Dual loop or just one loop

[jabski]

Hi

Looking to cool a 2600k and 3x 480GTX (tri-sli)

At them moment I have a Thermochill Ta120.3 to use.

Will add either another or maybe a Pa120.4 (if i could find one).

I have 2x D5 pumps so was thinking of using the EK dual D5 top. But not sure weather to get the twin loop or just keep it all on one loop.
If I did go two loops one of the 480GTX would have to go on with the cpu and then the other 2 cards in a separate loop.

Any advise would be very helpful

Many thanks

[mackintosh]

Why would you separate the 3 GTXs? I have my 3-way running in parallel on a measly PA 120.2, I'm sure a triple rad could easily handle 3 GTX 480s?

[jabski]

hmm. I was thinking of having maybe two 120.3's in one loop with the cpu and 3x 480

[Utnorris]

I run a 980x OC'd, two HD6970's and a FC MB block all on one loop using two D5's and my flow rate is 1.04Gpm. All of it is cooled by three PA120.3's, which is way overkill for this. I would think two triple rads would be enough for your loop since the 2600K does not put out a lot of heat. As long as you are not using really restrictive blocks you should be fine.

[jabski]

thanks for the info. I think one loop would look alot cleaner. Where would you recommend to place the rads in the loop. I was thinking res-pump-rad-cpu-rad-gpu x3-res

[Utnorris]

I did mine right after the pump, it was more convenient that way.

[jabski]

ok kool thanks for the info

[jabski]

would it be best to split the pumps.

Something like this

res1-pump1-rad1-cpu-res2-pump2-gpu x3-res1

Would two reservoirs be needed as above ?

[Utnorris]

You only need two res for dual loop. I would put them back to back for convenience sake.

[Wolf132]

Id do a triple radiator for the GPU loop and a double radiator for the 2600k. Separate loops. And run the GPU's in parallel flow. Anything more than that you probably would see very little benefit.

[fatherTime27]

I personally prefer a single loop. Just put a radiator in between the cpu and the gpu's.

[jabski]

thanks for the information. I think i will go for one loop and use the ek dual d5 top