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New build - WC questions - pump, CPU block, GPU block

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TheWorstPathfinder

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Apr 12, 2024
Howdy all. I'm in the process of building a new rig and after having nailed down the hardware, I'm turning my attention to cooling. My current setup is water cooled. I think I'm going to stick with that, even though I suspect its vast overkill.

#1 CPU: I have a Swiftech water block on the current i5 3570k, socket 1155 LGA CPU. As its nearly impossible that it'll fit an AM5 socket CPU, I'm debating between two blocks. Would appreciate opinions.

$100 @FrozenCPU - https://www.frozencpu.com/products/alphacool-core-1-black?variant=47990995124501

$27 @ AliExpress or $50 at Bykski US - https://www.bykski.us/collections/a...water-cooling-block-pom-am3-am4-ryzen-3-5-7-9


#2 Pump: I have a Swiftech MCP655 pump that I can't say I love enough. Its ~13 years old and still going. But nothing lasts forever. It seems like Swiftech is having a hard time, but their website seems to still sell one. Perhaps I'm too old school to be attracted to some of the new pump/rez combos. Is $140 unreasonable for a pump that should last a while? (NB: I have a standalone Swiftech rez that sits in front of the pump in the loop)

$138 @Swiftech (select MCP655-B from the drop-down) - https://www.swiftech.com/laing-d5-mcp65x.aspx


#3 GPU: I still haven't landed on a new GPU for this build. I suspect its going to be a RTX 4070Ti Super. I'm still reading up on who makes good GPU blocks for current cards, but I figure GPU cooling is probably the most effective application for WC. Any advice on who to look at for GPU blocks?


Many thank in advance for advice/debate!

PS - I still remember my first water cooled rig with a Pentium 4. The radiator blew warm air all the time. Ancient times.
 
Looks like you're doing a 7800x3D from the other thread. The Bykski doesn't list AM5 on the site you linked. The main issue is that the aftermarket backplate may not include mounting for the CPU retention mechanism. There may also be differences in the amount of pressure placed on the CPU by the cold plate.

Watercooling GPUs is great and it is a lot of fun. But you can always buy more performance by spending that money on a higher performing card than you can get with overclocking on water (unless you're already buying the top of of the line). Alphacool is a good one. Watercool, bitspower, aquacomputer are all solid as well. Bykski and Barrow should be fine. EK blocks are fine as well (I have them), but they are getting blasted on youtube right now over not paying employees / taxes / ad contracts, so if you're concerned about warranty / support maybe avoid them. You can look on performancepcs.com as another site to blocks and supplies.

The big thing is if you're set on buying a GPU block, make sure you can get one for the card you are purchasing. Each manufacturer will have 3+ PCB designs for each GPU and each one might need a different block. You might go for a reference design as you'll have no need for the beefier coolers, but then you may also contend with VRMs that don't do as well with the overclocking you're wanting. With all of the different designs, a lot of the mid-range models are skipped. It seems like you can always get a block for a strix card, for example, but then you're paying extra for the strix and paying for the block and could easily be in a much higher class of performance by just buying a faster card. Of course that is an extreme example, but it's something to look out for.

For the pump you can get any D5. You can get a new pump top with it, or possibly re-use the old one. You can choose between PWM control or a adjustment knob on the back of the pump.
 
Looks like you're doing a 7800x3D from the other thread. The Bykski doesn't list AM5 on the site you linked. The main issue is that the aftermarket backplate may not include mounting for the CPU retention mechanism. There may also be differences in the amount of pressure placed on the CPU by the cold plate.

Watercooling GPUs is great and it is a lot of fun. But you can always buy more performance by spending that money on a higher performing card than you can get with overclocking on water (unless you're already buying the top of of the line). Alphacool is a good one. Watercool, bitspower, aquacomputer are all solid as well. Bykski and Barrow should be fine. EK blocks are fine as well (I have them), but they are getting blasted on youtube right now over not paying employees / taxes / ad contracts, so if you're concerned about warranty / support maybe avoid them. You can look on performancepcs.com as another site to blocks and supplies.

The big thing is if you're set on buying a GPU block, make sure you can get one for the card you are purchasing. Each manufacturer will have 3+ PCB designs for each GPU and each one might need a different block. You might go for a reference design as you'll have no need for the beefier coolers, but then you may also contend with VRMs that don't do as well with the overclocking you're wanting. With all of the different designs, a lot of the mid-range models are skipped. It seems like you can always get a block for a strix card, for example, but then you're paying extra for the strix and paying for the block and could easily be in a much higher class of performance by just buying a faster card. Of course that is an extreme example, but it's something to look out for.

For the pump you can get any D5. You can get a new pump top with it, or possibly re-use the old one. You can choose between PWM control or a adjustment knob on the back of the pump.
Thanks for catching how the Bykski CPU block doesn't call out AM5 compatibility. Missed that.

I appreciate your point on the funds spent on a GPU block could be put into the GPU itself. And its a compelling argument. I'll need to think about that one hard.

Lastly, thanks for a vote for keeping the D5 pump decision simple.
 
www.performance-pcs.com

Is the proper link, if you use the other Z posted it will take you to ad bot hell. Other good wcing sites are modmymods.com and titanrig.com
Spelling is important or you'll get redirected to crap sites.

Wcing sites are getting thin these days but you can also find stuff on Amazon. If you aren't averse to AliExpress you can save a big chunk of change on Byski and Barrow gear there (I buy all my fittings and GPU blocks there now).

You can usually find Swiftech pumps/gear for a lot less at ppcs than at Swiftechs site (no idea why). The keys to finding a legit D5 are making sure they are made by Xylem, Laing or Lowara (the sticker on the bottom shows manufacturer and date). Otherwise Alphacool, EK, Corsair and Aquacomputer are some that make updated variations of the original D5 that are reliable but usually expensive.

I would avoid EK gear for the reasons Z mentioned. Altho using their configurator to find the proper GPU block can make things much easier on you.

GL!
 
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