HELP, first time w/cooling

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13 Oct 2011
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209
Hey guys I'm needing some help picking out stuff for watercooling, I had a rough idea of what I wanted but not too sure.

My case is an Antec p180, I can mount the radiator on the back of the case so it can be a 240 or 360 rad.

I know for a fact I don't want coloured water I am going to use coloured tubing.

If anyone can give me tips or even a rough list to give me an idea on what to purchase I would appreciate it :).
 
I thought it would have been easier just puting the loop together all at the same time? So you wouldnt have to disassemble it and re-build. But I will take your advice Hakank, less money to spend for now :p

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-186-XS&groupid=962&catid=2133

I was looking at the reservoir/pump for tidyness but I'm not sure if the pump would be strong enough for the loop?

Any thoughts on this :)?
 
I was looking the all in one kits but I would like to make a custom loop, more fun picking and choosing different components:)

For now I am only wanting one rad, then in the future I might add another.
 
There wouldn't be much point buying that kit, I might aswell just stick with my antec cooler, thats another thing I wanted this loop for is too w/cool my gpu
 
I have to agree with you - Get it all done at the same time. Although you may not want to buy one of the kits - having a look at say the Techlabs V12 kit will show you everything that you need to get. Adding a GPU block to that and you have everything that you need. Just remember to take your time while building the loop, leak test it and keep an eye on coolant levels. It's loads of fun doing it and definitely worth the effort in the end.

On the note of GPU blocks - make sure you get one that fits your particular model.

I'm not buying a kit as I want to buy coloured tubing so it looks fancy :D , I have a 7950 XfX DD gpu, is there a full block that fits this model? I dont want to buy just a core block, I would like to buy the full thing to be on the safe side :p
 
The only block available by a decent watercooling brand is by Heatkiller, the 'GPU-X³ 79X0 XFX Edition' waterblock.

I love Heatkiller blocks because they look amazing and solid with a good build quality. Unfortunately they are pricey, hard to find outside the main website and are a little more restrictive on flow i have found. Luckily OCuk sell them!!!!

WC-037-WC_74444_350.jpg


Even their backplates look awesome!

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-037-WC&groupid=962&catid=1520&subcat=2327


Cheers for that mate :D, it is pricey but I would rather get that than buy just the block for the gpu core so then atleast I know its safe :)
 
True, but it will also mean stripping down and re-doing loop when the time comes, which speaking from experience (adding a 2nd card in to loop), can be a right pain in the titty's.

OP,

What you require:

CPU block
GPU block
Radiator(s) & fans
Reservoir & pump (these can be bought separately or together)
Tubing
Fittings (either barbs or compressions x2 for every component)
Fluid (plus corrosion inhibitors if not using a pre-mix)

Additional stuff you MIGHT want to consider: fan controller; quick disconnects; temp sensors etc.

Best advice I could give you is plan, plan then do some more planning. Putting stuff together is, for the most part a piece of ****, assuming you have everything you require to hand. Nothing more frustrating that being half way through a build and realising you aren't going to have enough tubing or fittings or some other daft wee mistake that could have been averted with a bit extra time taken during the planning stage.

Good luck, it is a very expensive, but satisfying endeavour.

I am gradually buying components so I don't notice the cost and won't feel bad about it ;), I have been planning for a while I just wanted some opinions as I am a beginner :p
 
I would recommend retiring your case. The Antec P180 is not am ideal platfom for a custom water cooling loop esp since you want to cool the CPU & GPU. You would need 3 x 120mm rads to provide cooling and maybe a 4th 120mm rad which would probably clash at the back of the case with the CPU. I had an Antec P193 case, which is great for aircooling but poor for watercooling./[/url]

I am considering a new case atm,

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-143-CS&groupid=2362&catid=2280

I was looking at this one but not sure?
 
wasn't too sure about that case for watercooling but I think it would be perfect no hard drives or psu in the way.

can anyone look over the list I made of components to buy and let me know what they think :)?
 
The link you posted won't show what's in your basket, it'll show the basket of whoever clicks it :)

Follow these instructions to post a basket here: http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18371076

Got it thanks mate:)

This is the basket i put together earlier anyone give me some tips?

YOUR BASKET
1 x Watercool Heatkiller GPU-X³ 79X0 - XFX Edition £89.99
1 x XSPC X2O 750 Dual Bayres/Pump (Black) V4 £59.98
1 x XSPC RayStorm CPU WaterBlock (Intel) £51.98
1 x Hardware Labs Black ICE Radiator GTX-Lite 360 £50.99
3 x Corsair AF120 Performance Series Low Noise High Airflow - Single Pack (CO-9050003-WW) £13.99 (£41.97)
2 x Aqua Computer Double Protect Ultra 1l £8.99 (£17.98)
1 x XSPC HighFlex Hose 7/16" ID, 5/8" OD, 15.9/11.1mm, 2m, Blue/UV Blue £5.99
1 x XSPC HighFlex Hose 7/16" ID, 5/8" OD, 15.9/11.1mm, 2m, Black £5.99
10 x XSPC G1/4" to 7/16" ID, 5/8" OD Compression Fitting (Black Chrome) £2.99 (£29.90)
Total : £366.74 (includes shipping : £10.00).

 
+1 recommendation for Mayhems X1 fluid.

Regarding fans, don't go for the AF series. They are high airflow low static pressure. For radiators you want high static pressure to push the air through. Go for the SP120s or if your not tooooo fused about looks, go for the Scythe Gentle Typhoon 1450 or 1850.

Looks arn't important tbh, because it will be out of the case, I'm just looking for the best airflow and low temps.
 
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