Where do I start with water cooling? (Specs in description)

[drewbrooks]

Okay guys, I've never been disappointed on here, so lemme give this a shot.
Been making a few changes to my computer recently, and decided that I want to start doing some extra overclocking. I want to start using liquid cooling in my system, but I'm not sure what to buy. I have looked into closed loop coolers, because I don't find it necessary to have an open loop in my build (However I am open to change my mind). I just want to find the most efficient option. The points that I care most about are

-Best temps
-Aesthetically pleasing
-Noise level

In that order.
The build I want this to go in is-
CPU - i7-3770k
MOBO - Asrock z77 extreme4
GPU - AMD 7870 (Asus)
RAM - Ripjaws X 4x4

If I need to include the rest of the build, I will. But I figure this is all that is affected by my question.

 

[lazyboy947]

I would go with the Swiftech H220x/240x. Which has a standard cpu waterblock what one would buy for a custom loop, a nice pump, and res, that makes the system expandable later on but in a closed loop form out of the box. Thats if u want to expand later for a gpu etc. My H220x cools my i7 5820k OC no problem really quiet with great temps. I would of went with the h240x but it wasnt out lol.

If u want performance for your dollar the Enermax Liqtech 240 is a very solid choice, good price, good performance and great build quality.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3fWYb_8mRQ - great review here using a 4770k

 

[i7Baby]

Posting your complete build would help. What case does this stuff have to fit in? What graphics cards have you got in it? Just doing the CPU?

Best temps and aesthetics - custom cooling. But expensive. Say $400 just for the CPU. $600 for CPU and a GPU.

Best noise levels - air cooling eg Noctua.

 

[drewbrooks]

Oh wups, actually just forgot the case, its a HAF XB Evo.
I was considering the noctua, but I honestly just find it to be an eyesore in most situations.
I'm currently researching the Liqtech 240

 

[i7Baby]

A lot of people change the fans on the Noctua because they don't like the baby poo color.

Graphics card(s)? power supply? Drives? All this has to fit in your case with what ever else you want to add.

Your case -
● Top: 200mm fan x 1 (optional)
● Front: 120mm XtraFlo fan x 2, 1200 RPM, 17 dBA (installed), or 140mm fan x 2 (optional) <----- so I gather you want to put a 240 or 280mm rad here
● Rear: 120mm fan x 1, or 80mm fan x 2 (optional)

 

[drewbrooks]

A lot of people change the fans on the Noctua because they don't like the baby poo color.

Graphics card(s)? power supply? Drives? All this has to fit in your case with what ever else you want to add.

Your case -
● Top: 200mm fan x 1 (optional)
● Front: 120mm XtraFlo fan x 2, 1200 RPM, 17 dBA (installed), or 140mm fan x 2 (optional) <----- so I gather you want to put a 240 or 280mm rad here
● Rear: 120mm fan x 1, or 80mm fan x 2 (optional)

You gathered correctly, I planned on mounting a rad on the front. However the case hasn't arrived yet, all of this is currently in a haf 912 (Irrelevant), and I haven't really plotted out the space.
I have
1x Optical Drive
2x 3.5" HDD
1x 2.5" SSD
OCZ 700 watt PSU
1x Asus 7870 ~12" (Will probably buy 2 R9 3??'s when the 300 series comes out)

 

[lazyboy947]

would a standard clc reach the cpu socket from there? on some the tubing is short, i mean i will probably fit just look into it.

 

[drewbrooks]

Yes, the way the motherboard fits into the case leaves the socket only inches away from where I plan to mount the rad

 

[i7Baby]

Similar build - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVnkn6sYQZw

 

[lazyboy947]

I just saw the HAF naming and totally overlooked the XB portion, yes most clcs would work, other than the H220x etc as i think the rad palcement with the pump and res etc, is a no no if i remember the swiftech manual correctly