New to LC

[Sebunio]

Hi,

It is my first post here so hello to everybody.

Now straight to the point.
I decided to go liquid and I'm looking for some advice.


My spec you can find in my sig. I did some research and below is the list of parts I want to go for in the first stage.

Cpu block: Swiftech Apogee XT Extreme Performance 1156/1366
Pomp: Swiftech Laing D5 Vario MCP655 12V DC Pump
Radiator: Thermochill PA120.2 (15mm Fan Spacing)
Fans: Akasa AK-FN057 Apache Super Silent 120mm Fan <==already have two
Reservoir: XSPC Dual Bay

In the second stage I would like to go for full vga block either for 4890 or if budget will allow maybe some 5870?

Liquid flow pump->cpu->rad->reservoir
2ns stage pump->gpu->cpu->rad->reservoir

Feel free to comment on the parts any ideas are welcome as almost nothing was bought yet. As long it will be similar kind of money I will be happy.

My second doubt is about my case. Coolermaster 690 is not the biggest case around and will need some diy to get dualrad fitted in. I want to fit everything inside the case including rad. Rad will go on top with two fans sitting on it (pull) expelling air from the inside of the case. Additionally case will get a positive pressure inside with at least 1x140mm and 3x120mm fans on intake that in my opinion should boost cooling performance a bit. As mentioned before rad will go on top so cutting the mesh out is the must. But I would like to move it away from the mobo as much as possible (by looking at it 3 cm) with some custom mounting which would allow me to remove rad through top.

Is it all worthwhile ? Would it give me the performance of the LC? Would double rad handle all the heat especially after second stage?

The third and most important thing I haven't got a clue about all the tubing and fittings what size should be the best? How to make it leakproof system?

And finally my aim is performance then some more performance (OC) ant than a little bit of quiet and at the end how it will look like.

Thank You

 

[Geckovich]

I'm too tired to attempt to answer all your questions right now but I'll do a few.

First off a double rad wont be enough for an i7 and 4890. It'll cool them sure, but no better (if not worse) than air.

I have a triple rad with watercooled CPU, GPU and mobo in a 690 myself. If you check this link maybe my layout will give you some ideas:

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18066974&highlight=username_Geckovich

For barbs/tubing I (and many others on here) use 1/2" barbs with 7/16" tubing to give a nice snug fit.

 

[DavyBoy]

If you don't have much room inside the case it would be a lot easier to run a single loop.

Also, for tubing, I personally would choose 3/8" ID 5/8" OD over 1/2" fittings, simply because I've had 7/16" pop off when I was leak testing stuff outside of my case, it happened on 2 different occasions, this is obviously something you don't want happening with a loop setup inside your case!!

You could use jubilee clips to secure the tubing to your fittings, however, I think they look nasty, I prefer to use compression fittings myself, they look much nicer imo, and there's no chance of the tubing popping off those!

 

[Strawberry]

Most people use something like 7/16" over 1/2", but I recommend getting a simple screw-on compression fitting for every single connection, if you get the rotary types you don't have to worry about the tubes twisting either.

Personally I used 11/8mm fittings with 10.3/7.5mm tubing and I'm unable to pull the tubing out at all when properly screwed tight. You also have to make sure the threading size on the waterblocks / pumps themselves is correct. Usually it's G1/4.

So basically:

Pump/Rad/Block/Whatever with G1/4 thread -> G1/4 to 11/8mm fitting -> 10.3/7.5mm tubing (in my case)

Edit: Also, I suggest getting just a core block for the graphics card instead of a full cover block. As far as I know Sapphire cards aren't reference design (not sure about the Vapor X), and a full cover block will not fit on those. (I made that mistake myself, had to RMA the block)

Plus you can keep the block if you upgrade.

Edit 2: Hmm.. Does OCuK sell core-only VGA blocks? I can't seem to find any, sorry if this post is breaking the rules.
Edit 3: From the looks of it the 4890 Vapor-X has a blue board, I am 99% sure that full cover 4890 blocks do not fit on those. Usually the red ones are reference design.

 

[Sebunio]

Hi,
Thanks for the advice. The triple rad on top looks impressive and I will definitely think about it but still I would like to keep usb port on top as it is so convenient place to keep my wireless. I do have a dog who eat those from time to time if exposed.

Performance-wise is it any difference between tube id?
I think I would prefer to go for id 7/16".

Last question
XSPC X2O 750 Reservoir Pump would that perform similar to the pump and reservoir I mention before?

Thanks

 

[Amidar]

If you don't have much room inside the case it would be a lot easier to run a single loop.

Also, for tubing, I personally would choose 3/8" ID 5/8" OD over 1/2" fittings, simply because I've had 7/16" pop off when I was leak testing stuff outside of my case, it happened on 2 different occasions, this is obviously something you don't want happening with a loop setup inside your case!!

You could use jubilee clips to secure the tubing to your fittings, however, I think they look nasty, I prefer to use compression fittings myself, they look much nicer imo, and there's no chance of the tubing popping off those!

Depends on what make the tubing is, 7/16" id xspc in easy to get off 1/2" barbs but 7/16" id primoflex on 1/2" barbs i have to cut off.