans. So buck up cowboy. Double down dog.

Double series pump? Why not? It's got head pressure. It's insurance.