Watercooling Build (Cookie Cutter)

[Jakus]

This is my first watercooling build. It is silenced optimized. I have spent a few days researching parts and howto's, I am not by any means an expert so please critique. The parts I have chosen seem fairly cookie cutter and well used, but any suggestions or changes I would appreciate.

Current specs-
Asrock Z77 Professional
i5 3570K @3.4Ghz
Corsair H100 (this thing is a piece of garbage and I regret the purchase)
Corsair Vengeance 8GB
MSI 680
Seagate Barracuda 2TB
Intel 520 120GB
Corsair AX650
NZXT Switch 810

I am looking for a silence optimized machine. I will also add an NZXT Hue in the future for lighting.

Watercooling idea-
CPU Block- Swiftech Apogee HD
Reservoir – Swiftech MCRES Micro Rev2
Pump- Swiftech MCP 655
Rad 1- Black Ice GT Stealth 420
Rad 2 - Black Ice GT Stealth 280
Fittings - Bitspower Compression Fittings
GPU Block - Still not 100% sure on this one. I was looking at some from EK late last night and decided to ask someone who knew more than I did on this. A "standard" one besides the EVGA Hydrocopper (I have heard some bad things about EVGA waterblocks so I am reluctant to purchase one) does not seem to be found. Also, is it just me, or are more AMD waterblocks available for purchase than Nvidia ones?
Fans- Again, not decided. I am looking for ones that are silent. Temps are of little concern to me, anything beneath 60C or 70C is fine. I am pulling 38C on a H100 with stock fans so if the temps increase I will eat a shoe. If you know of some that are black with no LED's and silent I would love to know. This is much more difficult than I anticipated because so many come with LED's and the ones that don't seem to be UV reactive or not black.

EDIT: Also, forgot to mention, I would appreciate if they are 140mm fans.

EDIT2: I can't believe I forgot tubing. Originally, I was going to use distilled water + dye, but, after reading your Beginners Guide to Watercooling, I think I will use distilled water and colored tubing, possibly UV reactant. I will use PT Nuke as a biocide.

 

[Conumdrum]

We have a forum for watercooling and lots of great stickies.

No one uses those rads unless it's a special setup. They are over 8 years old and oldd tech. Common click n buy mistake without knowing what availible.

Which 655 pump? There are many.

Fans and your rad choice is like a matching pair. Your rad choice means LOUD HS fans.

Umm a 140mm rad, yes you want 140mm fans.

PHN Nuke is better, and we have LOTS more stickies. Pretty good start, very common and decent beginning. We'll get you set, but gotta know why this is good etc.

 

[Jakus]

Thanks for your response and critique. I hadn't realized those rads were so old. I can see why they are a common purchase though, the "Black Ice" branding makes it sound cool and interesting.

The MCP655 I am talking about is this one: http://www.swiftech.com/mcp655.aspx

How about this rad? http://www.frozencpu.com/products/1...Profile_Split_Fin_Radiator.html?tl=g30c95s931
I would also get the 280 version: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/1...Profile_Split_Fin_Radiator.html?tl=g30c95s930

What fans would you recommend for this rad? Also, is it more of a higher fin density (which to my understanding requires fans with a higher RPM, generating more noise) or a lower fin density (which does the opposite). I cannot find the specifications for the fin density so perhaps you know. Also, what is considered a "low fin density" and a "high fin density"? And, final question until you reply again, is the Black Ice SR1 series ancient as well?

 

[Conumdrum]

Thanks for your response and critique. I hadn't realized those rads were so old. I can see why they are a common purchase though, the "Black Ice" branding makes it sound cool and interesting.

The MCP655 I am talking about is this one: http://www.swiftech.com/mcp655.aspx

Man, that old pump. And when the 35x sells at a different place for:
http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/swmc12vdcpu1.html

How about this rad? http://www.frozencpu.com/products/1...Profile_Split_Fin_Radiator.html?tl=g30c95s931

Better, but still all you are doing is point and clicking, like my Mom did with the infomercials years ago hammered on vodka. You can do better. You need to UNDERSTAND WHY.

I would also get the 280 version: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/1...Profile_Split_Fin_Radiator.html?tl=g30c95s930

What fans would you recommend for this rad? Also, is it more of a higher fin density (which to my understanding requires fans with a higher RPM, generating more noise) or a lower fin density (which does the opposite). I cannot find the specifications for the fin density so perhaps you know. Also, what is considered a "low fin density" and a "high fin density"? And, final question until you reply again, is the Black Ice SR1 series ancient as well?

Fans are tricky, especially 140mm ones. Again, time to read lots of posts and use Google. Like "140mm radiator fan review".

High FPI and low FPI are very well covered in the stickies, and links to Martinsliquidlabs.org and Skinnelabs.com. Get ready for charts and science, but that's the fun about watercooling. It's science and a HOBBY, not a 'buy now Dell'. setup.

You haven't read about building and bleeding and maintaining a real WC system yet? There is more. Don't rush it. Most who do it right spend a FEW WEEKS learning before even developing a parts list. Then it's fun. Otherwise your hammering your brain and ours. We do this a LOT, and can experiance brain strain, helping 5 folks who need help at the same time, not gonna help no more syndrome. We work for free, we's just trying to help. Keep at it, but do your homework dude and we's more than willing to help.

 

[Jakus]

Thanks! That new pump looks as if it will be much easier to store. I'm looking at my rig now and the 35 would have been a pain to store without it being seen. Oh, I wish the Switch 810 had a basement. Other than the new pump, do you approve the rads I found?

 

[Conumdrum]

The rads you found, sure if the marketing hype and your happy with them sure. It's your stuff. Once at the door and it isn't right. Oops. Then what?

I added to my post, read more.