Water cooling Questions

Rebnx

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Im new to the whole Liquid cooling thing, I Currently have a Corsair H70, I have ATI 6870s That are Extremly loud. I just ordered a Corsair 800D Case. Im really looking for like a check list of what i should buy, I have a price range from 1-i would say maybe 700 bucks. Or maybe MAYBE a bit more. What would be the best things in my price range to cool my CPU and GPU, Would i need Two Reservoirs? Two Pumps? What Tubing is the best and Coolant? Thanks in Advance for any helpfull info :wahoo:
 

orangejuice789

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Hey Rebnx,

In the sticky at the top of the watercooling forum there are a lot of answers to the questions you may have, you will probably want to check that out.

As far as 2 reservoirs - no i do not think you would want two, if you feel like you want more water running through your system, just get one bigger res.

Two pumps- this question is a little trickier, depending on how much restriction you want to have on your loop (GPU's, CPU's, etc.) you may want to run 2 pumps in serial, you will most likely be able to get away with one solid pump though. Maybe someone else here can elaborate on this...

Best Tubing- as far as tubing goes, there is not a huge difference between the different sizes lots of people run 1/2" although 716" is common for people with barb fittings... its really a matter of preference.

Coolant- Distilled water and some PT_Nuke or a killcoil is best. (and cheapest)

A good rule of thumb for radiator space is that you want to put in 240mm of rad space for every part you want to cool. You may want to check out reviews done on various Radiators at skinneelabs.com
 

Rebnx

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Well im going to go with ONE big Reservoir, And just one good pump. I seen alot of Vids on youtube of people using one of each to do the CPU and both GPUs. I hope i can do this cheap enough : (
 

Not always a good idea to take a buddies advice.
High FPI rads need high cfm ( aka noisy ) fans to give you the best performance, you could get an MCR320 (cheaper) and use lower speed ( aka quieter ) fans for the same performance.
You seem to be looking to fast track the experience, it would serve you better to slow down and try to learn a little about watercooling, beyond " Hey what should I get "
 

Rebnx

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Well then, Like i said i have no experience with Liquid Cooling. This is the only time ill have the cash to get this done. If you could, Could you post me some links of what i should exactly buy to get this done the right and correct way? that way i dont waste 700bucks ><
 

rubix_1011

Contributing Writer
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Sigh...more people posting they are getting BIX rads.

OK...here we go.

1. I don't see a pump in your list.
2. Ditch the coolant- distilled only + biocide and/or killcoil. If you want color, get colored tubing.
3. I doubt you really want a BIX rad. If you do, please validate the reasons.

You seem to be looking to fast track the experience, it would serve you better to slow down and try to learn a little about watercooling, beyond "Hey what should I get"

Sounds like something I would say. :)

Rebnx- I put together a sticky at the top of the watercooling forum for this exact reason; people who are wanting to watercool but may not have all the info quite down, yet. It has answers to all of these questions and many, many more. Please take a look at the info posted there...it isn't just stuff I have, a huge amount is a compilation of many other people on many forums. The info and links are some of the best and most informative for almost any question, topic or situation you can think of that pertains to watercooling. If there is something you don't understand after reading through the sticky (which I actually think is impossible due to how many cross-referenced links exist in there with other forums and stickies), let us know- we are glad to help; but we also ask that you also come in with the intention of learning, as well.
If you could, Could you post me some links of what i should exactly buy to get this done the right and correct way? that way i dont waste 700bucks ><

This is possible, but we really don't know what you are needing or what your expectations are now and long-term. Are you in a huge rush to spend this much money without knowing what you are getting? I wouldn't buy a new LCD TV without research...$700 on watercooling would be kind of the same concept. Again, I think maybe you aren't grasping how much attention and understanding needs to take place to really grasp what you are doing. Because, in all honesty....these kinds of people are also the same ones within 2 weeks that come back complaining about their pump dying because they didn't correctly prime it and ran it dry or had a leak because they didn't leak test...or used pliers to wrench down fittings and the acrylic on the blocks cracked...and their gear is wasted. Don't be that guy.
 

Rebnx

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Well heres the real situation, im trying to figure out all what i need to buy, Im trying to get all the right stuff ordered for my fiance for his birthday, Me and his friend want to get him the stuff he needs to do this. He doesnt know anything of whats going on, He knows how to put it all together and the right way, He has done it on his old PC. But i dont want to ask him what to order, i kinda want to surprise him in a way. So thats why im trying to get like a check list of what i exactly need to order that will be complete in his setup,
This is the specs of his PC Currently

AMD Phenom 2 Quadcore 975 OC @4.4Ghz

MSI 890FXA-GD70 Mobo

VisionTech ATI 6870 Crossfire

Corsair Obsidian 800D

He only wants his CPU and his GPU's Liquid cooled. I have a limit of 800.00 i can spend do order this stuff for him. Thats why i dont want to get the wrong stuff :*(

Only thing i know he wants is a nice bay reservoir that has red coolant and red tubing to go with his black/Red theme of his PC.
 

