First time building WaterCooled PC. Please help.

[Manowar14]

Hi there ! I am building new computer, mainly for gaming and video editing and i want to overclock it as much as i can .

This is the first time i am going to build watercooled pc so i need some help from experienced builders. I want to have watercooled: CPU , 2xGPU and motherboard .

Components i have now are :
CPU: Intel Core i7 4770-K
GPU: 2x EVGA GTX780 HydroCopper
Motherboard: Asus Maximus VI Formula (waiting for release)
PowerSupply: Silent Pro Gold 1200W

What i need is to get advice on :
Radiator, Pump, CPU Block (for GPU i have already) and other stuff required for WaterCooling.
RAM (32GB + OC) and Case with enough room and good option for cable managment.

What i am expecting from this build : Low temperatures, Low noise, Good Performance and Quality.

My budget isnt somehow limited , but lets say i have spare 1000+ €
If anyone can help me , i would be happy .
I am from Slovakia so sorry for my English.

Last questions : Is my PSU good enough ? Do i need more than 1 Radiator if i am going to watercool CPU + 2GPUs and 1 Motherboard ?

Thank you for your time and help.

 

[manofchalk]

First thing I recommend you do is read the water-cooling sticky, it will answer a lot of your questions about water-cooling.
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/277130-29-read-first-watercooling-sticky
If you cant wrap your head around something or there are language barriers, feel free to ask for an explanation on anything in there.

Simple stuff out of the way first.
RAM: Get 16GB (2x8GB) of 1600Mhz CL9 1.5v RAM, from a good brand like G.SKill or Corsair, preferably low profile. I dont think you need 32GB, but by getting a 2x8GB kit you are leaving the option open later on. Dont bother with speeds faster than 1600Mhz, theres no performance benefit but a big increase in price.
Case: You will need something that can handle a lot of radiator space (yes you will need more than one rad). Look into something like an NZXT H630, Switch 810, Corsair 800/900D.

As to what water-cooling equipment to get, you will find that most of the water-coolers here (including myself) wont just give out a parts list like we would a system build. I can help you make the decision, but I wont do it for you.

 

[Manowar14]

Spoiler

First thing I recommend you do is read the water-cooling sticky, it will answer a lot of your questions about water-cooling.
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/277130-29-read-first-watercooling-sticky
If you cant wrap your head around something or there are language barriers, feel free to ask for an explanation on anything in there.

Simple stuff out of the way first.
RAM: Get 16GB (2x8GB) of 1600Mhz CL9 1.5v RAM, from a good brand like G.SKill or Corsair, preferably low profile. I dont think you need 32GB, but by getting a 2x8GB kit you are leaving the option open later on. Dont bother with speeds faster than 1600Mhz, theres no performance benefit but a big increase in price.
Case: You will need something that can handle a lot of radiator space (yes you will need more than one rad). Look into something like an NZXT H630, Switch 810, Corsair 800/900D.

As to what water-cooling equipment to get, you will find that most of the water-coolers here (including myself) wont just give out a parts list like we would a system build. I can help you make the decision, but I wont do it for you.

Thank you for your quick response. I have been studying this stuff and i hope i found something that should work and atleast understand watercooling in some way (hope so) so what do you think about this, would it work ?

Case: Corsair 900D
RAM: Corsair Dominator Platinum 2x8GB (16 GB)

Rads:
2x480mm radiator Alphacool NexXxoS UT60 Full Copper 480mm (Roof and Side)
2x240mm radiator Alphacool NexXxoS UT60 Full Copper 240mm (Front+Rear)
1x140mm radiator Alphacool NexXxoS UT60 Full Copper 140mm (Rear)

Fans : Corsair SP120 Performance and Corsair SP140 Performance or Quiet Edition but i heard i can just lower RPM on Performance and then its same as Quiet Edition (?).

Pump : 2xSwiftech MCP-35X

CPU Block : Koolance CPU-380I Water Block

As i said i am new to watercooling so i would like to hear your opinion if this should be enough to keep it quiet and cold.If i am missing some information (link to products etc) or something is wrong just tell me.

 

[manofchalk]

Personally wouldn't go for Platinums, they cost a fair bit more and all you get is a shiny heatsink.

