First (EPIC) water cooled build - THIN ICE

[absolutelymods]

Hi guys,

I am in the process of purchasing components for my up and coming build called, "Thin Ice." In the coming weeks I will be adding all my proposed components to this log. Some of you have already been helping me on this so thank you so much and it was suggested to create a build log rather than post in different threads throughout the site. That makes sense, I have just been so busy, time has just got the better of me.

This is going to be a real challenge for me as I am a complete rookie with PC's, Water Cooling and really everything related to this build. The build itself will not be salting for a while but I am purchasing components weekly, which I will be logging here. Due to my position in the let's say 'pecking order' and what I mean by this is, well I am a COMPLETE n00b, I really am relying on any assistance I can get.

I have joined this site only a very recently and must say am loving every minute of it. So just before I go into the proposed parts for this build, I want you guys to know that these parts have all be chosen for silence, performance and aesthetics. I am still open to suggestions as some of you know only unless I have already ordered and / or collected the item.

PROPOSED COMPONENTS :

Case Labs TH10
Intel 4960x (if they don't come out with an upgrade)
Rampage 4 Extreme Black (if they don't come out with an upgrade)
64 Gig Dominator Platinum RAM
2 x GPU (dunno which yet)
EK Waterblocks Mobo, RAM, CPU and GPU
Dual D5's With full Bitspower Dual mod kit plus Upgrade 250mm Res (To be included in my flow, hope that makes sense to you guys)
3 x 480 Alphacool Rads 60mm
1 x 480 Alphacool Rad 30mm
37 x Noise Blocker ELoop 120mm B12-PS or BSP PL-PS (or if someone can suggest me something better)
Corsair AX 1200i (or maybe the EVGA 1500 plus watt one) dunno yet
All Bitspower Black Sparkle fittings, rotaries, snakes, extenders etc. etc.
Aquaero 6 (with block and accessories)
White LEDs, X stations, LED station
EK 12mm ID / 16mm OD hard tubing
EK Hard Tube black nickel fittings 12mm / 16mm
Mayhem Pastel White
Custom cables heat shrink less sleeving in white

PURCHASED COMPONENTS

Case Labs TH10
Dual D5's With full Bitspower Dual mod kit plus Upgrade 250mm Res (To be included in my flow, hope that makes sense to you guys)
1 x 480mm 60mm RAD
Several Black Sparkle fittings
EK Hard Tube black nickel fittings 12mm / 16mm
EK 12mm ID / 16mm OD hard tubing

So sometime in the next couple of days I will be posting some photos and eventually some some video footage (you will have to excuse the amateur nature of these) of me well sort of unboxing some components.
Apart from that, I look forward to noting everything down, having heaps of fun, and hopefully not blowing anything or anyone up in the process.

 

[Kaapstad]

Some suggestions

Don't buy a 4960X, get a 4930k. Both CPUs have the same performance when overclocked.

If you don't really need 64gb of ram, go for 4 x 4gb (16gb) which is more than enough for most things. If you want to do any benching, 16gb of RAM with tight timings is much better.

Don't water cool the mother board, it's a waste of time and you won't get any better performance unless you cool the back of the mobo as well. Even then you may not get any extra performance.

Don't water cool the Corsair Dominator Platinums, the stock cooling looks good and works well.

If you want two of the best GPUs, then the GTX 780ti's spring to mind.

Concentrate on water cooling the CPU and GPUs only.

Don't buy an EVGA 1500 PSU, the reviewers seem to like it but it is a dog, I know I have got one (horrible cables, flimsy handle at the back and noisy).

The Corsair 1200i is not the best PSU in the world but it is ok for two cards and a Hexcore CPU.

Have a look at Monsoon fittings, your fingers will thank you.

 

[absolutelymods]

Some suggestions

Don't buy a 4960X, get a 4930k. Both CPUs have the same performance when overclocked.

Yes you are correct, at the start of my quest for components, I figured the most expensive would be the best but after looking at the specs, the 4930k will not only save me $$ but allow me to do the same OCing as the x.

If you don't really need 64gb of ram, go for 4 x 4gb (16gb) which is more than enough for most things. If you want to do any benching, 16gb of RAM with tight timings is much better.

