Is my loop too restrictive?

[Sunwarder]

Hi guys,

First time posting a question and first time going to be doing a water cooling loop. I'm planning to use glass tubing. I know it's not the best choice for a beginner but I'm confident I'll be able to do it. Now the problem is, I'll have to have a lot of 90 degree fittings in my loop because of the glass (I estimate 10 - 15) and I'm concerned about having too much flow restriction.

Here's what I'm going to cool for more details:

Maximus XI Formula (integrated block by EK (I believe))
i9-9900k (Probably a Corsair or EK block)
EVGA RTX 2080 TI Hydro Copper

I'll be having these packed in a CM H500M with dual 360 rads. Currently the desire is to make this work with a pump/res combo based on a D5 pump (haven't actually decided which one).

From what I gather D5 pumps are not the greatest when it comes to overcoming resistance but I have to say I distaste having a heatsink and a DDC pump so a D5 it is.

So all in all, worst case scenario, I have 2x360 radiators, 3 water blocks and 15x90 degree fittings worth of resistance. Dp you think a single D5 will be able to handle it or should I start thinking about separate loop for the GPU?

Oh, and I do want to overclock both the GPU and CPU. The aim is 5GHz on all cores for the CPU and whatever the GPU provides.

Thanks!

 

[23RO_UK]

If an extremely restrictive loop is a genuine concern, my advice would be to go with a dual DDC arrangement; dual pump tops are readily available - D5's are high flow rate pumps, DDC's are high head pressure i.e. better at dealing with restriction.

Here's an article from the EKWB website by Atila Gobor which will explain exactly what I mean - LINK

 

[Bartacus]

A single D5 will push through that no problem, with ease. That old wives tale about "too many 90s" is a load of B.S. IMO. I use tons of 90s in loops all day long. The mightly D5 cannot be defeated by mere 90 degree angles, LOL! I'd get a D5 variable pump without worry. Worst case you can just run it full speed.

 

[Sunwarder]

Thanks for the answers! Very helpful!

The dual DDC comment gave me an idea - what about dual D5? I found this from EK: https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-xtop-revo-dual-d5-pwm-serial-incl-pump

I genuinely do not like the look of the DDC (the heatsink actually) and I've heard they run louder too. Which also brings me to I'd like not to run the D5 at full speed because of noise.

Now, on paper, dual D5 solution seems to solve all my problems, right? If you guys also think such a setup will help with the head pressure and increase the flow rate I'd go with that.

Thanks again!

 

[Avet]

Just build your loop and relax. D5 can handle much, much more. A few 90s and a couple of blocks is nothing.

 

[Warchild]

D5 is so underrated by the doomsayers.

Your loop is so simple, it will power through it no problem. Here is some info to help ease your mind. Approx values

Pressure Drop figures for components
Radiators: 0.20 PSI each (the size of the radiator has no real effect)
CPU Block: 1.1 PSI
GPU block: 0.9 PSI
Motherboard block: 2.0 PSI (fullcover)
Fittings: 0.3 PSI for the entire loop
Tubing: 0.5 PSI per meter (3.3 feet)
Reservoir: Negligible

D5 pump has I believe 3.9m head pressure, which if i remember the calculation correct will give you 5.5PSI at max.

When I used the D5, it was so quiet that I ran it at max.

 

[Sunwarder]

Thank you very much for the information guys! Very helpful.

I posted a reply earlier (not sure why it did not come up) that I might use dual D5 but that seems unnecessary now (except for redundancy that is which I might still think about). I'll just go with a single for starters and think about it more if something's out of order.

Thanks again!

 

[Warchild]

Thank you very much for the information guys! Very helpful.

I posted a reply earlier (not sure why it did not come up) that I might use dual D5 but that seems unnecessary now (except for redundancy that is which I might still think about). I'll just go with a single for starters and think about it more if something's out of order.

Thanks again!

I am currently using 2 DDC pumps but mainly for redundancy. I have them set to 20% PWM so I cant hear them. DDC power is far better than a D5, but the noise and heat is horrible.

DDC should only be recommended for small, space restricted builds. I have them purely because of an old build. And they are still going strong after 5 years. But I do prefer a D5 in terms of aesthetic and noise.

 

[Sunwarder]

Thanks a lot for the advice, mate!

I also don't like the look of the DDC. Will be going with a D5 pump/res combo.