best 360mm/420mm rad and best cpu block

coach2024

coach2024

coach2024

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Joined
25 Jun 2024
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37
Location
Midlothian
Hello,

I have never set up a custom loop before and I'm seeking advice on the best radiator and CPU block for a 4090 and the upcoming 9950X. It all needs to fit within the Fractal Design North XL case.

Is it possible to have a custom loop without a pump res, resembling an AIO in terms of simplicity and being as leak-proof as possible? Aesthetics are not a concern for me; I prioritize ease of installation and leak prevention. I prefer flexible rubber tubing over hard pipes.

While I aim for the best performance, I would be willing to sacrifice a bit of performance if it significantly reduces the cost.

Thank you.
 
Last edited:
jabski said:
hi mate, different RTX 4090's need different blocks. Which RTX 4090 do you have?
Click to expand...
Ah sorry didn't know, i don't have one right now i was going to get one second hand as a place holder until the 5090 - however, that being said, i don't have the energy to change blocks multiple times, so i will in that case just look for a CPU set up
 
coach2024 said:
Ah sorry didn't know, i don't have one right now i was going to get one second hand as a place holder until the 5090 - however, that being said, i don't have the energy to change blocks multiple times, so i will in that case just look for a CPU set up
Click to expand...

maybe until the new cpu's are released an aio is the route to go.

www.overclockers.co.uk

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It's possible to not use a reservoir yes
Just a pump if want it to look like an AIO for
Whatever reason
Use a top radiator with multiple ports
Fill it using a port on top of the radiator
You would also use that port to bleed air out
Does limit your choice of radiator though
As most don't have the ports required
Also a bit harder to bleed than having a reservoir

Yes gpu blocks are usually specific to each gpu
So before buying a gpu
You would check if a block is available

Leak prevention
Look at leakshield it uses a vacuum pump
Any drop in pressure activates the vacuum
Which keeps the fluid in
Ideally need a reservoir with it
There's a standalone version yes
But needs to conform to certain things with the standalone version
Position in the loop
Calibration of the vacuum I think from memory
Maybe something else I haven't remembered

You would need 2 possibly 3 radiators
If want to cool something like a 4090 and 7950x
Or the not yet released 9950x too presumably
You're talking a lot of watts
 
coach2024 said:
Hello,

I have never set up a custom loop before and I'm seeking advice on the best radiator and CPU block for a 4090 and the upcoming 9950X. It all needs to fit within the Fractal Design North XL case.

Is it possible to have a custom loop without a pump res, resembling an AIO in terms of simplicity and being as leak-proof as possible? Aesthetics are not a concern for me; I prioritize ease of installation and leak prevention. I prefer flexible rubber tubing over hard pipes.

While I aim for the best performance, I would be willing to sacrifice a bit of performance if it significantly reduces the cost.

Thank you.
Click to expand...
Yeah its possible - there are cpu blocks with integrated pump(even EK has one).
As for the rad - it depends if you want to exceed 600rpm or not. If you want to exceed - then HWlabs GTX, most balanced rad on the market.
If you want to run below 600RPM, HWlabs SR2 is better and is not restrictive. However, very expensive and it loses to GTX roughly around 600RPM - below it destroys it.
There are also Watercool Heatkiller rads, which look more sleek, but perform worse. Other brands are not worth it in my opinion.
 
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It's possible to do a layout without a pump. I would do a picture plan or the layout that you want and provide a budget.

Amount of rotary fittings affect aesthetics as does layout. Thinking longer term, draining and maintenance to make it easy when you upgrade can also be a factor as is the size of pump (d5 vs ddc) and where you want to place it for noise/dampening purposes.

It's very easy to go down a rabbit hole which is why I'd suggest you think about a budget and layout first?
 
pre said:
It's very easy to go down a rabbit hole which is why I'd suggest you think about a budget and layout first?
Click to expand...

What kind of budget do you need for a good water cooling setup these days ?

Am guessing around £1,000 as just the GPU block alone can cost £300
 
I’ve been using Alphacool radiators in those sizes without issues. Just be sure to flush any radiators you decide on, to get rid of manufacturing debris.
 
chaparral said:
What kind of budget do you need for a good water cooling setup these days ?

Am guessing around £1,000 as just the GPU block alone can cost £300
Click to expand...

ocuk have a kit just for cpu. Then you could add in a extra radiator, gpu block and some extra fittings at a later date

www.overclockers.co.uk

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