water cooled set up assistance

[doggles]

Hi,

Thank you for taking the time to read my post,

i've spent the last few months reading various posts and considering making a w/c pc. I've fineally bit the bullet and started buying parts.

So far I have a TJ07 case & a set of rads. rads = xspc rx360 & 240 -

The set up which I want to cool is

i7 920 - oc'd 3.6
Ati 5970 -

So first question: Are these going to be sufficent to cool the components? i'm not looking to overclock much, i'm mainly looking to make the pc as silent as possible.

Next is i am still massivly confused about tubing size's and to which would be best to meet my needs ? The rads have a 1/4" port, I have seen that you can get tube reducers/increasers so am i right in thinking that as long as i get the right converters I can use what ever size tubing I want?

I would like to use compression fittings as the idea of having water running around my PC does worry me somewhat.

2)I would like to get an xspc dual bay reservoir, now these seem to come with the ability to be able to attach pumps to these, however what pump would be best???!??

and lastly - one loop or two?

I am open to any suggestions on changing fittings - with regards to the the 5970 - I was going to get a full cover block from espc or ek-

Cheers!

 

[JeffyB]

You rads will be plenty for the 920 and 5970.

Tubing size is down to personal taste as over 3/8id there is little difference in flow rates and temperatures. I would suggest using a quality hose though as cheap hose has a nasty tendancy to leech plasticizer and gunk your loops up, Primochill primoflex pro LRT is about as good as it gets with excellent bend radius' as well.

The tubing is attached to each component with a fitting, you have already chosen compression fittings and these will come with the standard g1/4 thread that is on all watercooling components these days (was only old thermochill rads used a different size). You need to match the ID (inner diameter) and OD (outer diameter) of the tubing you use with compressions for them to work correctly.

Pump wise i'd stick to laign/swiftech pumps, d5 vario, ddc or the new mcp35x. I'm not a big fan of bay res' so hopefully others can point you in the right direction for the best to look at but the xspc and new koolance bay res' seem to be used a lot.

A single big loop is in most situations preferable over dual loops and i think this would be your best option. Single loops are also easier to bleed and cheaper to build. If you want a dual loop i'm inclined to suggest using the double rad for the cpu and the tripple for the 5970 as the 5970 puts out more wattage at around 300w if memory serves me well.

Blocks are about personal preference really as your temps are going to be so low anyway, ek do however usually have the best temperatures

 

[Shayper]

Those radiators should be fine the best tubing to go for is 7/16 internal diameter, the 1/4 that you saw is the thread size for the fittings, ie the compression fittings will screw into those threads, the compression fittings being much larger to accommodate the fittings. Personally, however I use barbs with hose clamps and have not had a leak in my system (click my sig to have a look ). You can get an XSPC dual bay res for a Laing D5, which is probably your best bet. And it's best to go with 1 loop in your case .

As for blocks, I would personally get the XSPC Rasa block, as for the money it is outstanding, and one of the best blocks you can buy. For the GPU I would get an EK block, as they look fantastic

 

[doggles]

ahh i see,

right thank you for the help with the tubing size's & fittings, makes a bit more sense now -

with regards to the tubing, what would you consider a decent make? primochill? or do you mean don't just buy some cheap stuff from a hardware store?


also just to ensure that i understand the sizing.

i.e.

7/16 ID tubing = i need a compression fitting which also has a 7/16 ID, however all compression & barb fittings would fit the rad? just need to match up the tubing *& fitting sizes?

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-043-BP&groupid=962&catid=1529&subcat=

&

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-077-OK&groupid=962&catid=1530&subcat=

would fit together


however if i was to say use

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-063-OK&groupid=962&catid=1530&subcat=1775

&


http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-043-BP&groupid=962&catid=1529&subcat=

these two wouldnt fit together as the internal diameter of the tubing and the fitting differ.

with regards to the pump would you suggest this then?

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-004-SW&tool=3

&

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-011-XS&groupid=962&catid=1845&subcat=

 

[JeffyB]

There are a few brands of hose that are cheaper and will inevitably leech. To my knowledge i don't recall reading anything about primochill primoflex leeching.

Ocuk don't show both id and od on some of there hose and fitting, just be aware on more specialist watercooling sites that both are used.

You are correct with the expamples you show

 

[1kiwi]

A single big loop is in most situations preferable over dual loops and i think this would be your best option. Single loops are also easier to bleed and cheaper to build. If you want a dual loop i'm inclined to suggest using the double rad for the cpu and the tripple for the 5970 as the 5970 puts out more wattage at around 300w if memory serves me well.

I assume one loop will be as good if not better than two if you can sustain the right flow rate and dump enough heat. I guess it depends on what your adding to the loop and how restrictive your components are.

