- Oct 16, 2013
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- 10,530
So I've never watercooled before. I've only just begun to OC my GPU, and I probably won't OC my CPU very much, as I only have the stock fan, but decent airflow, at least not until my next rig.
I'm still deciding on a case, or whether I will try to use my current Antec Eleven Hundred, mod it, or come up with a scratch build.
I know that venturing into watercooling is quite an expensive endevour. This will not occur in the next few weeks, or even the next few months, I plan to slowly accumulate all the parts I need for a good watercooled rig. So honestly the cost isn't really an issue.
I will probably be keeping most of my current parts, but I know of several things I will be upgrading.
I currently have:
Case - Antec Eleven Hundred (NOT the new illusion)
CPU - Core i5 3570k - keeping
MOBO - GIGABYTE GA-Z77-D3H LGA 1155 Intel Z77 - replacing
GPU - EVGA 01G-P3-1460-KR 560 (Fermi) - replacing
RAM - 32 GB (4x8GB) Corsair Vengence DDR3 1600 - keeping
PSU - Corsair Professional Gold AX 750
I plan to replace my 560 with a pair of 7950s or 7970s, once the price drops. Put them in crossfire, and OC the hell out of em, but since I want to do this, I must also keep them cool and I figured I'd also OC that CPU while I'm at it.
I guess my questions boil down to what brands are the best for each of the pieces of a water loop, pump, resevoirs, rad, and so on?
What sites for the US are the best for buying the parts?
Should I get a new case, stick with my Antec Eleven Hundred, mod it, or come up with a scratch build?
Edit: At this point I can't really give a "Best Answer" as I've two incredibly helpful people give me a ton of advice, so I don't want to choose between Jake Wenta or manofchalk. If anything this thread turned into more of a discussion than it was a question to begin with. Anyways, I wanted any would be readers of this thread to get an idea of what I came up with through my own research after being prompted and through the ideas and advice of much more experienced members of the community.
If you're looking for voltage and clock speed tips and tricks, this is not the thread for you. This was a lot of theoretical water cooling discussion.
Unfortunately the Antec Eleven Hundred is not at all built for custom water cooling in mind, as there is only 'stock' space for a dual 120mm radiator on the side window, or if you want to remove the hdd cage, you can use the front port as a 2nd dual 120mm radiator mounting point.
Several other cases were discussed that are better for custom water cooling loops, Corsair 900D, or 800D, Coolermaster HAF-Stacker, Phanteks Enthoo Primo, Caselabs, or Mountain Mods. Or keeping whatever current case you have, and buying a cheap generic case and gutting it, in order to mod it with all your needed Radiators for a "rad-box"
I've actually decided that I'd like to design a scratch desk build, in the same vein as the L3P Razer Desk or the Cross by Red Harbringer. At some point there may be a build log for it, but honestly I wouldn't hold your breath for too long, as it's pretty much a pipe dream. I've also had a 2nd idea that I've drawn up, a full size tower, trying to correct all the issues I had with other cases, with an aesthetic I like.
I'll be going with as high CFM fans I can get while sticking with low RPM for low noise. These will be used for rad fans for push or pull configurations. Probably from Corsair, Noctua, Cougar, Phantek, or Xigametek. As I already have some Cougars, I may continue the theme, but we shall see. I will be trying for a 'Positive Pressure' build, meaning slightly more intake CFM as opposed to venting CFM, as that will limit the amount of dust and cat hair that can enter my system. Along with a strong recommendation for dust filters and keeping the system up off the floor, particularly carpeted floor.
From what I read, a D5 water pump, specifically the Swiftech MCP655 with variable speed is the best option for a water pump. But keep in mind that pump without a conversion top has 1/2" barbs or G1/4" threading.
Tubing seems to be very much a personal preference, color, wall thickness, material type and the like are all up to each person, though some tubing has a higher chance of stiffening and becoming brittle. I'll likely go with PrimoChill PrimoFlex Advanced LRT 1/2" ID 3/4" OD, color tbd, distilled water and a biocide on the recommendation of Linus from LinusTechTips
Solid Copper CPU blocks keep it the coolest. The Koolance 380i is supposed the best, but the contributors both seem to like the XSPC Raystorm
No real discussion about radiators has occurred beyond copper ones are good, but expensive.
No talks about reservoirs.
No talks about thermal pastes
GPU Water Blocks are very specific to each card, and there could be variations from the reference card, which can result in one block not fitting if you aren't careful.
Choosing between compression fittings and barbed fittings is all personal preference, as they do the same work, but compression fittings are considered a better aesthetic, but cost a bit more.
General brands to look at when looking into water cooling are XSPC, Swiftech, EK, Phobya, Heatkiller, and Alphacool.
