First Custom Watercooling Build... Thoughts?

[awesomeaiden2]

I just built my first custom computer last year (https://goo.gl/photo...FsRvKsTg8LNrLT8) and now after being inspired by Jay, Paul's "Arctic Panther" and Kyle's pink build I am interested in the prospect of custom watercooling it with some upgrades. After reading around a bit and learning some basics I think I have created a pretty good list of parts here, but since I am so new to watercooling and my knowledge is fairly limited I need some thoughts, suggestions, and advice on whether or not this loop is viable. I have looked at kits which seemed like a pretty good option at first but I just haven't really been able to find a kit in which every part looks fairly good and works well with my planned case and components. I am not going for absolute cost effectiveness but I am aware that I can probably save some money with different parts, I just like EK due to aesthetics and mostly good reviews. Also, I have not decided on a color scheme yet, partially due to the fact that my motherboard has gold accents, so I am planning on white coolant for now. So here's the list:

pcpartpicker link: http://pcpartpicker.com/user/awesomeaiden/saved/xHGYcf

COMPUTER:

CPU: i7 4770k (Purchased)

Mobo: Asus Z97-Pro Wifi AC (Purchased)

RAM: 16GB Corsair Vengeance LP (Purchased)

Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 500GB (Purchased) and Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB (Purchased)

GPU: EVGA GTX 980 Ti Superclocked+ ACX 2.0+

Case: Fractal Design Define S

Power Supply: Corsair HX1050 (Purchased)

OS: Windows 10 Pro (Preinstalled on SSD)

LOOP:

CPU WB - EK Supremacy EVO - Acetal+Nickel

GPU WB - EK-FC Titan X - Acetal+Nickel

GPU BP - EK-FC Titan X Backplate - Black

Rads - EK-CoolStream PE 360 and EK-CoolStream PE 240

Pump/Res Combo - EK-XRES 140 DS PWM (with 250 tube upgrade, sucks they don't just sell a 250 version)

Tubing - PrimoChill PrimoFlex Advanced LRT 3/8" ID 1/2" OD Clear 3 Meters

Fittings - EK-ACF 10/13mm - Black 12 pcs, EK-AF Angled 45 G1/4 Black 4 pcs, EK-AF Angled 90 G1/4 Black 4 pcs, and Phobya G1/4 2 way Ball Valve (for drain system)

Coolant - Mayhems Pastel Ice White 1Ltr 2 pcs

Extras - 3 Way PWM Fan Splitter and EK-ATX Bridging Plug (24 pin)

Overall cost of PC upgrades would be $759.95 and overall cost of loop would be $851.93... yikes

 

[rubix_1011]

I would get rid of the coolant.

Why a 250 tube res? They are huge.

You can simply use a paperclip for the 24 pin ATX plug. Green to black.

Everything is EK? Is there a specific reason, or you just like their stuff the most?

 

[awesomeaiden2]

I would get rid of the coolant.

Why a 250 tube res? They are huge.

You can simply use a paperclip for the 24 pin ATX plug. Green to black.

Everything is EK? Is there a specific reason, or you just like their stuff the most?

What's wrong with Mayhem's pastel? What would you recommend instead?

I like the 250 res because it would fill out my case better like this: https://goo.gl/photos/vPV6w9p4ty6LbapE9. I could go smaller if I chose a different case that has a drive cage for the pump to sit on, but the define s seems like the best choice so far.

The adapter is $2.50 and makes it idiotproof to short out the power supply, but you're right, I probably don't need it.

I like the look of their waterblocks, fittings, and pump/res combos and they have good reviews. I could probably find slightly cheaper parts elsewhere but I would rather stick to EK.

 

[rubix_1011]

I just am against using coolants overall - they aren't needed. I recommend just using distilled water and some kind of biocide or antimicrobial.

For the reservoir - have you made certain that you actually have the space? Watercooling requires more room in the case than you might think.

 

[awesomeaiden2]

I just am against using coolants overall - they aren't needed. I recommend just using distilled water and some kind of biocide or antimicrobial.

For the reservoir - have you made certain that you actually have the space? Watercooling requires more room in the case than you might think.

OK I understand what you are saying.

Yes I have, I am basing my case and pump/res unit off awesomesaucenetworks's pink build in which Kyle puts the same exact unit in the same case with room to spare: https://goo.gl/photos/9JLMgNFGRz1SPznB8

 

[rubix_1011]

OK, fair enough.

 

[awesomeaiden2]

OK, fair enough.

So then everything is compatible? My main worry here is that I will end up getting the wrong size tubing or be a couple fittings short. I have double and triple checked but I still would like some peace of mind. On a side note, even though the top of the res isn't the highest point in the loop, would I still be able to drain the loop on by opening the top of it? There are no extra ports on the 360 rad to allow for draining.

 

[rubix_1011]

Make sure your fitting size ID and your tubing ID are the same. Also make sure the fitting OD and tubing OD are compatible.

 

[awesomeaiden2]

Make sure your fitting size ID and your tubing ID are the same. Also make sure the fitting OD and tubing OD are compatible.

OK thanks for the help

 

[toolmaker_03]

ok so there are some people here on toms that have built some nice systems, i am the type that have tryed all the diffrent comps out there and EK is not one the comps that i would buy from
stay away from anything that has acrylic in it, this materal is not strong enough for water cooling
bitspower resivior has acrylic but i have had no issues with there resivior, i have had issues with resivior form other comps.

 

[awesomeaiden2]

ok so there are some people here on toms that have built some nice systems, i am the type that have tryed all the diffrent comps out there and EK is not one the comps that i would buy from
stay away from anything that has acrylic in it, this materal is not strong enough for water cooling
bitspower resivior has acrylic but i have had no issues with there resivior, i have had issues with resivior form other comps.

OK... Well regardless of your personal experiences with ek reservoirs I have seen plenty of people build awesome systems with ek reservoirs and they had no issues so I'm just going to stick with that.

 

[rubix_1011]

I have an EK DDC pump/res combo that has an acrylic front and also ran a Bitspower multi-z mini-res that was acrylic. Never had an issue.

I am running Phobya compression fittings - they are much cheaper and still look good. Bitspower is one of the better compression fitting makers.

@toolmaker03 Not sure why you think acrylic wouldn't be strong enough?

 

[awesomeaiden2]

I have an EK DDC pump/res combo that has an acrylic front and also ran a Bitspower multi-z mini-res that was acrylic. Never had an issue.

I am running Phobya compression fittings - they are much cheaper and still look good. Bitspower is one of the better compression fitting makers.

Ok I'll look into those

 

[toolmaker_03]

I have an EK DDC pump/res combo that has an acrylic front and also ran a Bitspower multi-z mini-res that was acrylic. Never had an issue.

I am running Phobya compression fittings - they are much cheaper and still look good. Bitspower is one of the better compression fitting makers.

@toolmaker03 Not sure why you think acrylic wouldn't be strong enough?

the stuff cracks all the time jist trying to tell him but he will find out the hard way in about two to three years when he is replacing it

 

[rubix_1011]

The reservoir tubing is acrylic; the fittings mount into acetal, which is much more dense.

 

[toolmaker_03]

acetal is stronger than acrylic, i dont know about the density, i buy stuff with acetal like XSPC CPU blocks but i would never buy a GPU or CPU block that has a acrylic cover it will crack under the pressure after some time 6 months to 2 years is about all you get out of that stuff.

 

[toolmaker_03]

in my build log i did show a GPU block, a res, and a chipset block with acrylic covers they had all cracked. i had to replace them but this is me but i have found others that say the same thing.