Watercooling Core i7 / 4870X2 - £400 Budget...

RoEy

RoEy

RoEy

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Hi all,

I'm due to start my water cooling project within the next week. I built my PC roughly 2 months ago and I should have had my water cooling sorted by now but I had a few personal problems which delayed it.

PC Specs:

Core i7 920 - want to overclock to at least 3.6
ASUS Rampage II Extreme X58
6GB (3x2GB) Corsair Dominator 1600Mhz
Sapphire 4870X2
Corsair HX1000
NEC MultiSync 24WMGX3
Silverstone TJ07

I want to cool the CPU and GPU in the same loop. I've had advice from a few people who think that Koolance water blocks for the CPU and GPU seem to be the best money can buy.

I've roughly decided on the following specs:

TFC Xchanger - Quad Radiator 480
EK Multioption Reservoir 150
Zalman ZM-MFC1 Plus Black Multi Fan Controller

Potentially - Koolance 350 water block and Koolance full water block for 4870x2

Still undecided on pump, fans, tubing and fittings. I would like black tubing though. I'd also like a bit of light, maybe uv?

I've had to rush this thread so I do apologise for the lack of structure. Please check out my build log to see where I am at the moment.

If people think I'm mad for spending £400 then please say and let me know what I could get instead.

Thanks all and I do hope someone can help.

RoEy
 
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Hi Jon,

Thanks for the info mate, really appreciate it. I thought Koolance were copper though so I'll have to look into that. DDC 18W with aftermarket top was what I was thinking too.

Would anyone be able to spec me a full setup, £400?

RoEy
 
beh* said:
Do your research and then post a spec. Surely half the fun in all this is in selecting the best parts for you - especially if you have £400 to spend :eek:

Just seen your build log, looking good mate :)
Click to expand...

Hi beh,

I have several specs in mind mate but just thought I'd see what other people would get for my budget. I'll list a spec in the morning then and let me know what you think?

Glad you like my build log. Just been doing some sleeving so I'll update my log soon.

Thanks,

RoEy
 
Potential Spec:

CPU Block - Koolance CPU-350AT or EK Supreme LT CPU Waterblock for Intel 775 & 1366:Acetal

GPU Block - Koolance VID-487X2

Radiator - TFC Xchanger - Quad Radiator 480

Pump - Laing DDC 1+ Ultra 18W 12V DC Pump with plexi top

Reservior - EK Multioption Reservoir 150

Fans- YATE LOON 120mm - D12SH-12 x4

Fan Controller - Zalman ZM-MFC1 Plus Black Multi Fan Controller or Scythe Kaze-Master 5.25" Fan Controller - Black

Tubing - Masterkleer 7/16" Tubing or Feser Tube Black 3/8

Clips - XSPC Tubing Clip For 1/2" Hose or Jubilee Clips

Barbs - Danger Den FB (Fat Boy) G 1/4 Fittings - 1/2"

Fluid - Probably Feser 1 but not sure on colour.

Total price roughly - £440

Hope somone can help me tune this spec.

Thanks,

RoEy
 
beh* said:
Don't need to worry about clips (except for the rads) as the 7/16th is tight enough. I would use an EK full cover block if you can, i have two 4870 full cover blocks and they are excellent.
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Thanks for the info but I'd still like to use clips so I know it's safer. I like the look of the Koolance full cover block and the results are very good, plus its only one slot not two. I had a look at your log and the pics look good mate. I noticed you have the Zalman ZM-MFC1 Plus Black Multi Fan Controller, what do you think it and how do you monitor the fan speeds?

RoEy
 
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Sayso said:
the koolance blocks do look good are you going to buy them direct from USA?
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There's a few places where you can get them so I doubt I'll get them from USA.


Sayso said:
I would either go with the heatkiller v3 or the EK supreme on the CPU, the supreme has done really well in recent shoot outs and is relativity cheap.
Click to expand...


Thanks for the info. The EK-Supreme LT i7 - Acetal looks good too.

RoEy
 
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Ok I've revised my spec again and I'm more or less confident the following is what I'll end up with.

