First LC rig concept

[sxsilver]

I am currently in the works of building a new desktop and want to make it liquid cooled. Here are the specs for the PC:

Mobo: ASUS Crosshair IV Formula AM3 AMD 890FX

CPU: AMD Phenom II X6 1090T Black Edition Thuban 3.2GHz

Video: SAPPHIRE Vapor-X 100281VX-2SR Radeon HD 5870 1GB (X2)

Memory: CORSAIR XMS 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 2000 (X2)

HD: Western Digital VelociRaptor WD6000HLHX 600GB 10000 RPM

I believe I need two loops. One for the CPU and north and south bridge chipset (EV mobo LC). The second for both graphics cards. I have been looking at Koolance for everything except the motherboard chipset water cooler but I really don't know what brand is better and what kind of pumps and reservoirs I should get for each loop. Any help is appreciated. I want to moderately overclock my CPU and both video cards but nothing too extreme.

Thanks

 

[Diablo]

In terms of pumps, you can't go far wrong with a pair of DDC ultras. Resevoirs are a matter of personal choice, I have a pair of resevoirs that sit on top of the pumps, but I've also used 5.25 bay resevoirs. Ultimately it depends how much you want to spend and what look you are going for. If you have the resvoir integrated into the pump top you don't need an extra set of lines between the res and pump. I've used XSPC res but there are some much smarter looking ones out there depending on how much you want to spend.

The formula seems to be reasonably cool with just the standard heat sinks on it, but obviously its your choice. In terms of the 5870 blocks the EK blocks have been pretty highly recommended, their 5970 blocks are some of the best and look amazing.

In terms of the spec you have, do you need 8GB of RAM? Unless you do a lot of video or image manipulation is probably not needed, but again your choice.

Bitspower fittings probably look the best but obviously there is a price tag attached to them, so depends what your budget is. What radiators are you planning to use (in terms of length), as an overclocked CPU will probably want a minimum of a 240mm thick rad, the motherboard will probably get away on that loop, or maybe an extra 120mm, thick rad as well.

The GPUs will probably want a minimum of a triple for that kind of heat. Thermochill rads are pretty highly recommended, but the screws have to be self tapping, and using ones that are too long punctures the radiator.

 

[sxsilver]

I don't need 8GB of ram but why have 4 when you can have 8? It's not going to hurt it. I'll leave the motherboard alone if it stays cool enough and save some money. This is what I'm thinking so far:

Pump - Laing DDC-Pump 12V DDC-1Plus (MCP 355) (How close is this to the ultra? The specs looked similar)

RAD - EK-CoolStream RAD XT (360) (X2) (Will these be good for both loops?)

RES - XSPC 5.25" Bay Reservoir (X2)

CPU Block - EK-Supreme HF - Full Nickel

GPU Blocks - EK-FC5870 V2 Nickel (X2)

Fittings - EK-10mm (3/8") G1/4 High-Flow Fitting (X14)

Tubing - TUBE Masterkleer 13/10mm UV - GREEN (from EK)

Anti-Kink coils - Anti-Kink Smartcoils 14,2mm (cca. 5/8') Transparent (not sure if that will fit)

Coolant - I've read not to use the pre-mixed solutions so not sure about this one

You recommended different fittings but does it matter in terms of fittings? Money isn't a problem if one brand of fitting is that much better then another one (or EK in this case). Also will those reservoirs work so I can put them both inside my case? The biggest thing I don't want to get wrong is the pump and radiator.

 

[Diablo]

Generally by populating all the DIMM slots the maximum overclock is significantly reduced, so just bear that in mind. In terms of tubing and fittings, I prefer 1/2" ID, as that has a much better flow rate. A lot of people here use 1/2" ID with 1/2" ID 3/4"OD compression fittings. Bitspower fittings look awesome, but cost a fair lot more.

Anti kink coils don't generally do that much, keep them if you want, but they tend to be pretty much decorative. The rads ought to be sufficient, and unless you have a TJ-07 you are going to be limited to 360s anyway (unless you are very creative with a dremel).

What case are you using, as if you don't have 2 spare 5.25" you're going to struggle. I went for an XSPC dual bay with two separate tanks, but its each to his own. The pump is just a lower power version than the Ultra, so it shouldn't hurt too much. Obviously all blocks perform better with higher flow, but as you are only going to have some relatively low resistance GPU and CPU blocks it shouldn't matter. The triple RAD for the CPU always leaves the option for upgrading the motherboard cooling if you need.

