Not new to water, but could use some advice

[AnubisOne]

Hey Guys,

I've built a small custom loop (CPU only) before, but now I want to do a loop with CPU (6700k) and GPU (1080ti) in the mix. I was thinking of trading my EVGA 1080ti SC2 for a buddy's extra PNY 1080ti XLR8 Gaming. My first question is, am i correct that this water block (https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-fc-1080-gtx-ti-acetal-nickel#ow_alert_box) will fit the XLR8 card? And second, would a 2x120 and 1x140 radiator set up be enough to cool both the cpu and gpu? I will add the parts list I was looking at below. Its all EK stuff right now. I was just browsing their site and thought I would compile a list from there.

Parts List
CPU Block: https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-supremacy-evo-acetal-nickel-original-csq
GPU Block: https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-fc-1080-gtx-ti-acetal-nickel#ow_alert_box
Radiator 1: https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-coolstream-se-240-slim-dual-5001
Radiator 2: https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-coolstream-se-140
Pump/Res: https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-xres-100-ddc-mx-3-1-pwm-incl-pump

This is all going to go in to my Corsair 250D case. I know its small... really small, but I thought it would be a cool looking set up. Any suggestions on parts would be much appreciated!

 

[TazExtreme3]

According to the compatibility list, and a quick google search, the XLR8 is a reference design card, so yes, The FC1080 GTX Ti block will work just fine.
Your hardware list looks adequate. I wouldn't expect exceptional temps if you plan on overclocking. EK recommends 120mm rad space per component, and an extra 120mm rad space if overclocking.
I say just go all out and run a new case and 2x360 rads!
<-Me waiting for the Define R6 Blackout to be released...
I'd go with PrimoFlex Advanced LRT for tubing, and don't forget fittings (EK ACF fittings are nice).

 

[Lochekey]

As Taz said the generalrule of thumb is 120 of rad per 100 watts, I look at a 140 rad as a 120 rad because you will normally not see a huge difference between them.

Now your system is calling for a total tdp of about 350 watts(I am rounding here a little). Based on that our normal recommendation would be at least a 4x120 setup. I know you are not going to fit that in your current case without some heavy modding so if you want to try it out with the raddage you specified, I believe it will work ok but you are going to have to keep the fans turned up to maintain temps and even then they will not be fantastic.


Looking at that case it seems like the gpu is designed to sit as to allow it to pull fresh air from outside the case. With this being a factor your gpu already probably has better temps than normal and they will not likely improve a whole lot on as system without more rads.


As for your part selection as mentioned above the primoflex tubing is the bees knees. The rest of your parts look ok of you are sticking with all EK parts. If you decide to mix and match brands you can probably save a few bucks as you can get different components on sale/cheaper through different vendors.

 

[AnubisOne]

I don't want to have to switch cases. I thought this would be a cool project to do in this case. But if I need more rad space I might have to start looking at some options. Do you think adding an additional dual 80mm rad would do anything? Or are those too small to really do anything?

 

[GTXJackBauer]

80mm rads are too small and the fans will be noisy as hell. Still got my 15+ year old Antec case laying around with 80mm fans. Let's just say, I'll never forget where I came from (80mm fans, GTX 480s in SLI Sauna Edition) and where I'm now. lol

 

[Lochekey]

I don't know what type of setup you have but have you considered an external radiator?

 

[AnubisOne]

Sounds like a no go on the 80mm rad. I would like to keep the noise down especially since I'm going water. I haven't looked in to an external radiator. But if i went that route i'd have to modify the case to put holes for the hoses to pass through. Looks like my only option is to change cases right now.

 

[GTXJackBauer]

As long as you stay with only a CPU + GPU only loop, you should find many water cooling friendly affordable cases. Don't forget what new cases may have been announced during CES 2018.