Acrylic tubing help

Emjay86

Emjay86

Emjay86

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Hi guys,

I'm looking at setting up a new PC build using a Corsair 5000d case.

I'm planning on custom looping my CPU using my 360 rad, adding the Corsair xd3 pump/res and fitting it all with the black acrylic tubing.

This will be my fourth watercooling build but my first hard tubing.

So first things first: is it better for me to bend the tubing in 90 degree angles, or is it better to use the 90 degree fittings? From a flow perspective here, as I'm aware one is more expensive than the other.

I'm also struggling to work out how to fit the loop into the case without the tubing going over the RAM (As it's RGB). Presumably I can mount the 360 rad on the vertical row of fans, mounting the xd3 on the top of that and then put the tubing above the mobo?

Thanks in advance!
 
Bending would be more work, but less chance of leaking, plus if you go overboard with angled fittings the whole system would look untidy, my opinion.
You can usually use 90 degrees straight on the block, and run the tubing over the RAM. Again, few bends, but if you take your time and practice a bit, you should be able to do without issues.
If I were planning on hard tubing, I would be tempted to try and avoid angled fittings , unless extremely necessary. Would aim for a cleaner look.
 
if you mean to use 90 degree fittings to make the corners and not do any bends I wouldn't advise it. looks not great and is very expensive. the most recent Jayztwocents beginners guide video used a Corsair bending kit which seemed to really make bends much easier. worth a look
 
When I did my hardline build I basically made a rule that there'd be a maximum of one 90 bend for each tube run, the rest would be 90 fittings. It also helped that I used Bitspower fittings who also sell pre-bent tubing. :P
I also setup my build so that everything is very level so there wasn't any need for any complicated runs.
 
Thanks for the feedback. I think I'm a bit intimidated by the thought of having to physically bend the tubing (without breaking it!) As opposed to just linking it up as you would with soft tubing.

I'm also intimidated by having to actually measure out the lengths of tubing as opposed to just snipping the ends until you get a good fit (lol!).

On that note: what tools would you guys suggest? I've got a heat gun at home already but I don't think I've got anything to actually bend the tubes.

P.s. I'll take a look at the Jayz video, he's usually pretty good for all things PC, thanks for the heads up.
 
I couldn't find this kit for sale separately on OCUK so apologies:

https://www.corsair.com/uk/en/Categ...Bending-Toolkit-(12mm-&-14mm)/p/CX-9059007-WW

This is the kit Jay used and he said it made bends incredibly easy. I've never done hardline because I like to constantly mess with my systems but keeping individual runs to a single bend seems a sensible approach at least for the first build.

I've also seen people using a belt sander to shorten the tubing by the fine amounts needed to get perfect fits. If you don't have one it might be a good investment.
 
Emjay86 said:
Thanks for the feedback. I think I'm a bit intimidated by the thought of having to physically bend the tubing (without breaking it!) As opposed to just linking it up as you would with soft tubing.

I'm also intimidated by having to actually measure out the lengths of tubing as opposed to just snipping the ends until you get a good fit (lol!).

On that note: what tools would you guys suggest? I've got a heat gun at home already but I don't think I've got anything to actually bend the tubes.

P.s. I'll take a look at the Jayz video, he's usually pretty good for all things PC, thanks for the heads up.
Click to expand...

I`ve just started my first custom loop with acrylic tubing, I was worried about over heating and scorching the tube but to be honest its not that bad and easier than you think it is, it`s just getting the feel for when the tube is ready for bending. Buy a couple of spare tubes to practice with and don`t forget you will need the correct size insert as well as the bend formers but you can do them by hand as long as you don`t bend them too tight.
I used 14/10mm tubing and I have a spare 90 &180 degree formers if you are going to the same size you can have them.

Measuring out your bends takes a bit of patience, but if you only have say one bend in a length of tube make the straight bits longer than you need and the cut them down and the sand them to the desired length, not forgetting to round the ends so you don`t damage the O rings. I used a Primochill tool for chamfering the ends but I had to get it from the States and DHL royally shafted me on the admin fees for import duty so I wouldn`t recommend that.

Just give it a go, it`ll look a lot neater than angled fittings.
 
Thanks for all the feedback, much appreciated.

I'll buy an extra meter of tubing to have a play with before I bend the real stuff!

Now I just need to work out where best to put the 360 rad!
 
Next question!

I need to invest in new fans, preferably Corsair for the iCUE compatibility (make that essential!)

I'll need 10 in total with 3 of them being stuck on a radiator. What should I be looking at?

Cheers!
 
Why do you need iCUE as a matter of interest? The only reason I ask is that assuming you want that for RGB control, do you really need to be able to change the effects at will?
 
MikeTimbers said:
Why do you need iCUE as a matter of interest? The only reason I ask is that assuming you want that for RGB control, do you really need to be able to change the effects at will?
Click to expand...

Technically no, but I've already got the CPU, RAM, mouse, keyboard and headset linked up to it all so id like to match the profiles through the software.

My GPU and mobo are unfortunately incompatible but I can fiddle that a bit to be the same.

It's not important as far as efficiency and general capabilities are concerned but I like the look of it and this is a treat to myself from my impending NHS bonus
 
I'd go bending the tubes where possible, 90's look messy. It does take practice though. PETG is easier to deal with than acyrlic, bends easier and can be cut with tubing cutters rather than a hack saw so worth considering that.

In my current loop I have one tube with 3 x 90 bends over a fairly long run, it took me a couple of goes to get it right but the end result is so much nicer.

My advice is to get WAY more tube than you need and just accept multiple attempts and it tends to go fairly well. Its only when you're short of tube you stress that you need to get it right straight away that you mess it up :-)
 
Oh, and in my experience the angle formers don't give the best result, I do freehand and the end result tends to be better.
 
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