watercooling advice

Yurihyuga

Yurihyuga

Yurihyuga

Associate
Joined
24 Oct 2008
Posts
582
Location
South London
Ok I am thinking about taking the plunge soon and thought I would ask for advice.

I think I have the basics put down.

So I would need to buy a CPU Block, VGA Block, pump, reservior, Coolant, radiator, around 10m of tubing?, now what really threw me off is all the fittings and some say G1/4 1/2 3/8 etc. Then theres barbs and clips, I just felt so lost when I thought I would put a mock set in my basket to see and from there I was just blank and I knew I wouldn't be able to get it right without advice first.

Would be greatful if people could explain exactly how I would put a set together and what to look for so I know what size fittings to buy, what style ones and whats the difference between fittings and clips.
 
Everyone except thermochill uses G1/4" threads. So if you avoid thermochill, everything is the same. Otherwise you'll need different adapters for the radiators.

1/2", 3/8" and so forth are inner diameters of tubing. Generally match the numbers to the barbs, so 1/2" tubing with 1/2" barbs. Use jubilee clips on these, google it if need be, don't use the plastic clamps available, as they're rubbish compared. Barbs are what they sound like, barbed fittings.

Most people here use 7/16" tubing stretched over 1/2" barbs for a tighter fit. I use compression fittings, which screw down onto the tubing clamping it very firmly. Compression fittings are better, cost more, and are harder to install. Probably not worth it. I also use 11/8mm tubing with these, which is definitely more hassle than its worth.

Buy expensive tubing. The cheap stuff kinks and this makes it very difficult to work with.

I think by fittings you mean barbs/compression fittings, the thing that connects tubing to block. Clip sounds like the crap plastic clamps.

Naturally all the components vary in quality and price, a 20 quid pump has nothing on an 80 quid pump. Matching the components to each other and to your equipment is the difficult part.
 
all he said and it's about 2m of tube not 10m.

Start with your hardware - is the case big enough for example.
then decide why your watercooling - performance/quiet/bling
As they each have different setups.
Have a spare £200 avaliable for new kit (less second hand)
Check out the watercooling gallery for ideas / possable loop setups

And ask yourself can my aim be acheived with air cooling (do this oftern)
If the answer is always a realistic no - watercooling is a great way to spend money and time

Looking at watercooling kits is a good way to make sure you've not missed anything - but for
the same money you can get better loops
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom