New to watercooling.

[DoverFTW]

Hi, I'm looking to be moving to water cooling in the next 1 month or 2. I was wondering if you guys could maybe help me out on a few things.

Suggestions on what are the best options to buy.

I am looking for something quiet as I don't do much overclocking so something quiet and decent temps is fine.

I need suggestions on a power supply, an easy setup watercooling kit (as its my first time) but able to cool my CPU and GPU and a case (but only if its needed as I didnt long ago buy a new case.) As I dont know if theres enough space in my system for it to go eg, the radiator, or if the empty pci gap above my graphics card, if the tubes will be able to fit through if i have my radiator on the outside.

As for the power supply I'm looking for one which will be able to run a sli config as I will be going to sli after i get the hang of the water cooling.

My graphics card doesn't have a water block on it as its air cooled atm but I have been looking around on how it works changing it and I feel that I will be able to do it.

If you need any info on my system or just a general question then please ask.

I need all the help I can get.

Thanks

 

[Mr. Smith]

I'd jump on this bargain tbh linky just need a cpu block and you are there - the radiator system is passive - silent so perfect for you, and you could sell on anything you don't need

Budget if that is too expensive, alphacool do a new... here

 

[Aqua-Pc's]

I think you mean swiftech not alphacool

Check our selection here

 

[Mullet]

I'd jump on this bargain tbh linky just need a cpu block and you are there - the radiator system is passive - silent so perfect for you, and you could sell on anything you don't need

Budget if that is too expensive, alphacool do a new... here

I know just the man with a CPU block for sale....(ME).

Swiftech Storm....

 

[Pat123]

that system has a CPU block.. and a very good one.. the NexXxos XP block.. cools my quad nicely.

 

[DoverFTW]

thanks for the advice so far guys.

I was thinking of getting the Custom XSPC Delta Kit Builder 10/8mm

along with the EK-FC8800 8800GTS

I was wondering what sort of set up to do.

If i go with, pump -> rad -> cpu -> gpu -> res -> pump, would that be ok?

Also within that custom XSPC kit is the 120mm rad enough to cool these components or will i need the 240mm rad?

Also out of the list of pumps which one would do the job nicely? but not too powerful.

right ... I have some really stupid questions ...

when ur testing the rig out of the system for the first time to check for leaks how do u start the pump without switching the computer on if the pump is a 3 pin connector which connects to the motherboard?

how do u empty it after u have tested it?

 

[PV5150]

pump -> rad -> cpu -> gpu -> res -> pump, would that be ok?

That would be fine mate.

Also within that custom XSPC kit is the 120mm rad enough to cool these components or will i need the 240mm rad?

Personally I'd jump for the 240mm rad (120.2) as the single will be stretched cooling that processor and gpu.

Also out of the list of pumps which one would do the job nicely? but not too powerful.

Why not powerful, are you concerned about noise? Any of these will be fine for that setup. Laing DDC Pro would be fine, but try and get an alternative top to get some more performance out of it.

when ur testing the rig out of the system for the first time to check for leaks how do u start the pump without switching the computer on if the pump is a 3 pin connector which connects to the motherboard?

You need to jump start your PSU and all of those pumps I linked you to use a molex plug for power.

how do u empty it after u have tested it?

If testing out of the case then simply undo one of your tubes and let it empty into a bucket. Or you can use the 'T' if you decide to incorporate one into your loop to facilitate emptying.

 

[DoverFTW]

You need to jump start your PSU and all of those pumps I linked you to use a molex plug for power.

thanks for that link, ive been looking how to do that, and i thought i would of been shocked or sumthing. but i guess not.

If testing out of the case then simply undo one of your tubes and let it empty into a bucket. Or you can use the 'T' if you decide to incorporate one into your loop to facilitate emptying.

do u have any more info on the 'T'? as i havnt seen that yet.

Thanks for that post, that helped me a great deal

whats the difference between all the different tube sizes?

 

[PV5150]

A Reservoir or T-line ('T') are both used to fill and bleed (remove air bubbles from) your loop. A simple, inexpensive way to fill your system is by using a T-line. This is simply a T placed in the loop, usually before the pump, that has a piece of tubing coming off of it. This acts as a small reservoir that can be filled by using a funnel. Many builders like using a T-line, not only because it is cheap, but because it takes up less space than a reservoir. But seeing as you are going to use a reservoir you can still use a 'T' (lowest point in your case) to empty your loop and act as a drain.

Glad you found the previous info helpful mate. Feel free to ask anytime

 

[DoverFTW]

thanks for that.

say that i had my radiator outside of my case above my psu. (my case isnt very big to fit a 120.2 in and i aint very good at modding or i could of put it in the top bay with 2 holes cut out) say i had a reservoir in 1 of the bays, how would i fill it up then? through the radiator as thats the highest point?

if i do have to fill it up through the radiator as thats the highest point, whats the use of a reservoir?

 

[PV5150]

Yeah mate if your rad was at the highest point then the reservoir becomes merely a window to gaze at your coolant, since you won't be able to top it up (and a waste of space). Simply use the 'T' and make sure that it extends in length above the water level present in your radiator. When it comes time to top it up then bring it out of your case, remove the bung and fill with a funnel.

 

[DoverFTW]

right ok nice 1.

so it will be pump -> rad -> cpu -> gpu -> pump

only problem now is ... were do i put my T-line as the tubes will be coming in from the back of my case working down to the pump then back out ... and i dont want the T-line to long do i?

maybe as the tube goes from the radiator goes downwards to the pci slot upwards to the CPU, i can stick the T-line just b4 it gets to the CPU?

also what about the 2x 120mm fans on the radiator outside the case how do i power those up? need wire going from the fans down to the pci slot then to the PSU? :S

how do u drain all the coolant out the the system thats in the pic? as the T-line is near the top...

how do u know what type of tubing to use, what the difference in the sizes?

sorry for all the question btw, ill get the hang of it soon enough.

thanks alot.