Best GPU Cooling Method

[B3NDY]

So at them moment I have a single 780ti trying to run a 4k monitor which isn't going too well in most games so I'v decided that not only do i need some extra VRAM but also a bit more horsepower so I'v decided to go GTX 970 SLI which should be capable of driving a lot of games at 4k resonably well.

Now I have noticed that my 780ti can get a little noisy and hot, and I know that the 970 is definitely cooler but how much quieter I'm not so sure (I like my PC to be very quiet).

So my options really are:

Get the Asus Strix edition which seems to be very quiet even when it's under load and also doesa good job of keeping the cards cool. The problem with this is the cards will be in SLI si I don't know how well these will do in this case.

Use something like the NZXT kraken G10 to use a AIO liquid cooler to keep them very cool. I know this will definitely keep them cooler but how much quieter will it be? Also I know these take up 3 slots so will it fit in my case?

Lastly is to get a custom loop which I know will mean quietness and great cooling but this is a bit extreme for the circumstance and also really expensive.


I'm not planning on overclocking because I find the performance increase is not work the time, heat and noise that comes with in. Also I will be using these in the Corsair 450D with hopefully quite quiet and slow rpm fans in the front but I can still control these. My CPU is on an H100i exhausting so that shouldn't effect anything.

 

[Afterdark3]

If you are an ultimate quiet freak, definitely go for a custom loop, its costly and not as easy as putting more fans in, but it will be so worth it as your case can support many radiators if you don't mind sacrificing drive space. And if you don't mind a little noise, then just stick a bunch of high pressure, low speed fans in, like the Noctua NF-F12. and for your set up, a custom loop is totally do-able and you can even OC your CPU and GPU's for much greater performance, even if it takes a couple hours to get it right.

 

[B3NDY]

If you are an ultimate quiet freak, definitely go for a custom loop, its costly and not as easy as putting more fans in, but it will be so worth it as your case can support many radiators if you don't mind sacrificing drive space. And if you don't mind a little noise, then just stick a bunch of high pressure, low speed fans in, like the Noctua NF-F12. and for your set up, a custom loop is totally do-able and you can even OC your CPU and GPU's for much greater performance, even if it takes a couple hours to get it right.

Right, so if I went with a custom loop it would be quietest and then if I go in air then use pressure fans in the front at low rpm? Is that what your getting at?

Also, I need about 3 drives so I would still need a HDD cage so I dont know how much I could fit in the front. Would the H440 be better if I went for a custom loop because it has the potential so a 360mm, 240mm and a 120mm all at the same time where as the corsair can do this but only if I remove the cages. Also is airflow through the radiators a factor because the H440 doesn't have great airflow but Can have 3 fans in the front so as long as the were pressure fans would they be okay?

 

[Afterdark3]

At a quick look the cases the 450D would be the better choice because the bottom can fit a dual 240 and the top can fit a triple 340 and the NZXT case may not be able to handle a front rad and the drive cages. it takes a little research but i think the corsair would be a better case

 

[B3NDY]

At a quick look the cases the 450D would be the better choice because the bottom can fit a dual 240 and the top can fit a triple 340 and the NZXT case may not be able to handle a front rad and the drive cages. it takes a little research but i think the corsair would be a better case

Problem with the 450D is the bottom is covered by my longer PSU and then the drive cages so even if i took all the drive cages out I would only have a 120mm spot in the bottom. Also the H440 has enough HDD places that arnt in cages that means I wont have to use and Cages at all.

Its a tough call really. Just wandering if the air flow through the radiator effects performance or is it so long as they are pressure they should be the same?

 

[Afterdark3]

Well, you want the high pressure fans like i said, like a NF-F12, and airflow does help (obviously) and if you have enough rads.

 

[B3NDY]

Well, you want the high pressure fans like i said, like a NF-F12, and airflow does help (obviously) and if you have enough rads.

So basically more rads = better and then if I control them I can ramp them up if I need to. How much radiator would you recommend for each component? Like a 240 for the CPU and then a 360 for both GPU's? Would that be enough? And also would one pump be able to push all of that because I know pumps can only push through so much resistance in blocks and rads.

PS I dont know too much about choosing parts, any recommendations on cheaper stuff?

 

[Afterdark3]

Well, like you said, a 240 for the cpu and a 360 for the GPU's and all the rest you can shove in there. and one pump will be able to run all of that, just make sure you use a good pump. For blocks, they are a little pricy, but a place like EKWB would be the best for these sort of things. i have heard high reviews out of them. If you need help with parts, a great place to go would be Linus Tech tips, they also have a great forum and also a YT channel. Also Jayz Two sense on youtube can help you with amateur water cooling.

 

[B3NDY]

Well, like you said, a 240 for the cpu and a 360 for the GPU's and all the rest you can shove in there. and one pump will be able to run all of that, just make sure you use a good pump. For blocks, they are a little pricy, but a place like EKWB would be the best for these sort of things. i have heard high reviews out of them. If you need help with parts, a great place to go would be Linus Tech tips, they also have a great forum and also a YT channel. Also Jayz Two sense on youtube can help you with amateur water cooling.

Awesome! Thanks for everything!