New starter to WC'ing

[big_ray_t]

I have been looking to build a watercooled pc as a project for the past few months. To be honest, my current rig doesn't warrent wc'ing, but I will be looking to upgrade in the near future.

So I have been picking parts up that have either been on offer from various places or buying 2nd hand.

So far I have got the following parts together for the new build:

Lian Li PC-G70 Case
Lian Li 4 Fan controller
Eheim Innovatek HPPS Plus Pump
Eheim Innovatek AGB O Matic Res
EK Multioption 150 Reservoir
More tubing than will ever be needed (from work, lol)
Danger Den CPU Block
Danger Den NB Block
Danger Den VGA Block

At the moment, all I really want to do is probably cool my CPU and NB. My GPU doesnt really warrant cooling, plus that is the first thing I will be upgrading once I move into our new house where I will have space to actually be able to use the pc.

My question is (finally), for just the CPU and NB, would a 120.2 rad be enough, or would I be better getting a 120.3 rad for future upgrades? I was actually thinking of maybe a 120.2 in the roof for the CPU and NB, then when I sort the GPU's, maybe another 120.2 in the bottom of the case.

Sorry for the extremely long winded post, but as you can tell, I have no experience of wc'ing so the more comments/advice the better.

 

[kellaway225]

this is what my first water cooling set up is going to be : Res > Pump > Rad#1 > CPU > Rad#2 > GPU
i got the items that i want just need to wait for the money - is yours a pre-built setup?
i am getting 2 of these http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-021-XS&groupid=962&catid=1523&subcat=1525

once i get my second 5850 i might make it into a dual loop, one for the CPU only and one to cool the graphics cards whats the NB block going to be cooling? why are you getting a graphics cooler if you are not going to be cooling it?

 

[big_ray_t]

I bought the blocks, pump and reservoirs as a bundle for £50 so I couldn't really turn it down. The VGA block was part of the bundle.

I wonder if anyone has managed to fit 2 x 120.2 in the roof of a G70 case. That way, I could fit one now, then possibly fit another when/if needed.

 

[jellybeard999]

If you've read around, I'm sure you know the basics, the principles etc

The only thing I'll say is ensure everything is don't worry about loop order (except reservoir before pump) as it makes no difference, go with whatever order uses the least tubing and avoids tight curves. Remember to tighten everything properly (as tight as possible using just your wrist is a good guage, once you need to use your arm/elbow, stop) and double check everying.

 

[big_ray_t]

I'm assuming you are referring to compression fittings when you say tight? It so happens, everything I have has barbs so I was looking at either cable ties or possible jubilee clamps, although I imagine the latter to be a little bulky maybe.

The beuty of this project is, I haven't actually used my pc in over a year and probably won't for another few months so I have all the time in the world to build it correctly and nice. The only thing stopping me starting
the build is whether to buy a triple 120 rad or a double. Once this is decided I can start cutting (hacking, lol) the case. At the mo, I have a hugh empty case as a blank canvas.

The case is finished in a brushed aliminium but I was considering painting it black. What do you guys think? I'll post some
pics of it and continue to do so throughout the build.

 

[Eclectic]

The thing with Jubilee clips is they can distort in shape, kinda end up not circular, which obviously isnt good. Though I have them on my MCP655.

But I use a mixture. I started out with those plastic tubing clamps and they work well. But when redoing the loop, adding/removing blocks when having changed GFX cards I have slowly gravitated to using cable ties, always using 2 per barb and having the heads of the ties at opposite sides of the barb to each other. Hasnt let me down yet.

 

[shahpor]

How about using jubliee clips designed for car fuel systems?

They have a collar that prevents them going oval during tightening.

Still cheap though

 

[jellybeard999]

I'm assuming you are referring to compression fittings when you say tight? It so happens, everything I have has barbs so I was looking at either cable ties or possible jubilee clamps, although I imagine the latter to be a little bulky maybe.

Either, I personally have always used jubilee clips, however, last I watercooled 7/16" tubing became popular and I used that over 1/2" barbs with no clamps. Worked perfectly.