AIO or Custom Loop?

[davidturner09]

Hello All,

I am going through the first phase of upgrading my PC. I built it 5 years ago knowing that I could upgrade it as I go along and I want to start that process. I'm starting with very basics of moving my current components to a new case and adding some cable extensions or custom cables to help make the PC look good. My current CPU and GPU or out-dated but work for me right now so those will get upgraded later down the line.

I'm planning on purchasing the NZXT H500 or H500i, not sure if I want the RGB or not. If I do i want to keep it subtle. Anyway I want to water cool my system. They do not make waterblocks that I can find for my GPU (GTX 760) so right now it would be my CPU only (I5 3350p).

I am not sure though whether to go with just an AIO system like the Corsair Hydro H100i, or start with a Custom Loop that I can expand on later. I'm looking at the EK S240 as the base of this loop.

Any insight on past experiences would be great. I basically am looking to create clean classy looking system, hence why I keep getting pulled to the NZXT H500 series for the case.

Thanks for any tips or suggestions.

 

[Lucky_SLS]

If you want to go custom loop, choose a case that is designed for it. Otherwise you might have to do some modding.

I would suggest you to look at the fractal design define S2 https://www.fractal-design.com/home/product/cases/define-series/define-s2-black-tg

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/9sfhP6/fractal-design-define-s2-black-tg-atx-mid-tower-case-fd-ca-def-s2-bk-tgl

I would also ask you to do the loop after you upgrade the cpu and the gpu. The cpu block would be compatible with your next upgrade.

This is a personal nitpicking : when you have decided on custom loop, I would always suggest the monoblock route instead of just a cpu block. When you are doing a full loop, might as well take advantage of it.

Wait for the ryzen 3000 series announcement and decide on the cpu upgrade.