I separated mine because at the time I had 2 4870's and I didn't want these effecting my CPU overclocking.

I've owned the 5970 and using a single PA120.2, DDC18W loop I had no issues cooling it. Make sure you buy addition thermal pads for the VRM's as they get very hot. I would imagine that you would only need the rx360 for those components.

 

[doggles]

excellent, thank you.

both your help is much appreciated.

does it matter what order everything is routed in?

i.e

Res - Rad -GPU -CPU -Rad ?

or would you recomend having a rad in between the cpu & gpu to cool the liquid again?

 

[doggles]

I assume one loop will be as good if not better than two if you can sustain the right flow rate and dump enough heat. I guess it depends on what your adding to the loop and how restrictive your components are.

I separated mine because at the time I had 2 4870's and I didn't want these effecting my CPU overclocking.

I've owned the 5970 and using a single PA120.2, DDC18W loop I had no issues cooling it. Make sure you buy addition thermal pads for the VRM's as they get very hot. I would imagine that you would only need the rx360 for those components.

thanks, I bought my case on an auction site & the rads came with it,

 

[OLDPHART]

Hi, if your stuck for space you could use a XSPC X20 D750 Res-Pump Combo, l'm using one can't fault it at all, As for fittings compression fittings look a lot better and are just as easy as barbs to set up, l'm using a non-branded compression fitting made in a Germany and they are well finished and have had no problems with them since l built my loop costing about £2.46 a fitting compared to branded ones about £5 to£6.

 

[1kiwi]

By the way I have never had any issues with 7/16 (I use XSPC White Tubing) over 1/2" barbs (I use DTEK G1/4" Hi-Flow 1/2" Barb). You don't need compression fittings or clips. I have never had any leaks with this method. The fit is so tight that you need to heat up the tubing with hot water to get it to fit over the barb.

 

[JeffyB]

A triple on its own maybe pushing it, would be doable but i can't see it being particularly quiet, a quad would be the minimum i'd suggest as he has approx 500w min to get rid of. To get decent deltas on a tripple you'd need pretty high speed fans, 1800rpm+ to get 10 degrees delta, not particularly quiet.
Data from skinnee

 

[1kiwi]

excellent, thank you.

both your help is much appreciated.

does it matter what order everything is routed in?

i.e

Res - Rad -GPU -CPU -Rad ?

or would you recomend having a rad in between the cpu & gpu to cool the liquid again?

For my first loop, I use: Res -> Pump -> CPU -> Rad
And my second loop: Res -> Pump -> Rad -> GPU

But then again I have ordered these components because that's worked best for my case. I've never worked with a TJ07, however assuming the 360 is going to be mounted in the bottom, you could use:

Res - > Pump -> Rad -> GPU -> CPU

Again, I think your only need the 360 for that setup.

EDIT: Just saw Jeffys post - looks like it may be better to add the second rad in so that you can run your fans at a lower speed.

 

[doggles]

Hi, if your stuck for space you could use a XSPC X20 D750 Res-Pump Combo, l'm using one can't fault it at all, As for fittings compression fittings look a lot better and are just as easy as barbs to set up, l'm using a non-branded compression fitting made in a Germany and they are well finished and have had no problems with them since l built my loop costing about £2.46 a fitting compared to branded ones about £5 to£6.

I think i'll have sufficent space, however I was looking at the res-combo from xspc anyhow, seems like good value for money - some reviews on oc say that the pump failed after 6months but xspc have released another version with updated pump to make it more durable.

with regards to the rads i'll prob use them both as my aim isn't really to make it cooler then it already runs at, my cpu doesnt go above 50oc at the moment on air, it's just the gpu which is very loud & hot so actually i contradict myself there i aim trying to cool the gpu better.

on the fittings i think im going to stick with compression, they seem a little more expensive but i'd rather have a mechancial press on the tube & pay a little extra for it. I appreciate that you have had not issues, but i've read some horror stories!

on a different note, is it a wise idea to get a fill valve? or would i just pour the coolent into the reservoir and empty it from there?

bit like when you sipon fuel from a car stick a hose in a suck to start it coming out & mavity should do the rest?

 

[OLDPHART]

Barb). You don't need compression fittings or clips.

Whats the matter with compression fittings? If l was going to use barbs l would use the clips as well. I'm using compression fittings with 7/16" tubing on 13mmID / 16mmOD and l just pushed the 7/16" XSPC tubing on.


The first XSPC Combos were unreliable, but version 2 has improved pump and a slightly smaller res now, mine is 9months old no problems at all.

 

[1kiwi]

Whats the matter with compression fittings? If l was going to use barbs l would use the clips as well. I'm using compression fittings with 7/16" tubing on 13mmID / 16mmOD and l just pushed the 7/16" XSPC tubing on.