In terms of temperatures on the motherboard, the northbridge for me is about 53 (with a bit of airflow), although that is dietcly above an air cooled 280GTX, a RAID Card, 9800GT etc. so it does heat up quite a bit.

In terms of coolant, I tend to buy pre mixed as it takes the effort out of things, but it isn't difficult to do your own. You just need some form of biocide, some ethylene glycol (antifreeze) to prevent galvanic corrosion and regular distilled water (not tap water).

Oh and you'll want a top for the pump for better performance I've used XSPC tops for a while, and they seem to do the job, but I think most brands are better than the standard pump top.

 

[sxsilver]

Thanks for all the help so far

.

The reason I was going for 3/8" tubing was because the pump had 3/8" tubing (I'm sure I could get an adapter). But they also have this Laing D5-Pump 12V (MCP 655) which has 1/2" fittings already on it and I'm taking a good guess that it's better anyway as it is more expensive and the MCP number is higher so I could go with that.

For the memory would it be smarter to get two 4GB chips for 8GB and only take up two slots or get two 2GB chips for 4GB and still only take up two of the memory slots? Also if I'm only taking up 2 slots would it be smart to take off the factory heatsinks and throw them in on the CPU loop or would that be a waste?

For the case I haven't been able to find one that I want but I have this clear Acrylic case and I was thinking about taking pexiglass and cutting out the dimensions of the case to make another one and possibly making it bigger if needed but it has plenty of extra bays so it shouldn't be an issue.

For a top I saw this Dual Acrylic Top for Laing DDC on XSPC. Will a dual work for both pumps or should I get singles for both of them?

Extra question about the video card. Would it be worth it to get the 2GB version of the cards as they have full board coolers for those as well?

I think the better pump with 1/2" fittings will work great and I should be able to fit the reservoirs in my case with no problem plus the case will be clear so I can make it look pretty once I'm done actually putting the water cooling together. sorry about all the questions, I just like to get all the info I can before I go at something blind and screw it up (especially with water + electronics as it could seem to go terribly wrong). As far as look wise I don't care too much if it looks the best but I want it to perform the best and money is not really an issue as I've been in Afghanistan for 11 months and have saved up quite a bit. This is my gift to myself when I get home (as well as a fun project for me).

 

[Diablo]

The DDC can have different tops bought for it. The XSPC single top for the pump will take 1/2" tubing with the correct fittings. This one http://www.watercoolinguk.co.uk/p/Laing-DDC-Acrylic-Pump-Top-V3-XSPC_274.html

Two of those.

4GB sticks will work great if you can afford them, but stick with the original headspreaders, the memory will always run cool, so waterblocks are a complete waste of time for them, and a great way to rip memory chips of the pcb.

The graphics chips will not really benefit from an extra GB of RAM unless you are running serious eyefinity, or have a 2560*1600 monitor. Either way they are probs not needed. Again your choice, but with the increased price of the 2GB cards you are pushing 5970 prices.

The pump you mentioned is much bigger and not really needed for the loops, especially as you'll need two. Get the DDC, with the pump top I suggested, and some G1/4" threaded 1/2"ID compression fittings. Pump top is easily swappable.

 

[sxsilver]

Ok, Last three issues I swear

.

These don't seem compatible but I can't seem to match up compression fittings and tubing.

Fittings : http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=27719

Tubing : http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=23369

Also is this liquid good.

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=3980

Thanks and when I finally put it together I'll be sure to show it off.

Edit: This one says for Tygon but its the only 1/2" ID and 3/4" OD I see so it should work right?

http://www.performance-pcs.com/cata...t_info&cPath=59_346_393_614&products_id=24675

 

[Diablo]

Yep, that 3/4" OD fittings are the ones you want, tygon is my favourite brand, but as long as the fittings are 3/4" OD it will work with any 3/4"OD tube. I've used that liquid before. TBH fluid is fluid, as long as it has antifreeze to prevent galvanic corrosion, an algicide and isn't too conductive its good. Bear in mind that almost every liquid will become conductive if you mix it with dust etc. As long as you do a decent leak test you ought to be OK.

I've spilt a bit on my GPU, given it a few hours to dry off, with kitchen towel to soak up any moisture and it worked fine. But be careful.