Watercooling System Help

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Hi,

Completely new to the watercooling scene this is my computer:

20110917103111.jpg


Processor - i7 860
Graphics Cards - 2 x 6970


Looking to watercool my processor along with my two graphics cards (keeping the red & black theme)

Could someone spec me a watercooling setup where money isnt an issue.

Cheers

~Lemons_Mufc
 
Selecting parts isn't the issue thats the fun bit and comes later.

You need to meet people halfway and do some homework/research for yourself first. Google whichever case you have and look at Project Logs to see what kind of loops other people have built into said case. Read up on the problems they encountered during the build and how they overcame them. Look at what size rads will fit in your case, where they will fit and in what orientation. Think about the type of reservoir and pump you prefer and where you would house it. Gather some ideas and come back with more focused questions. That will enable whoever to help you select appropriate parts.
 
I have done some research, The thing i dont get is the connectors with sizes ect, Guess i was looking at someone to point me on the right direction with the components needed so i could work it out from there.. Guess im going to have to change the game plan :)

~Lemons_Mufc
 
I have done some research, The thing i dont get is the connectors with sizes ect, Guess i was looking at someone to point me on the right direction with the components needed so i could work it out from there.. Guess im going to have to change the game plan :)

~Lemons_Mufc

Well at least thats a specific question.

Barbs and compression fittings generally have an inner diameter size of, for example: 3/8"; 7/16" or 1/2" over which you will stretch the tubing. They will also have a thread usually G1/4" which screws the various barbs into the water blocks.

The popular tube diameter sizes are also those above and its a matter of matching them up accordingly. Most people prefer a combination of 3/8",1/2", or 7/16" tubing and 3/8",1/2", or 7/16" barbs or compressions.

Barbs and compressions perform exactly the same function. Its a matter of choosing which of either 'look' you prefer.

To cool that lot you will need:

1 x CPU block
2 x 6970 graphics card blocks
1 x Pump plus an optional pump top
1 x Radiator (360mm)
3 x quality 120mm fans
1 x Reservoir
10 x Barbs or compressions fittings
3 metres (approx) of tubing
Coolant of your choice (premix, distilled/deionised water)

When water cooling the graphics cards you have two options. A) Full Cover (FC) blocks or B) GPU only blocks. FC blocks look infinitley better but are designed specifically for that graphics card and are therefore useless once you upgrade. They are also costly. But they look infinitely better. Have I already said that? Well they do.

Universal blocks can be used with future cards but you will also need to purchase a set of individual RAM coolers to stick on the RAM (obviously). They also lack the aesthetic qualities of FC blocks.

Have a look at this OCUK kit as a starting point and guideline. I wouldn't buy it as there are some compromises in there such as the XSPC reservoir but most of it is excellent kit.

Remember you'll also need two FC blocks adding a nice £150 onto your costs (would be worth it though ;)).
 
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Is that a coolermaster case? I'll be watching intently, do please create a build thread of some kind when watercooling, i currently have an antec 600, looking at changing that when i incorporate a watercooling loop, watching intently :)
 
Is that a coolermaster case? I'll be watching intently, do please create a build thread of some kind when watercooling, i currently have an antec 600, looking at changing that when i incorporate a watercooling loop, watching intently :)

Its a Corsair 600t, Ofcourse if i ever get around to watercooling i would make a build log :)

@ Mike gunnz

Thanks a lot for that information, a lot of that i knew already but the thing you added about 1 x Pump plus an optional pump top confused me does that mean 1 pump wont be able to handle the watercooling?

Many thanks!

~Lemons_Mufc

edit: Another question, how safe is lugging a computer case around when its all watercooled?.. there are time i take my computer from a to b.
 
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Its a Corsair 600t, Ofcourse if i ever get around to watercooling i would make a build log :)

@ Mike gunnz

Thanks a lot for that information, a lot of that i knew already but the thing you added about 1 x Pump plus an optional pump top confused me does that mean 1 pump wont be able to handle the watercooling?

Many thanks!

~Lemons_Mufc

edit: Another question, how safe is lugging a computer case around when its all watercooled?.. there are time i take my computer from a to b.

No, a pump top is an optional extra screwed onto a pump to enhance the pressure and thus the flow rate of coolant around the loop with several blocks in it each of which will add a degree of restriction. It will make a difference but it will be relatively small. As tops are cheap and actually improve the look of the pump most people seem tp use them.

And yes it can be moved although you'd need to fairly strong. WC rigs get heavy when completed and full of liquid. Just use some common sense when shifting it.


Here is a high end spec to give you a guideline all of which I would use or have used myself:

OcUK D5 Vario Pump & EK D5 X-Top V2 Value Combo:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-030-OE

Hardware Labs Black ICE SR-1 360 Radiator
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-030-BX

EK Supreme HF CPU Waterblock
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-080-EK

EK HD6970 Full Cover Waterblock - Nickel Plexi **EN Nickel Plating
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-110-EK&groupid=962&catid=1520&subcat=

EK Multioption Reservoir X2 250 Advanced
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-008-EK


3 x Akasa AK-FN059 120mm Ultra Quiet Viper Cool Fan
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FG-059-AK


10 x Bitspower Compression Fitting 7/16"
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-061-BP

3 metres Tygon 7/16" ID
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-006-TY

Mayhems Biocide
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=WC-000-3C

That lot comes to £577. You could spend more or less if you like. I havent included a fan controller or coolant.
 
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