X61 died... Moving to AIO or custom - need help

[HiP0WER]

Hey all,

My Kraken x61 died this past weekend, not sure why.

I'm RMAing it, but god only knows how long that will take.

Wanted to get some insight on getting an EKWB EK-Kit (x/p)360 or running a custom loop instead.

Current setup:
Case: Enthoo Pro
CPU: 5820k
GPU: Zotac Amp 980ti

What would the cost difference be in running a custom loop versus getting an AIO from EKWB, and would it be worth going custom?

I'm pretty sure it will fit, but would the 64mm radiator fit in my case?

Really looking for some strong feedback here, as I'm extremely dissatisfied with NZXT's customer service and quality - my x61 was only ~15 months old and is only really used on the weekends (sad).

Thank you!!

 

[Chugalug_]

EK have a custom configurator on their site which will help you out, get serial water flow.
A 360 mil is the most I recommend.

 

[HiP0WER]

EK have a custom configurator on their site which will help you out, get serial water flow.
A 360 mil is the most I recommend.

Just went through the customization, and it is recommending a 240.

I'm looking for a 360, so not sure that it was helpful.

Alas, I appreciate your attempt at helping, but you weren't able to answer my questions.

 

[Chugalug_]

I can't give you an exact number since EK region locks my prices to AUD since it detects that, but its about $150 difference for CPU, a bit more if you're doing GPUs, about $300 extra then, plus another $100 for a second GPU block.

 

[HiP0WER]

I can't give you an exact number since EK region locks my prices to AUD since it detects that, but its about $150 difference for CPU, a bit more if you're doing GPUs, about $300 extra then, plus another $100 for a second GPU block.

So - essentially I'm better off picking up a (p/x)360 kit and using that versus custom, right?

Sorry for the next few questions:

Will the 60mm radiator fit in the Enthoo Pro?

Am I better off getting the p360 or x360? It's a ~15$ difference

If I do go with an AIO kit, will I be able to add a GPU cooler to it when I upgrade my 980ti to a 1080ti?

Thank you so much!

 

[Chugalug_]

64mm??
Why?
The X360 is fine for you, should do better too.
You can expand EK's predator AIOs with GPUs through quick disconnect, but the pump is often a little under-equipped to handle both well.
You can add a prefilled GPU block and attach it, but it's a very annoying process.

 

[HiP0WER]

64mm??
Why?
The X360 is fine for you, should do better too.
You can expand EK's predator AIOs with GPUs through quick disconnect, but the pump is often a little under-equipped to handle both well.
You can add a prefilled GPU block and attach it, but it's a very annoying process.

Sorry, updated the post. It's a 60mm, for some reason I thought it was 64mm.

I think I'm going to just upgrade my Enthoo Pro to an Enthoo Luxe and get the X360.

When I get the RMA'd x61, I'll just sell it for half rice or something.

Note: You're saying the EK-DDC 3.2 PWM Elite Edition pump is underpowered? What would you recommend instead?

 

[Chugalug_]

Don't upgrade your case, and don't get a 60mm radiator, i've never even heard of that tbh, 60mm would be tiny, not to mention the fan size.
Are you sure that's not a typo?
360mm? xD
No worries.

 

[HiP0WER]

Don't upgrade your case, and don't get a 60mm radiator, i've never even heard of that tbh, 60mm would be tiny, not to mention the fan size.
Are you sure that's not a typo?
360mm? xD
No worries.

This is what I'm looking at: https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-kit-x360

The radiator is 60mm tall (360mm) long

 

[Chugalug_]

Oh, you meant height lol.
That's fine.
Here's a better pump.
https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-xres-140-ddc-3-2-pwm-elite-incl-pump

 

[HiP0WER]

Oh, you meant height lol.
That's fine.
Here's a better pump.
https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-xres-140-ddc-3-2-pwm-elite-incl-pump

From the stats sheets comparing the pump that's included in the x360 AIO kit (https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-xtop-ddc-3-2-pwm-elite-plexi-incl-pump) and the pump that you linked (https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-xres-140-ddc-3-2-pwm-elite-incl-pump) the performance is identical. Or am I missing something?

 

[Chugalug_]

It can't push as much water as well which is the primary issue with a longer loop.

 

[HiP0WER]

It can't push as much water as well which is the primary issue with a longer loop.

Sorry - are you saying theres a longer loop in the x360 kit because the reservoir and pump are separate?

 

[Chugalug_]

No, because you said you planned to add a GPU.

 

[mdd1963]

A little perspective--

Better than 2/3rds of the good to decent radiator/AIO/H20 crowd can't keep temps as low as the Noctua NH-D15...which, by the way, can barely even be heard when the case is open, and can't be heard at all with the case covers on....

 

[Chugalug_]

As someone who- two days a week works with that thing on an open test bench for 8 hours straight next to them, I can say that it is most definitely not that quiet, although it IS quiet. Most decent AIOs are within a few degrees of the D15 at the $100 price point, and look more aesthetically pleasing which is the main attraction point of water cooling, it's a good cooler, but it's also overpriced for what it offers and huge in terms of size.

 

[mdd1963]

Hope we don't need a statistical analysis of the number of 'my CPU temps suddenly skyrocketed' help threads as pertains to the reliability of the good old fashioned shoe-box size of the NH-D15 vs. the assorted Liquid pumpers...

I'd guess I read an average of 10-15 of the 'did my liquid cooling system's pump die?' type of threads per day even here...' not saying all are lucky to last 3 years, but,...if I were a betting man....I'd wager problems to appear on an AIO/liquid long before on the old school Noctua.

 

[Chugalug_]

You think?
One's a hunk of metal with a fan slapped on it, one's plastic tubing with water and a pump, the AIO will probably start to have issues around the 5-6 year mark at which stage you should replace it, but again, the whole reason AIOs are a thing is aesthetic, you have to respect the fact not everyone wants a beige aluminium slab in their PC.
I can tell you right now that the long life milk in my cupboard is going to last longer than the fresh one, but they're different products with different purposes.

 

[HiP0WER]

I'd have to agree with Chugalug here..

I originally went with the Kraken x61 for a few reasons, mainly because it was smaller, and at the time one of the best coolers you could buy.

For as little as I run my rig, I was surprised that it crashed one day.. and when I could finally get into BIOS my CPU cores were all at 105'c.

I'm still waiting to RMA, which is why I want to buy something that will last longer, is more powerful, and gives me options to add.

 

[HiP0WER]

You think?
One's a hunk of metal with a fan slapped on it, one's plastic tubing with water and a pump, the AIO will probably start to have issues around the 5-6 year mark at which stage you should replace it, but again, the whole reason AIOs are a thing is aesthetic, you have to respect the fact not everyone wants a beige aluminium slab in their PC.
I can tell you right now that the long life milk in my cupboard is going to last longer than the fresh one, but they're different products with different purposes.

Hey Chug - another question for you.

I'm leaning more towards the P360 (https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-kit-p360) AIO because the Radiator is only 38mm tall, instead of 60mm. It allows me much more wiggle room, and the opportunity to run Push/Pull if I want.

Does this kit look alright, or is the pump still a weak point if I wanted to add my GPU later on?

 

[Chugalug_]

That's a much better choice if you plan to add in a GPU, more expandable.
Go for it.