Your definitely stocking up on rad space, you could get less quite easily. However over-radding isn't a bad thing, it allows you to turn your fans low and achieve the same cooling.
You will want to look into a fan controller and a lot of 3pin fan splitters. You would want a decently strong controller, I would say 30W per channel so you can have 3-4 fans per channel.

The SP's are optimized for radiator usage since they offer more Static Pressure (hence being called SP) while the Performance are more tuned for outright airflow (Called AF). I would go for the SP fans.

Personally dont like DDC pumps since they have temperature issues on the backside of their PCB's, but they should be fine. Though if D5's are an option I recommend you go for them.

CPU block is fairly good, one of the higher performing out there.

Any plans for fittings, tubing? Reservoir? How you will fill and drain the loop?

 

[Manowar14]

Spoiler

Personally wouldn't go for Platinums, they cost a fair bit more and all you get is a shiny heatsink.

Your definitely stocking up on rad space, you could get less quite easily. However over-radding isn't a bad thing, it allows you to turn your fans low and achieve the same cooling.
You will want to look into a fan controller and a lot of 3pin fan splitters. You would want a decently strong controller, I would say 30W per channel so you can have 3-4 fans per channel.

The SP's are optimized for radiator usage since they offer more Static Pressure (hence being called SP) while the Performance are more tuned for outright airflow (Called AF). I would go for the SP fans.

Personally dont like DDC pumps since they have temperature issues on the backside of their PCB's, but they should be fine. Though if D5's are an option I recommend you go for them.

CPU block is fairly good, one of the higher performing out there.

Any plans for fittings, tubing? Reservoir? How you will fill and drain the loop?

For some reason i havent checked price on those Platinums , so yeah , i better go with Corsair Vengeance Pro Series 1600 MHZ 9-9-9-24

Pumps: Iknow about those issues , but problem is , as far as i know , i need pressure atleast 8.32 PSI at 1GPM and all D5s pumps i saw would go somewhere near 4.5 PSI at 100%PWM (12V) . With this swiftech mcp35x i can go at 50%PWM and get almost 6 PSI at 1GPM and i want to get as quiet as i can get. If only heat is problem some heatsinks + fans should do the work(?). So i guess it should be ok with 2 of those pumps (Swiftech MCP-35X) . I came here for advices so if i should change pumps for D5s i will do it because you are experienced and i dont know as much as you do.

Fans: Should i use on some rads push-pull or its waste ? Will go for Corsair SP then thanks.

As of tubing,fittings and reservoir i am not convinced yet as i want to first finnish this stuff then that but for fittings probably Monsoon looks cool . I want to go with Black/Red or Black/Blue colors . Oh yeah and one question. What do you think about dyes (would want to use some probably Mayhem)? Some says its bad some says its good .

Any plans for fittings, tubing? Reservoir? How you will fill and drain the loop?

Lets say i will reply in 2-3 hours until i study more about this stuff . But thank you very much for your time and your help !

 

[manofchalk]

Pump:
You can arrange GPU's and radiators in parallel to lessen flow restriction, which will drastically reduce the need for pump pressure. Also with multiple pumps the pressure is doubled (if they are in series).

Fans:
I suspect in your case you wont need too, your going to be me making up for inefficient rad performance in pure heatsink area. If you were to drop a couple of radiators you would want to go with Push/Pull, especially considering their quite thick.

I wouldn't use dyes, it raises the maintenance needed dramatically as it stains tubing, gunks up blocks and will just fade over time. If your fine dealing with that, then use dye all you want. But IMO, if you want colour in the loop do it through tubing and lighting effects.
Dont use Mayhems Aurora dye if you do decide too, Mayhem themselves say that it is not intended for a daily use rig. Only for short term use, basically if you were putting the system on display or taking photo's is when you would use it.

 

[Manowar14]

Spoiler

Pump:
You can arrange GPU's and radiators in parallel to lessen flow restriction, which will drastically reduce the need for pump pressure. Also with multiple pumps the pressure is doubled (if they are in series).

Fans:
I suspect in your case you wont need too, your going to be me making up for inefficient rad performance in pure heatsink area. If you were to drop a couple of radiators you would want to go with Push/Pull, especially considering their quite thick.

I wouldn't use dyes, it raises the maintenance needed dramatically as it stains tubing, gunks up blocks and will just fade over time. If your fine dealing with that, then use dye all you want. But IMO, if you want colour in the loop do it through tubing and lighting effects.
Dont use Mayhems Aurora dye if you do decide too, Mayhem themselves say that it is not intended for a daily use rig. Only for short term use, basically if you were putting the system on display or taking photo's is when you would use it.

