Need help with new build, have most parts already

Associate
Joined
20 May 2012
Posts
348
Location
Cornwall
Hi all, I’m after a little help with water cooling (this will be my first water cooled build)
This is what I already have: (including what’s still in transit)
Asus X79 Sabertooth
I7 3820
Gainward GTX 670 Phantom
GeForce GT610 (only powers a 4th monitor for email)
32gb 2133 MHz Ram
2 x WD Caviar Blacks
1 x Crucial M4 SSD
Fractal Design Define XL Case
I would like to water cool the CPU and the GTX 670 once a block is available for it.
I already have:
XSPC RX240 rad (will be in push/pull from the bottom of the case)
XSPC X20 750 combined res/pump
XSPC Raystorm CPU water block
My thoughts are use these to cool the CPU for now then add a RX120 (also in push/pull) rad when I get the GPU block.
I will be overclocking but not to the limit, do you think this will be enough cooling?
Also I haven’t ordered any hose/fittings/liquid/paste etc yet so any recommendations would be really appreciated.
 
Gainward used non-ref pcbs for the phantom 500 series, although blocks were made for the 580 (maybe 570 idk).

Just a heads up, they might be using one here.

Just checked cooling configurator, the 680 phantom is non-ref with a block coming soon from ek. I'd guess the 670 is non-ref too.
 
i have the ek-supreme hf water block and the xspc single bay reservoir and vpp655 pump ek-dsx top. i what go with the

EK PSC Compression Fitting 13mm 3/8" - G1/4 - Nickel WC-186-EK

Masterkleer Hose Pack PVC 19/13mm (1/2ID) Clear 3.3m WC-052-OE

would this work ok thx
 
Ok so most of the parts are now here and I’ve been doing tons of research on water cooling.
The XSPC X20 didn’t get delivered as was out of stock so the only items I have for the loop are:

XSPC RX240
XSPC Raystorm CPU

After doing lots of reading/watching I’ve decided to add an EX360 into the roof of the case instead of the RX120 I was originally thinking of.

As OptimaLnrg pointed out The GTX 670 Phantom is non ref design so I’ll give it a few months to see if anyone brings out a full block card for it and if not go the universal route.

I have the loop planned out and I’m happy with the choices I’ve made on fittings/liquid etc

Where I’m struggling is with the Res and Pump?

I would like dual bay res as my case has no window and having a res/pump combo works best for me space wise.

This is the short list (although any recommendations are appreciated):

The new XSPC D5 Dual Bay res with variable speed D5
XSPC Duel Bay Res with attached DDC Ultra 18W
EK Dual Bay Spin Reservoir – Acetal with one of the above pumps

I would like the pump to be as quiet as it can be.

What would you recommend?
 
I'd try out the new XSPC D5 bay res. The D5 is an awesome pump, and the variable speed option helps with finding that noise level sweet spot. You'll get good great flow as well. If space was an issue then I'd say go with the DDC Ultra 18w, but with a bay res you shouldn't have any issues.
 
I'd try out the new XSPC D5 bay res. The D5 is an awesome pump, and the variable speed option helps with finding that noise level sweet spot. You'll get good great flow as well. If space was an issue then I'd say go with the DDC Ultra 18w, but with a bay res you shouldn't have any issues.

Cheers, that was my first choice.

The only thing that's slightly off putting is the res doesn't come with the screw ring to attach the D5 and I cant seem to find just the ring anywhere to buy. Seems a waste to buy the whole D5 kit just to take the ring off it.
 
I've just dry fitted most of the parts I have and it looks like I could fit an internal tube type res to the right of the motherboard.

DSC09795.JPG


So I now have a choice of ordering either the bay option (probably the XSPC D5 dual) or an internal res.

If internal what would anyone suggest?

Space wise it would make sense to have a pump mounted below the res as a base for it I guess?

Also, no window in my case, how often to res's need topping up usually?
(new to water cooling)

...or do you think it would be best to just get the bay combo?
 
I decided on the XSPC D5 res with vario pump in the end and placed the order late yesterday afternoon along with a EX360, rad grills/pipe/fittings/fluid etc........and they have all just arrived!!!!!

So now its time to start marking out where the 2 rads will fit and get the case cut.

........just need my new Raystorm CPU block now, still on back order, hoping it comes into stock today so I can fit it at the weekend ;)
 
looking good, I have the fractal case, check ,my sig for the link to my build if you want, interested to see what the bay res looks like and how you get your piping sorted, need more pictures:D
 
looking good, I have the fractal case, check ,my sig for the link to my build if you want, interested to see what the bay res looks like and how you get your piping sorted, need more pictures:D

Your build was one of the ones I looked at in detail when planning my own - very nice job!

I will set a light up to take some pics over the next few days while I'm building and modding the case and post once its done :cool:
 
Back
Top Bottom