New PC Parts and Water Cooling Parts

[Callsign Zulu]

Hello people of Toms Hardware, today I am back again to annoy you all with my inexperience but in a different genre of PC building--watercooling. So I built a PC about ~1 year ago and I have decided that I want to water cool for a couple of reasons: I want less noise, I want to overclock a bit more, and frankly I want a more open and prettier PC (the huge heatsink for a air cooler just doesnt look nice to be fair). Aside from those reasons I also want to gain knowledge in this area because sooner or later I will go into it as I build more PC's throughout my life. Water cooling just seems like one of those things most performance oriented builders prefer, so why the heck not try it.

Before I give the proposed specs for review I leave a disclaimer:

1: I understand the potential risks of water cooling, and I accept them knowing that I will be as careful as possible to avoid complications

2: I understand that watercooling is only a marginal increase in performance in comparison to my preexisting air cooler (see below in current parts list). I am taking this more so as a learning step than anything else, but also performance.

3: I am not water cooling my GPU because it is a bit more complicated than I want right now and I plan on upgrading later anyway, I'll add it to the loop later.

Alright lets proceed then

My current rig: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/NMRN8d

Poposed Watercooling setup:
Legend = Product Name (Product specification) (Amount being bought) $Cost

EK-Vardar F3-140ER (2000rpm) (2) $45.98
EKWB - CLC EK-CoolStream CE 280 (Dual) (1) $75.99
EKWB - CLC EK-DBAY D5 PWM MX - Plexi (incl. pump) (1) $139.99
EKWB - CLC EK-FB ASUS X99 Monoblock - Nickel (1) $136.99
EKWB - CLC TUBE PrimoChill PrimoFlex™ Advanced LRT™ 12,7 / 9,5mm - Brilliant UV Blue RETAIL 3m (1) $8.36
EKWB - CLC EK-ACF Fitting 10/13mm - Copper (6) $38.94
EKWB - CLC EK-Ekoolant EVO CLEAR (concentrate 100mL) (1) $9.99
EKWB - CLC EK-ATX Bridging Plug (24 pin) (1) $2.49
EKWB - CLC EK-Cable Y-Splitter 2-Fan PWM (10cm) (1) $3.38

Link to loop on the website: https://www.ekwb.com/custom-loop-configurator/shared/oW58a7daccd2e93

Also note: I am going under the impression of YouTubers and water cooling guides that EK is a good source for supplies, I have heard of alphacool but if EK is fine this parts list is more convenient.

Some of these parts are optional, like the bridging plug, in fact I may have it, but if I don't I will just buy it and for 3 bucks it is handy to have. I also chose to go solely copper because, well, I felt it was the safest possible route for the LEAST amount of complications. I also ran across a process called Galvanic Corrosion which happens between aluminum and copper, and Aluminum and Nickel I believe. I am honestly not too sure if I may be honest so I just stuck to copper because I also heard of Nickel flaking, mind you the posts were from 2013 ans 2011 so perhaps I should take that with a grain of salt.

Furthermore, I plan on sticking to just distilled water with UV tubing and I was wondering if the UV tubing is more prone, than clear, to leakage or gunk buildup. I assume the chemical makeups are different and if it is risky to have said tubing I would rather just go with clear but I think it should be fine.

My general setup for actually putting this together is the radiator on the top portion of my 750D and the reservoir in its respective drive bay slot(s).

Again I am new to this and I am trying to make the most informed decision I can on the matter. When I first built my PC (the one above) I was left for about a month with dead parts and confusion, and needless to say it all worked out. But I would really like to get this done in one day and any tips or suggestions are greatly appreciated. If more details are needed simply request and I shall give.

Thanks!

 

[Callsign Zulu]

bump

 

[1LiquidPC]

Hi there. Glad to see someone else making the switch to custom loop. EK is well respected in the WC community. I'm using their VRM block currently and very happy with it. I've used Primochill LRT advanced in the past(white tubing), and had no issues. I run plain distilled as well. I can't comment on the UV version though. Top mounted radiator is fine. I was setup this way in my previous 800D, as well as my current case.

I'd plan for longer than a day for this. It will likely take longer than you think. You don't want to rush watercooling. I'd also plan for several hours of leak testing and working out air pockets. This can vary depenfing on loop setup and who you ask. Also, plan your loop out carefully to save on costs. I'd still buy some extra fittings and tubing as well. I've had to change things during the build process because my original idea just wouldn't work. Nice to have the parts on hand for spares.

Nice build, BTW In my opinion, when its all done, custom WC is worth it. If done correctly, you can have low temps, low noise, and better OCs(varies on component cooled) all with great looks. Any other questions, just ask.