First time for everything - loop for GTX 770.

riskyfrisky · 19 Sep 2013 at 10:40

I've been posting in the cooling section looking to reduce temps on my GTX 770, and it seems the most logical (but more expensive) option is to water cool. Apparently my version of the GTX 770 uses the standard PCB, though I noticed EK's are only to pre-order at the moment, but I can wait a little while for them to come in.

I've never dealt with water cooling before, it scares me, and i've no idea what i'm doing! However, I know what I want, and that is a simple loop that runs to the GPU only.

Can someone please spec me what I would need in order to achieve this for as little money as possible without jeopardising the cooling ability of the loop?

Big thanks.

cs2000 · 19 Sep 2013 at 12:37

Well, seeing as you mentioned EK, and I like them too, il stick with EK.

YOUR BASKET
1 x EK Water Blocks FC770 GTX GPU Water Block - Acetal £79.99
1 x EK Water Blocks EK-DCP 2.2 X-RES (incl. pump) £65.99
1 x EK CoolStream Radiator XT 240 (120.2) £38.99
1 x Monsoon 13/10mm (ID 3/8 OD 1/2) Free Center Compression Fitting Six Pack - Chrome £27.95
4 x Primochill Primoflex Advanced Tubing 13/10 - Clear £5.99 (£23.96)
Total : £248.27 (includes shipping : £9.50).

Cheaper alternative by downgrading from monsoon fittings to EK.
YOUR BASKET
1 x EK Water Blocks FC770 GTX GPU Water Block - Acetal £79.99
1 x EK Water Blocks EK-DCP 2.2 X-RES (incl. pump) £65.99
1 x EK CoolStream Radiator XT 240 (120.2) £38.99
4 x Primochill Primoflex Advanced Tubing 13/10 - Black £5.99 (£23.96)
6 x EK Water Blocks EK-CSQ Fitting 10/13mm G1/4 - Nickel £2.99 (£17.94)
Total : £238.25 (includes shipping : £9.50).

And you could go further by getting the tubing from elsewhere and using a different brand, OCUK only seem to have Primochill in 13/10, im personally using EK masterkleer and its pretty decent, but am using the primochill advance in the new system

riskyfrisky · 19 Sep 2013 at 13:46

Thanks cs2000.

I take it this is all i'd need apart from the coolant itself?

Am I right in thinking that, should I change GPUs a few years from now, the only thing that would need to be changed is the GPU block? Everything else could be kept?

I like the look and style of the EK stuff so i'll go with them for sure. Sorry for daft questions but i've never considered water cooling before now.

Hakanese · 19 Sep 2013 at 13:48

yep as you change gpu cards, the only thing you will need to change is the gpu block, if you get a universal block you may not even need to change that depending on what your new gpu is.

cs2000 · 19 Sep 2013 at 14:34

As above, you will just drain the loop, remove the compression fittings from the GPU block, put them on your new block, attach to loop and re-fill with coolant.

And yes, you do need some coolant in my original list, but I left it out as theres far too many to choose from

riskyfrisky · 19 Sep 2013 at 19:08

cs2000 said:
As above, you will just drain the loop, remove the compression fittings from the GPU block, put them on your new block, attach to loop and re-fill with coolant.

And yes, you do need some coolant in my original list, but I left it out as theres far too many to choose from

I'll be going for the original spec you put together with blue coolant, when they're in stock.

I'll prolly be back once I set it up and hit problems!

riskyfrisky · 22 Sep 2013 at 12:59

I've been planning where everything is going to go inside the case (not got the parts yet though) and i've hit upon a potential issue: I cannot find anywhere where the pump/res combo will fit?

The problem is that most other people go for full-blown water cooling, but I only want to water cool the GPU, so i'm left with a massive air cooler that leaves no room for the pump/res to attach to the rear exhaust fan.

I've included a picture because it's easier than trying to explain with words. Does anyone see a good place to stick it?

Hakanese · 22 Sep 2013 at 13:19

I'd have a look at pulling the unused HDD racks and see about mounting the pump/res down there, you can put it on some of the sponge anti vibration stuff you can get.

riskyfrisky · 22 Sep 2013 at 13:57

Hakanese said:
I'd have a look at pulling the unused HDD racks and see about mounting the pump/res down there, you can put it on some of the sponge anti vibration stuff you can get.

I did think of that - and that's probably the easiest place to put it - but positioning the tubes would be a bit of a pain because i'm fairly sure I wouldn't be able to route the tubing out the front where the side panel would go because it would be too tight. I'd have to route the tubes through the slits in the sides of the HDD bays. Again, it sounds like a pain.

I could remove the optical drive because it never gets used. I'm sure the pump/res would fit in there but I don't see how i'd secure it in place.

scotsdragon · 22 Sep 2013 at 14:13

DO it i love me water cooling

riskyfrisky · 22 Sep 2013 at 17:58

scotsdragon said:
DO it i love me water cooling

Oh i'm doing it pal! But i'll be too scared to put the side panel on because i'll be constantly checking for leaks.

Avenged7Fold · 22 Sep 2013 at 18:43

riskyfrisky said:
Oh i'm doing it pal! But i'll be too scared to put the side panel on because i'll be constantly checking for leaks.

Honestly, i think pumps randomly failing on AIO units are more likely than random leaks after you have tested it for a day. My paranoia on leaks lasted till half way through my first set up, where i decided that my tubing was too long... then i spent the next half hour getting blisters on my hands trying to undo the rock solid compression fittings. I mentally noted at that point, 'thumb tight' doesn't mean as tight as you can make it by hand but rather tight enough so you don't feel it give way that much.