How's this for a new setup?

[Ishakir]

Heya guys,

I'm very new to water cooling and I've been doing some reading for the past couple of weeks about the whole situation.

After some research, I've put together a system that I hope you guys might review for me.

Pump: Eheim 1250 Pump (317GPH)
CPU Block: White Water Waterblock: Athlon 64 POLY TOPPED: 1/2" BARBS
GPU Block: Danger Den MAZE4 GPU - 1/2" ID nVidia/ATI Water Block
Radiator and Shroud: In love with this combo
Tubing: ClearFlex High Grade Tubing 1/2"
Reservoir: Still debating between a T-line and an actual reservoir (your opinions appreciated)
Cooling Fluid: RedLine Water Wetter (4oz)
And probably some plastic clamps from a hardware store.

This is going to be an A64 rig primarily used for gaming.

Thanks much guys!
-Ish-

 

[A-Speck]

Ishakir,

The setup you're looking at is really similar to the one I started out with. It's a really nice setup, so you shouldn't have any problems getting some serious performance out of it. It should also last you a good long while, too. Whether you go for a T-line or a reservior mainly depends on the size of your case and how it's laid out. Personally, I use a T-line because I squeeze my pump behind my hard drive cage and there's a perfect place for one back there, but that's not an option on all cases. Reserviors can make filling your system a little easier, too, but you pay a price in interior space.

 

[johan851]

That looks like a great setup, nice job. You'll get some good performance out of it, I'm sure.

I personally would go with a T-Line. After using a T-Line and a bayres, the T-line is a little easier to fill and creates less tubing hassle.

 

[Ishakir]

Great, thanks a lot for the advice.

I have a question though. Do you think the WW block is better than a Maze4? I may be able to get a Maze4 for cheaper and I'm wondering if this is a reasonable substitute.

Thanks again,
-Ish-

 

[A-Speck]

For a moderately beefy pump like the Eheim 1250 that you're getting, the WW is definitely the better choice. Maze 4 blocks are best for systems with small-diameter tubing and pumps with relatively low head, as they have no impingement effect and are optimized for extremely low pressure drop. That being said, those qualities make the Maze 4 an excellent GPU or Northbridge block for any watercooling setup. As a CPU block on your setup, though, a WW should be good for at least 5 degrees Celsius lower than a Maze 4. Worth the extra money, in my opinion.

 

[situman]

I would spring for the Aluminum top since i hear poly tops cracking and leaking on the WWs