Assistance with Watercooling Loop Setup
Assistance with Watercooling Loop Setup
I'm new to a liquid cooling loop and would appreciate some advice on setting up my tubing. I know the order of the loop doesn't greatly impact component temperatures, but aesthetically I don't like the current layout except for the parallel cooling path between the GPU and CPU. Practically, it's difficult to fully drain most of the loop with this arrangement.
How should I arrange everything? I have some unusual bends that need fixing and plan to thoroughly clean all water blocks and radiators, which means redoing the tubing. I'm flexible about moving components—including the drain valve and GPU. One more thing: originally I intended to mount the GPU vertically, but there isn't enough space between it and the CPU to add tubing in that area.
I'm following these links for reference:
https://gyazo.com/f1ed956844c98e0e90022aaddc2cb39f
https://gyazo.com/ea13581f1b2f424179c14a852a3a983b
https://gyazo.com/b956a0f3292e9d1ac2200b8aa49ed0a3
https://gyazo.com/9991ffdab3300a8097d9d2f285a86d0a
https://gyazo.com/ad1aab433a09686ece85c068633059f9
Components:
Tubing - EKWB EK-Duraclear 12/16mm
Fittings - EKWB EK-ACF
EKWB EK-D5 Pump combo (single reservoir available if needed)
Radiators - EKWB 280mm SE & Primochill 420mm EximoSX Slim Radiator
Thanks in advance.
Your loop sequence is acceptable. Just confirm that flow is directed into the monoblock's inlet since they're usually built for specific orientation. That should work fine.
Norepi:
The following links are relevant:
https://gyazo.com/f1ed956844c98e0e90022aaddc2cb39f
https://gyazo.com/ea13581f1b2f424179c14a852a3a983b
https://gyazo.com/b956a0f3292e9d1ac2200b8aa49ed0a3
https://gyazo.com/9991ffdab3300a8097d9d2f285a86d0a
https://gyazo.com/ad1aab433a09686ece85c068633059f9
Components:
Tubing - EKWB EK-Duraclear 12/16mm
Fittings - EKWB EK-ACF
EKWB EK-D5 Pump combo (single reservoir available if needed)
Radiators - EKWB 280mm SE & Primochill 420mm EximoSX Slim Radiator
Please note:
- Opt for PETG tube, create your design sketches, and use mock-ups.
- PETG tube needs EKWB HDC fitting or a hard tube fitting to ensure correct OD/ID.
- For bending PETG with a heat gun, refer to additional video tutorials.
Common loop setup: CPU block → pump → radiator; check online reviews for flow restrictions from thermalbench or extremerig.
Also highlight this point—use hardline fittings if you proceed this way. We've seen numerous cases where incorrect connectors for vinyl tubes caused serious problems. Also, if you're not planning to add two GPUs, connecting them serially between CPU and GPU works fine without major issues. You're right about parallel operation being tough to manage; it's also more challenging to remove air pockets, and since water prefers the easiest path during filling, you risk creating an air void in your GPU block.
I received several links and details regarding components for your project.
Please review the provided resources and consider the suggestions carefully.
Ensure you follow the recommended materials and configurations for optimal performance.
Also highlight this point... ensure you use hardline fittings if you follow this path. I've seen many people using the wrong connectors meant for vinyl tubes and encountering some unfortunate situations. Also, if you're not planning to expand to 2x GPUs, you can connect them serially between CPU and GPU without too many problems. You said parallel operation is hard to drain, which is accurate, and it's also tougher to remove air pockets, as water tends to follow the easiest path during filling, potentially leaving an air void in your GPU block. I've been thinking about adding a serial flow between my GPU and CPU just to avoid some unusual curves in the tubing. Regarding air pockets, I noticed more buildup in my monoblock setup, but after a few days it disappeared. Thanks a lot for the advice and feedback. I'm fully aware that certain loop orders can boost efficiency, while others may hinder it—how would you suggest ordering things or what changes would make the most sense for your build?