I want to add water cooling (first time)

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nlr

nlr

nlr

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I am new to water cooling and I am considering cooling just the cpu for now so does that mean I still need fans as well?

and should I buy separate parts or water cooling kits? and is it hard to fit/maintain?

please recommend parts and tip/advice for a beginner

I will be using antec 1200 case
 
I would advise against using the Antec 1200 for water cooling, the DF series, CM 690 or Lian Li PC-P50 are far better
 
while not suited to water the antec 1200 will sufice for a cpu only loop.

i'd be looking at mounting the rad in the rear 120mm exhaust like my antec 300. The following components should get you started

EK Coolstream XT120mm Radiator
XSPC Dual bay pump/resevoir
Ek or Heatkiller CPU block
2xMeters 7/16 tubing
6x1/2 Barb Fittings
Choice of fluids OCUK offers, or for a cheaper alternative premix anti-freeze
 
just remembered something

you could use the Phobya 200mm rad which would take the CPU and a Graphics card
 
The advice I was given, was to go and read about watercooling on the Xtremesystems forum and on here :p Really, it is the best way to find out about watercooling, and what your system can take :) Google your case and watercooling, and see what turns up :)

That way, you know exactly what you need to do etc :)
 
I've done quite abit of research but its mainly water cooling stuff from the us which we can't get in the UK so I thought its best talking on a UK forum (here)
 
nlr said:
I've done quite abit of research but its mainly water cooling stuff from the us which we can't get in the UK so I thought its best talking on a UK forum (here)
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Most of the stuff listed on Xtremesystems in that thread can be found on UK websites :p Trust me, I've done a lot of research too mate! I'm not trying to be harsh and not help, but I found drawing up a spec myself, and then getting it looked at, helped me learn a lot about watercooling.
 
madindehead said:
Most of the stuff listed on Xtremesystems in that thread can be found on UK websites :p Trust me, I've done a lot of research too mate! I'm not trying to be harsh and not help, but I found drawing up a spec myself, and then getting it looked at, helped me learn a lot about watercooling.
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I've added your msn mate as I got a few questions :D
 
nlr said:
I've added your msn mate as I got a few questions :D
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Haha no problem. I don't know that much, as I'm still a noob too, but I will try and help when I'm on. Net is a bit dodgy currently, on a mobile dongle thing, but will be around more from Wed onwards after the nice Virgin man fits my 50 meg!
 
There are some old guides floating about the net, but i found them crap. The best thing to go by is peoples build logs.

That and asking questions, aslong as you do your research people don't mind helping, its just when people expect everything told to them most hate helping then, but those that are willing to research and then ask questions often get helped more.

There are many of us here with watercooling, and we will help, just we won't do everything, which is fair i think.

But yeh look at watercooling build logs is the best bet i would say.
 
This guide here is quite good as a general insight to all the different parts etc, and how to link up a system. It's what I used. Hope it's ok to link to XS from here :) Also, Google the name of you care with "watercooling" after it, that usually returns some build logs, and YouTube vids etc :)
 
The easiest if your only going with a cpu only is to buy a all in one like the corsair h2o system. Just install it and forget it. It wont be as good as the rig specified by frozenova but its a good intro to water cooling and much less expensive.
 
nlr said:
I've done quite abit of research but its mainly water cooling stuff from the us which we can't get in the UK so I thought its best talking on a UK forum (here)
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if you'd done enough research, you'd know that a radiator can cool a cpu only loop passively, but then it'd have to a be pretty big rad, a 120.1 wouldn't do. Otherwise you'd still need fans.

Think about it dude, so many people on here have watercooled setups. Obviously it's harder to fit than air cooling, but it's by no means impossible.

You need to do more research. Most people research for months before even thinking about what parts to get. I've been slowly reading up for the past year about it.

In terms of maintenance, aside from the initial preparation, you should have found out that every 6/12 months you'd need to clean out your radiator and probably replace your fluid every 12 months too.

Another tip, read more than one guide. You need to read quite a few guides to have a good understanding. Also, as someone said, carefully look at watercooling build logs in the case section.

Lastly- enjoy it. From what I gather, researching watercooling is more fascinating that putting the parts together, and probably almost as fun :p
 
I recently got over my water phobia & picked up a XSPC kit from a competitor. They pick all the pieces for you & sell it at a reduced price. As its all pre picked you dont have to worry you forgotten anything. Putting it together was a bit of a pain (getting the right length tubing etc) but once all in place its working great & i feel an accomplishement after so many years of wondering about it I finally did it! Good luck.
 
JonnyG1982 said:
I recently got over my water phobia & picked up a XSPC kit from a competitor. They pick all the pieces for you & sell it at a reduced price. As its all pre picked you dont have to worry you forgotten anything. Putting it together was a bit of a pain (getting the right length tubing etc) but once all in place its working great & i feel an accomplishement after so many years of wondering about it I finally did it! Good luck.
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The problem with that is that you don't necessarily get the parts which suit your loop, case or budget. also, if you're worried you've forgotten anything, just post your kit up on ocuk before you select order, and ask if you've forgotten any thing
 
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