More important for liquid cooling, CPU or GPU?

[tkline]

I'm going to be building a new system in a small case. I can fit a full sized video card, but I'll only have enough room for 1 small single fan AIO liquid cooler. I've seen some high end video cards that have an AIO liquid cooler built in, I was wondering if I would be better off investing in one of them, or would I be better off with a liquid cooler for the CPU?

 

[JackNaylorPE]

No AIO CLC type CPU cooler competes thermally with the better air coolers in their price range. As for GFX cards, they lower the GPU temps but do nothing for the VRM and memory.

Of course w/o knowing the specific componentry in question (CPU, GFX, case), a detailed answer is not possible. For case cooling alone... one 140mm fan is recommended for each 75 - 100 watts of power. With a 90 watt CPU, 250 watt GFX card, 35 watt MoBo, 40 watts for everything else ... that at least 4 fans.

 

[tkline]

Sorry, I was looking at using an i7-7700K for the CPU, and for the video card I was looking at a 1080 Ti, but then I saw this one from EVGA and wondered if it would be a better idea. I know it's sold out though at the moment, but still

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814487377&cm_re=evga_ftw3_hybrid-_-14-487-377-_-Product

 

[JackNaylorPE]

OK so I'm seeing a 7700k (90 stock / 130 watts overclocked) ... and a GFC card that can easily hit 350 overclocked... (well not that one)

My suggestion

Case - https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811854023
Cooler - http://www.swiftech.com/h240x2.aspx
Card - https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814137144

You will need to add (Swiftech):

(2) G-1/4 fittings
18" tubing
Extra bottle of coolant

If desired, you can add another 240mm rad in front and a 140mm in rear

See 3:26 mark for CLC build

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8t-ibmQ5kfE

I do NOT recommend CLC type cooling with their weak pumps, no reservoir and, most importantly mixing thermally inefficient aluminum rads with copper water blocks.

https://martinsliquidlab.wordpress.com/2012/01/24/corrosion-explored/

With the Swiftech ... you eliminate all those deficiencies

 

[tkline]

Thanks. I'm a bit worried about doing a custom liquid cooling system though. I felt like an AIO option would be "safer", I worry if I build it all myself, I'll do something wrong, spring a leak, and basically just throw $1000 out the window.. I was going to be using the new Phanteks Shift case, and it does have room for custom stuff, i've seen some builds, but again I just worry about doing that myself. I think I can get away with 2 140mm's in there according to the pics I've seen on the Phanteks site, but I think it will be a real tight squeeze, with 1 on the bottom of the case and 1 on the front.

http://phanteks.com/images/product/Enthoo-Evolv-Shift/Black/Shift-15.jpg

 

[tkline]

oops, correction, it will only fit 120mm radiatos, 1 front and 1 bottom

 

[JackNaylorPE]

The Swiftech is an AIO. It's a collection of custom water cooling parts pre-assembled at the factory and arrives wjust like shown here:

But it is really no big deal to add the EK Sehawk:

1. Add the G-1/4 fittings to card

2. Disconnect the tube from water block to radiator at radiator side. Drain coolant into pitcher.

3. Connect that tube to card water block inlet.

4. Run new tube from 1080 Ti block to radiator.

5. Fill with coolant at radiator side port

6. Bleed system

Another option is the Asus Poseidon ... it has a combo air / water cooler. You can start out on air and have the option to connect later on when you get more comfy.

Another option is the EK system which is more expensive but infallible. They are revampoing the line and it should be available next month

1. The EK predator is all copper and again comprised of actual custom water loop components. As far as installation goes, it installs like any AIO.

2. You then purchase a pre-filled water block (1080Ti) and "plug it in"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sq4iNbCD844

here's the notice on the new line

https://www.ekwb.com/news/ek-is-announcing-modular-liquid-cooling-products/

And the latest news:

https://www.reddit.com/r/watercooling/comments/5wvtce/troubleshooting_discussion_ek_water_blocks/dg7gg4g/?context=3

EK-MLC has been delayed to Q3 of 2017.

Q3 ends in 5 days.

 

[n0ns3ns3]

unless you live in arctic region, i'd advise against this case for your system. you are going to use CPU and GPU that exceed 400w TDP and even more overclocked.
also, buying 7700K now is kinda pointless. in a week 8700K will be out with 2 more cores.

 

[tkline]

I was thinking of going with 7700k because it will still be a good CPU and was assuming the prices would come down with the next gen stuff. If I go with coffee like I might end up having to go with the i5 version if the prices end up being way too high, since I'll also need a newer 370 motherboard and that will be more expensive too. I like the look of the Shift a lot, but I read it's not so good with heat, so that's why I was thinking if I went with that I would want to do liquid cooling, but like I said I'm too scared to do a custom job and risk leaking so I was thinking AIO was the way to go. I like the idea of the EK systems though where it's got everything you need in 1 box and supposedly easy to install. I'll have to think about it.

 

[n0ns3ns3]

the new i5 will be more powerful than current i7 with lower cost. prices are not going to be more than few $ difference. I mean 10-20 on the CPU and about the same as now (+- 150$) on MB.
As for your case, even with best custom loop, it would be extremely loud and probably will be thermal limited anyway.
Though the larger Shift X can be used with 280 + 120 radiators. you can do it with AiOs, but a custom loop would be much more effective as you can share radiators and use much better components. With custom loop it will be audible under load, but far from annoying.
And it's not that hard to do a custom loop. thy rarely develop leaks over time. I had not a single loop that leaked after passing 15-20 minutes of leak test. Doing this for over a decade.