Recommendations for new watercooling setup

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Watercooling Shopping List!


I’m looking to build a 2 loop system. One loop devoted to the cpu and a completely separate but identical loop for the gpu.

Please weigh in on suggestions!

Also got a few general questions, highlited.

This is going to be for my main personal gaming system.

I pictured a physical layout of each unit, but it was sort just a rough picture in my head:







Here’s my hardware:
i7 2600k
Asus Maximus IV Extreme
Corsair 2x4gb Vengeance
Zotac GTX 680
Corsair HX750 PSU




I currently already have:

1 stock MCP35x


2 Alphacool Monsta 3x120 radiators




I Need:

1) Tubing
In the past I’ve stuck to ¾” OD / ½” ID. Any reason to change?

2) Fittings
Is there a performance difference between barbs or compression fittings?
Compressions fittings look cleaner, but seem to cost more?
Maybe go with compression fittings in the visible portions of the build?

3) Reservoirs
Big, small, my system can fit any.
Should I go with a combo reservoir/pump?
EK res/pump top x 2?
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/1...ng_DDC_Swiftech_MCP350355.html?tl=g30c107s152

Or

Stealth Res
http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/st225mureexw.html

+ XSPC pump tops
http://www.svc.com/ddctopc.html

I lean towards the tall cylinder type reservoirs because I feel like they may be easier to fill and have a tendency to suck down bubbles less.

4) CPU block
Any recommendations?
I’m leaning towards EK supremacy for looks and performance.
http://jab-tech.com/EK-Supremacy-CPU-Water-Block-Copper-Plexi-pr-5003.html

Should I go with the Nickel plated version?

5) GPU block
Think I’m going to splurge for a full cover for my GTX 680.
Leaning towards Heatkiller
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/1...Coverage_Water_Block_15520.html?tl=g30c87s143
And backplate:
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/1...Design_GPU_Backplate_16003.html?tl=g30c87s143

Once again, Nickel Plated or not?


6) Fan control.
I’m going to have 4 banks of 3 fans (2 3x120 radiators, in push-pull).
That’s 12 fans to control, potentially 4 banks of 3 fans.
I’m thinking Scythe KM03 x 2.
http://jab-tech.com/Scythe-Kaze-Master-Pro-Black-KM03-BK-pr-4639.html


7) Other
Silver coils
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/1...r_Tubing_Reservoir_Strip.html?tl=g30c103s1676

Color additive. Make it red.
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/1..._-_15mL_-_Blood_Red.html?tl=g30c103s185#blank

Temperature displays (x4--into and exiting each radiator)
Bitspower:
http://www.performance-pcs.com/cata...e=product_info&cPath=60_392&products_id=32010


8) Second Pump
MCP35x
http://jab-tech.com/Swiftech-MCP35X-12V-DC-Pump-pr-4750.html


9) Fans--looking to keep it a little cheaper.
I’ve got 3 Yate Loon slows.
I’ve got 3 Coolermaster slows.
I’ve got a box of Sanyo Denkis in case I ever want to try some serious air movement.
Need: 6 more 120mm fans.
I’m thinking 6 of these YL D12 38mm thick. $7 apiece:
http://jab-tech.com/Yate-Loon-120-x-38mm-D1SL-12D-pr-4335.html




Anything else anyone can think of?


Thanks!

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[Conumdrum]

Watercooling Shopping List!


1) Tubing
In the past I’ve stuck to ¾” OD / ½” ID. Any reason to change?
3/8ID is just as good, but like you I'm 1/2 ID.

2) Fittings
Is there a performance difference between barbs or compression fittings?
Compressions fittings look cleaner, but seem to cost more?
Maybe go with compression fittings in the visible portions of the build?
No performance diff


4) CPU block
Any recommendations?
I’m leaning towards EK supremacy for looks and performance.
http://jab-tech.com/EK-Supremacy-CPU-Water-Block-Copper-Plexi-pr-5003.html

Should I go with the Nickel plated version?

Nope, stick with copper, less plating problems, I still don't trust thier new plating process.

5) GPU block
Think I’m going to splurge for a full cover for my GTX 680.
Leaning towards Heatkiller
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/1...Coverage_Water_Block_15520.html?tl=g30c87s143
And backplate:
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/1...Design_GPU_Backplate_16003.html?tl=g30c87s143

Once again, Nickel Plated or not?

I like Koolance.



Color additive. Make it red.
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/1..._-_15mL_-_Blood_Red.html?tl=g30c103s185#blank

ONLY brand I would use is mayhems. You want me to post additive pictures and horror stories? Colored tubing. Mayhem has a giant thread on Xtreme Systems.

Temperature displays (x4--into and exiting each radiator)
Bitspower:
http://www.performance-pcs.com/cata...e=product_info&cPath=60_392&products_id=32010

What for? But why not, your no noob so if it floats your boat.


8) Second Pump
MCP35x
http://jab-tech.com/Swiftech-MCP35X-12V-DC-Pump-pr-4750.html


9) Fans--looking to keep it a little cheaper.
I’ve got 3 Yate Loon slows.
I’ve got 3 Coolermaster slows.
I’ve got a box of Sanyo Denkis in case I ever want to try some serious air movement.
Need: 6 more 120mm fans.
I’m thinking 6 of these YL D12 38mm thick. $7 apiece:
http://jab-tech.com/Yate-Loon-120-x-38mm-D1SL-12D-pr-4335.html

Scythe GT AP-15's 1850 RPM. Not cheap but Awesome.

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[Navig]

Thanks for taking the time...more research for me.

 

[Conumdrum]

Your blue, you deserve my time. You have earned it, a current WC'er should be glad to help.

 

[GTXJackBauer]

I would have gone with a dual bay reservoir and be able to put the 2x mcp-35x implemented in the reservoir for a nice finish and they would use a dual top made specifically for those pumps which would increase performance than other competitor tops. I'am also leaning on buy this particular reservoir+combo dual top since we already have our 2 pumps. Just my 2 cents but if you like cylinders better thats fine too. (also if its budget permitting too)

Source: http://www.swiftech.com/maelstrombayres.aspx

 

[Navig]

As conumdrum pointed out to me at the xtremesys forums, nix on the 3rd party topper for the MCP35x.




Here's some more food for thought:

I could go for a Swiftech Maelstrom with single pump housing ($100) + 2nd Swiftech Maelstrom with single MCP35X installed ($165) for a total of $265.



The equivalent throw together build might include:

2 IandH Steath reservoirs 225 (2 x $28) (I feel like that's a bargain steal), 1 MCP35x ($85), Barbs n tubing (say $10), 2 temp probes (2 x $16) + Reservoir holder (? I've seen IandH universals for 2 x $20) + Pump holder (fabricate) for a total of $223.


1) The throw-together build will have a small performance hit, but costs > $40 (or even $80 if I fabricate res holders) less.

 

[Navig]

I've decided to nix coolant dyes.

So what do y'all think of white tubing:

http://jab-tech.com/PrimoFlex-Pro-LRT-White-Tubing-1-2in.-ID-X-3-4in.-OD-pr-4503.html


And red clamps:

http://jab-tech.com/PrimoChill-Reusable-Hose-Clamp-UV-Red-3-4in.-ID-pr-4173.html