Beginner advice!

Qitarah

Qitarah

Qitarah

Associate
Joined
25 Nov 2011
Posts
1,395
I have never built, or looked into water cooling. However for my new PC I want to give it a go, the ascetics alone in my eyes are worth it!

That being said I don't really know exactly what I need.

Ive seen the kits on sale from OCUK E.g. http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=BU-038-TL&groupid=962&catid=1532

Or would it be better to get something else? If so what kind of parts am I looking for, for just a CPU loop with options to expand in the future to one-two GPUS? I guess bigger and better radiators?


As for cases, I will need a new one as well I guess. I currently have a HAF 922, so could someone recommend me a solid case for watercooling with plenty of room, so I can get a general idea of what to look out for.

Thanks in advance for any replies.
 
Depends how much you want to spend and if you want a big old case like a 900D/Enthoo or would prefer something smaller like a Corsair 540 for example.

The loop part is easy. Forget the kits and go full custom :)
 
Hi, when you come to install your loop build in stages and check, take your time, measure your tubing twice then cut.

Before you close up your loop if you can blow down one end and block the other end of the tubing, you'll sharp know if you have a leak.
 
Thanks for the advise guys.

How much we looking at for a just watercooling on the cpu with the option to expand to gpus?

Minus the case fron what i can tell about 250 and upwards? But yer if someone could be as kind to give me a rough spec for the above id be very greatful. Then i guess its just a matter of reading guides and planning it all out.
 
May be wise to look at cases first, as that'll dictate what you can and can't fit rad-wise and give you something to think about in terms of layout and future expansion.

My picks:

YOUR BASKET
1 x Phanteks Enthoo Primo Full Tower Case £199.99
1 x Corsair Carbide 540 High Airflow ATX Cube Case - Black (CC-9011030-WW) £129.95
1 x Parvum Systems S2.0 MicroATX Case - Black with White £129.95
Total : £484.01 (includes shipping : £20.10).



As you can see, they all offer something a little different in terms of space.
I included the Parvum as I don't know if you're doing a complete fresh build and might consider m-atx.

OR you could say I'll have EK PE rads which would fit in any of these and be happy with great rads at a great price and then pick a case at your leisure.

I know you'd like a quick answer to a simple spec me a loop query, but there's a fair bit of choice when it comes to building a WC rig and I'd hate for you to rush it :)

ED: I'd also suggest that you have a good long browse in the watercooled case gallery.
 
Last edited:
Sorry for the lack of details!

I will be doing a new build, only reusing my (virtually new) tri-x 290 and ssd. Adding to that Ill buy myself one of the new Gigabyte/Asus mobos for the z97, with a 4970k.

Would like to get my case finalized along with cooling solution.

One thing sprang to mind though, not that we know for sure but Im guessing the z97 will follow trend of the z87 in relation and keep the same CPU mounting system as the z77? Cus if not that will make it a bit tricky ordering the CPU block ahead of time.

As for cases, I really like the look of the Phanteks Enthoo one you have linked. Looks great, but maybe a tad expensive. I will probably get the corsair 540 in all honesty. Had my eye on it before and people recommend it highly.

Budget wise, up to 350 for the watercooling. I think thats about as much as my total budget can stretch (after I factor in the mobo, cpu, ram, PSU, case and my 1 month old 290!).

Thanks for all the help.
 
For the 540:

It's more than likely that the sockets will be compatible, and if not, they'll probably just produce a bracket update.

YOUR BASKET
1 x EK Water Blocks EK-DCP 4.0 X-RES (Incl. Pump) £79.99
1 x EK Water Blocks EK-FC R9-290X - Acetal £73.99
1 x EK Water Blocks EK-CoolStream PE 360 (Triple) £49.99
1 x EK Water Blocks EK-Supremacy Clean CSQ - Acetal £49.99
1 x EK Water Blocks EK-CoolStream PE 240 (Dual) £39.95
1 x Monsoon 16/11mm (ID 7/16 OD 5/8) Free Center Compression Fitting Six Pack - Matte Black £27.95
1 x EK Water Blocks EK-FC R9-290X Backplate - Black £20.99
2 x Mayhems X1 Clear Premixed Watercooling Fluid 1L £7.99 (£15.98)
2 x Primochill Primoflex Advanced Tubing 16/11 - Clear £5.99 (£11.98)
4 x Monsoon 16/11mm (ID 7/16 OD 5/8) Free Center Compression Fitting - Matte Black £5.29 (£21.16)
Total : £391.98 (includes shipping : ).



You can inject a bit more bling/colour by changing the fittings/tubing/fluid and I don't suppose you really need the backplate, though it'd be a shame not to as they really do give a nice clean look.

Over budget, but this is usually the reality of watercooling...

Oh, and you'll probably want a couple of angled fittings, and fans of course :)
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom