Please spec me a cheapish, single radiator watercooling solution for GPU only (RX Vega)

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Hi all, I am totally new to watercooling and would like help choosing a solution for a single fan radiator GPU only combo for my RX 64 Vega.

Price around £250 give or take. I would prefer a decent, quiet pump and reservoir combo.

Thanks in advance.
 
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Water cooling is certainly desirable for RX Vega, especially the 64! If you've only got space/budget for a single fan radiator, then fair enough - but with the power Vega can consume I'd want to go larger.

Having said that - a £150 budget wouldn't cover building a custom GPU-only loop (full-cover block, radiator, pump/res etc) from scratch - an EK Vega block alone is around £100. Bykski are releasing a block in China, and this might work out cheaper if it gets distributed/imported here.

It looks like something like the Alphacool Eiswolf 120 GPX Pro is in your price range though; while it's an AIO, it has connections on the hoses to give it a degree of expandability.
 
AmateurExpert said:
Water cooling is certainly desirable for RX Vega, especially the 64! If you've only got space/budget for a single fan radiator, then fair enough - but with the power Vega can consume I'd want to go larger.

Having said that - a £150 budget wouldn't cover building a custom GPU-only loop (full-cover block, radiator, pump/res etc) from scratch - an EK Vega block alone is around £100. Bykski are releasing a block in China, and this might work out cheaper if it gets distributed/imported here.

It looks like something like the Alphacool Eiswolf 120 GPX Pro is in your price range though; while it's an AIO, it has connections on the hoses to give it a degree of expandability.
Click to expand...

Oops, typo there, was meant to type £250.
 
I do have a large case. Corsair Carbide Air 540.

So I only spec'd a small radiator because I only plan to cool the GPU and have a 240 AIO already installed for the CPU. I could get a larger radiator if it is recommended
 
This should do you OK, although some items out of stock. Just add fluid og choice and drain port.

WC3.jpg
 
So is the following a good setup? I'm thinking the 2 fan radiator will be better for cooling and will fit my case fine.

EK Water Block EK-FC Radeon Vega
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/ek-water-blocks-ek-fc-radeon-vega-wc-9gl-ek.html

XSPC EX240 120mm Radiator - Black
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/xspc-ex240-120mm-radiator-black-wc-084-xs.html

XSPC Ion All in One Pump Reservior
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/xspc-ion-all-in-one-pump-reservoir-wc-399-xs.html

XSPC HighFlex Hose
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/xspc-highflex-hose-7-16-id-5-8-od-15.9-11.1mm-2m-clear-wc-132-xs.html

XSPC G1/4" Barb Fitting (Chrome)
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/xspc-g1-4-to-1-2-barb-fitting-chrome-wc-108-xs.html

Mayhems Ultra Pure H20 Watercooling Fluid - 1L
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/mayhems-ultra-pure-h2o-watercooling-fluid-1l-wc-004-mh.html

I already have these Noctua fans, will they be OK for this setup?
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/noctua-nf-s12b-redux-pwm-1200rpm-120mm-quiet-case-fan-fg-036-nc.html

Thanks :)
 
Yeah look's fine. Although i prefer compression fittings as they look better and are more less likely to come off lol
 
Definitely prefer go with compression fittings (otherwise you'll need to add extra clips to secure the tube to the barb, not as tidy). The fluid you list is distilled water with nothing in it to deter corrosion or microbial growth - something like X1 Clear has both (note some fluids can't be used with all types of tubing).

The 240mm radiator is definitely better than just a 120mm one. For any given size (area), thin radiators do better with low RPM fans than thick radiators. Thick radiators can give better cooling but only when used with faster fans. NF-S12s aren't ideal for radiators but if they are all you have then give them a try, you can always replace them later on if you find that they have to spin too fast for your liking to get the cooling you want.
 
The EX240 is already a fairly thin radiator; thick usually means 60mm and over. There is a lot of in depth info and reviews on radiators at Extreme Rigs - that article compares 360mm radiators from different brands and ranges, but is broadly applicable to other sizes too. The XSPC is not bad (really, there isn't that much difference between rads) but the Magicool G2 240mm looks a bargain on OcUK, with performance at least as good as the EX240. HWLabs GTS rates higher but tricky to find for a good price.
 
I use barb fittings, I just use a tube that has a smaller I'd than the barb and cable ties to make sure. Never had a leak (apart from rotary fittings)
Also use a magicool rad and it is fine. They need a good clean.
 
If you can wait a bit EK will be releasing a Vega version of their Fluid Gaming aluminium water kits, they offer great value and expandability, planning to go that route with my Vega/Threadripper system.
 
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