Need advice on newish build...

[Humminn55]

OK. Just bought a used but new looking PC Labs QMicra case that I intend on setting up with a watercooling loop.

The loop will be a cpu only loop initially....2600k @ 4.6GHz on an Asus Maximus V Gene motherboard. (I've got a 7970 that I may try to add to the loop later as well as adding a single 120 rad. at the same time, but that's in the future.)

I already am using some of the w/c'ing parts---Koolance 370 cpu block, dual DDC2 pumps w/XSPC acrylic top. The question revolves around radiator choice and reservoir.

Now, the interior of the QMicra, while fairly "spacious" for an mATX case, does have space issues like most small cases. The case will fit a double rad and I do have one in use, a TFC 240. The problem is the TFC rad. is just too thick to really fit comfortably, so I need to move to a slimmer model rad.

I've sort of narrowed the choices down to either the Alphacool NexXxoS ST30 or the Swiftech MCR220-XP, both of which seem to be well regarded. The fans to be used are a pair of Gentle Typhoon 1800 rpms. Would one be a better choice over the other or is it just personal preference between those two? Or would there be a better choice in the same size (around 30-35mm thick)?

Second issue is what/where to place a reservoir.....I've been looking at two of the Koolance solutions, the TNK-501 which is a single bay simple res. and the RP-401X2, which is a single bay res. that would also house the pumps. Another choice I'm considering is the XSPC single bay res., which is substantially cheaper than either of the Koolance choices.

Koolance 501: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/13...?tl=g30c97s168

Koolance 401X2: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/13...0c97s168#blank

XSPC bay res.: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/21...ver_Black.html


Now, any of those a better choice over the others? The Koolance 401X2 does have the advantage of housing the pumps as well as being a reservoir, but the pumps are placed upside down, and I always read that DDC-type pumps don't exactly do well upside down.

And I've also heard some of the XSPC glued acrylic parts have leaking issues, or had anyway. Best choice among those listed, or a better choice I haven't thought of?

Appreciate the input!