So I've done months of research and sticky reading with regards to custom PC water cooling loops. There's a few problems that seem to pop up frequently when water cooling aside from general misuse/poor installation methods:
1. corrosion
2. plasticizer leeching
3. coolant residue throughout loop
4. compression fittings leaking/tube slipping out of them
5. algae
6. chemical incompatibility (glycol solutions + acrylic, etc.)
I've decided to attempt to construct a loop (let's say CPU-only for now) that pays heed to these issues. The text below is in a problem: solution format. From the experts... what are your thoughts on these choices & is a "problem-free" loop too good to be true?
1. corrosion:
Bitspower True Brass Barbs - no plating & brass plays nice with copper + silver
Bitspower acrylic plugs - not metal. no corrosion here (for every location that needs plugged)
Alphacool NexXxos XT45 full copper radiators - keeping metals consistent
EK Supremacy copper waterblock with acrylic top - keeping metals consistent. Acrylic top allows peering into innards to check block's condition without dismantling.
2. plasticizer leeching:
Tygon A-60-G Norprene (1/2" ID 3/4" OD) - no plasticizer, no problem.
3. coolant residue throughout loop:
Distilled water. No additives.
4. compression fittings leaking/tube slipping out of them:
The barbs mentioned above + these worm gear hose clamps.
5. algae:
.999 Silver Killcoil
6. chemical incompatibility (glycol solutions + acrylic, etc.):
There are no chemicals.
Edit: Let's include the XSPC Photon 270 combo as the reservoir & pump. I don't believe this solves any particular problems, but it's a well-rounded & visually appealing pump/reservoir solution.
1. corrosion
2. plasticizer leeching
3. coolant residue throughout loop
4. compression fittings leaking/tube slipping out of them
5. algae
6. chemical incompatibility (glycol solutions + acrylic, etc.)
I've decided to attempt to construct a loop (let's say CPU-only for now) that pays heed to these issues. The text below is in a problem: solution format. From the experts... what are your thoughts on these choices & is a "problem-free" loop too good to be true?
1. corrosion:
Bitspower True Brass Barbs - no plating & brass plays nice with copper + silver
Bitspower acrylic plugs - not metal. no corrosion here (for every location that needs plugged)
Alphacool NexXxos XT45 full copper radiators - keeping metals consistent
EK Supremacy copper waterblock with acrylic top - keeping metals consistent. Acrylic top allows peering into innards to check block's condition without dismantling.
2. plasticizer leeching:
Tygon A-60-G Norprene (1/2" ID 3/4" OD) - no plasticizer, no problem.
3. coolant residue throughout loop:
Distilled water. No additives.
4. compression fittings leaking/tube slipping out of them:
The barbs mentioned above + these worm gear hose clamps.
5. algae:
.999 Silver Killcoil
6. chemical incompatibility (glycol solutions + acrylic, etc.):
There are no chemicals.
Edit: Let's include the XSPC Photon 270 combo as the reservoir & pump. I don't believe this solves any particular problems, but it's a well-rounded & visually appealing pump/reservoir solution.