What to buy?

[Assume]

I'm looking into buying a full custom loop for my system (CPU and two GPUs).
I would like a blue themed loop if at all possible. My main reason for watercooling is that fact that my GPUs get really loud and hot when gaming. I would prefer to have a quieter system and from what I have read watercooling is a good solution. I guess what I am getting at is if you could make the loop as quiet as possible.

Current System:
CPU: 3570k
MOBO: ASRock Extreme4
Case: Define R4 Window Edition
GPU(s): MSI R7870 HAWK

Thanks in advance.

 

[Deejeta]

Going to have to do a lot of planning to get a viable watercooling loop in such a small case.
Not a great deal of space above the motherboard for a radiator especially with the heatsinks on your extreme 4 board.
You will have to sacrifice the top hard drive cage setup for a front radiator.
Which would mean mounting your ssds and so forth somewhere else - like behind the motherboard (there is loads of space with these cases).
A 280mm rad (thickest you can get) at the front and a 140mm radiator at the rear may just be enough for you cpu and both gpus.
By enough I mean still have the fans at low volts and whisper quiet.
http://www.overclock.net/t/1322496/build-log-project-red-snow-fractal-r4
Link is to another build similar to your situation (except not xfire) on another forum.
Best of luck.

 

[jamesriley94]

I wouldn't be comfortable running 2 GPUS and CPU off that little rad space.

You need to get a new case really.

Also, your graphics cards are non-reference so they can't be watercooled properly.
You need to think of how much you're willing to spend to do this. It would be best to sell your 7870s if you're really considering it

 

[Vlada011]

Yes it's hard to find water block for that cards.
Best way if you want water cooling to sell your cards and install one EVGA Hydro Copper. Example 680. You don't need to search water block and destroy warranty and one 680 is powerful and have same video memory like two HD7870. That is best water block for graphic cards today, Swiftech make.
Many people wait new H220 because that is very good option for cooling graphic card and CPU and cheaper than new pump, res. radiator, water blocks, tubes, fittings,... You can and change case than...
I vote too for selling 7870 and bought card together with waterblock.

I don't have money for full water cooling from Koolance or EK or Swiftech but with H220 I expect to build something similar. But I am always for one powerful card than two from mid range.... I used on that...

 

[Assume]

It seems it may be a better idea to wait until the 7xx and 8xxx series launch to watercool. I would buy some reference 8970's or 770's and do a full loop then. Thanks for the input.

 

[NRG!]

Yes it's hard to find water block for that cards.
Best way if you want water cooling to sell your cards and install one EVGA Hydro Copper.

The hydro copper is an ugly block imo, there's no emphasis on looks because it's aimed at customers that are too afraid to install their own gpu water blocks.
If concerned about warranty it'd be better to buy a reference evga card as they allow you to change the cooler without voiding warranty anyway. Then you could put a block that actually looks like the manufacturer made some aesthetic effort.

@ OP My advice is this:

The 7870s are not worth watercooling, they're non-ref too so you'd need to get universal blocks and faff around with ram sinks etc. Dual non-blower gpus in a fractal r4 will run hot as the airflow takes a back seat to noise cancelling with that case.

'Spec me watercooling' threads are the devil, second only to prebuilt system containing watercooling. You must research and plan every element of your watercooling project by yourself.

You need to research/plan:
-Case replacement or modification
-Radiator space required, radiator thickness
-Blocks: cpu block, gpu blocks, other blocks, availability
-Coolant, type, brand (if applicable), additives (if needed)
-Tubing: type, brand, size, colour
-Fittings: type, brand, size, angles
-Fans (inc power, resistors or controllers)
-Reservoir type and mounting
-Pump type and mounting
-Loop order and tube routing

Colours, themes, performance, limitations etcetcetc. watercooling guides are the place to start picking things up.

Edit: if waiting, things like reservoirs, pumps, radiators and fittings will not really change between now and the launch of next gen gpus.

 

[Assume]

The hydro copper is an ugly block imo, there's no emphasis on looks because it's aimed at customers that are too afraid to install their own gpu water blocks.
If concerned about warranty it'd be better to buy a reference evga card as they allow you to change the cooler without voiding warranty anyway. Then you could put a block that actually looks like the manufacturer made some aesthetic effort.

@ OP My advice is this:

The 7870s are not worth watercooling, they're non-ref too so you'd need to get universal blocks and faff around with ram sinks etc. Dual non-blower gpus in a fractal r4 will run hot as the airflow takes a back seat to noise cancelling with that case.

'Spec me watercooling' threads are the devil, second only to prebuilt system containing watercooling. You must research and plan every element of your watercooling project by yourself.

You need to research/plan:
-Case replacement or modification
-Radiator space required, radiator thickness
-Blocks: cpu block, gpu blocks, other blocks, availability
-Coolant, type, brand (if applicable), additives (if needed)
-Tubing: type, brand, size, colour
-Fittings: type, brand, size, angles
-Fans (inc power, resistors or controllers)
-Reservoir type and mounting
-Pump type and mounting
-Loop order and tube routing

Colours, themes, performance, limitations etcetcetc. watercooling guides are the place to start picking things up.

Edit: if waiting, things like reservoirs, pumps, radiators and fittings will not really change between now and the launch of next gen gpus.

I know I can fit a 280 in the front of the case, a 240 or 280 in the top and a 140 in the back. I was going to get a 5.25 inch res/pump combo. My biggest question was having to do with the GPU blocks and fans. I guess I should of been more specific. I appreciate the detailed reply.
I'll be waiting for next gen GPUs.