Help a Noob spec me a custom Loop

spinrs2k

spinrs2k

spinrs2k

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Hi All,

Looking for some help and advise, im totally new to custom water loops but i have always fancied doing it would like some help specing up a loop for the following pc spec, id want both CPU and GPU in the loop.

Case : Corsair Obsidian 750D
Mobo : MSI X99S Gaming 7
CPU : 5820K
GPU : EVGA 980TI Classifed

There are so many choices im a little lost so would appreciate some guidance on everything i will need.

Thanks
 
Being totally new, you could maybe start with an EK predator 360 kit for your CPU only (at first):
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/ek-w...rcooling-solution-revision-1.1-wc-874-ek.html

I think that should fit in a 750D, but please make sure.

The thing with the predator is that while it is an AIO cooler, it still uses regular "custom" watercooling parts, and is also built to be expandable later on.

Here is some information about it directly from the manufacturer:
https://www.ekwb.com/solutions/all-in-one/
 
ErikN said:
Being totally new, you could maybe start with an EK predator 360 kit for your CPU only (at first):
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/ek-w...rcooling-solution-revision-1.1-wc-874-ek.html

I think that should fit in a 750D, but please make sure.

The thing with the predator is that while it is an AIO cooler, it still uses regular "custom" watercooling parts, and is also built to be expandable later on.

Here is some information about it directly from the manufacturer:
https://www.ekwb.com/solutions/all-in-one/
Click to expand...

I already have a corsiar h100I GTX so not much point in moving to predator i did consider it at one point but i really want the looks of a custom loop and a nice build.
 
Hi,

I really boils down to what you want to spend! Also, are you going to aesthetics, performance or both? Keeping in mind overclocking a GPU is generally a bad idea as it introduces instabilities with negligible performance gain - still cool to do tho!

There's really two roads to go down, personally, I like clear WC blocks, tube reservoirs clear tubing and colored coolant - this is probably the most expensive option. Others prefer opaque blocks, colored tubes so as you don't see the coolant, it can be simple distilled/deionised water (dirt cheap - tesco)

Definitely don't consider hardline tubing for your first build!

Bounce back and we can go from there
 
hadri said:
Hi,

I really boils down to what you want to spend! Also, are you going to aesthetics, performance or both? Keeping in mind overclocking a GPU is generally a bad idea as it introduces instabilities with negligible performance gain - still cool to do tho!

There's really two roads to go down, personally, I like clear WC blocks, tube reservoirs clear tubing and colored coolant - this is probably the most expensive option. Others prefer opaque blocks, colored tubes so as you don't see the coolant, it can be simple distilled/deionised water (dirt cheap - tesco)

Definitely don't consider hardline tubing for your first build!

Bounce back and we can go from there
Click to expand...

Money isnt to much of an issue i want good quality components, i definitely like the idea of clear blocks and tubes so you can see the coloured coolant thats the kind of build i want to do. I want to do a black and orange build (orange coolant)

I would like a good performing loop for mild overclocking/low temps as well the aesthetics.
 
This is kinda where i got to on my own so far, on right track? have heard EK stuff is very good.

b]My basket at Overclockers UK:[/b]

Total: £298.86
(includes shipping: £11.10)
​
 
Sounds like we're of a like mind!

EK are the manufacturer to go with for blocks. For the clear versions, there are two variants, clear and a frosted appearance with some silly circles (yuck).. but each to their own!

Pop onto the EK website, they have a configurator for your particular GPU and ascertain which block you want. Being EVGA, I very much doubt you'll have any problems. Also, you can get a machined aluminum top block to go with the WC block - its supposed to increase performance, but I think it just looks cool!

Personally, I would look at a EK250 tube reservoir, D5 pump with clear block. There are two types of pump, D5 ad DCC. The D5 is much better. You can get pump and reservoir combos - comes down to personal preference.

CPU blocks are easy, EK supremacy. Just make sure its compatible with your chipset - its the same as mine so you should be ok.

**Just saw your reply. Ok your cpu block is good - although its opaque. You can get clear ones. You haven't got a GPU block up there. Also watch out on the tubing - your spec is good, but OCUK accidentally sent me the wrong size the other day!
 
For coolant, get Mayhems pastel. They do UV reactive stuff too if that floats your boat (it does mine!)

Your fans are good - I prefer the corsair SP fans myself. Just make sure any fans you choose are SP (static pressure) against the radiator

Pump and res combo is good - again I prefer them separate but combo units are much much simpler!

I'd recommend an inline water temp sensor and link your fan speeds to that. This can be done on some MBs, but you cant beat a dedicated fan controller. An Aquaero 6 is amazing
 
hows this?

I will need a EK-FC 780 Classy waterblock as well according to EK website but overclockers dont have any

My basket at Overclockers UK:

Total: £331.87
(includes shipping: £11.10)
​
 
Last edited:
Damn that pump is cool - must have just come out! Mine is a square block. If it's cheaper or better delivery, you don't need a PWM pump as the pump will run at a constant speed, the fans will vary - learned this the hard way!

