New To Watercooling

Capt.Phil · 8 Jun 2012 at 09:23

Hi Everyone,

This is my first post here so sorry if I am putting this in the wrong place.

I am doing a new build, hopefully with my first custom loop.

The Components I want to cool are:

- Asus Maximus V Formula (using the built in fusion cooling block)

- i5 3570K

I would also like to be able to watercool my graphics card at a slightly later date, so need to be future proof:

- HD Radeon 7850 (I know its not the best but it's at the top of my budget for graphics atm)

The case I have got is a Bitfenix Shinobi, so I don't have a tonne of space (although I think I should be able to fit in a 240 and 120 rad , a second 240 at a push, with modding).

What I would like to know is, will a 240 rad(like the hardware labs Black ICE GTS-lite) be enough to cool the above, or will I need to find a way to get another rad in there?

Thanks,

Phil

SirConfused · 8 Jun 2012 at 11:06

Depending on whether you're going to OC your CPU/GPU (and how much if you do) the 240 probably wouldn't be enough for both. If you're going for stock clocks then a single 240 would probably be enough if you could squeeze a double thick 240 in.

Capt.Phil · 8 Jun 2012 at 11:36

To begin with I will most likely be running stock clocks. I will probably OC in the future, but for the time being I am looking for entry level performance that I can upgrade in the future. And I don't like the look of the all in one units like the H100.

So for the time being, if I put a double size 240 rad in, and then try and find space for a second thinner 240 once I decide to cool my 7850, should that be enough.

I would either run two loops, or:

res>pump>cpu>thin rad>GPU>thick rad>res

Thoughts?

SirConfused · 8 Jun 2012 at 12:07

A single loop in the config you've come up with sounds absolutely fine to me.

Opinions seem to vary quite a lot on the all in 1 solutions but in my experience they are about the same as absolutely top end air and quieter. However if you're looking to get a lot of performance out of WC then a custom loop is your best bet. (I went from a big noctua push/pull to an OcUK H2flo extreme)

Freddie1980 · 8 Jun 2012 at 18:10

If your going to go watercooling and you want to take it seriously i.e overclocking + quietness get yourself a thick 240 rad like the XSPC RX240 I know it's expensive but then again decent gear carries a premium. Don't bother getting a thin rad unless you plan to use high pressure fans, if do go down that route you might as well get one of those hydro coolers. It won't be as good but it's lot less hassle.