I was thinking at least the 32g as this will be a work station as well as a gaming rig. On that point, I also figured, get the 64 now and not have to upgrade. Dunno??

Don't water cool the mother board, it's a waste of time and you won't get any better performance unless you cool the back of the mobo as well. Even then you may not get any extra performance.

So the MOBO is purely for aesthetics. And can you elaborate on the cooling of the back of theMOBO please??

Don't water cool the Corsair Dominator Platinums, the stock cooling looks good and works well.

I was wondering about that, as they seem pretty cool with the stock cooling. Can you tell me if yo had the option of getting the Dominator Platinum with stock cooling or another Corsair maybe the Vengeance and Water Cooling it, which would you go for??

If you want two of the best GPUs, then the GTX 780ti's spring to mind.

Yep that's what I thought. Tell me I heard of a new GPU called Haswell or something, or the 750. Is this better than the 780ti (x 2 for now)

Concentrate on water cooling the CPU and GPUs only.

Don't buy an EVGA 1500 PSU, the reviewers seem to like it but it is a dog, I know I have got one (horrible cables, flimsy handle at the back and noisy).

The Corsair 1200i is not the best PSU in the world but it is ok for two cards and a Hexcore CPU.

I may not have mentioned this but I will be getting all custom cables and this will include GPU, fans, the lot. But in terms of your comments, thank you. My main choice was the Corsair AX1200i, but when I get the other 2 GPU's I may need 2 x 1200i's. Do you have any other suggestions on this?

Have a look at Monsoon fittings, your fingers will thank you.

Yep I know what you mean, it's just I am sort of way too deep to buy anything other than Bitspower. That and I love their range. Only thing is I have had to get EK fittings to join the hard tubing 12mm/16mm as Bitspower only have the Crystal Link stuff. Not bad thought they match quite well.

 

[Hanoverfist]

Good luck to you

 

[Kaapstad]

I was thinking at least the 32g as this will be a work station as well as a gaming rig. On that point, I also figured, get the 64 now and not have to upgrade. Dunno??

The more RAM you use the lower the speed you can run it at, it is a case of trial and error though as to how strong the integrated memory controller on the CPU is.

So the MOBO is purely for aesthetics. And can you elaborate on the cooling of the back of theMOBO please??

For normal use watercooling the mobo is mainly for looks, if you are going to be using the system as a workstation and you feel that you will get a lot of heat build up in the case there may be some merit in it. The pro benchers will use a small air fan to cool the VRMs on the back of the mobo around the CPU socket, even if you watercool the front the back will still get hot without some sort of cooling causing the CPU to throttle in extreme overclocking situations. This will happen when the CPU approaches 5.0ghz.

I was wondering about that, as they seem pretty cool with the stock cooling. Can you tell me if yo had the option of getting the Dominator Platinum with stock cooling or another Corsair maybe the Vengeance and Water Cooling it, which would you go for??

I am a big fan of the Corsair Dominator Platinums, I use the 16gb 2400mhz 9-11-11-31 kit tuned down to 9-11-11-25 1T 96, even at that speed and timings they don't get that hot. For a workstation as you said above, you will be using 32gb or 64gb which means lower speed/looser timings. If you use Platinums for this you could be paying through the nose for looks (assuming you don't watercool them) and maybe better off with the Vengeance or some other memory watercooled. You need to take more advice from people who build workstations.

Yep that's what I thought. Tell me I heard of a new GPU called Haswell or something, or the 750. Is this better than the 780ti (x 2 for now)

Haswell is a range of CPUs. NVidia have a new range of GPUs called Maxwell, we won't see the performance ones based on 20nm until late this year. There will be some budget Maxwell GPUs based on 28nm coming onto the market very soon but these are aimed at the low end of the market.

At the moment the fastest GPU available is the GTX 780ti, there is a Titan Black which NVidia may launch soon but info is still sketchy. If/when it does show up it will be based on the GK110 chip the same as the GTX780, 780ti and Titan. It will also probably have 6gb of vram the same as the old Titan. As to raw performance it won't be much different to the 780ti.