The 980ti PCB is the same as a titan X, so OCUK does have them:

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/ek-water-blocks-ek-fc-titan-x-nickel-wc-824-ek.html

They just didn't label it too well! For piece of mind, scan have marketed it better:

https://www.************/products/ek-fc-titan-x-high-performance-nickel-plexi-full-cover-water-block-for-reference-design-gtx-titan-x-

Don't get the concentrate coolant, get the pre-mix stuff- its the same price and you don't have to faff and it comes with all the biocides and goodness you'll need:

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/mayhems-pastel-orange-coolant-1l-wc-017-mh.html

I'd also consider getting two to be safe - I drained both my loops last night and they were just over 1L each. It lasts 3 years once opened so its not going to get wasted

Have a sit down and drawn your loop, figure out where your tubes are going as you may need elbow and 45 deg fittings

**edit, OCUK didnt like me putting a scan link here! Sorry OCUK. It was the exact same one and labelled as compatible with 980ti and I'm certain its the same PCB so you should be good
 
hadri said:
Damn that pump is cool - must have just come out! Mine is a square block. If it's cheaper or better delivery, you don't need a PWM pump as the pump will run at a constant speed, the fans will vary - learned this the hard way!

The 980ti PCB is the same as a titan X, so OCUK does have them:

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/ek-water-blocks-ek-fc-titan-x-nickel-wc-824-ek.html

They just didn't label it too well! For piece of mind, scan have marketed it better:

https://www.************/products/ek-fc-titan-x-high-performance-nickel-plexi-full-cover-water-block-for-reference-design-gtx-titan-x-

Don't get the concentrate coolant, get the pre-mix stuff- its the same price and you don't have to faff and it comes with all the biocides and goodness you'll need:

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/mayhems-pastel-orange-coolant-1l-wc-017-mh.html

I'd also consider getting two to be safe - I drained both my loops last night and they were just over 1L each. It lasts 3 years once opened so its not going to get wasted

Have a sit down and drawn your loop, figure out where your tubes are going as you may need elbow and 45 deg fittings

**edit, OCUK didnt like me putting a scan link here! Sorry OCUK. It was the exact same one and labelled as compatible with 980ti and I'm certain its the same PCB so you should be good
Click to expand...

I have a EVGA 980ti classified which i think is a custom PCB so the reference one will be the wrong one, according to the EK website i actually need an older one that they have put back into production the EK-FC780 Classy (apparently the 980TI classified is same PCB as the 780TI Classified)
 
spinrs2k said:
I have a EVGA 980ti classified which i think is a custom PCB so the reference one will be the wrong one, according to the EK website i actually need an older one that they have put back into production the EK-FC780 Classy (apparently the 980TI classified is same PCB as the 780TI Classified)
Click to expand...

Oh you're joking.. that would explain the different code on their configuration. Well spotted!
 
Its supposed to stop algae growth, something to do with it reacting to the silver. The coolant comes with lots of biocides anyway, but for the sake of a fiver I'd pop one in.
 
spinrs2k said:
hows this?

I will need a EK-FC 780 Classy waterblock as well according to EK website but overclockers dont have any

My basket at Overclockers UK:

Total: £331.87
(includes shipping: £11.10)
​
Click to expand...

So ive pretty much settled on above with the GPU block coming direct from EK.

Anything i have missed?
 
Looks good to me, though it's pretty likely you're going to want some elbow and 45 deg fittings in there depending on how its laid out

Make sure you have enough fan headers lol! Easy thing to miss. Your fans are PWM so you could get a cheap splitter if you need it.
 
hadri said:
Looks good to me, though it's pretty likely you're going to want some elbow and 45 deg fittings in there depending on how its laid out

Make sure you have enough fan headers lol! Easy thing to miss. Your fans are PWM so you could get a cheap splitter if you need it.
Click to expand...

Thanks, when i plan it out ill add any 45's and 90's i need.

Could you or anyone else explain to me the different between Nickel, Acetail and Acetal + Nickel?

whats the advantage of each one?
 
Not sure what Acetail is :P... but with respect to WB blocks:

Acetal is the black opaque stuff.

All blocks are copper for conductivity, but for aesthetics, you can pay a bit more and have the copper block coated in nickle for a shiny finish.

So if its acetal, then its a copper block with a black plastic top. Nickle + acetal is the black plastic top with the chrome finish on the block.

A non acetal block is typically transparent. So for example, the CPU block you've specified is a transparent top with a nickle coated block. You could also have a transparent top, and a straight copper block

No real advantages / disadvantage to any, it boils down to aesthetics. I recently found out that the nickle coated blocks can't be cleaned with anything aggressive like the copper ones can, but thats very minor!
 
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