Advice needed on current shopping basket

U

untitledrich

New member
Hey Guys

I am new to watercooling but I think I have done my research.

I originally opted for the EK-KIT H3O 360 HFX kit. But realised I wanted a future proof loop. I started adding a different rad, then realised the pump might be a bit weak if I were to upgrade later... blah blah blah..

I am going to be just cooling the CPU at the moment until I can get my hands on a cpu block and motherboard block.

I have attached photos of a list for you guys to have a look at and tell me what I need and don't need.

If you all don't mind...suggestions would be awesome.

ScreenShot2012-07-31at235112.png

ScreenShot2012-07-31at235126.png
 
It's ok...

You should probably look at changing the hose. The cheap XSPC stuff isnt the best.
For the price, you're better off getting the XSPC Raystorm WB, as it's oine of the best blocks around, and EK blocks can have issues with the nickel plating.

Other than that, it looks alright, but you may want to spend a little bit more to get the 60mm thick XSPC RX360 if it will fit in your case.

If you do choose to go with EK blocks - be aware they will not honour warranties unless you use EK fluid (although you can tell them you've used EK fluid anyway) but still because of this, and their general awkwardness in support, you're better off goingwith XSPC blocks, as they're better anyway
 
jamesriley94 said:
It's ok...

You should probably look at changing the hose. The cheap XSPC stuff isnt the best.
For the price, you're better off getting the XSPC Raystorm WB, as it's oine of the best blocks around, and EK blocks can have issues with the nickel plating.

Other than that, it looks alright, but you may want to spend a little bit more to get the 60mm thick XSPC RX360 if it will fit in your case.

If you do choose to go with EK blocks - be aware they will not honour warranties unless you use EK fluid (although you can tell them you've used EK fluid anyway) but still because of this, and their general awkwardness in support, you're better off goingwith XSPC blocks, as they're better anyway
Click to expand...

Wow thanks for the quick reply, I thought I would have to wait till morning for this reply LOL.

Yea okay I'll swap the block to the Raystorm block, it is a lovely looking block.

Is the RX360 really that highly rated? I'm guessing the thicker the rad the better heat dissipation?

I have a nzxt switch 810 matte black on the way. Will it fit with a push/pull config on it?

Another thing I wanted to ask on the OP was what fans should I go for?

  1. Scythe Gentle Typhoon 1850
  2. Reeven Coldwing 120 2000rpm (106cfm)
  3. Noctua NF-P12
 
The Scythes from that list. Although IMO they do produce a whiney kind of noise. Perhaps consider NF-F12s from Noctua, over the P12s.

The RX360s are very good yes, but you will not be able to run push/pull - but this only saves like 2 degrees anyway, so it really isnt necessary. Far better to just go for the thicker rad with single fans than a thinner rad with push pull.

Also, I'd be happy running a graphics card as well on the RX360 - whereas I'd be more dubious on the HW Labs rad.

Can I ask why you're going for compression fittings too?
 
Reallly???? I don't have to do a push pull??? AWESOME!

Haha. I am scared that it might leak. I know mr Logan hates em, is that the general thing to hate em? Shall I just use barbs? Which ones would you advise to get on the specialtech website?
 
He hates them because they look a mess, and you dont really need anything on tighter.

The tubes will stay on fine in general use oin barbs, and if you transport the case, consider hose clamps - or the cheaper option - cable ties...

The barbs depend on how much you want to spend really. I did my mates a few weeks ago, using:
http://www.specialtech.co.uk/spshop...s-for-12-ID-Tubing--Deep-Black-pid-14260.html with 7/16th hose. I understand those are out of stock, so maybe: http://www.specialtech.co.uk/spshop...Tubing-Matt-Black--BP-MBWP-C01-pid-11248.html

They're considerably cheaper than your compression fitting list too.

As for hose, http://www.specialtech.co.uk/spshop...D---58-OD-11-16mm-Tubing--Clear-pid-5397.html will do fine
 
cheers dude. They are a lot more cheaper! I was just having a look at some of the premixed stuff.

Is that all i need for fluids? I've seen Biocides and additives? what the hell are they? do I need to invest in them?
 
Not really no. You need to change your coolant every 6 months (ish) anyway, and if you do this and drain the loop etc, it should eliminate any build up of algae or similar.
 
Looks good to me. Any reason as to not getting a bay res? The new black XSPC one for the D5 is really good, and will make for a tidier loop. Up to you though
 
IMO you should buy compression fittings if you think they look better, I like the look of compression fittings over just barbs. Especially these monsoon fittings:
10578d1328882841-monsoon-compression-fittings-aifeifcd.jpg

blue-01.jpg



EDIT: I don't get everybodys obsession with Scythe fans, they're loud and make that weird whine sound.
 
jamesriley94 said:
Looks good to me. Any reason as to not getting a bay res? The new black XSPC one for the D5 is really good, and will make for a tidier loop. Up to you though
Click to expand...

I think it aesthetically it looks nice? I wanted to free up my bays.

@lollipop what fans do you recommend? I think the Noctua's are really overpriced. I was thinking of investing in reeven coldwings but I havent seen them around enough to trust them? maybe I should test them out and see?
 
Well if they're cheap, sure you could go ahead and test. I haven't used anything else than Noctua and stock fans that come with various cases, but i am going to test the new Corsair fans. Can't really give you any advise other than Noctua works. :p

EDIT: Needless to say, I've also tested the Scythe fans.
 
Last edited:
okay wicked, found a pretty good deal on ebay for them. £8.49 each. I just bought 6 to try out the push pull. What programs do I need for testing out stuff? (Sorry REAL noob here)
 
I agree about the scythe fans 'whining'. At full whack they are quieter than others IMO. But they keep their whine even when at 5v which ruins it a little for me
 
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