I may not have mentioned this but I will be getting all custom cables and this will include GPU, fans, the lot. But in terms of your comments, thank you. My main choice was the Corsair AX1200i, but when I get the other 2 GPU's I may need 2 x 1200i's. Do you have any other suggestions on this?

With the 1500w EVGA PSU custom cables are out unless you do them yourself. It also depends on how many cards you plan on using, I use the EVGA 1500w PSU with four Titan's and when everything is overclocked it is getting near it's limits. I would not use this PSU with four 780ti's which draw even more power when overclocked.

The 1200i is ok but not the best PSU on the market (my 3970X and three 290Xs overclocked were too much for one). If you get a case like the 900D you can fit two of them though. You also get the option to use custom cable kits in a range of different colours.

Yep I know what you mean, it's just I am sort of way too deep to buy anything other than Bitspower. That and I love their range. Only thing is I have had to get EK fittings to join the hard tubing 12mm/16mm as Bitspower only have the Crystal Link stuff. Not bad thought they match quite well.

 

[absolutelymods]

The more RAM you use the lower the speed you can run it at, it is a case of trial and error though as to how strong the integrated memory controller on the CPU is.

Hmmmm as I am a beginner, this is something I need to look into as I just assumed more RAM better faster system!!

For normal use watercooling the mobo is mainly for looks, if you are going to be using the system as a workstation and you feel that you will get a lot of heat build up in the case there may be some merit in it. The pro benchers will use a small air fan to cool the VRMs on the back of the mobo around the CPU socket, even if you watercool the front the back will still get hot without some sort of cooling causing the CPU to throttle in extreme overclocking situations. This will happen when the CPU approaches 5.0ghz.

I will certainly be OCing to 5 plus so I will look into this also. I would assume though that it is not just as simple as mounting a fan behind the CPU??

I am a big fan of the Corsair Dominator Platinums, I use the 16gb 2400mhz 9-11-11-31 kit tuned down to 9-11-11-25 1T 96, even at that speed and timings they don't get that hot. For a workstation as you said above, you will be using 32gb or 64gb which means lower speed/looser timings. If you use Platinums for this you could be paying through the nose for looks (assuming you don't watercool them) and maybe better off with the Vengeance or some other memory watercooled. You need to take more advice from people who build workstations.

Yes I agree I really should dart looking at WS builds. I am a little overwhelmed because initially I was looking at the ASUS x79WS but was geared towards the R4Extreme. So many components are geared towards gaming these days, and having said that, they also say, these components are great in WS builds.

Haswell is a range of CPUs. NVidia have a new range of GPUs called Maxwell, we won't see the performance ones based on 20nm until late this year. There will be some budget Maxwell GPUs based on 28nm coming onto the market very soon but these are aimed at the low end of the market.

At the moment the fastest GPU available is the GTX 780ti, there is a Titan Black which NVidia may launch soon but info is still sketchy. If/when it does show up it will be based on the GK110 chip the same as the GTX780, 780ti and Titan. It will also probably have 6gb of vram the same as the old Titan. As to raw performance it won't be much different to the 780ti.

OOpps, newbie Maxwell I really did mean to say Maxwell, damn keyboard!!

With the 1500w EVGA PSU custom cables are out unless you do them yourself. It also depends on how many cards you plan on using, I use the EVGA 1500w PSU with four Titan's and when everything is overclocked it is getting near it's limits. I would not use this PSU with four 780ti's which draw even more power when overclocked.

The 1200i is ok but not the best PSU on the market (my 3970X and three 290Xs overclocked were too much for one). If you get a case like the 900D you can fit two of them though. You also get the option to use custom cable kits in a range of different colours.

Do you have any suggestions on a PSU better than the AX1200i. I mean I may get 2 of them but is there really a better PSU

 

[Kaapstad]

Hmmmm as I am a beginner, this is something I need to look into as I just assumed more RAM better faster system!!

For a workstation you may need more RAM for serious number crunching but you may have to compromise on speed.

For gaming you don't need any more than 16gb and for benching the faster the better with tight timings.

