New pc Build - First water loop

[LiquidBoyyy]

Hey guys,

I'm an old member of the overclocking and gaming community, but somehow until today all of my gaming computers were air cooled.
In the last few weeks i started assembling my new computer, and i think i want it to be water cooled this time.

The hardware is:
CPU - Intel i7 7820x
Mobo - Gigabyte AORUS gaming 7 x299
GPU - NVIDIA GTX 1060
Ram - G.Skill Ripjaws DDR4 3000Mhz
SSD - Intel SSD6 M2 512GB
HDD - Western Digital 2TB SATA
PSU - Corsair TX650M

My case is a custom build (by me), since it has to fit in a single cell of an IKEA KALLAX, which my desk is build of (Similar to this)
My current case is made from IKEA box which fits this KALLAX cell, the the parts were built inside this box. i'll never do it again, it was a bad mistake using an IKEA plastic box..

Anyway, my new case will be made from Aluminum Linear Rail Profiles (Similar to this)

I've read online reviews and blog posts, and among many opinions, I want to consult you guys about the final part list i've made.

Pump+Reservoir
Since the case isn't going to be very large, I went with this combo to save space
http://www.performance-pcs.com/new-...25-bay-res-pump-reservoir-combo-v4-black.html

CPU Block
This one isn't LGA2066 like my cpu, but i've read that the LGA2011 socket has the same screw distance.
it was also a good value for money, if you think you have another block with a better VFM feel free to share with me
http://www.performance-pcs.com/magicool-anycool-copper-cpu-block.html

Fittings,
I went with barb fitting and mot compression, since i'm going to be using soft tubing and i've read onlune that barb fitting are less pretty, but leaks less..
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/XSPC-G1-4-Thread-1-2-Barb-4-pack-Black-Chrome/32794127654.html

Clamps for the fittings
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3-8-Silver-Thin-Pipe-Clamp/32234872161.html

Radiators:
2 of these 240mm will give me plenty of upgrade ability in the future.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Mod...anger-Water-Cooling-12-Tubes/32818413688.html

Fans,
4 of those of course
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Barrow-BF02-PR-RGB-12cm-Fan-for-Radiator/32825333079.html

Fan controlling hub,
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/SAT...nsion-Adapter-for-PC-Chassis/32826940384.html

This is the list guys, please feel free to comment about these if you think i need to change anything.

Thanks!

 

[Nebulous]

I would swap cpu waterblocks to either the XSPC Raystorm or the EK Supremacy. Don't know how good that Magicool block is so I cannot comment on it. Barrow brand is sure making a name for itself in the watercooling world. Have no clue about their fans, but I guess they'll do. You forgot about the tubing. I would go with Primochill Advanced LRT. Comes in different colors and it's soft with a real nice bending radius without kinking up.

As for the pump/res combo, I see you went with the cheaper alternative. I'm also noticing that for your watercooling project you are working with a very limited budget because of the low priced parts. Instead of piecing low priced parts, why don't you go for the EK kit instead?

 

[LiquidBoyyy]

I would swap cpu waterblocks to either the XSPC Raystorm or the EK Supremacy. Don't know how good that Magicool block is so I cannot comment on it.

I can switch the block to this one if you think it'll do better
http://www.performance-pcs.com/xspc-raystorm-cpu-waterblock-v3-intel.html

You forgot about the tubing. I would go with Primochill Advanced LRT. Comes in different colors and it's soft with a real nice bending radius without kinking up.

I did forget the tubing, i'll go with your recommendation:
http://www.performance-pcs.com/prim...tubing-3-8in-id-x-5-8in-od-elegant-white.html

As for the pump/res combo, I see you went with the cheaper alternative. I'm also noticing that for your watercooling project you are working with a very limited budget because of the low priced parts. Instead of piecing low priced parts, why don't you go for the EK kit instead?

It is true that i'm trying to keep this project on a tight budget, but my goal is to keep it also reliable.
My pump is the cheaper alternative, but i chose it also since it's a combo and i need this for saving space.
You know about other combos that can be reliable and save space?

My opinion about the ready made kits is that you can achieve better performance without just getting the kit as is - for the same price..
also, my loop is very unusual because i cannot use 360mm radiators sice it won't fit inside a KALLAX cell,
so i'm linking two 240mm radiators in a row instead, and there's no kit for that..

My opinion is that in a price of a kit, I can custom bulid a better performence loop.
I just need some advice from good fellas like you

 

[Tír na nÓg]

Pump looks solid:
http://www.overclock.net/t/1428534/xspc-x20-750-v4-should-i-avoid

With 1.8m water height, you're good, even if you add afull GPU block in the loop.

 

[Nebulous]

That XSPC Raystorm is the same exact block I have. It's a great performer. Great choice on the tubing as well. For the res/pump combo, me thinks that's the best you're going to get within your budget. If you decide to stretch the budget, I would go with this:

http://www.performance-pcs.com/xspc-d5-dual-bay-reservoir-pump-combo-v2.html

Its the one I have.

