Building first SLI + liquid cooled PC. Would appreciate some advice.

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Greetings.

I've built a couple of computers during my years, but I've never built one that was liquid cooled, nor had an SLI setup, but I'd like to try that this time.

I'm looking at an m-atx build. For the chassis, I've been eyeing the Fractal Design Node 804, and I'm guessing this will support a liquid cooling kit.

My biggest issue seems to be that I can't decide what GPU's I'd be landing on. I've been looking at both the GTX 770, and 780. I don't play a lot of games that are heavy graphic dependent, so I believe 2x 770 should be good enough for me.

I will be playing Witcher 3 when it comes out, and I'm guessing that will demand a bit if you want to get great graphics.

But with so many various manufacturers, I get stuck when figuring out which one I should get. I also notice that most of the 770 cards come with 2gb memory, but that there are some 4gb ones. Is it worth paying the extra to get 4gb?

Thank you for any replies.
 
yea, the node 804 looks like a case begging to be watercooled.

get a 780 rather than 2 770s tbh, that way you have an upgrade path if you find a 780 lacking (which you wont)

but if it was my money, i'd get a 290 instead lol. unless you need something nvidia specific
 
I have to agree. go with one card now and have the upgrade room later (when the 2nd card costs less as well)

I haven't seen that case before either but after checking it our...wow that is a sweeeeeeet m-atx case. After going through all the piccies etc I am tempted to put a small rig together in one. Very well designed case.
 
it as to be one card now, unless your going to buy a bit at a time(payday build) then going sli is good as you get the best performance for the cash you have without waiting

that said the 770's are not the best. there just gape fillers. 760 good 780 VERY good 770 mmmm ok but price is poo.
for the same price the 280x's are better.
 
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I did consider ATI, but ended up deciding that I wanted an Nvidia build this time. I'm currently using an XFX RADEON HD5870, so I've been with Radeon for a while now.

So if I decide for the 780 one, which brand should be looking at? I usually build my computers with the intent to have them as is for roughly 5 years.

I've been looking at the Asus one so far. I don't reckon I'd notice any major differences between the various brands in all honesty.

For cooling, I'm looking at the waterblocks from EKWB.
 
what ever card you go for just make sure there is a 100% compatible block before you get the card. dont get card then realise its not a reference design and then struggle to get a block for it.

not that I have ever done that (AHEM cough)
 
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Yeah, I was thinking of that. =)

This block is the one I've been looking at.

It does specify the Asus GTX780, but the picture is the one with a reference cooler. Do you think the card with the DirectCU cooler has another design?
 
what ever mard you go for just make sure there is a 100% compatible block before you get the card. dont get card then realise its not a reference design and then struggle to get a block for it.

not that I have ever done that (AHEM cough)

lol, just looked for blocks for my cards and there is none :p i was sad haha. you can use a universal block but... way as well use stock
 
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Don't bother with SLI/XFIRE just get the single best card you can.

*unless running stupid high res... but even then think about just running the max res for a single card.

Save the rest of the money for later rainy days.
 
I like SLI/CF but only with say 770/280x otherwise the money spent is pretty insane when you start getting 780s in there and considering you don't play hugely demanding games in the first place.

Otherwise go with a good single card like a 290/780 and watercool that to start, nothing saying you can't add a 2nd card in the future just build with that in mind (Decent spec PSU!)

Personally I liked Nvidia and the cards I got came at a very reasonable price, that being said the 290 is indeed a very good card.

As for 780's I'd go with an EVGA or Gigabyte model personally, warranty and quality :)
 
I have SLI 770's myself, and I would suggest that if you can afford to buy 2x770 from the start - don't - buy a 780 instead.

I love my 770's but I own 2 because I could only spare money for one at the time, and then it was the best upgrade for me a few months down the line to go to SLI.

The 780 will leave you with better choices for upgrades a few months down the line - rather than 'peeking' with SLI 770's
 
As far as picking which brand to get i would recommend EVGA! You don't void the warrenty taking the heatsink off (at least not on the one i took apart)

Also you need to pay attention to the PCD design, best to stick to a reference card to make choosing a waterblock easier.
 
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