nirvana_1911
01-24-2011, 03:32 PM
Just wanted some sound advice on my choice of water cooling components for a build, after much research, this is what I've come up with.
I'd also put reasons next to each component to show my logic as to why I've chosen that part, and help would be appreciated.
Case: Silverstone TJ11
*Currently own a TJ07 black, want to buy this for the size and for the orientation of motherboard, has better airflow than current TJ07, and I actually like the look of it.
CPU block: EK Supreme High-Flow (Plexi+Nickel) (i7 950)
Mobo block: EK board block for EVGA E759 Classified (Plexi+Nickel)
x2 GPU blocks: EK block for EVGA GTX 580 (Plexi+Nickel)
*EKs blocks look amazing, the flow rate and pressure drop is good in comparison with similar blocks, so is the cooling capacity. I prefer to keep all blocks with same company.
x2 Pumps: Laing D5 Vario 12V
*From what I've read, the D5 is supposedly a bit more quiet, has a higher flow rate and does not run as hot as the DDC's, but has less pressure, dumps more heat into the loop and are physically bigger. I've also read that they are seemingly less prone to problems than the DDC's (more reliable).
Pump top: EK D5 Dual-Top 2-Loop
*By running two pumps I can keep my flow rate up, and will have slight increase in cooling capacity with the increased flow, and I would have the space for it in the TJ11. The EK top is shown to be one of the best performing tops apart from the Detroit.
Radiators: x1 XSPC RX480 + x1 XSPC RX240
*Has low 8-FPI density for good performance at low fans speeds, has both copper tubes and fins, standard spacing, matt finish, G1/4", 6-32, has a very good flow rate and low pressure drop in comparison with other radiators.
Fans: x10 Scythe (Nidec Servo) AP-15's 1850rpm (all for the rads)
*"Quieter", and more static pressure and cfm per rpm in comparison with other fans for use with radiators as per martinm120 and skinnee's tests.
Reservoir: EK Bay Res.
*Need to store and refill water somewhere. :P
I like the look and placement of the bay res.
Tubing: PrimoChill PrimoFlex Pro LRT Clear Tubing 7/16" ID, 5/8" OD
*Good bend radius, no writing on the tube walls, very clear tube in comparison to other cross-sections of tubes which appear to be either yellow or blue tint. Also, the flow of the 7/16" is much better than 1/4" or 3/8", but is just shy of the 1/2", and 1/2" is huge IMO.
Fittings: Bitspower 7/16-5/8 Silver Shining Compression Fittings
*Quality brass fittings IMO, been around for a while and look great.
Fluid: Lab grade distilled + Petras PHN (benzalkonium chloride) (no dyes or other additives)
*I've heard stories about blocking up pumps, rads and blocks with gunk, water going cloudy and staining tubes, waterblocks, etc.
I don't want such problems, so I'll stick with plain water, and I think the whole clear/plexi/nickel look will look great (tubes, fittings, blocks).
The setup needs to be relatively quiet, so high FPI rads and high rpm fans are out of the question.
The placement of the two rads will be at the bottom of the TJ11, and both rads will be configured as both push and pull with the fans.
Fan => 480 Rad => Fan => 240 Rad => Fan
I'd also put reasons next to each component to show my logic as to why I've chosen that part, and help would be appreciated.
Case: Silverstone TJ11
*Currently own a TJ07 black, want to buy this for the size and for the orientation of motherboard, has better airflow than current TJ07, and I actually like the look of it.
CPU block: EK Supreme High-Flow (Plexi+Nickel) (i7 950)
Mobo block: EK board block for EVGA E759 Classified (Plexi+Nickel)
x2 GPU blocks: EK block for EVGA GTX 580 (Plexi+Nickel)
*EKs blocks look amazing, the flow rate and pressure drop is good in comparison with similar blocks, so is the cooling capacity. I prefer to keep all blocks with same company.
x2 Pumps: Laing D5 Vario 12V
*From what I've read, the D5 is supposedly a bit more quiet, has a higher flow rate and does not run as hot as the DDC's, but has less pressure, dumps more heat into the loop and are physically bigger. I've also read that they are seemingly less prone to problems than the DDC's (more reliable).
Pump top: EK D5 Dual-Top 2-Loop
*By running two pumps I can keep my flow rate up, and will have slight increase in cooling capacity with the increased flow, and I would have the space for it in the TJ11. The EK top is shown to be one of the best performing tops apart from the Detroit.
Radiators: x1 XSPC RX480 + x1 XSPC RX240
*Has low 8-FPI density for good performance at low fans speeds, has both copper tubes and fins, standard spacing, matt finish, G1/4", 6-32, has a very good flow rate and low pressure drop in comparison with other radiators.
Fans: x10 Scythe (Nidec Servo) AP-15's 1850rpm (all for the rads)
*"Quieter", and more static pressure and cfm per rpm in comparison with other fans for use with radiators as per martinm120 and skinnee's tests.
Reservoir: EK Bay Res.
*Need to store and refill water somewhere. :P
I like the look and placement of the bay res.
Tubing: PrimoChill PrimoFlex Pro LRT Clear Tubing 7/16" ID, 5/8" OD
*Good bend radius, no writing on the tube walls, very clear tube in comparison to other cross-sections of tubes which appear to be either yellow or blue tint. Also, the flow of the 7/16" is much better than 1/4" or 3/8", but is just shy of the 1/2", and 1/2" is huge IMO.
Fittings: Bitspower 7/16-5/8 Silver Shining Compression Fittings
*Quality brass fittings IMO, been around for a while and look great.
Fluid: Lab grade distilled + Petras PHN (benzalkonium chloride) (no dyes or other additives)
*I've heard stories about blocking up pumps, rads and blocks with gunk, water going cloudy and staining tubes, waterblocks, etc.
I don't want such problems, so I'll stick with plain water, and I think the whole clear/plexi/nickel look will look great (tubes, fittings, blocks).
The setup needs to be relatively quiet, so high FPI rads and high rpm fans are out of the question.
The placement of the two rads will be at the bottom of the TJ11, and both rads will be configured as both push and pull with the fans.
Fan => 480 Rad => Fan => 240 Rad => Fan