Help me with my first loop

BritishBiscuits · 20 Jun 2015 at 23:42

Hey guys new here, looking to build my first water cooling loop and could use any and all hints and tips.
I haven't brought any parts yet and im trying to fit all this in a Corsair 450D.

my wish list so far.

EK-Supremacy EVO RED Edition
EK-FC980 GTX TF5 - Acetal+Nickel
EK-XRES 140 DDC 3.2 PWM (incl. pump)
EK-HDC Fitting 16mm G1/4 - Black Nickel

As you can see i have not decided on any rads yet as im unsure if i should be getting two or not and if so what rad to fit in the top of the case as im using a (corsair h110?) at the moment and there really isnt much more space left 3mm or so id recon.
I have seen these that i guess would work if you would pass judgement on them for me.

Koolance Radiator 2x140mm Copper (High Flow)
** No competitors please **

Alpha NexXxoS ST30 Full Copper 280mm
** No competitors please **

MagiCool Copper Radiator - 280 mm
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-004-MA

** Please don't ask for competitor details **

I haven't decided on any tubing yet if you could give me a few hints there too.

Thanks -Alex

Mynight · 21 Jun 2015 at 04:56

Looks like you can get a full 360mm rad in the roof(if not using the opticle bay) and a 280mm in the front.

Rule of thumb seems to be 120mm per componant plus another 120mm.

Personally I'd go with a 360mm rad in the roof for the extra radiator space along with there's not as large a choice using 140mm fans/ if you ever change the case most of them accept 120mm but only a few take 140mm.

Are you after performance or quietness or the middle ground?

Make sure the 980 you buy will work with the block. As long as it's a reference card then you're good to go. You can use EKs cooling configerator website to check the model.

mods1965 · 21 Jun 2015 at 06:59

Search for photos of water-cooled Corsair 450D systems (the water cooling gallery here is great) to see what kit was used to work with the components in the case. This will help determine what you need. You will need to consider what RADs (thickness and size), fan type (speed, PWN etc.), tube thickness, types of compression fittings required (normal, 45 and 90 degree etc.), block types, fluid colour and of course what pump and res to use and how to fit it and stop vibration.

Surveyor · 21 Jun 2015 at 11:03

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Please read the FAQ, you'll find that you can't link to competitor sites or as for competitor details.