1st WC build

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Hi guys,

I will be installing my first watercooling kit soon, the kit is the EK L120. Just a cpu block but its perfect for price and what I want atm.

I have a question for you guys.

I have a Corsair 800d case and it has a removal motherboard backplate, so you can mount coolers without removing the motherboard.

Does this apply to watercooling? Or will I have to remove the motherboard? And is it 'better' if I did?

Just curious. Neither is a problem, I just dont want to take the motherboard out completely if there is no need!

Thanks,

Ben
 
Pretty sure you can do it without removing the motherboard on the 800D. I should know - I had one..... But I built it up outside the case :rolleyes:
 
Thanks guys.

So it's perfectly fine not to remove the motherboard an just build it in the case? There are no cons to doing it that way?

Also is there anything I need to do before putting coolant/distilled water in? Like flush it? It's a brand new kit so hopefully not but it's not a problem if I have too!
 
Thanks guys.

So it's perfectly fine not to remove the motherboard an just build it in the case? There are no cons to doing it that way?

Also is there anything I need to do before putting coolant/distilled water in? Like flush it? It's a brand new kit so hopefully not but it's not a problem if I have too!

Flush the radiator with warm water - make sure it is free of flux - once it's clear rinse again with de-ionised water before you build the loop.

And - take your time - double check everything. Leak test properly with only the pump running by jumping your psu using either a bridge or a paperclip while protecting your components as best you can with kitchen towel just in case.

If you need any more info just ask - loads of helpful people on here.
 
Flush the radiator with warm water - make sure it is free of flux - once it's clear rinse again with de-ionised water before you build the loop.

And - take your time - double check everything. Leak test properly with only the pump running by jumping your psu using either a bridge or a paperclip while protecting your components as best you can with kitchen towel just in case.

If you need any more info just ask - loads of helpful people on here.

Thanks Alz. Really helpful! Makes sense. Will make sure I do that.

Can I ask why u built your loop outside the case? And what would you recommend I should do for my 1st build? Or doesn't it matter in the slightest?!
 
Thanks Alz. Really helpful! Makes sense. Will make sure I do that.

Can I ask why u built your loop outside the case? And what would you recommend I should do for my 1st build? Or doesn't it matter in the slightest?!

I had stripped everything out of a different case.

I built the motherboard, cpu and memory outside the case and fitted the water block to the cpu. Then fit the important bits in the case - radiators (attach the fan first - the right way round :p ) , motherboard, res, pump and psu. Then I fit the tubing using compression fittings (personal choice).

Check everything is tight and attached and fill the res. Turn only the pump on and add water as you go till all the air is bled out.
 
I had stripped everything out of a different case.

I built the motherboard, cpu and memory outside the case and fitted the water block to the cpu. Then fit the important bits in the case - radiators (attach the fan first - the right way round :p ) , motherboard, res, pump and psu. Then I fit the tubing using compression fittings (personal choice).

Check everything is tight and attached and fill the res. Turn only the pump on and add water as you go till all the air is bled out.

Thanks Alz :cool:

I think I might just take everything out.

This is the actual one im getting: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-343-EK&groupid=962&catid=1532

With regards to the fan which way round does it go? Not sure whether to mount at top of case or at back in 800d, seeing as its only a single rad 120mm. I will get a bigger radiator later on!

Ben
 
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There's a handy tip for you - look around the casing of the fan, somewhere on it should show you the direction :)

Here's a sample image on my Gentle Typhoon:

http://imgur.com/8VY9SQW

It's hard to show in the picture, but it shows blade direction and air direction :)
 
I'd remove the link - can't post competitor links - The fan should have a direction on it - the picture you showed on that link - the sticker side should be closest to the rad.

It's the same as THIS KIT
 
Thanks. Makes sense!

So fans push air through rad and out through top of case? Or through back of case? Both as exhaust.

Or fans pulling air into case>through radiator.

Leaning towards using pull config as exhaust out the back of case...any good?
 
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Preference would be pushing through radiator if mounted rear or ceiling. Makes 1-2 degree difference so minimal. My roof I have to have a pull configuration due to lack of space.
 
If a fan doesn't have arrows, the general rule is that the frame side is the back. This is where the air is blown out.

3o2TQss.jpg


You can also tell just by looking at the scoop of the blades.
 
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Thanks guys.

Watercooling is in! So pleased with it. I am now able to run my i5 [email protected] at 1.4v stably with p95 blend tests. Temps in games that are cpu intensive like GW2 barely reach 55c, and prime it hovers around 60c, highest I have seen it go is 65c on one core after being on for about 16 hours! It hovers around 58c on the most intensive benching loads so I am well happy. Idles in low-mid 30's.

Not sure if just me but the G 1/4 Fittings were a pain to screw tight! My thumbs got damaged haha. Anyway have been testing for over 24hours and no leaks :)

Ben
 
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