I will certainly be OCing to 5 plus so I will look into this also. I would assume though that it is not just as simple as mounting a fan behind the CPU??

No it's not that simple, most IB-E CPUs won't get past 4.7 or 4.8ghz unless you are very lucking and win the silicon lottery.

Yes I agree I really should dart looking at WS builds. I am a little overwhelmed because initially I was looking at the ASUS x79WS but was geared towards the R4Extreme. So many components are geared towards gaming these days, and having said that, they also say, these components are great in WS builds.

The RIVE BE is a fantastic board with just about every option you could want, they are fine to use in a workstation build but there are a lot of options which are geared to overclocking which you may not use. Only you will be able to answer that.

Do you have any suggestions on a PSU better than the AX1200i. I mean I may get 2 of them but is there really a better PSU

The SuperFlower range of PSUs are supposed to be quite good.

On my recent build I decided to stick with the Corsair 1200i and used two of them to drive a 4930k and four 290Xs. When I measured at the wall the system was using nearly 1800 watts flat out.

One of the reasons I stayed with two 1200i's was the availability of aftermarket coloured cable kits.

 

[barnsley]

Superflower PSU are really excellent.

 

[ShaunB-91]

All I can say is just take your time with your build, don't rush into anything make sure you know exactly what you're getting and know what you're doing, this is your first build and your adding water in as well so you want to be extra careful.

 

[tinytomlogan]

Straight away - not going to bother reading everything

64gb ram - pointless

3x 480 rads - pointless


Just spending loads of money makes you poor - there will be people on this site having spent less with a faster rig - just saying.

Learn more about the hardware and whats needed because just putting a spec list up with what you THINK is the best stuff wont win you any points here.

 

[ShaunB-91]

The 64GB is overkill yeah. I know you said about buying it so you don't need to in the future, but by the time that amount of RAM is really used, your kits will be crap anyway most likely. I think Crucial are close to bringing us DDR4 now, by the time you use 64GB, you'll have changed over to DDR4, a new CPU socket type and so on.

Edit: I can't remember, but did you say you will be overclocking because I don't remember seeing that you were, so there isn't really any point in doing a custom loop.

 

[tinytomlogan]

DDR4 is late this year........ just sayin.

 

[ShaunB-91]

DDR4 is late this year........ just sayin.

So basically you will have another year now, and then we will start to see motherboard manufacturers move over to DDR4. It doesn't mean your system is old by no means but in time you'll want to upgrade and such and you'll need to be on the new platform.

It's difficult, I don't know how long DDR3 has been around, how long it took to grow into the norm standard. But either way just get 16GB, 32 at the absolute most.

 

[Kaapstad]

I think part of the problem the OP has is he is not sure what type of PC he wants to build, he mentions a Workstation, Overclocking and Gaming. All these possibilities that the build in different directions.

 

[Boonstick]

Jesus, 4x 480 rads! You could cool down the sun with all them!

One of tho's 480's wouldn't be far off all that you'd need to cool a CPU and 2x GPUs!

Dude, you could probably spend a quarter of the money that you are planning on spending and see no difference in performance in what you plan to use it for.

 

[Kaapstad]

Jesus, 4x 480 rads! You could cool down the sun with all them!

One of tho's 480's wouldn't be far off all that you'd need to cool a CPU and 2x GPUs!

Dude, you could probably spend a quarter of the money that you are planning on spending and see no difference in performance in what you plan to use it for.

To cool four Titans and a 3930k I only use 3 x 480mm rads, the temps on the GPUs overclocked only reaches 42c flat out.

 

[absolutelymods]

64gb ram - pointless

3x 480 rads - pointless

Hey mate,

I watch you all the time so thanks for replying. The spec list I have put down was merely a suggestive one from me a beginner with no experience. I have purchased quite a bit of the components on the list already. As for the hardware, I am on the site to learn about what will be best.

With the RAM I now see that there us no ned for the 64 gig, so thanks to you and the guys. The rads, well I am not lying when I say I am in the Case Labs TH10 and ultimately just want to build a PC that looks as great as it goes.