The first XSPC Combos were unreliable, but version 2 has improved pump and a slightly smaller res now, mine is 9months old no problems at all.

There is nothing wrong with them. I just don't see them as a necessary part of a loop when using 7/16th on 1/2". I think people add them because they look good.

 

[mike gunnz]

By the way I have never had any issues with 7/16 (I use XSPC White Tubing) over 1/2" barbs (I use DTEK G1/4" Hi-Flow 1/2" Barb). You don't need compression fittings or clips. I have never had any leaks with this method. The fit is so tight that you need to heat up the tubing with hot water to get it to fit over the barb.

To say he doesn't need compressions is just confusing to someone new to WC. The choice between compressions or barbs is not a matter of needs its simply one of personal preference - they're equally as good as each other if you match the tubing and barb sizes correctly. As you've said 7/16" tubing and 1/2" barbs are an excellent combo, but in my experience, depending on the barbs used you may well have to heat the tubing to help it slide on.

There is nothing wrong with them. I just don't see them as a necessary part of a loop when using 7/16th on 1/2". I think people add them because they look good.

see above.

I think i'll have sufficent space, however I was looking at the res-combo from xspc anyhow, seems like good value for money - some reviews on oc say that the pump failed after 6months but xspc have released another version with updated pump to make it more durable.

TJ07 is plenty big enough. Get a quality pump like a DDC or a D5 and put them in a compatible bay res if you want. The XSPC res with built in pump is not a favourite of mine and not used by many experienced water coolers as far as I know. A good pump like I've suggested will last throughout many future builds.

with regards to the rads i'll prob use them both as my aim isn't really to make it cooler then it already runs at, my cpu doesnt go above 50oc at the moment on air, it's just the gpu which is very loud & hot so actually i contradict myself there i aim trying to cool the gpu better.

A single thick 360 rad such as an RX360 or a Thermochill PA/TA will cool a CPU and 5970 with ease. I guarantee you, a second 240 rad will make little discernible difference to overall temps in a single loop configuration.

on the fittings i think im going to stick with compression, they seem a little more expensive but i'd rather have a mechancial press on the tube & pay a little extra for it. I appreciate that you have had not issues, but i've read some horror stories!

Fine.

on a different note, is it a wise idea to get a fill valve? or would i just pour the coolent into the reservoir and empty it from there?

No point modding the case for a fill valve. A bay res will have a built in fill port. IF you go for a tubular res, something like an EK multioption you can just unscrew the cap and fill. Tubular reservoirs are far easier to bleed in my experience.

bit like when you sipon fuel from a car stick a hose in a suck to start it coming out & mavity should do the rest?

I understand your logic but a WC loop isn't like a petrol tank. That principle wont work in a WC loop as much of the coolant will be in the rad, pump, blocks and tubing. The change in pressure will not be enough to extract all the fluid.

A good alternative would be to install a drain port at the lowest point in the loop and let mavity do the work for you.

 

[OLDPHART]

The XSPC res with built in pump is not a favourite of mine and not used by many experienced water coolers as far as I know. A good pump like I've suggested will last throughout many future builds.

Hi mike, Using the XSPC D750 Res/Pump and can't complain 9months on, as l had a set buget of about £300 managed to build a custom loop and it worked quite well. But decided to slowly upgrade my loop over this year, my first upgrade was the 360 BI GTS 360 to a lol another BI GTS a 420 Triple Fan that was on a one of special, again mounted on the rear of my case.

Don't know if you read my review on the two fans l'm using in a push/pull config Zaward PWM 140 fan + ProlimaTech Blue Vortex 1430mm Fan, my core temps are in there.

The next upgrade will be my Res/Pump Combo, been looking at the new Swiftech MCP35X it has two good reviews from skinneelabs + martinsliquidlab.

 

[OLDPHART]

Hi doggles, my com-fittings are non-branded and are made in Germany, the finish is very good, been using them since l built my rig 9 months ago no leaks at all, they cost £2.46 each Black Nickel beats paying £5 to £6.

 

[doggles]

thanks mike,

as it turns out the case I bought also comes with -

8x Bitspower Black Chrome 1/2" rotary barbs
- 4x Bitspower Black Chrome 1/2" 90 degree barbs

so seeing as I've already got them I may
as well use / sell them. if I do use them though
would fitting a metal clip to tighten up over the end be ok I just get paranoid about a tube popping out.

seeing as I've got fittings I don't mind shelling out a bit more for a separate pump & res

on a different note my psu is 750watt. is the going to be sufficient?

 

[doggles]

Hi doggles, my com-fittings are non-branded and are made in Germany, the finish is very good, been using them since l built my rig 9 months ago no leaks at all, they cost £2.46 each Black Nickel beats paying £5 to £6.

thanks could you pm me their name or where you got them from?