Advice on First Water Cooled Setup

[Dangals]

Hi All,

Been coming to this site for a long time for all things PC related and have finally decided to take the plunge into my first water cooled setup.

Based on the numerous guides and threads on the topic I have built the following list of parts that I am looking to use and would like to get the experts opinion...

D-Tek FuZion CPU bock Pro Mount
D-Tek FuZion Nozzle Kit
Laing DDC - 3.2 Pump
XSPC DDC Reservoir Top - with 3/8" barbs
D-Tek High Flow Barb 3/8"
Thermochill PA120.3 Radiator
Tygon R3400 Black 3/8"
Arctic Cooling MX-2 TIM
PT_Nuke
Zalman ZM-F3BL 120mm Fan Blue

All this is going into a new Silverstone TJ07 to cool my Q6600 and Maximus Formula SE NB (stock block at this stage). Down the track I am looking to add a video card to the loop (or maybe add a second loop - seen plenty of examples of that) once the new cards from ATI / Nvidia are released later in the year.

One thing I am a little unsure of is the tubing/barb size - would I be better off using 7/16" size on 1/2" barbs or using 3/8" tubing all the way around as the stock NB block on the Maximus is 3/8" so I would have to use the reducers to make the 7/16" fit....

What do you guys think?
Thanks in advance.

[Snyxxx]

That looks like a great set-up. The only thing I would change would be to go all 1/2" barbs. I use all 3/8" ID hose (5/8" OD) and they fit great over 1/2" barbs. It is a tight fit, but no leaks and no clamps are required.

Only downside is you have to use a razor blade to slice the hose to get it off the barb when you want to replace the hose.

[Dangals]

Thanks for the quick reply Snyxxx - I assume that I would just need to heat the ends up in hot water before forcing them over the barbs?

Bit of a bummer to slice up such nice/expensive tygon tubing - but if I plan and take my time I shouldn't have to pull it apart for a little while so that should be ok....

[Snyxxx]

Yes, I microwave a glass of water and dip the hose ends to get softer.