ok, so considering opens feedback please ;)

martynpd · 6 Feb 2011 at 17:38

ok. so ive been on the EK website and reviewed what they had to offer

my build so far is...

EK-CoolStream RAD XT (360)
EK DCP 4.0 (12V DC Pump)
EK-Supreme HF Full Nickel Universal CPU Block for AMD,Intel
EK-Multioption RES X2 - 150 Advanced Capacity 160 ml

EK-PSC Fitting 10mm - G1/4 Black Nickel 8?
EK-DCP mounting plate kit for EK DCP Pump

so the total was about 212 pounds.

not sure what tubing i need. advice please?

Nibbles · 6 Feb 2011 at 17:41

if your using 1/2 inch barbs then 7/16 ID 5/8 OD tygon tubing will be the best (and most expensive) tubing for that. however im sure others have used other tubing with good results. i've only used tygon for watercooling so i couldnt offer more advice on others.

martynpd · 6 Feb 2011 at 17:44

would the res / rad support a GPU in the loop, might as well got this far

Nibbles · 6 Feb 2011 at 17:50

a triple rad is probably the minimum you would want to use to put a cpu / gpu combined loop. as for the res, really its a matter of preference. I use a small one (100/150 basic i think) but a larger res makes the system easier to fill as you wont have to start and stop the pump so often.

also , it might be worth looking into some of the kit from other manufacturers. most watercooling systems use 1/4G threads so 1/2 inch barbs will universally fit. im using Phobya rad and EK block and res with a laing pump. a little research goes a long way. hopefully a more experienced watercooler will be able to give more indepth pointers.

buttkinz · 7 Feb 2011 at 00:20

like above have a look around, theres better rads out there than EK's stuff.

this place is a good read for in depth ideas http://skinneelabs.com/

lollyhayes · 7 Feb 2011 at 12:02

360 would be minimum for a gpu cpu loop, EK nickel HF is a superb block, they also do nice GFX blocks as well.
Pump wise I would go for Laing pumps (DC5) etc. XSPC do a double bay resevoir with a built in DC5. Again this is a good combo.

Tubing wise - tygon are the premium brand however I have found masterkleer (clearflex etc) to be as good and a lot cheaper. You want flexible tubing, makes life a lot easier...

lollyhayes · 7 Feb 2011 at 12:05

also G1/4 threads are almost universal, check the description on the items you buy. If they are g1/4 (which they should all be) then you will be fine.

Fitting wise (to connect your tubing together) you have 2 options:
1. Barbs - cheap, easy, reliable.
2. Compression fittings - premium but look good.
I would say if both types are fitted properly that they are equally as reliable as each other.

lollyhayes · 7 Feb 2011 at 12:08

Also when I do watercooling setups I like to plan how the tubing will run in the case.
Draw yourself a diagram of what you envisage the final loop to be like.
This will give you an idea of the amount of tubing and also fittings that you will need.
Then add on 1/2m of tubing extra, and a couple of fittings extra as spares...