I had some excellent help from this community for my first build (thanks!) around 7 years ago. I am hoping for some insights on component choice for my next loop.
Priorities are: low noise > case size > convenient loop maintenance > cost (~£1,000+/-).
The build I have in mind is as follows:
Phanteks NV9;
Hardware Labs Black Ice SR2 420 MP x2;
Hardware Labs Black Ice SR2 280 MP x1;
Noctua NF-A14s (x7 already in possession);
Koolance QD3 (threaded) x6 pairs (male and female);
Corsair Hydro XD5 (already in possession).
The case is attractive due to its small size (relative to radiator capacity) at 575 x 280 x 615 mm. Here is the suggested water cooled configuration:
The SR2s are somewhat chunky but I understand there will be just about enough clearance between the rear and top rads. I am thinking to go with these rads because of the 140mm form factor giving large surface area for effective cooling and the low 9 FPI fin count, which should facilitate lower fans speeds. The NF-A14s are just what I have in my current build so I was thinking to get x4 more to match the ones I have and throw in another fan hub (water temp controlled or set to constant 400 or 500 rpm). The QD3s look amazing for easy loop maintenance - can't wait for these. I already have an Alphacool NexXxos ST30 140mm and HPE30 420mm in my loop until I get the Hardware Labs replacements (the following payday).
Input very welcome on all the above - the GTX seems to be better at cooling but not at the low rpms I'm going for. I could be convinced to switch the fans if that will help with noise, though Noctua seem fairly hard to beat.
Thanks for reading
Priorities are: low noise > case size > convenient loop maintenance > cost (~£1,000+/-).
The build I have in mind is as follows:
Phanteks NV9;
Hardware Labs Black Ice SR2 420 MP x2;
Hardware Labs Black Ice SR2 280 MP x1;
Noctua NF-A14s (x7 already in possession);
Koolance QD3 (threaded) x6 pairs (male and female);
Corsair Hydro XD5 (already in possession).
The case is attractive due to its small size (relative to radiator capacity) at 575 x 280 x 615 mm. Here is the suggested water cooled configuration:
The SR2s are somewhat chunky but I understand there will be just about enough clearance between the rear and top rads. I am thinking to go with these rads because of the 140mm form factor giving large surface area for effective cooling and the low 9 FPI fin count, which should facilitate lower fans speeds. The NF-A14s are just what I have in my current build so I was thinking to get x4 more to match the ones I have and throw in another fan hub (water temp controlled or set to constant 400 or 500 rpm). The QD3s look amazing for easy loop maintenance - can't wait for these. I already have an Alphacool NexXxos ST30 140mm and HPE30 420mm in my loop until I get the Hardware Labs replacements (the following payday).
Input very welcome on all the above - the GTX seems to be better at cooling but not at the low rpms I'm going for. I could be convinced to switch the fans if that will help with noise, though Noctua seem fairly hard to beat.
Thanks for reading
