So confusing

Monkeyboysteve · 1 Dec 2014 at 10:01

I know there are probably other threads on this...but watercooling seems so complicated.
I have built my own computers for many years but have never even tried watercooling.
Is it as complicated and hard as it sounds to add watercooling?
What sort of budget would I need to set aside?
.
I just bought a Galax Black edition 970...can that be added into a water cooling loop?
.
I have a sabertooth z77 motherboard, I5 3750k cpu, 8GB ram, Noctua dh14 cooler, 800w modular corsair PSU, HAF X case.

BattFink · 1 Dec 2014 at 12:31

Hi

Watercooling your PC isn't really that complicated. I watercooled my PC last year as was fed up with the noise. I just used a couple of guides of here (stickied posts at the top of the forum) & watched a few youtube videos (LinusTechTips has quite a thorough one)

At a minimum you need to budget for a pump, water reservoir, radiators, CPU waterblock, some fittings & tubing & a GPU waterblock (if you decide to watercool it).

Keeping it as simple as possible:

Radiator - personally I'd get as much radiator capacity as will fit in the case (most recommend at least a 120 rad for each component - I usually aim for double that e.g. 240 rad per component)

Reservoir - It's basically a balance of what fits in the case/looks the best

Pump - I generally stick with the Laing D5 or DDC range of pumps

CPU Waterblock - choose whatever you like the look of (obviously need to fit a 1156 socket)

GPU waterblock - I can't seem to find a waterblock designed for your graphics card

Tubing/Fittings - you need 2 fittings per component (e.g. 2 for cpu, 2 for pump, 2 for res, 2 for rads), size wise is personal preference but both tubing & fitting need to match the inside diameter (ID)/outside diameter (OD).. For the fittings personally I would stick with compression fittings, they provide a little bit more security as they grip the tubing

Loop order - Generally doesn't matter, the only thing that does is Reservoir -> Pump (Res needs to be higher than pump), this is to prevent the pump from running dry as it'll be mavity fed. The rest of the loop just keep the tubing as short as possible or what ever looks neat

This is the loop order I used when I first built my PC:

RES -> PUMP -> RAD -> GPU 1 -> GPU 2 -> CPU -> RAD -> RES

Hope this helps a little, if you get stuck stick a post up there's some knowledgeable people on these forums, but most importantly is don't be afraid to give it a go

tipes · 1 Dec 2014 at 17:17

The only thing I would add to the excellent post above if you do take the water-cooling leap is to take your time in planning the loop first. Work out the best position for your res first and work from there. Most important is to do a good leak test of the loop before fitting it to your case/board - many people suggest a 24hr leak test - I think you can shorten that somewhat with compression fittings, but you make your own choice. Lastly - just take your time and double-check as you go.

It may seem a bit daunting, but it isn't really. I am sure you will be pleased with the results if you do. Need any more help - we are all here to help if you need us.

Mark

Monkeyboysteve · 1 Dec 2014 at 21:17

Cheers guys. I might take the plunge after Xmas...I bought this case specifically so I had room to watercool but never got round to it.
Some of the horror stories scare me though lol.

P4Clock · 1 Dec 2014 at 21:26

Monkeyboysteve said:
Some of the horror stories scare me though lol.

only morons make mistakes :eek:

, take your time and do it right.
to prove my post a lad on here spent 2hours gaming on a new set up water loop and it went pop.... he had not plugged his fan in

.

pete910 · 1 Dec 2014 at 22:04

P4Clock said:
only morons make mistakes, take your time and do it right.
to prove my post a lad on here spent 2hours gaming on a new set up water loop and it went pop.... he had not plugged his fan in .

I'd seen that post too :eek:

. Still, only human. Am pretty sure we've all done something stupid at one point :rolleyes:

@Monkeyboysteve

If your capable/competent enough to build a PC, W/C-ing shouldn't posse a problem tbh
So.... Crack on

Oh, and don't forget to post some pics!!!!!!!!

If you do get stuck put a post up on here! Someone will guide you into the right direction/info.

Dirk Diggler · 1 Dec 2014 at 23:30

P4Clock said:
only morons make mistakes, take your time and do it right.
to prove my post a lad on here spent 2hours gaming on a new set up water loop and it went pop.... he had not plugged his fan in .

Which is why, after leak testing we stress test the components that are being cooled and monitor temperatures. The planning and addition of fail safes is also a must!

To the OP: If you've got the budget available and enjoy the challenge, then go for it. I find the planning, execution and testing just as satisfying as the silent system that will be the end result!

A couple of questions for you...

Are you overclocking the CPU and GPU? If so, to what level? Are you looking to push them further? What temperatures are you hitting at full load? What method are you employing to stress test components?

Finally, are you water cooling for aesthetics or performance? Maybe both?

Edit: You asked about the cost, and that will depend a lot on the answers to the above questions.