Critique my build and specs

[Kenjiwing]

Im going to start my huge wcing project next month.. im pretty good when it comes to hardware and being able to put :banana::banana::banana::banana: together so I figured why not take on Wcing. Ive been reading a lot the last month trying to learn everything and just wanted to get everyone's opinion on my build specs.

Hardware:
Case: Silverstone TJ-07
Mainboard: Asus P6T Deluxe V1
CPU: Intel Core I7 920 D0
RAM: 6GB Corsair Dom Blue Heat sinks
GPU1: XFX 5870
GPU 2: Sapphire 5870
SSD: Intel X25-M G2
PSU: Corsair HX850

Liquid Cooling:
CPU: Apogee XT
GPU1: EK Radeon HD 5870 VGA Liquid Cooling Block - Acrylic
GPU2: EK Radeon HD 5870 VGA Liquid Cooling Block - Acrylic
Pump: Swiftech MCP355 12v Water Pump
Top: XSPC Premium Laing DDC Clear Acrylic Top V3.0
Res: Ek Multioption 150
Radiator: GTX480
Fans: 4x San Ace Fans with Shroud or GT 1850’s
Fittings: BT Metal Fittings
Tubing: Tygon R3603 14,3/9,5mm clear

Loop - Res, Pump, Rad, CPU, GPU-GPU, Res


Sound isnt a huge issue but the fans will be on a controller. Im looking for good performance I wont be folding 24/7 or trying to break any records but everything will be overclocked and im also huge into looks. Id like to do this all in one loop because im kind of worried about doing 2 loops just to cool the motherboard. If its possible id like to add the motherboard to my single loop.. what do you guys think?

Ill check the thread often so post if I missed anything.. Thanks

[ahmad]

Nice rad. What kind of liquid do you plan on using?

Pump, depends what you are looking for. Silent operation or raw performance?

Never ask if the res is "big enough". It's there to make your life easier so whether you like it big or small, thats your choice :)

[Elpy]

Pump, depends what you are looking for. Silent operation or raw performance?
With a GTX480 and san aces, I doubt a silent pump would make any difference compared to a performance pump :D.

Martin's tests (http://martin.skinneelabs.com/Radiator-Fan-Orientation-And-Shroud-Testing-Review.html) show that with high speed fans (1800+) push would be better while with low rpm fans pull would be better.

[Kenjiwing]

Nice rad. What kind of liquid do you plan on using?

Pump, depends what you are looking for. Silent operation or raw performance?

Never ask if the res is "big enough". It's there to make your life easier so whether you like it big or small, thats your choice :)


Liquid: I think im going to use distilled with pt nuke.. as much as id like to use pretty colored water im going to start with distilled.

Pump: I would like a pump with a performance and a quiet option.. if not performance is the #1 thing im looking for.

And the reason I asked about the Res is because I really dont know what you should look for on a Res I just went with one that looked nice and I saw a lot of people use.

[royalkilla408]

Okay,

Go Swiftech all the way or go home (pump, gpu and cpu) :yepp:

Oh by the way, I'd go distilled + silver coil... PT nuke is a bad idea.

BTW, go with the same brand of 5870 if you can.... No reason to mix and match.

If I may ask, why is pt nuke bad?

Btw, system specs look great. I agree go with Swiftech on pump and CPU block.

[Kenjiwing]

Which pump would you all recommend from swiftech.. and can someone explain the top thing to me.. something about aftermarket tops improving performance?

[royalkilla408]

Which pump would you all recommend from swiftech.. and can someone explain the top thing to me.. something about aftermarket tops improving performance?

IMO the DDC 2.5 (Swiftech's 355) with XSPC top would be best for your build. It has more head then D5 pump (Swiftech's 655). Use Martin's flow calculator to help you pick which pump.

[Kenjiwing]

IMO the DDC 2.5 (Swiftech's 355) with XSPC top would be best for your build. It has more head then D5 pump (Swiftech's 655). Use Martin's flow calculator to help you pick which pump.

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/5125/ex-pmp-47/Swiftech_MCP355_12v_Water_Pump_Native_38_120_GPH.h tml?tl=g30c107s154#blank is this the right pump?

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/9047/ex-pmp-81/XSPC_Laing_DDC-1T1TPlus_MCP-350355_POM_Replacement_Top.html#blank and is this the right top?

[Main]

If I may ask, why is pt nuke bad?

Wonder the same myself........ yeah go D5 pump !

[ahmad]

PT_nuke can negatively impact your wc setup if not used in the right amount. I think a silver coil or Primochill Pro LRT tubing is more user-friendly (Pro LRT stuff comes with biocide no need to add anything).

A pump with performance is any laing ddc 3.2 (swiftech mcp355, koolance pmp-400, or dangerden 3.2/3.25). As long as you get a decent top for it of course..

