Newbie watercooling setup advice

swfblade · 25 Aug 2011 at 12:32

Hey guys, been some time i've posted here, I've had an iMac for a few years... (yeah yeah, blasphemy etc...)

Anyhoo, I've just got myself some new parts, as I got the itch again. Worked in IT for many years and although for a time I was at the "I've done enough with PC's at work, I want to come home and use something that just works" stage, Windows 7 and not being able to upgrade the iMac has brought me back. I've also been wanting to go watercooling for many years, but for some reason have never tried it. I have now been converted.

So, the new parts:
i5 2500k (not clocked yet, but will be)
MSI P67A-C45
MSI GTX560
Corsair XMS 4Gb12800
Cooler Master Silent Pro PSU
(SSD drive on its way, not decided on exact model yet)

My main reason for water is noise, secondary is OC'ing. For these reasons I'd like to cool both CPU and GPU.

I've yet to buy any cooling parts or case, as I would like your opinion first. Not really sure on budget, as I have no idea how much these things cost, but i'm thinking it will likely be more 'budget' end to start with, just so I can try it out.

First thoughts on case would be the Corsair 600T White, as that looks like it fits the bill, and is just sex on a stick. Its a bit pricey compared to my previous cases (i think my last one was about £80) but it just looks the business.

So yeah, can you guys help me out as to what I need, as I really have not got a clue where to start with Watercooling...

thanks guys, Jim.

Krony · 25 Aug 2011 at 15:33

Might be better off with one of the XSPC or EK kits and just add a gpu block, something like this, there are blocks for the 560 not sure if it matters if it's a Ti or not but overclockers don't stock them atm so i can't post a link but ur looking at around £60 for that plus a couple of fittings so ur looking at around £250 ish.

Mr Krugga · 25 Aug 2011 at 18:25

Corsair 600T White surely looks nice but it isn't the best watercooling case since it won't accommodate a 360 radiator.

Look for one that will do that, get the kit that Krony suggested, another Nickel "EN" block for the GPU and you're good to go (I think there should be enough tubing and fittings in the kit already but don't quote me on that).

With that in mind, you're looking at £240 + whatever the case you choose spending.

Krony · 25 Aug 2011 at 18:32

Yea, if u did want to stay with that case u could maybe get a 240 in the top and a 120 at the back so maybe a 240 kit like this and then add the gpu block and a 120 rad.
Reason i suggested the 360 kit in the first place is because i think for a cpu+gpu loop a 360 is minimum really.

swfblade · 26 Aug 2011 at 09:59

Ah right, it's all starting to make a bit more sense. The numbers are making sense too.

So, in a CPU/GPU cooling setup, I would want at least a 240 rad and 120.
And to add the GPU to that loop I basically need a cooler block for it (in my case one that will fit an MSI GTX560 non-Ti) and the connectors. Not really sure where I get one of those from if OcUK don't stock them. I'll do some Googling, but if anyone has any suggestions that wont breach any forum rules...

And with a setup like that, it would be quieter than a conventional cooling setup, so long as the obvious quiet fans are used?

Krony · 26 Aug 2011 at 13:37

It will be quieter and keep things at a lower temp, as for where to get a block i can't post links to competitors sites but if u google "GTX 560 waterblock uk" u will find a seller.