CPU - Koolance CPU-350AT

GPU - Koolance VID487X2

Radiator - TFC Quad 480

Pump / Res - XSPC DDC 18w Ultra Pump/Reservoir

Rad Mount - General purpose ABS blocks - 100x50x21 X3

Fluid - Feser Clear or Feser VSC

Fittings - Danger Den Fat boys + Bitspower G1/4" Silver Shining Angle 1/2" Fittings

Tubing - 7/16 XSPC – still undecided -

Tape - 3M heavy duty mounting tape or no more nails outdoor permanent

Fans - Yate Loon 120x120x25 D12SM-12 1650rpm

Fan controller - Zalman ZM-MFC1 Plus Black Multi Fan Controller

Tube Cutter

Washers (gpu block) - M3 Silicone Washers x10

T Line - For drain line

The only thing I've ordered so far is some Fat Boy barbs.

I've been told by a few people its better to have the XSPC DDC 18w Ultra Pump/Reservoir in the bottom than get the EK 150 / 250 and have it on the MB tray. Does anyone agree with this?

RoEy
 
w3bbo said:
CPU - Heatkiller CU/Koolance 350A

GPU - Koolance VID487X2

Radiator - PA 120.3 bottom, BIpro 120.2 in the roof (dual loop)

Pump / Res - XSPC DDC 18w Ultra Pump/Reservoir x2

Rad Mount Purpose build PA rad holder for TJ07 (google)

Fluid - Feser black

Fittings - Hi-flow barbs + Bitspower G1/4" Gun metal Angle 1/2" Fittings

Tubing - 7/16 XSPC or masterkleer

Tape - 3M heavy duty mounting tape or no more nails outdoor permanent (?)

Fans - Yate Loon 120x120x25 D12SL-12

Fan controller - Zalman ZM-MFC1 Plus Black Multi Fan Controller

Tube Cutter (or scissors)

Washers (gpu block) - M3 Silicone Washers x10

T Line - For drain line
Click to expand...

Thanks for the help w3bbo.


A few things though....


1) I've heard the Swiftech GTZ is just as good as the Heatkiller and Koolance 350A, plus it's a hell of a lot easier to mount. Is this true?

(PLUS) I have read that a few people have had problems fitting the Heatkiller on my board (Asus Rampage 2 Extreme X58), due to the board having a small chip behind the CPU socket. Apparently the Heatkiller back plate obstructs it. Is there a way around this?

So confused about the CPU block as I like the look of all 3 but which would perform better with a gpu block in the loop powered by a single pump?


2) Where the radiator is concerned I would only be interested in running one loop and wanting one radiator, hence the reason I thought the TFC 480 Quad would do the job for me. Do you agree?


3) I have seen the custom made rad mounts for tj07 but it's not compatible for the TFC 480. So I was going to get some ABS blocks as stated and make my own rad mount (like murdermod), which was what the tape was for too. :D


4) I've ordered some danger den fatboy barbs and I'll get some Bitspower G1/4" Gun metal Angle 1/2" Fittings too.


5) So it looks like the pump/res combo is the better option compared to the ek res’s that a lot use in the tj07. The only thing that concerned me with this is the extra length of tubing needed as I wouldn’t have a res next to the motherboard.

Does this matter much as I have seen tubing resting on gpu's that have to go all the way to the bottom compartment?


6) Is there much difference between the koolance 4870x2 block and other brands or is it definitely worth getting?


7) Isn't it better to get clear fluid for the loop as I've heard the dyes etc, can clog things up after a while?


Sorry for all the questions but it's the only way I can get it right in my head and down on paper before I buy!

Thanks for your help so far mate.

RoEy
 
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.:SAmSuNG:. said:
Agreed with webbo. The koolance CPU block is top dog in a very low restrictive loop so no other blocks. If you wanna run a multi block loop then the heatkiller is the CPU block to buy and all koolance blocks are nickel plated copper. + the Koolance is very expensive.
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Yeah I think I know what you mean as the 350 is very restrictive isn't it? So having more blocks in the loop would impair the flow rate? (Do I get a point for 2 right answers? Beginner here... :D )

What do you mean with regards to the Koolance blocks being nickel plated copper? Is that good or bad?

Thanks,

RoEy
 
Thanks for your help w3bbo! Just a couple more things to query:

What backplate can accommodate the Heatkiller then? Plus, some I see are black and others are just copper looking, are they different models or just different aesthetically?