[royalkilla408]

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/5125/ex-pmp-47/Swiftech_MCP355_12v_Water_Pump_Native_38_120_GPH.h tml?tl=g30c107s154#blank is this the right pump?

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/9047/ex-pmp-81/XSPC_Laing_DDC-1T1TPlus_MCP-350355_POM_Replacement_Top.html#blank and is this the right top?


Yes on the pump. I was talking about this top: http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=59_439&products_id=22700

Also, do not buy from frozencpu unless you HAVE to. They are way too expensive!

[eth0s]

Hardware:
Case: Silverstone TJ-07
Mainboard: Asus P6T Deluxe V1
CPU: Intel Core I7 920 D0
RAM: 6GB Corsair Dom Blue Heat sinks
GPU1: XFX 5870
GPU 2: Sapphire 5870
SSD: Intel X25-M G2
PSU: Corsair HX850

Cooling:
CPU: Apogee XT
GPU: 2 EK Blocks
Mobo: Havnt decided if im doing this yet..
Pump: No :banana::banana::banana::banana:ing clue
Top: See above
Res: Ek Multioption 150.. (Is this big enough I really dont know a lot about Res)
Rad: GTX480 - 4x San Ace Fans with Shroud if needed. (should this be in push or pull?)
Fittings: All I know is bits power compressed fittings
Tubing: Some type of black tubing XSPC looks nice.


Everything looks pretty good on your list, except I would give you the following advice: Since this is your first build, I would leave off the mobo cooling for now, just to make your first build a little simpler. Next I would use clear tubing instead of opaque black tubing, because the first time you fill a loop, you are going to want (need) to see where the air bubbles are, and how they work themselves out as you bleed the system, mainly in order to learn how this process occurs. Then on your next build, when you are an "expert" at filling and bleeding loops, you can do it "blind" with opaque tubing. If plain clear tubes are too boring for you (clear is boring, it's true), then I would suggest UV reactive colored tubing, which IMO looks pretty good.

Now as for pumps, you really only have two options: Swiftech mcp355 (which is a re-badged Laing DDC 3.2) or Swiftech mcp655-vario (which is a re-badged Laing D5-vario). Both are excellent pumps. The mcp355 is smaller and has more head pressure, while the mcp655-vario is larger, and has a 5-speed setting, that you can lower to make it quieter. As for aftermarket tops, the best are the XSPC acrylic tops for the mcp355, as they increase head pressure by creating a jet inlet into the pump. The best top for the mcp655, at least the last time I checked, was the Detroit top. However, you don't really "need" an aftermarket top on either pump, as they work very well as is. But the aftermarket top can give you a slight performance boost by increasing head pressure, which translates into a higher flow rate. Exactly how much increase in flow rate you will see depends upon how much resistance (or pressure drop) you have in your loop.

Reservoir size does not matter for performance, get the size that appeals to you, or better yet, get the smallest size that fits into your case.

Single Loop or Double Loops? Well this is always a debate in any rig. For your first build a giant single loop is definitely going to be easier to plan and execute that two separate loops, also you only need one radiator, one pump and one reservoir with one loop. With two loops you will need at least 2 radiators, 2 pumps and 2 reservoirs, and you will need more tubing, but you will probably get better performance, but then again with that GTX480 and 4 San Ace fans, maybe not.

My last comment: GTX480 - 4x San Ace Fans in push configuration with Shroud: this will provide awesome cooling power, but it is going to be loud. You can get good to great performance with some Scythe Gentle Typhoon 1850 rpm fans, too, and be a great deal quieter, which is what I would recommend that you do. But if you do get the San Aces, maybe get a fan controller so you can turn down the noise when you are not gaming or benching.

[Kenjiwing]

Everything looks pretty good on your list, except I would give you the following advice: Since this is your first build, I would leave off the mobo cooling for now, just to make your first build a little simpler. Next I would use clear tubing instead of opaque black tubing, because the first time you fill a loop, you are going to want (need) to see where the air bubbles are, and how they work themselves out as you bleed the system, mainly in order to learn how this process occurs. Then on your next build, when you are an "expert" at filling and bleeding loops, you can do it "blind" with opaque tubing. If plain clear tubes are too boring for you (clear is boring, it's true), then I would suggest UV reactive colored tubing, which IMO looks pretty good.

Now as for pumps, you really only have two options: Swiftech mcp355 (which is a re-badged Laing DDC 3.2) or Swiftech mcp655-vario (which is a re-badged Laing D5-vario). Both are excellent pumps. The mcp355 is smaller and has more head pressure, while the mcp655-vario is larger, and has a 5-speed setting, that you can lower to make it quieter. As for aftermarket tops, the best are the XSPC acrylic tops for the mcp355, as they increase head pressure by creating a jet inlet into the pump. The best top for the mcp655, at least the last time I checked, was the Detroit top. However, you don't really "need" an aftermarket top on either pump, as they work very well as is. But the aftermarket top can give you a slight performance boost by increasing head pressure, which translates into a higher flow rate. Exactly how much increase in flow rate you will see depends upon how much resistance (or pressure drop) you have in your loop.

