Apex Ultra+ Alternative Bits

[mcgriffo]

I'm going to build a pc for the first time ever (had a pre-built P4 for the last 4 years). So far only have the monitor ordered (Viewsonic 2025m) and nothing else.

I think I'm definitley going down the E6600 road, and intend to overclock and want everything as quiet as possible.

I'm very impressed with the Swiftech kit on offer right now, and also by the advice to not make a custom water cooling kit up if experience is lacking. However there have been lots of thoughts on "tweaking" the Swiftech kit to replace a couple of parts here and there that are guaranteed massive improvements, similar prices and with FULL compatibility.

Another advantage I assume of just buying the kit is that full instructiions are provided etc and it is really straight forward to set up.

So, before parting with the cash by Wednesday, would anyone suggest "Hey, no, don't just buy the kit - keep the default items as a base and replace x, y and z.... it'll still be really easy to build and everything will be ultra compatible still" or is it more of a case of "listen, it's your first time, just buy the kit".

If the first option is the best, which parts to keep and which to replace?????

Thanks for the advice!

 

[Mekrel]

Replace the rad with a thermochill as they are the best performing under slower fans. PA series that is, although I think the HE are discontinued.

Replace the Apogee with a ApogeeGT or DTEK FuZion.

Sorted

 

[Nelly]

Anyone able to give me any reccomendations on improving this spec? would this be classed as high end water cooling? I'm a noob who did some research & asked a few questions & made a few mistakes along the way!

Hi there, I have only just read your final message on another thread, so to add to what you wrote, apologies for missing the question:-

Nelly - what parts did you change in the Swiftech kit and what did you swap them with?

The main change was the Radiator, which I did on advise from various people, although Im now tempted to switch to the PA120.2 lol

I'm also tempted to buy this 18W pump:- Alphacool Laing DDC 12V ULTRA Pump & Plexitop, which would also mean selling the Swiftech MCP655 Pump lol

Pump: Swiftech MCP655 12V DC Pump (Lang D5)
Rad: Thermochill PA120.3 + Swiftech MCB120 Radbox radiator mounting adapter
Rad Fans: 3 x YATE LOON 120mm Case Fan - D12SL-12
CPU: D-TEK FuZion CPU Block
Chipset: Swiftech MCW30 Chipset Waterblock
Res: DangerDen Single 5.25" Bay Resevoir
Hose: 7/16"ID 5/8"OD

To conclude, if I had thought about this more carefully, I would not of bought the Swiftech kit. . .!! Why? because I would have saved a lot of money!

Ive sold:-
1) Swiftech Storm Water Block
2) Swiftech Apogee Water Block
3) Swiftech MCR220-QP Dual 120mm Radiator
4) Swiftech MCRES-Micro Watercooling Resevoir

 

[Mekrel]

Why did you sell the MCRES? It's a great resevoir. Goes anywhere and fixes the sloshing sounds. The DangerDen bay res I had was dire. The last bit of air is impossible to get out due to the plasitc cap being threaded into a acryclic block inside the res.

It was too shallow and with my pump being so close, it let air which was impossible to get out be sucked back into the loop.

 

[Nelly]

Why did you sell the MCRES? It's a great resevoir.

Well it would have been sold, it was going on a auction site this evening, all the other bits are sold. Im quite surprised, I would have thought the DangerDen bay res would have been just as good if not better, the main reason I bought it was because it fitted nicely within a 5-1/4" drive bay. . .