OK i am going for Masterkleer or Monsoon color tubing , will find the best color that suits me and not touching any dyes.

For Reservoir :
Swiftech Maelstrom 5.25 Dual Bay Reservoir for 2 Laing DDC (as i am going with those 2 mcp35x) i hope will be enough seems like a good thing that can hold my pumps + temp.meter. But i am not entirely sure with this part.

Oh and Forgot Fan Controller : Lamptron Fan Controller Touch 5.25 (6-Channels 30W each) or Sunbeamtech Rheosmart 6 Fan Controller (6-Channels 30W each)

I have now Cooler Master Silent Pro 1200W PSU do you think i should go and buy 1500W PSU ?
If is everything good and i am not missing anything please tell me and i will go and buy those parts . Thank you for helping me out.

 

[manofchalk]

Reservoirs don't impact performance in any meaningful way, you would be fine with just about any.

Either of those controller will do fine.

:lol:
I would say 1200W is already pushing the envelope on overkill.

Flow order? Angled fittings? SLI fittings? How will you fill and drain the loop? Killcoil/Biocide?

 

[Manowar14]

Spoiler

Reservoirs don't impact performance in any meaningful way, you would be fine with just about any.

Either of those controller will do fine.

:lol:
I would say 1200W is already pushing the envelope on overkill.

Flow order? Angled fittings? SLI fittings? How will you fill and drain the loop? Killcoil/Biocide?

Angled Fittings same as Fittings from Monsoon and for SLI Koolance Dual Vid connectr.
Would go for Killcoil (Monsoon silver bullet or Mayhems Silver Coil) or maybe both (killcoil + pt nuke) in distilled water.

What flow order would you recommend ?
(I would try Reservoir>Pump>Rad1>CPU>Rad2>mobo>Rad3>Gpu>Gpu>Rad4>Rad5>reservoir)
As for filling and draining i have brief idea how to do it , but no experiences .

 

[manofchalk]

I would go
......................................... GPU.............
Res -> Pumps -> CPU -> <..........-> Res
......................................... GPU............
Have the radiators in the loop wherever is convenient, their placement doesn't matter unless you care about 1-2°C differences. The GPU's are arranged like that to indicate they are in Parallel, which significantly reduces their total flow restriction. You can get them in parallel by doing this.

Filling I believe your reservoir has some way of doing that.
Draining, find the lowest point in the loop and have a tube coming off there with either a stop plug or valve. Whenever you need to drain, stick a bucket underneath, open it up and let gravity do the rest.
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/14601/ex-tub-1040/Enzotech_G14_Barb_Stop_Fitting_w_Cap_-_12_ID_-_Matte_Black_BNPH-ID12-G14.html?tl=g30c101s460
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/14596/ex-tub-1035/Bitspower_G14_Mini_Valve_-_Matte_Black_BP-MVV-MBK.html?tl=g30c101s460

 

[Manowar14]

Spoiler

I would go
......................................... GPU.............
Res -> Pumps -> CPU -> <..........-> Res
......................................... GPU............
Have the radiators in the loop wherever is convenient, their placement doesn't matter unless you care about 1-2°C differences. The GPU's are arranged like that to indicate they are in Parallel, which significantly reduces their total flow restriction. You can get them in parallel by doing this.

Filling I believe your reservoir has some way of doing that.
Draining, find the lowest point in the loop and have a tube coming off there with either a stop plug or valve. Whenever you need to drain, stick a bucket underneath, open it up and let gravity do the rest.
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/14601/ex-tub-1040/Enzotech_G14_Barb_Stop_Fitting_w_Cap_-_12_ID_-_Matte_Black_BNPH-ID12-G14.html?tl=g30c101s460
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/14596/ex-tub-1035/Bitspower_G14_Mini_Valve_-_Matte_Black_BP-MVV-MBK.html?tl=g30c101s460

So if i understand it should be like :
Res>Pumps>CPU>Mobo>GPUs in Parallel>res ?

And the last question . I heard that when i use kill coil and as i have cpu block Koolance CPU-380I and it have nickel-plated copper cold plate there can be corrosion . Should i rather switch to copper only plate or its just minor to non corrosion and should not care about it .