Spec check for first timer

Jony27

Jony27

Jony27

Soldato
Joined
15 Aug 2010
Posts
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N. Ireland
Hi all just about to take the plunge into watercooling and would like some advice from you guys.
As per my previous thread, I'll be using 2nd hand parts.

I have 2 different combinations which I'm thinking

Corsair 350D setup
2x Ax240 rads

Arc mini r2 setup
1x Ax240
1x ax360

Both setup will be using compression fittings.
As for pumps I'm still undecided on a d5 + tube res or ddc pump/res combo.

They will be cooling a 2600k @ 4.5Ghz, 2x 280x @ as high as possible :p.

The reasons behind radiator choices is because the 350d can only take 2x 240 whereas the. Arc mini can take 1x 240 and 1x 360,and I wanted to maximise rad space where possible.


My main questions are:

Is 2x 240 enough to cool my setup? (I prefer the looks of the 350d,but don't want to limit myself because of it)

Is a ddc pump enough to power through the setup?
 
DDC should be fine, but I heard it have noise problems.
I can barely hear my D5 at speed 3.

Did you think about 450D?
You could have a 360 + 240 rads there.
It looks the same as 350D, just a little bigger.
And you would be able to do a push/pull fan configuration on front 240 rad.
You could even attach 1 120 rad externally and 120 back exhaust fan would push air through it. So that gives you 720 worth of rad - enough for your needs.
 
350D have openings for tubing in the back too, so you could add 120 rad externally there.
that would still give you 600 rad, probably good idea to use it, because 350D is shorter than 450D and you may have problems with fitting push/pull in front.
 
I'd want to avoid external as much as possible.
So you think 2x 240 won't cut it?
As mentioned, I really don't mind the arc mini if the 350d setup won't be enough.
 
Jut secured some fittings, they're the Monsson 19/13mm Free Centre Compression Fittings in White, to match the white AX240/360 rads.
Do I need some angled ones? How necessary are they?
Also, anyone able to explain to me about QDCs and how they are used in a loop?

Any able to give an answer on the above question regarding rads?
 
You will need angled fittings mate, but until you have planned out your loop no one can tell you how many or of what angle is needed. Thy're not 100% needed but make for a better cleaner looking loop, I personally use one where ever I can.

To be honest mate, if your wanting to down size to M-ATX and want to go crossfire I think your asking a lot mate, it can be done, but your gpu's might run hot. Added to that there isn't going to be a whole lot of room to work in for your first full custom loop.


I personally wouldn't go for less than a 240, and a 360 radiator mate, so if your set on M-ATX, go for the Arc, mate, or if your open for another idea why not look at the fractal Node 804, it's still M-ATX but gives you a whole load of room to work with, you can fit up to about 3 240 rads in there i think, and is a pretty sweet looking case.
 
Thank you for the response mate.
I'm pretty much set on the arc mini r2.
Also using a ddc pump as I got a really good deal from jimbo in the mm.
Loop order will be,
Pump>gpu2>gpu1>360 rad>cpu>240 rad>res>pump.

I will get a quick paint job when I get time tomorrow to show my idea.

http://cdn.eteknix.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/IMG_7463.jpg

It's similar to this apart from dual card setup with a EK bridge and the plump/res will hopefully be mounted on the rad
 
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The node 804 was my original choice of case but after watching more and more videos and build logs with watercooling I've been put off by it completely.
While it's a very sleek looking case, it's a bit limited to what you can actually use in it radiator wise.
By this I mean in the motherboard side you can only fit 1x240 and a 120 max, while the psu side you can fit 240 and a 140?
Buying single rads just isn't financially sensible from my pov, plus I got a really good deal on ax240/360 rads so would like to stick to that.
 
Updated part list

1x Ax240
1x ax360
1x EK ddc pump res xres 100
2x 280x EK waterblock
1x EK supremacy acetal
10x xspc coin fit v2 fittings

Everything is second hand but the CPU block and fittings are still bnib.

In total the above parts will cost £200, plus £50 worth of misc parts such as tube cutter, PSU Bridger, tubing, coolant /dye and angled fittings.

Pretty happy with the overall cost since I'm getting to watercool both gpus and the CPU.
 
Just received some items from ocuk and the first thing I noticed is the tubing.
It was covered in dirt..
Is this normal with shipping tubes?
Here's a pic of the white tubing.

28k3chu.jpg


How would I go about cleaning the dirt off the tube?
 
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