Reservoir size does not matter for performance, get the size that appeals to you, or better yet, get the smallest size that fits into your case.

Single Loop or Double Loops? Well this is always a debate in any rig. For your first build a giant single loop is definitely going to be easier to plan and execute that two separate loops, also you only need one radiator, one pump and one reservoir with one loop. With two loops you will need at least 2 radiators, 2 pumps and 2 reservoirs, and you will need more tubing, but you will probably get better performance, but then again with that GTX480 and 4 San Ace fans, maybe not.

My last comment: GTX480 - 4x San Ace Fans in push configuration with Shroud: this will provide awesome cooling power, but it is going to be loud. You can get good to great performance with some Scythe Gentle Typhoon 1850 rpm fans, too, and be a great deal quieter, which is what I would recommend that you do. But if you do get the San Aces, maybe get a fan controller so you can turn down the noise when you are not gaming or benching.

Thanks for the info I appreciate it.. I think I am going to go with 1 loop and in the future once im bored add the 2nd loop for the mobo cooling.

About the fans.. my plan is to put the san aces on a fan controller and run them @ 5v.. and then 12v when I need performance. If this is still too loud ill put some GT1850s on them since Ive heard great things about them.

Another random question I was reading about is how to use the GPU's someone said parallel or some other name.. what kind is this? http://www.million-dollar-pc.com/gallery-2009/murderbox/008/murderbox-14.jpg

And what kind of clear tubing would you recommend? I think I see most people using the Tygon stuff.

[Elpy]

Another random question I was reading about is how to use the GPU's someone said parallel or some other name.. what kind is this? http://www.million-dollar-pc.com/gallery-2009/murderbox/008/murderbox-14.jpgThat's series which is usually the adviced way. Basicly in series the flow will be same through all the blocks while in parallel the flow will be split to different blocks which can cause problems since most of the flow always goes to the way with least resistance. I havent really read much about it and dont know all the details but smth like that anyway, someone can probably explain it more detailed. Personally I'd use series anyway like in that pic.

[Kenjiwing]

Updated my build with suggestions from everyone so far. Also anyone know what the "best" shroud is?

[daedality]

I suggest doing 2 seperate loops and you have room for it I personally like the 655 pumps. But that's just my opinion. Click the picture in my sig, it's a TJ07 log for ideas.

[Kenjiwing]

givin this a quick bump b4 i purchase everything next week.

[warriorpoet]

Something like this:
http://www.ekwaterblocks.com/shop/reservoirs-and-acc/res-pump-combo/ek-ddc-x-res-100-acetal.html

or this:
http://www.ekwaterblocks.com/shop/reservoirs-and-acc/res-pump-combo/ek-ddc-x-res-140-acetal.html

or this:
http://www.xspc.biz/ddcres.php

might help consolidate that loop.

A full cover MB block in that loop is going to be pushing things a bit.

Given what I understand of flow rates from the two, an EK Supreme HF is probably a better bet in a loaded loop than the XT. Also consider the Watercool Heatkiller 3.

Regarding a dual-loop setup, this should make it easier:
http://www.xspc.biz/ddcdualbayrestwo.php

If you set up a 3x 120 for the CPU and a 2x 120 for everything else you should be good on radiator space, with the added bonus of being able to choose whatever blocks you want without concern for flow rate balance.

[Kenjiwing]

Something like this:
http://www.ekwaterblocks.com/shop/reservoirs-and-acc/res-pump-combo/ek-ddc-x-res-100-acetal.html

or this:
http://www.ekwaterblocks.com/shop/reservoirs-and-acc/res-pump-combo/ek-ddc-x-res-140-acetal.html

or this:
http://www.xspc.biz/ddcres.php

might help consolidate that loop.

A full cover MB block in that loop is going to be pushing things a bit.

Given what I understand of flow rates from the two, an EK Supreme HF is probably a better bet in a loaded loop than the XT. Also consider the Watercool Heatkiller 3.

Regarding a dual-loop setup, this should make it easier:
http://www.xspc.biz/ddcdualbayrestwo.php

If you set up a 3x 120 for the CPU and a 2x 120 for everything else you should be good on radiator space, with the added bonus of being able to choose whatever blocks you want without concern for flow rate balance.

The plan is to leave the motherboard block out of this run and do a 120.4 with I7 - 5870 - 5870 and in the future if I want to do the motherboard ill split the loops up with a 120.2 rad.

Im not 100% sure how the flow works I know theres a spreadsheet but it confused me.. im sure it has to do with how well the water flows and I know some things are more restricting then others but I figured a big pump could handle it.

If need be I wouldnt have a problem using the HK 3.0 because I like the look of it anyway.