You're a hell of a woman ;)
Could have mentioned this earlier.
 

Rebnx

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I think i remember him Mentioning That he wanted to keep a large radiator inside the top of his case, or behind the case, But i dont really know or understand that lol. Whatever will work good and make him happy and stay in my budget of 800Bucks, His bday is coming up, I want to have all this on the desk for him when he gets home from over seas. :)
 

rubix_1011

Contributing Writer
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But i dont want to ask him what to order, i kinda want to surprise him in a way. So thats why im trying to get like a check list of what i exactly need to order that will be complete in his setup

Ah, ok. This makes sense then.

$45 reservoir: (for use with the pump below-it gets installed inside): http://www.performance-pcs.com/cata...roduct_info&cPath=59_318_665&products_id=3542
$110 pump (best you can get right now): http://www.performance-pcs.com/cata...e=product_info&cPath=59_201&products_id=29201
$72 CPU block: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/7...11561366939940754AM2AM2AM3.html?tl=g30c85s139
$100 x2 GPU blocks: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/1...l_EK-FC6870-NickelAcetal.html?tl=g30c309s1349
$80 x2 radiators http://www.performance-pcs.com/cata...t_info&cPath=59_457_667_668&products_id=26777
$2.75 per foot tubing (prob need 5-8 ft): http://www.frozencpu.com/products/7..._Anti-Kink_Tubing_-_UV_Red.html?tl=g30c99s172
$6 killcoil http://www.petrastechshop.com/sikibyia.html

You'll also need to consider fans...you'd need 6x. These are pretty decent for the price $7/each: http://www.petrastechshop.com/12scsysstcaf3.html

Looking at a total around $660 without shipping. Of course, these are from a few different sites, so you'd have to add shipping. Also need to consider fittings or barbs for all this...make sure to consider how many:

2x - CPU block
2x for each GPU block; 4 total
2x for the reservoir

You'd need to decide which size...1/2" ID is the most common, 3/8 is also common but you have to get the same sized tubing as the barbs, so double check your order. Barbs are usually $1-3 each...compression fittings can run $5-$15 each.

I just threw this together quickly...some of the other guys might be able to find some better prices on some stuff or recommend part swaps.

Guys...let's get this put together for the lady...she's a hell of a woman to go through all this for her guy...let's take off the gloves and get her what she needs.
 

rubix_1011

Contributing Writer
Moderator
1/2" ID is pretty common for most people, but if there isn't a lot a space, you can run 3/8"ID tubing and you wouldn't see any performance degradation.

Outside of the list I posted, you'd only need to pick up distilled water...$1 per gallon at your local grocery store. :) There are of course many options for each component listed, so we'll work to get you a good list for your budget without getting you anything you don't need.

 

Rebnx

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Thanks! :) So would i only need to get these fittings? Or any other type of fitting, I know the space he has to do this. His case is massive and he has everything tight together and every single wire hidden, i can only see one. So i would think he would have alot of room. He also has another case if need be, His current case is the Corsair obsidian 800D. He LOVES it. His old case is the Coolermaster haf x. He just likes the new one because its more open i guess. He always complains about wires. i remember him sitting at the desk moving everything around for 8-10 hours at a time.

But as of this list. If i ordered everything you had put down, This would be everything he would need to put it all together and have it working when he gets home?
 

rubix_1011

Contributing Writer
Moderator
Agree with the pump from Jab-tech...not sure about the res, but the one they have there for the add-on is cheaper. However, I do know that the res used as the add-on from Jab-tech has been known to have issues if you get one of the first run ones...the newer ones don't have issues.

Agree with tubing...FrozenCPU also has Primoflex LRT. A good alternative to Feser and Tygon.

Rads- we might want to consider that Rebnx wants this to be a high-end build...but to be honest, Swiftech rads would be a decent choice. I simply chose the EK ones since they perform closer to the XSPC RX, Thermochill PA and Feser rads but are somewhat cheaper than those. Whereas the MCR Swiftech rads perform like the XSPC RS rads and priced to be more budget friendly. Don't get me wrong, the MCR320's perform admirably...I run 2 of them on my rig.

Want to keep a running list?
 

