Advice on First Watercool

daniel101191

daniel101191

daniel101191

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9 Jun 2009
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348
Hey guys. Im getting my room re done and to go with it I was thinking of a PC overhaul. I have always loved the idea of watercooling, but never really known where to start with there being all the little bolts, and heads, and radiators etc. I was just wondering if someone could break it down for me.

1) I have a nvidia GTX 260, you can get a block for that ye?

Im planning on either upgrading my current CPU (intel pentium dual core) to a quad core, or getting new mobo, ram, and cpu and getting an AMD Phenon II X4. Thats not decided yet, because Im not quite sure how much this is going to cost me

2) On a budget build, how much would a circuit going round into the cpu, and gpu cost me?

3) If anyone has any spare time could you spec me a cheapy kit.

Hope its not asking too much, but i want to get my first watercool right, as Im dealing with water n all. ;)

Thanks in advanced

ps. dont want the just cpu kits I have seen floating around.
 
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first decide what cpu your gonna get as you will need bracket points to match so theres no point spending money wc something that may become useless to you.

basics:
pump
res
radiator
tubing
fittings

dont do gpu now, get used to cpu first and add gpu later. + gpu blocks are expensive.

good build about £200.

my choice (im an alphacool nut) i would go:
1x Alphacool NexXxos cpu block (£40)
1x XSPC Laing DDC-Pump 12V Pro(10w) inc Acrylic Reservoir with G1/4" Threads (£75)
1x XSPC RS240 Radiator (£30)
2x 2m PVC Clear 11/8mm Water Cooler Tubing (£6)
4x Alphacool Screwconnector 11/8mm G1/4 (£8)
3x Alphacool Screw angle connector 11/8mm AG 1/4" (£7)
2x fans of your choosing (spend about £18 on them)

£180 total.
this would give you a SAFE system for your first build that will minimise the chance of leaks, its compression fittings which although cost more give you added security and are a lot easier to put together take apart.
 
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Id stay away from compression fittings, 1/2 barbs with 7/16 tubing are a good fit and are very easy/fool proof to fit without leaks.

Id also say buy 2nd hand, my build is mostly 2nd hand, just the CPU block and res i bought new, small res and a newer type CPU block.

Other than that, same as above, im an EK fanboi though!

EDIT; depending on the age/manufacture of your GTX 260 there may or may not be a block for it, think there are 5 PCB designs and only 3 supported water blocks.
If its like mine and dosen't have a full cover cooler as standard then get a GPU only block, works just as well if not better.
 
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i love the way some people always say stay away from compression - but there is zero reason to at all. its basically just that a bunch of uber geeks decided one day that barbs were somehow better.
when in fact there is zero difference and its all down to taste. at the end of the day they are just connection points , nothing less nothing more.
 
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I agree nothing wrong with compression fittings, if you pay the money for the decent ones aka bits power ones, cheap compression fittings are just that cheap.
 
iamtheoneneo said:
i love the way some people always say stay away from compression - but there is zero reason to at all. its basically just that a bunch of uber geeks decided one day that barbs were somehow better.
when in fact there is zero difference and its all down to taste. at the end of the day they are just connection points , nothing less nothing more.
Click to expand...


I agree, but as he's asked to spec a cheap kit then decent compression fittings are off the cards. Most people cant justify £10 a fitting.

There is also the issue with the ID and OD of tubing and the info isn't there on the specs, its far easier to use barbs for a first build, they can always be changed at a later date.

Chill guys :p
 
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