Isn't the Koolance 4870x2 restrictive or does that just apply to CPU blocks? Just thinking are all Koolance products restrictive?

I have two potential layouts; would you be able to have a look at them and advise which one you'd go with, if any?

rad.jpg



I think I prefer the pump before cpu
pump.jpg



With regards to a 'Drain Line' would it be best to attach it to the outlet of the pump? Any advice about a drain line would be great.

Is it ok attaching the tubing to the barbs when they are in the PC?

Just don't want to put pressure on parts that's all but I do know I'll need to heat up the tubing before it goes on. Plus I'll do a test loop before it's in the machine anyway to check the blocks for leaks.

Are there any decent sites that give you good advice and tips on installing a modern water cooling setup step-by-step?

What are the tools you need too? The little bits and bobs like funnel etc..

Finally... glad you agreed with most of the parts I picked!

Once again, thank you very much for your continued support!

RoEy

PS - This is damn hard to dedicate the time I know it needs when I have a wife and child! Needs more time lol
 
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Thanks for your help Samsung!

I've looked into the HeatKiller / R2E issue and it seems that when you purchase the HeatKiller backplate it comes with 4 red spacers which rectifies the problem....pheewwww....

Not sure which I prefer the look of, LT or Copper, the copper one is 250g heavier though...bizarre. How difficult is the HeatKiller to fit? As obviously, I am a beginner but I do plenty of research before I buy anything.

I've looked at the Heatkiller 4870X2 Block and it does look good and I've found it for £70 but none in stock :( I think I may struggle to find one to be honest. Would the Koolance 4870x2 and Heatkiller CPU block work well together?

I will have the res, pump and radiator in the bottom compartment so could I attach the T line to any of them as they are all the lowest in the loop? A few people have suggested attaching it to the pump.

I too, think I will go with the second layout, just looks neater and more efficient.

Thanks,

RoEy
 
PaulyD said:
What Samsung said.

You will need to attach the tubing when its in there and make sure you cut a little too much than not enough, annoying being an inch short reaching a block and having to cut a slightly longer length!

No real guide needed, just mount the blocks outside the PC, test for leaks, then put everything in the case and redo the tubing, nice and neat and refill.

Tool wise again all you need is a screwdriver/allen key for blocks (though would come with allen key if thats how it attaches) and a pair of scissors to cut tubing
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PaulyD said:
second loop is the neater loop so would go for that, be better than having tubing going all over the place.

HK block fits by having a nut on the underside of the mobo which a "standoff" screws into (like a mobo standoff) then a spring loaded on another bolt goes through the block and into that. Haven't used the backplate on my build

Koolance block would be fine with the HK as it has such little restriction.

T line will want to be after the pump as well I believe, though I have never used one so comment for sure. I just disconnect a tube and let the water out that way!
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice mate. Think I'm definitely going for the HeatKiller copper. Been told the HeatKiller 4870x2 block is available in a week, so I'll do some research on it to see if it’s any good. It’s the LT one though, so does it follow the same trend like the CPU, COPPER or LT? Or is there only an LT model? Having said that the Koolance GPU block looks brilliant, just can't find anyone in the UK that stocks them....:(

RoEy
 
PaulyD said:
Yep koolance you will need to order from abroad or request somewhere to get them in for you.

From what I have seen their is only the LT block for the 4870x2, the cpu block comes in the copper, LT and LC versions I believe. Both are very nice blocks and will perform great either way
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Yeah I know this now. Researching - sweats - .....:o

I'm going to get the HeatKiller Copper and the Koolance gpu block.

Just struggling to find the TFC 480 Quad. OCUK used to sell it too! :mad:

Thanks again,

RoEy
 
Just to update:

Ordered the following so far:

CPU – HeatKiller 3 Copper

GPU - Koolance VID487X2

Radiator - TFC Quad 480

Pump / Res - XSPC DDC 18w Ultra Pump/Reservoir

Fittings - Danger Den Fat boys

Fans - Scythe S-FLEX 1600RPM Ultra Quiet 120mm Fan

Fan controller - Zalman ZM-MFC1 Plus Black Multi Fan Controller

Few more bits to get but it's getting there.

Thanks to everyone who has help me.

RoEy
 
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