US distribution sites to take a look at are FrozenCPU or PerformancePCs
I also like how my edit is longer than my original post.
I'm still deciding on a case, or whether I will try to use my current Antec Eleven Hundred, mod it, or come up with a scratch build.
I know that venturing into watercooling is quite an expensive endevour. This will not occur in the next few weeks, or even the next few months, I plan to slowly accumulate all the parts I need for a good watercooled rig. So honestly the cost isn't really an issue.
I will probably be keeping most of my current parts, but I know of several things I will be upgrading.
I currently have:
Case - Antec Eleven Hundred (NOT the new illusion)
CPU - Core i5 3570k - keeping
MOBO - GIGABYTE GA-Z77-D3H LGA 1155 Intel Z77 - replacing
GPU - EVGA 01G-P3-1460-KR 560 (Fermi) - replacing
RAM - 32 GB (4x8GB) Corsair Vengence DDR3 1600 - keeping
PSU - Corsair Professional Gold AX 750
I plan to replace my 560 with a pair of 7950s or 7970s, once the price drops. Put them in crossfire, and OC the hell out of em, but since I want to do this, I must also keep them cool and I figured I'd also OC that CPU while I'm at it.
I guess my questions boil down to what brands are the best for each of the pieces of a water loop, pump, resevoirs, rad, and so on?
What sites for the US are the best for buying the parts?
Should I get a new case, stick with my Antec Eleven Hundred, mod it, or come up with a scratch build?
Edit: At this point I can't really give a "Best Answer" as I've two incredibly helpful people give me a ton of advice, so I don't want to choose between Jake Wenta or manofchalk. If anything this thread turned into more of a discussion than it was a question to begin with. Anyways, I wanted any would be readers of this thread to get an idea of what I came up with through my own research after being prompted and through the ideas and advice of much more experienced members of the community.
If you're looking for voltage and clock speed tips and tricks, this is not the thread for you. This was a lot of theoretical water cooling discussion.
Unfortunately the Antec Eleven Hundred is not at all built for custom water cooling in mind, as there is only 'stock' space for a dual 120mm radiator on the side window, or if you want to remove the hdd cage, you can use the front port as a 2nd dual 120mm radiator mounting point.
Several other cases were discussed that are better for custom water cooling loops, Corsair 900D, or 800D, Coolermaster HAF-Stacker, Phanteks Enthoo Primo, Caselabs, or Mountain Mods. Or keeping whatever current case you have, and buying a cheap generic case and gutting it, in order to mod it with all your needed Radiators for a "rad-box"
I've actually decided that I'd like to design a scratch desk build, in the same vein as the L3P Razer Desk or the Cross by Red Harbringer. At some point there may be a build log for it, but honestly I wouldn't hold your breath for too long, as it's pretty much a pipe dream. I've also had a 2nd idea that I've drawn up, a full size tower, trying to correct all the issues I had with other cases, with an aesthetic I like.
I'll be going with as high CFM fans I can get while sticking with low RPM for low noise. These will be used for rad fans for push or pull configurations. Probably from Corsair, Noctua, Cougar, Phantek, or Xigametek. As I already have some Cougars, I may continue the theme, but we shall see. I will be trying for a 'Positive Pressure' build, meaning slightly more intake CFM as opposed to venting CFM, as that will limit the amount of dust and cat hair that can enter my system. Along with a strong recommendation for dust filters and keeping the system up off the floor, particularly carpeted floor.
From what I read, a D5 water pump, specifically the Swiftech MCP655 with variable speed is the best option for a water pump. But keep in mind that pump without a conversion top has 1/2" barbs or G1/4" threading.
Tubing seems to be very much a personal preference, color, wall thickness, material type and the like are all up to each person, though some tubing has a higher chance of stiffening and becoming brittle. I'll likely go with PrimoChill PrimoFlex Advanced LRT 1/2" ID 3/4" OD, color tbd, distilled water and a biocide on the recommendation of Linus from LinusTechTips
Solid Copper CPU blocks keep it the coolest. The Koolance 380i is supposed the best, but the contributors both seem to like the XSPC Raystorm
No real discussion about radiators has occurred beyond copper ones are good, but expensive.
No talks about reservoirs.
No talks about thermal pastes
GPU Water Blocks are very specific to each card, and there could be variations from the reference card, which can result in one block not fitting if you aren't careful.
Choosing between compression fittings and barbed fittings is all personal preference, as they do the same work, but compression fittings are considered a better aesthetic, but cost a bit more.
General brands to look at when looking into water cooling are XSPC, Swiftech, EK, Phobya, Heatkiller, and Alphacool.
US distribution sites to take a look at are FrozenCPU or PerformancePCs
I also like how my edit is longer than my original post.
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