In terms of the amount or RADS even I know you get to a point where adding more rads is fruitless, but, having expansion in mind in the near future, I felt that 3 would be OK. I mean I am getting 2 GPUs straight up but towards the end of the year will be getting 2 more so I just thought that 3 may just do OK.

Learn more about the hardware and whats needed because just putting a spec list up with what you THINK is the best stuff wont win you any points here.

In short, I really value great quality components and also like bling. I may have chosen the wrong site to post in because if I am allowed to post my build log here. it probably will be an expensive one and one people may disagree on. Having said that. I will take on what you and the guys say because I do value the advice of you guys.

So here are some pics of some of the stuff I have purchased. I have a heap of EK 12/16mm fittings and tubing coming as well as some Bitspower LED and X Stations, another 2 RADS, the case, and more.

 

[absolutelymods]

So guys this may be just boring pics, but this is what I have for now, as I said, I have a heap coming in the next month :

Edit: I can't remember, but did you say you will be overclocking because I don't remember seeing that you were, so there isn't really any point in doing a custom loop.

I am going to certainly OC and even though this is my first build, I will be giving it a go!!

I think part of the problem the OP has is he is not sure what type of PC he wants to build, he mentions a Workstation, Overclocking and Gaming. All these possibilities that the build in different directions.

So basically, I should have told you a bit about my situation. I am an E-Learning designer who is expanding into Video Editing. I also do a heap of photography so I need heaps of storage. This is the WS part.

I am not a huge gamer but love the games so I would like a PC that can handle what I throw at it.

And as for OCing, like I said, it's my first build and probably the last for ages so I don't mind spending a bit and OCing, yes hell yes I will give it a shot.

I mean you guys probably do this for benching and pro parties LAN parties (if that's what you call them) but i am not there yet. I just want to have something sick I have built myself and am able to OC it, have some fun but have it done right.

To cool four Titans and a 3930k I only use 3 x 480mm rads, the temps on the GPUs overclocked only reaches 42c flat out.

I am seriously thinking of going 3 x 480s. I am just a little worries that the push pull in the front of the Case Labs TH10 may be too squashy near the GPUs.

Also thought of putting a 30mm Alphacool in that posi as it will fit, dunno.

ATS its looking like scrapping the 4tth RAD and staying with 3.

 

[ShaunB-91]

I admire your courage to get this done and water cool it yourself but please just be careful. I built my first rig eight or nine years ago and I still haven't done my own custom loop, two reasons, I'm scared, second reason I've never OC'ed so there isn't much need, three days ago I only just took the next step into an H100i.

Just don't spend thousands if you don't need to, rigs can look really nice and often look better when looking minimalistic, have a real think of your main use for the rig, and does the amount of hours you'll spend on it justify the price tag.

 

[absolutelymods]

Just don't spend thousands if you don't need to, rigs can look really nice and often look better when looking minimalistic, have a real think of your main use for the rig, and does the amount of hours you'll spend on it justify the price tag.

I appreciate the advice. I myself like minimalism also and although I love the idea of water-cooling and all the blocks, I ultimately want to do a build that I can use and expand on easily.

I am wanting something that can run silent as much as can be over clocked. I know there are a few places I can save money and it is for this reason I plan on doing as much research as I can.

I am positive that I will think carefully and again have to say I really appreciate your advice. There are a few things atm that I do need some advice on as I have done my purchases in blocks. Next after the case and the rads (3 or 4, I already have 1), I really want to get the fans out of the way so I can take care of my first part of sleeving. I am having someone do them for me. Have you heard of Ensourced

ATM I am having trouble deciding on the fans. As I want complete or as close to silence as possible, I thought the Noise Blocker Black Silent Pro PL-PS or the Noise Blocker E-Loop B12PS (with the E-Loop I have been advised that they are noisy or make a helicopter like noise as the blades touch their base so the installation of rubber mounts like 5mm are essential.)

I am also stuck on the method of splitting them all from each rad to the psi. I want to connect each set from each rad to a splitter PCB like Mod My Toys but atm they do not have a 4 pin version. They are releasing this in 4 weeks, I have been told by them. Then for my case fans and LEDs a Bitspower X Station and LED Station.

Then after that we get serious, RAM, MOBO, etc.