Should I get a kit or build the system myself?

Mr. Smith

Mr. Smith

New member
Hey.

I'm wanting to watercool my system once its up and running, about 2 weeks. So I need some help on this as I have never watercooled before.

I've seen quite a few 'kits' that don't need much doing at all, just a quick installation. How do these ready kits compare against the 'custom' ones - where you select each component individually?

Any recommendations on these ready to go kits? I'd like my CPU, northbridge and the CPU/RAM on both graphics cards cooled.

I'm guessing i'll have to ditch some of the fans in my case for clearance, it the Thermaltake Oceandome.

The CPU is E6600.

Graphics cards are both 7900GT's - EVGA Signature Series.

Going back to the custom water kits, i'm not even sure what exactly I need. A pump, a reservoir, a radiator (or two?), CPU block, gpu block and then pipes. Which brings me to another question; people seem to slate the smaller diameter, so should i go for 1/2" diameter?

I appreciate any help.

Cheers
 
Kits are worthless mate, you need to piece together a custom system to get any gain out of watercooling.

I've been out of the watercooling scene for 4 or 5 months now, I couldn't tell you exactly what parts are best, but I'm sure someone will chime in :)
 
Depending on how much you want to spend, your case, etc.. this would be a great setup.

CPU Block: AquaXtreme MP-05 Pro LE

GPU Blocks: 2x AquaXtreme MP-1

Radiator: Swiftech MCR-220

Fans: 2x Yate Loon D12SL-12 47CFM

Pump: 2x Alphacool DDC Ultrahttp://www.petrastechshop.com/aq50in12pu.html

Tubing: 10 Feet - 1/2" ID 3/4" OD Masterkleer

Fillport: Petra's Delrin Fillport/Cap

T-Line: 1/2" OD T-Fitting

Radbox: Swiftech MCB-120

Coolant/Additive: Pentosin G11 Blue Additive (4 oz)

You don't necesarrily need that additive, you can choose any color/type. You don't need a Delrin fillport either, there are metal ones too.

Anyway, thats what I think is suitable. Two pumps will give you the pressure you need along with solid flow to cool your components down. The Alphacool DDC is UN BEATABLE, and two will give you oodles of head. The MP-1 GPU block is the best GPU block out there, no doubt. The Yate Loon fans are quiet, the MP-05 Pro LE is within 2-3*C of the Swiftech Storm, and is cheaper. The radiator outperforms the Black Ice Pro II, and is great for silent watercooling.

That is pretty much the ultimate setup, but is pricey. Hope you enjoy ;), and good luck.
 
NickS - I want to stick with my case as it's brand new (thermaltake oceandome) I need a workable solution for what I have!

How come you didn't put a reservoir in the list? You opted for a t-line. I don't really know the whole deal but reading - http://www.overclock3d.net/reviews.php?type=3&id=98&page=3&desc=xspc_plexi_bay_reservoir__black_ - it seems reservoirs replace the t-line???

Thing is, I only need a super effective watercooling system if i'm really aggressivly overclocking. Which will depend on my mobo... This is going off topic lol... i'm thinking http://www.hexus.net/content/item.php?item=5939 or

P5N32-SLI PREMIUM/WIFI-AP...

NoL - why???

Frag - Cheers for the heads-up on the kits, i'll steer clear! The boys at Specialtech advised they were good - they pointed me onto here lol. Reading some of the kit reviews the performance looked good...

All - What is a realistic budget for a water system? £200? £150? £250 (gulp)

Thanks for sharing the knowledge
 
name='NoL' said:
Screw the DDC, 50z (mcp600) is best.
Click to expand...

Are you nuts? The DDC is the best pump out there. Two of those will get you close to FOURTY FEET of head. I have a 50Z coming but If I could afford a DDC I would have gotten one in a heart beat.
 
MrSmith said:
NickS - I want to stick with my case as it's brand new (thermaltake oceandome) I need a workable solution for what I have!

How come you didn't put a reservoir in the list? You opted for a t-line. I don't really know the whole deal but reading - http://www.overclock3d.net/reviews.php?type=3&id=98&page=3&desc=xspc_plexi_bay_reservoir__black_ - it seems reservoirs replace the t-line???

Thing is, I only need a super effective watercooling system if i'm really aggressivly overclocking. Which will depend on my mobo... This is going off topic lol... i'm thinking http://www.hexus.net/content/item.php?item=5939 or

P5N32-SLI PREMIUM/WIFI-AP...

NoL - why???

Frag - Cheers for the heads-up on the kits, i'll steer clear! The boys at Specialtech advised they were good - they pointed me onto here lol. Reading some of the kit reviews the performance looked good...

All - What is a realistic budget for a water system? £200? £150? £250 (gulp)

Thanks for sharing the knowledge
Click to expand...

If you want a res, thats fine.. they make bleeding the loop easier but I hate mine. I'm getting a t-line w/fillport.
 
name='NoL' said:
Screw the DDC, 50z (mcp600) is best.
Click to expand...

One word response: WRONG!

The DDC+ Has twice the head pressure, way more flow, about 1/4 of the noise, and more reliable. It is smaller also.

I truly thought u were smarter than this NoL, but i guess thats why your name is "n00b of l337"

The only area where the 50Z is better, is price. It also has less heat dump. (But the DDC doesnt have that much anyways)
 
name='NickS' said:
If you want a res, thats fine.. they make bleeding the loop easier but I hate mine. I'm getting a t-line w/fillport.
Click to expand...

Why do you hate the res?

Pro's/Con's of res/t-line please.

Looks like the DDC+ is the way forward... Cheers guys. Keep it coming
 
I prefer a Res as it's much easier to fill a loop and get the bubbles out of it. Had a T line and a res and the res is just much easier and looks much better :)
 
I thought the res looked cool too... One of my many 5.25" bays could hold one, so that with a DDC+ pump, now for compatible blocks for 7900gt's....

NickS - i only just realised those parts were links! Niiice lol. Off to read up...
 
if u want a really simple kit to install and use the zalman reservator is prity decent for the price

i use one and it keeps everything at prity decent tempts like 45 gfx's and 36 cpu constant doesnt change under load
 
Omg Redsky is here! Anyways, yes, DDC+ pwns all. As for the radiator, if money is no object the Thermochill PA series is another option. For tubing, got with Masterkleer 7/16", same performance as 1/2" with the routing ability of 3/8" :)
 
name='WC Annihilus' said:
Omg Redsky is here! Anyways, yes, DDC+ pwns all. As for the radiator, if money is no object the Thermochill PA series is another option. For tubing, got with Masterkleer 7/16", same performance as 1/2" with the routing ability of 3/8" :)
Click to expand...

yea id get 7/16 tubing, a res(i have a t-line, now regret it and wish i got a res), wouldnt go with the Zalman unless you want absolute silent which is good but not a whole lot of OC'in, theres a load of rads you can get, id stick with a PA instead of an HE rad regardless and at least a 120.2 or 120.3(if u have the space), the MP-05 LE(got the storm rev.2 wish i got this it looks more blinging too)is top notch for the CPU and MP-1 for the GPU(which i have and love)
 
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