First Time "Custom Loop"

[Loxa]

Hey, thinking about taking my PC down the custom loop direction as i am limited to what else i can do that would not be a waste of money. As you can see from my signature i have a Corsair 540 Air which i am assuming can fit a 240mm rad & 360mm rad.

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/ek-water-blocks-ek-coolstream-xe-240-double-wc-841-ek.html

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/ek-water-blocks-ek-coolstream-xe-360-triple-wc-842-ek.html

Other than that i am pretty much at a loss, i am looking in to a pump/res combo. Any tips or builds people could help me with would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Robzere31]

Welcome to the world of water!
I've just completed my first build & it really isn't as difficult as I originally thought it would be.
Good fun planning the layout & putting it all together.

Are you planning to cool the CPU & GPU? & do you have a budget in mind.

As a guide it cost me around £500, but that did include a new case which wasn't "needed" but I'm so glad I changed as the phanteks pro-m is a delight to work on.

As a rough guide you'll need the following
CPU block
GPU block
2x rads
Pump
Res
2x fittings per item plus a few 45 & 90 degree fittings just in case
Tubing. (2 metres is probably enough but I ordered 3m to be safe)
Coolant (1 litre should be ok unless you have a large res & long runs)
Fans

Optional extras
Fan controller
Temp sensor
Flow sensor

 

[Loxa]

Welcome to the world of water!
I've just completed my first build & it really isn't as difficult as I originally thought it would be.
Good fun planning the layout & putting it all together.

Are you planning to cool the CPU & GPU? & do you have a budget in mind.

As a guide it cost me around £500, but that did include a new case which wasn't "needed" but I'm so glad I changed as the phanteks pro-m is a delight to work on.

As a rough guide you'll need the following
CPU block
GPU block
2x rads
Pump
Res
2x fittings per item plus a few 45 & 90 degree fittings just in case
Tubing. (2 metres is probably enough but I ordered 3m to be safe)
Coolant (1 litre should be ok unless you have a large res & long runs)
Fans

Optional extras
Fan controller
Temp sensor
Flow sensor

CPU & GPU, would be nice if i could keep it £300-400.

 

[silent]

i purchased a 240 mm ocuk value kit for my cpu link. you could easily upgrade it and add a gpu block to it as well. may need a slightly bigger res/pump combo, like a dual slot d5 based one. well under £300.

admittedly, if you want hard line tubing or a nuts finish you can spend considerably more.

 

[Loxa]

i purchased a 240 mm ocuk value kit for my cpu link. you could easily upgrade it and add a gpu block to it as well. may need a slightly bigger res/pump combo, like a dual slot d5 based one. well under £300.

admittedly, if you want hard line tubing or a nuts finish you can spend considerably more.

I will be going for flexi tubes for my first build and i do like the look if you get the tubes in the right position.

 

[silent]

my flexi setup is going in my new corsair air like yours, ordered the new xspc ion pump/res combo as looks lovely. and should fit in the main compartment.

 

[Sky01454]

For first time I highly recommend kits from XSPC as they include everything you need (apart from the GPU block) and are all compatible. You also save some money as well

 

[Smffy]

If you are looking to cost save I would suggest you just go with 1 large radiator in the initial build, you can easily add a second when you have the money. You'll struggle to do it for £300 though given the GPU blocks are quite pricey.

As a rule the single rad is probably enough for two components, but its up to you. I spent something like £450 on mine which included:

EK-AF Extender 12mm M-M G1/4 - Black x 2
EK-AF Ball Valve (10mm) G1/4 - Black x 1
EK-CSQ Plug G1/4 (for EK-Badge) - Black x 1
EK-AF T-Splitter 3F G1/4 - Black x 1
EK-Ekoolant EVO UV BLUE (premix 1L) x 3
EK-HDC Fitting 16mm G1/4 - Blue x 13
EK-RES X3 250 - White x 1
EK-XTOP Revo D5 PWM - Plexi (incl. pump) x 1
EK-CoolStream SE 360 (Slim Triple) x 2
EK-Supremacy EVO (Original CSQ) x 1
EK-FC Titan X - Nickel (Original CSQ) x 1
EK-FC Titan X Backplate - Blue x 1
EK-HD PETG Tube 12/16mm 500mm (2pcs) x 4

I'd say you can do it for £400 with two rads, aiming for £300 1 for now. Personally I feel like much of the kit is transferable in future so I would opt for quality and add to things later - completely your call though. Just make sure what you commit to is what you will be really happy with once its done, done squeeze out £50 and regret it later