Rebnx

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I want to get the best i can for my money :) I know he has put alot of money into his computer, i think around 2000+ So i would like to try to get what i can for him to make him happy.i found some nice fans for 15 bucks a piece.

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/11637/fan-745/Aerocool_Shark_Black_Edition_120mm_x_25mm_High_Air_Pressure_Fan.html

Would they do the job ?

Aslong as this list is pretty much everything i need, Except the water i will go ahead and order everything So i can try to have it all by Tuesday. He gets home Thursday Afternoon and will want to put it together later on that night :)
 

orangejuice789

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Good call on the rads, I just figured they arent too far off from the better ones and you can get 2 for the price of 1 EK, and the price/performance ratio is much better...


@ OP- I would also like to note that if you choose to go with the Rads that rubix mentioned you may want to stick with the pump from performance pcs as the shipping costs may outweigh the price difference.

Another thing you may want to pick up are some clamps for your barb fittings.

http://www.jab-tech.com/Plastic-Tubing-Clamps-Black-pr-3522.html

or if you stick with the performance pc parts...

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=59_953_298&products_id=22476

Fans!
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/9301/fan-577/Cooler_Master_SickleFlow_120x25mm_Super_Silent_Fan_-_Red_LED_-_R4-L2R-20AR-R1.html?tl=g36c15s60

probably a better choice due to red leds, faster RPM and push more air, also cheaper.
 

Rebnx

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Ok So i Got,

Everything that Rub Said.

Except for
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/8675/ex-tub-467/25_Meter_8_feet_Feser_Tube_Active_UV_Hose_-_Retail_Packed_-_12_ID_34OD_Anti-Kink_Tubing_-_UV_Red.html

I got this tube x2 just to be safe lol.

Some extra 1.2 Barb i ordered 18

And i know he has Strong Automotive Clamps That will fit around the fittings in the garage that you use pliers to open and close, I remember him using them on his old PC, because i had to run to the parts store to buy them lol.

After Shipping and tax etc, It came to 811.29$ Close enough :)


Now one thing im curious about myself, I was watching Videos on youtube of people who love to Overclock and do serious Gaming, They all really said to use Very good Fan systems over Liquid cooling, How come? Im just trying to understand it a little more myself.
 

rubix_1011

Contributing Writer
Moderator
Radiators, 2x http://www.performance-pcs.com/cata...t_info&cPath=59_457_667_668&products_id=26777
Bay reservoir http://www.performance-pcs.com/cata...roduct_info&cPath=59_318_665&products_id=3542
Tubing, 1/2"ID http://www.jab-tech.com/PrimoFlex-Pro-LRT-UV-Red-Tubing-1-2in.-ID-X-3-4in.-OD-pr-4117.html
Pump http://www.jab-tech.com/Swiftech-MCP35X-12V-DC-Pump-pr-4750.html
CPU block http://www.frozencpu.com/products/7...11561366939940754AM2AM2AM3.html?tl=g30c85s139
GPU blocks, 2x http://www.frozencpu.com/products/7...11561366939940754AM2AM2AM3.html?tl=g30c85s139
Killcoil (to prevent stuff from growing...like algae) http://www.petrastechshop.com/sikibyia.html
Fans, x6 http://www.petrastechshop.com/12scsysstcaf3.html

You can go with the fans you listed, but they are about 2x as expensive. They would likely work just fine...it's your choice.

As for fittings or barbs...that's a tough choice. It kind of depends on the layout and what he decides he prefers in the looks. If you go with barbs, they are pretty straight forward...almost all are simply straight and the tubing slides over with clamps to hold tight. http://www.frozencpu.com/cat/l3/g30...Cooling-Fittings-Barbs-12_ID_Barbs-Page1.html
Compression fittings are more expensive and come in straight, 45 and 90 degrees as well as some rotary designs as well. You kind of have to know how you want your loop to be setup to know what you'll need. This also goes for the GPU blocks...they have ports on either side so you can determine the best way to route the tubing. Trust me, if someone was buying me gear like this and I needed to order a couple of fittings to finish the build...I'd be ecstatic over all the goodies.

Wow...I took longer than I thought to type that. Good call delluser1 on the SLI bridge fitting; not required, but makes life easier for $11.

Those EK rads aren't quite as thick as RX rads, but still thicker than RS and MCR's.
 

Rebnx

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Ok now that I have everything I need. His friend wants to get him something aswell for his pc. Weather it be a hardware upgrade or a cool add-on. He will list the specs of my fiances pc. Amd ii x4 975 phenom msi 890 Mobo 8gigs of 1600mghz ocz 700watt psu corsair ati 6870s any ideas, and I want to thank you guys so much for helping me get this done for him :)