EK & AC Waterblock Goodness (Dial-up warning!) - asking for loop advice now

Just had to post these pics of my upcoming build. EK silverplated Asus P5B Deluxe mosfet, NB, SB blocks and an AC Cuplex Di. 8/10mm compression fittings. Thanks to AquaPCs for getting this to me so fast. :up:

I will let the pictures (taken with my crappy point and shoot Pentax) speak for themselves. :)

http://www.lubzny.org/Images/Buildpics/waterblocks3.jpg

http://www.lubzny.org/Images/Buildpics/waterblocks.jpg

http://www.lubzny.org/Images/Buildpics/waterblocks2.jpg

http://www.lubzny.org/Images/Buildpics/waterblocks4.jpg

pretty is the word, better if the AC DI became g1/4 thread

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Originally Posted by septim

pretty is the word, better if the AC DI became g1/4 thread

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They now make em in G1/4, so it quite possibly is.

Yup - G1/4 thread. :D

EDIT: Just read your Cathar quote Septim... lol. :) I am going for "well performing looks" with this build, otherwise i would have scrapped the motherboard blocks and gone for a Fusion.

Please post what temps you get with the Cuplex DI block...

The full silver EK chipset block set with acrylic tops is so sexy. I'm going to try that for an Asus build sometime down the future.

AFAIK, nobody has a comparative between current blocks, so i have reserved judgment regarding that shiny AC block (orig and DI)

of course minor requirement since its g1/4 capable would be to include 7/16 and 1/2 ID tubing and hopefully nice pumps ddc and d5...

nice looking blocks.

Do you have any special plans to tube it? Board I'm waiting on blocks for is exactly the same layout (A8N32). I'm going for all AC blocks, and slightly slimmer tubing, but I'm going to face the same problems. I have my solution in mind - fingers crossed it works, but I'm interested to see how yours looks with tubing in.

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Originally Posted by septim

pretty is the word, better if the AC DI became g1/4 thread

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Already done and no AL for the block either :)



What does the rest of the loop consist of? I really like those EK blocks and might have to place an order (and cross my fingers they get through customs).

Too bad you couldn't get some 8mm id plug n cool's as I think the cost of the compression will be like going to 6.5mm with plug n cool's. Can't blame you as I like to use compression fittings so I know it won't leak.

looks nice dude, bet that set you back a fair bit.

i opted for the 2x mcw30 from swiftech :)

once the tubing has arrived etc then i shall post some pics.

hurry up over-clock :(

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Please post what temps you get with the Cuplex DI block...

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D_o_S, I will post temps as soon as i have them - unfortunately this will be at least a month down the line i reckon as i am modding a case to fit all this kit in. See my sig for the build. The G5 case i am modding is almost done but will still needs some cuts doing (for side panel, rad exhausts etc), painting and more internal work done to finish.

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...of course minor requirement since its g1/4 capable would be to include 7/16 and 1/2 ID tubing and hopefully nice pumps ddc and d5

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Do you have any special plans to tube it? Board I'm waiting on blocks for is exactly the same layout (A8N32). I'm going for all AC blocks, and slightly slimmer tubing, but I'm going to face the same problems. I have my solution in mind - fingers crossed it works, but I'm interested to see how yours looks with tubing in.

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What does the rest of the loop consist of? I really like those EK blocks and might have to place an order (and cross my fingers they get through customs).

Too bad you couldn't get some 8mm id plug n cool's as I think the cost of the compression will be like going to 6.5mm with plug n cool's. Can't blame you as I like to use compression fittings so I know it won't leak.

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Septimi, Halk & RickCain. I am unsure what loop to do for this build. Maybe you guys can help me out.

Originally i was planning to use 7/16" for the main loop (CPU, GPU, Pumps, Rad) and have a 1/4" 'side-shoot' so to speak using Swiftech "f-fittings" for the motherboad blocks. I have bought Koolance 1/2" compression fittings precisely for this job along with some R-3603 clear Tygon.

The rest of the loop is a Thermochill PA120.2, Swiftech MCR120, Swiftech MCW60 and dual DDC Ultras with a 'Watercool' dual top (you can just about see this in the pic below). I dont want to have dual loops as i want the redundancy of 2 pumps in the same loop.

Its quite hard to squeeze all this into a small G5 but the pic below illustrates the best layout i came up with:

http://www.lubzny.org/Images/Buildpics/mockup3.jpg

The original plan was (Option 1):

Pump -> PA120.2 -> AC Cuplex Di -> GPU block ->T-line (1/2" tubing)
.........|.................................................^...........................
.........V.................................................|..........................
.........Mosfets ->North Bridge ->SouthB -> (1/4"tubing)

http://www.lubzny.org/Images/Buildpics/loop.jpg

2 things have changed my mind since - For one Cathar's post about tubing size not making that much difference to temps and second, i like the idea of using the R3400 (Black) 1/4" tubing for the whole loop (along with UV blue Pentosin) so that the only the blocks will glow blue. Call me vain if you wish! :D What i might do is stick to the original plan and just get some R3400 7/16 or 1/2 tubing to complete the black tubing look.

The only problem then is that i cant use the Koolance compresion fittings with the MCW-60 as the inlet/outlet are too close together. So now im thinking about having:

Option 2:

Pumps ----> PA120.2 ----> AC Cuplex Di ------> T-line (1/2" tubing)---> Pumps
.........|.................................................^...........................
.........V.................................................|..........................
.........Mosfets ->North Bridge ->SouthB ->GPU block (1/4"tubing)

http://www.lubzny.org/Images/Buildpics/loop2.jpg

That looks less cluttered to me.