Guess everything else you've chosen for your particular build and your budget is good to go. Don't forget the distilled water and biocide (PTNuke). Load up on paper towels for your leak testing. Check and recheck all your connections/fittings/clamps before you jump start the power supply for your leak testing. Wrap the fittings in paper towels incase there's a little drip leak. Be sure to leak test at least 24 hours before you fire up the pc.

 

[||Console||]

Im a fan of this style rez/pump my self http://www.performance-pcs.com/xspc-d5-photon-170-reservoir-v2.html
+1 for Primochill Advanced LRT I have had no problems hardly kin

 

[Jeff G]

That XSPC Raystorm is the same exact block I have. It's a great performer.

I finally swapped out my Raystorm for a block I like more. The Alphacool Eisblock is performing incredibly. Raystorm is a great choice, but if you want other options to look at then the Eisblock should be on your list. I'll be sticking with the Eisblock and officially retiring the Raystorm.

 

[GTXJackBauer]

I haven't read any of the member responses so I apologize in advance if these things have been said in advance.

Hey guys,

I'm an old member of the overclocking and gaming community, but somehow until today all of my gaming computers were air cooled.
In the last few weeks i started assembling my new computer, and i think i want it to be water cooled this time.

The hardware is:
CPU - Intel i7 7820x
Mobo - Gigabyte AORUS gaming 7 x299
GPU - NVIDIA GTX 1060
Ram - G.Skill Ripjaws DDR4 3000Mhz
SSD - Intel SSD6 M2 512GB
HDD - Western Digital 2TB SATA
PSU - Corsair TX650M

My case is a custom build (by me), since it has to fit in a single cell of an IKEA KALLAX, which my desk is build of (Similar to this)
My current case is made from IKEA box which fits this KALLAX cell, the the parts were built inside this box. i'll never do it again, it was a bad mistake using an IKEA plastic box..

Anyway, my new case will be made from Aluminum Linear Rail Profiles (Similar to this)

I've read online reviews and blog posts, and among many opinions, I want to consult you guys about the final part list i've made.

Pump+Reservoir
Since the case isn't going to be very large, I went with this combo to save space
http://www.performance-pcs.com/new-...25-bay-res-pump-reservoir-combo-v4-black.html

CPU Block
This one isn't LGA2066 like my cpu, but i've read that the LGA2011 socket has the same screw distance.
it was also a good value for money, if you think you have another block with a better VFM feel free to share with me
http://www.performance-pcs.com/magicool-anycool-copper-cpu-block.html

Fittings,
I went with barb fitting and mot compression, since i'm going to be using soft tubing and i've read onlune that barb fitting are less pretty, but leaks less..
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/XSPC-G1-4-Thread-1-2-Barb-4-pack-Black-Chrome/32794127654.html

Clamps for the fittings
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3-8-Silver-Thin-Pipe-Clamp/32234872161.html

Radiators:
2 of these 240mm will give me plenty of upgrade ability in the future.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Mod...anger-Water-Cooling-12-Tubes/32818413688.html

Fans,
4 of those of course
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Barrow-BF02-PR-RGB-12cm-Fan-for-Radiator/32825333079.html

Fan controlling hub,
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/SAT...nsion-Adapter-for-PC-Chassis/32826940384.html

This is the list guys, please feel free to comment about these if you think i need to change anything.

Thanks!

First of, to OCFs.

I will start by saying out of the box, stay away from Aliexpress. There's a reason why things are uber cheap there. I wouldn't even trust reputed H20 company gear from there, that includes those XSPC barbs. The ship time looks like its coming from overseas. I'd even go as far as saying those could easily be imitations. Stick with reputed and tested H20 companies.

If you're in the states, purchase all your gear from Modmymods or PerformancePCS.

As for the res/pump combo, steer away from that product. I think its ok but after so many revisions, that's usually a tall tale sign to find something else of better quality and reliability. A D5 or any of the DDC pumps will suffice and should last a long time, let alone have way more pumping power than that pump you linked from that reservoir.

Dependent on the case, rule of thumb most stick with is 120mm of rad per 100w. That should give you an idea of how much rad to work with. The more the merrier as that will allow you to run your fans at lower speeds, decreasing most of the ambient noise.

 

[LiquidBoyyy]

Thanks for all your comments guys, it's really helping me understand my choices better.

As I understand, the pump/res combo I've chosen is the weakest link in the loop.

I've been trying to look at other options, and since the combo is a space saver I need to take in consideration, I found another option:

https://modmymods.com/alphacool-eis...ation-incl-2x-alphacool-dc-lt-2400-13287.html

Is it better than the original option?

