XSPC Raystorm

[BlacknTan]

Hi all,
I'm in the process of a new build, but my efforts have been on hold because of my inability to decide on cpu cooling. I've got a Corsair 650D case, which i had originally planned to put the H-100 closed loop system into, but after much research, I've been scared off my the issues that many seem to have experienced.
I've been looking at the Raystorm EX240 kits with the D5 Vario pump. I will only be cooling my cpu, an Intel i5 2500K, but after six years of fighting temperatures with my current Pentium D, I want reliable cooling. I realize the XSPC system might be a bit of overkill, but the case is designed with a 240mm rad in mind, and my feeling is that with a good rad, and the D5 pump, I'll be able to run pump and fans on low settings for a relatively quiet system.
The only question for me is the new chrome Raystorm waterblock. I think that every component of the loop has the ability to give up stored heat, and the full copper block would be better at that job than the block with the plastic upper chamber, but this is my first attempt at water cooling, so my thoughts are based on good old common sense, and not practical experience, so I could be wrong!
I've watched TinyTom's videos.... Very many of them, in fact, and enjoyed them all very much. He has the ability to entertain, and pass along good information at the same time... Both important. So a big Thank You to TTL for those vids..

If anyone would like to comment on my thoughts, right or wrong, please do so. Any and all advice is heartily welcomed!

 

[Josh Weston]

The Raystorm is one of the best CPU blocks around, so you'll be just fine

 

[Master&Puppet]

I don't think you are going to lose any sleep over this one

If the block itself were designed to cool then it would probably have fins on it. You've chosen a great kit and it will do more than you need and will easily cool your 2500K.

 

[BlacknTan]

Thanks for the confirmation, gents!

 

[XtremePhysX]

I'm in a similar situation, I'm going for a blck + silver build but I'm not sure whether to go with the RayStorm Chrome eddition or the Koolance 370, booth looks really good and would fit perfectly with my colour scheme so which one is better when it comes to cooling and that would be the deciding factor at this point

 

[tinytomlogan]

EX240 and D5 is silly overkill youd be better of with the 750LPH pump kit.

It will perform exactly the same as the H100 though and youll need to buy Corsair SP120 quiet edition fans to get the best from it too.....

 

[BlacknTan]

Isn't overkill what it's all about?:lol:

Besides, the D5 pump does many things for me...

1. It makes me somewhat "future proof.." if I decide to take things further
2. It gives me the ability to monitor pump speed from CPU fan header
3. It teaches me something about water cooling in general, by allowing me to change speeds and actually see the impact that makes on temperatures.. and..
4. It hopefully allows me the quietest system possible, not to mention the fact that I believe the D5 to be a higher quality unit. Quality components is very important to me!

As far as the 240mm rad.. It allows me to mount it to the roof, relatively out of sight, and again, a bit of "future proofing.."

Lastly, since this is my first baby steps at watercooling, I feel much better having an overcapacity of cooling than under... I'm a bit thick at times, and I've always had to take my lumps and learn on my own..

 

[| raVen |]

Definitely go for D5 or DDC mate, personally I'm not really big fan of all in one bay-res-pump at all.
And just to be clear, it really doesn't matter if block is fully copper or fully nickel etc, or with acetal top, there will be no difference at all( maybe 0,1 or 0,2 degrees), so don't worry about that.
The SP120 QE, are good fans, but I think that Gentle Typhoons will do the job a bit better and quieter, I've been using both of this fans and GT work better for me.