Option 3

Just use 1/4" tubing in the whole loop.

ps pie_uk, yeah i have spent quite a bit on this as its the last mod i plan to do for a while. Well, i say that now...! :D

What do you think? Options 1, 2 or 3?

Is there any advantage having 1/2" tubing going into the Cuplex Di rather than 1/4 due its restrictive nature?

Also would it matter if i connected the pump straight to the Cuplex rather than going through the rad first? I would add the Rad after the T-Line. This would help a lot in trying to route the tubing!

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Originally Posted by Cyprio

What do you think? Options 1, 2 or 3?

Is there any advantage having 1/2" tubing going into the Cuplex Di rather than 1/4 due its restrictive nature?

Also would it matter if i connected the pump straight to the Cuplex rather than going through the rad first? I would add the Rad after the T-Line. This would help a lot in trying to route the tubing!

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Option 2. You'll have the what really needs the performance on your 1/2" line while the miscellaneous and non critical blocks on your 1/4" line.

I was favouring this option as well. It brings up another question though - does it matter if i have the T-line in the 1/4" loop?

This is purely an aesthetics/cost driven question as i already have a 8/10mm T-connector, but would have to buy another T for the 7/16" loop as well as more compression fittings to keep with the rest...

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Originally Posted by Cyprio

I was favouring this option as well. It brings up another question though - does it matter if i have the T-line in the 1/4" loop?

This is purely an aesthetics/cost driven question as i already have a 8/10mm T-connector, but would have to buy another T for the 7/16" loop as well as more compression fittings to keep with the rest...

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I'd put the T-line in the main loop since the pump's going to be drawing from the main loop.

Option two like ranker and Cyprio said :) But damn your Setup looks very cute.

I'd go all 10mm with two pumps (maybe one)....

Remember there is less than 1c difference from 1/4" to 1/2" as long as you maintane a good balance and I don't think that was the point of your build. Your build will look un-even with different tubing, IMHO.

Just my $.02

Thanks for the replies guys. Please keep your opinions coming. :up:

Does anyone have comments on:

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Is there any advantage having 1/2" tubing going into the Cuplex Di rather than 1/4 due its restrictive nature?

Also would it matter if i connected the pump straight to the Cuplex rather than going through the rad first? I would add the Rad after the T-Line. This would help a lot in trying to route the tubing!

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Thanks.

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Originally Posted by Cyprio

Thanks for the replies guys. Please keep your opinions coming. :up:

Does anyone have comments on:



Thanks.

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There's very little difference in temps based upon where the components are within your loop. Minimizing the amount of tubing used probably results in better performance rather than a preset tubing configuration.

The Cuplex appears to have a design very similar to the Storm. The Storm performed better with more flow/less restriction/stronger pump/etc. I'd say, don't waste your money, and go with the 1/2" tubing to see what the block is really capable of. You don't wanna finish the build and wonder "well, I wonder if I could have squeezed out more performance for the large amount of money I had spent". You could always go smaller at a later time if you feel the desire to.

You could use this primoflex stuff and just do it all sequentially in one loop.
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catal...ducts_id=20722

Take a look at what Snyxxx did with a similar setup, his flow rate barely went down at all (probably limited by his Storm anyway).
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=146855

Unless you have to have the last few tenths of cool then I would suggest you go with 8-10 mm push-fits as they give better flow. However, since you already got all those compression fittings just use those. According to Cathar's tubing size thread I don't see like it would make much difference whatever you use with the pump you are using.

well if you do have those extra tubings, i'd say experiment...
option 2 would be nice...

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Originally Posted by Cyprio

Thanks for the replies guys. Please keep your opinions coming. :up:

Does anyone have comments on:



Thanks.

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Re-read Cathar's post about tubing size and cooling. People need to worry less about the size of the tubing but ensure they have good balance. Judging by your pump you have a good start and should be able to exploit the use of smaller tubing with all those blocks. I personally would use 6mm id for one big ass loop but that is me ;) That could be done pretty easy with 8mm id press to fits and would luck ultra clean, which is part of the reason you are doing this mod, right?

true it would be easier with smaller tubing, but we'd also like to see the full potential of the DI block by using bigger id tubing.

maybe cyprio could test this out? am sure with time and patience we'll eventually see some nice temps noh? hehe...

I am more than happy to try my hand at some real world testing. As i have mentioned before however it will be a while in the coming as i need to finish the case first. The other hindrance is that the insides of a G5 are not exactly as spacious as a DD Torture rack! Also that motherboard you see is a dud (bought of a forum for peanuts just to use as a mock-up) - the real P5B is in my current rig so i wouldn't actually have a spare PC to use whilst testing... hmm, maybe i need to re-think this! :)

Weren't Aqua-Pc's going to do some testing with the Cuplex Di?

Looks very nice mate, prefer the look of black delrin on black PCB myself, but I'm sure some coloured fluid through those blocks will look amazing.

Got the same kind of setup myself on a board, going to go grab some pictures of it now.

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Originally Posted by Mekrel

Looks very nice mate, prefer the look of black delrin on black PCB myself, but I'm sure some coloured fluid through those blocks will look amazing.

Got the same kind of setup myself on a board, going to go grab some pictures of it now.

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Thanks Mekrel. The plan is to use Pentosin UV Blue and R3400, Black Tygon so that only the blocks glow. :)

that g11 dont seem to want to glow though...
good luck on this, will be waiting for more pics...

What is the best UV blue people have used?

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Originally Posted by Cyprio

What is the best UV blue people have used?

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D-Tek UV Blue or Alphacool UV Blue.

Looking awesome as ever Cyprio :D

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Originally Posted by ranker

D-Tek UV Blue or Alphacool UV Blue.

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Well i will try the Pentosin and then if not get some other brands. :)