 

[GTXJackBauer]

I would try sticking with US based companies, with the exception of EK and Aquacomputer (Slovenia and Germany respectfully), since the downtime could be long. It takes me 1-2 weeks to receive something from Germany for example, that doesn't include if you have to ship something to them but for me, they never wanted me to ship to them since the costs weren't be worth it.

If modmymods doesn't have XSPC, look at PerformancePCS.

These are the kits I was talking about with the D5 pumps along with their newer CPU block. These are their newer kits as opposed to the others that have been around for 3-4+ years.

If that is crossing your budget, have a look at the all aluminum EK kits. For basically the same price of those kits from XSPC, it could also come with a full GPU Waterblock with the kit. That's if your GPU is compatible which can be seen on this listing here. If you pick this route, never mix metals with this EK kit line/brand specifically. Aluminum will not sit well with the other metals. Let's just say it will end catastrophically and waste funds on a loop. If you were to ever expand with this kit, they specifically sell parts for these kits only.

Take your time and plan everything out. I'm assuming you could use the cylinder reservoirs unless you specifically need the bay res kits only. Let us know what you think of the kits, budget, etc.

 

[LiquidBoyyy]

I will start by saying out of the box, stay away from Aliexpress. There's a reason why things are uber cheap there. I wouldn't even trust reputed H20 company gear from there, that includes those XSPC barbs.

The ship time looks like its coming from overseas. I'd even go as far as saying those could easily be imitations.
Stick with reputed and tested H20 companies.

I'm not sure why to stay away from aliexpress. I mean of course most of the merch out there is not premium, but how can i go wrong with Barrow barb fittings or Barrow fans?

About the shipping time, i live in Israel,
Anything takes 3 weeks to reach here, from Germany, NYC or China..

 

[GTXJackBauer]

I'm not sure why to stay away from aliexpress.

Here's why.

Embedded media from this media site is no longer available

Another story and countless others on the web from a simple search.

 

[maxfly]

amazon sells barrow watercooling gear. most of the parts ive seen look solid and they are much cheaper than ek, alphacool, koolance etc... i would use amazon as a basis for pricing. GL!

 

[SPL Tech]

Here's why.

Embedded media from this media site is no longer available

Another story and countless others on the web from a simple search.

Yes there are counterfeit items on Aliexpress, eBay and probably Amazon as well. However, they are mostly electronics and batteries. There isint much money in making a fake radiator considering a fake one that looks real would probably cost as much as an actual real one. Plus, it's not hard to tell if the seller is reputable. Just look at their feedback. People who sell fake products quickly get poor feedback. Last, when paying through PayPal and your credit card you have both protection from PayPal and your bank (credit card dispute). You can easily get your money back from either source if the product is bogus. Thus, I see no reason not to use either website considering it's not hard to check feedback, and if something happens it's not hard to get your money back.

 

[Richo999]

Here's why.

Embedded media from this media site is no longer available

Another story and countless others on the web from a simple search.

basic rule of thumb: if its to good to be true its likely a scam.

Fittings,
I went with barb fitting and mot compression, since i'm going to be using soft tubing and i've read onlune that barb fitting are less pretty, but leaks less..
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/XSPC-G1-4-Thread-1-2-Barb-4-pack-Black-Chrome/32794127654.html

Aquacomputer has good barbs and has a good rep (I recently bought a supply there), they might not be pretty but thats what you pay for.

Clamps for the fittings
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3-8-Silver-Thin-Pipe-Clamp/32234872161.html

use zip ties or regular screw clamps which you can get for approx €0,75 at your local hardware store or at aquacomputer

Radiators:
2 of these 240mm will give me plenty of upgrade ability in the future.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Mod...anger-Water-Cooling-12-Tubes/32818413688.html

get a decent rad from a reputable brand not aliexpress, its most likely alluminum or a bad quality rad. Looked into these myself to get a cheap rad, but bought a reputable one thats proven.

 

[GTXJackBauer]

basic rule of thumb: if its to good to be true its likely a scam.

get a decent rad from a reputable brand not aliexpress, its most likely alluminum or a bad quality rad. Looked into these myself to get a cheap rad, but bought a reputable one thats proven.

Yup all around. I've seen many post here asking us what we think of these "kits" or "rads" from Aliexpress as they were VERY cheap and the rads were all aluminum and possibly some other parts of these so called "kits". I still stand on staying away from Aliexpress like the plague.

 

[Richo999]

this depends on what you buy from there, I bought alot of stuff there because quality sometimes doesn't mattet like led strips (most are the same as in china just cost triple), heatsinks (same as before), heat shrink tubing etc. etc.. The point is what to buy there because usually in those case its produced there anyway with 4 people in between making a profit on it (I rather buy at the supplier then the 4th reseller)

 

[maxfly]

as cheap as those rads are im tempted to buy one to gut. i really want to see how the tubes look etc but mostly to see if it isnt just one short run that goes right back to the outlet