Completely unfamiliar with liquid cooling, looking for guidance.
Completely unfamiliar with liquid cooling, looking for guidance.
Hi everyone!
Total newbie here when it comes to OC'ing/Liquid cooling, but after some time reading about it I really feel like doing my first build.
First of all, english is not my mother tongue, so apologies in advance for poor grammar or spelling.
After some time reading and watching videos, I'm starting to flesh out my shopping list, but wouldn't like to make big mistakes since parts aren't really cheap (and from what I've seen, there's a lot of margin for error), so I'd like to ask for bit of advice from you guys.
Budget-wise, I don't plan on going cheap on it, but it's not like I want to spend more than I need to. I'm in no kind of hurry either and still would like to learn much more before going for it.
My current experience
0. Zero. Nothing. About 1 month of reading stuff about this. So please, feel free to ruthlessly correct me in any of my "assumptions".
I have experience with computers tho, since I'm a software developer.
My PC
Code:
Case: Nox NX HUMMER MCB
MoBo: Asus Prime Z370-A
Processor: Intel i7-8700K
GPU: Palit GeForce GTX 1080 Super Jetstream
RAM: 2x 8Gb Corsair Vengeance LPX 3000 MHz CL-something I can't remember
HD: Samsung 960 EVO 500Gb NVMe
Heatsink: Noctua NH-D15
PSU: Corsair RM750X V2 750W 80 Plus Gold Modular
Nothing really out of this world, but to be honest, my needs are not too high. I don't play any AAA-games at all, and the focus of the build was to get a PC that could last me as much as possible. Compiling, running different IDEs, Photoshop, some games, etc..
Iidle temps
CPU: 28ºC-30ºC
GPU: 38ºC-42ºC
Under load temps (gaming)
CPU: 50ºC-60ºC-ish?
GPU: ~80ºC
What started everything
My GPU is super noisy under heavy load. That may be my fault tho, since I've read from other owners that it was super silent for them... /shrug
I tried both the first and second PCI slot in my mobo (running at 8x in the second one, but from what I've read not like it's much of a problem...), but I got the same results. Once I launch a game, its fans go full speed, and everything gets super noisy.
In my case, I only got the 2 stock fans that came with it... Could that be the problem at all? Might need more airflow inside my case?
Why do I wanna get into Liquid Cooling
■ Noise. That GPU is killing me
■ Looks. Really important for me! And my PC looks like... well... a PC =P I want it to be an important piece of my workroom.
■ And last, but not least important... For the sake of it! I'm aware there's not much real benefit to it, specially given my low-profile needs but... I'd kinda like to learn more about this world, and feel really itchy about doing my first build!
About Overclocking
Just as I'm starting to learn about liquid cooling, I'm starting with overclocking too! =) However, I don't think I'm ever gonna try to push my system too much. Nowadays it's more than capable of fulfilling my needs. It's overkill in fact =P I'm running it with the quick OC tool in Asus BIOS, everything set automatically by the Mobo (pretty lame I guess =P)
My opinion so far
Case
I'm going for a new case with lots of space, and good airflow. I love tempered glass too. My 2 main options atm are:
Thermaltake View 71 TG
Plenty of space, bulky, and shouldn't give me much trouble.
Phanteks Enthoo Evolv ATX Glass
Not as big as the thermaltake 71, but I can fit a 360 rad on top and still get plenty of space. Not sure about having just 1 fan on the back for exhaust tho. Would it be enough?
Pump
Laing DCC1-T or Laing D5 (apparently almost everyone is selling either of these 2). However, I'm not sure on which one. The D5 looks "better", but I'm not sure which one I really need.
Rad
Since my main concern is noise, my plan was to go for a thick 360mm that worked well at low RPM. From what I've read, my main choice right now is HardwareLabs' Black Ice SR2. 360mm on the Phanteks case, or 420 in the thermaltake one.
Fans
Not sure yet, but looking for efficiency at low RPMs.
GPU Block
The only one that I've found specifically for my GPU is from EK. I'd go for that just out of pure fear of buying a non-compatible one, but to be honest I don't really like its plain look, specially considering the thermaltake 71 has a vertical mount.
CPU Block
Duh... no matter how much I read... I don't seem to find a consensus. Some people say X is better, some others say Y is better... and others say it doesn't matter. I'm considering buying from a local manufacturer just for the sake of promoting national products, and cause it's really cheap... But that raised a red flag =P So, that's the part I've given less thought.
Cooling liquid
Nothing too fancy, some distilled water, biocide, and additives if needed. (some tint too)
Tube
I kind of like the rigid tubing better, and got tools to work it. Any problem that might rise? From what I've read, Felixble tubes are way easier to work with, but I'd like to give it a try.
And... that's it I guess! Any advice guys?
Thanks in advance!
Hi, regarding the front radiator positioning, there are no problems since the fans will draw in the air through the radiator and push it out via the rear and top fans. You can choose either route. I currently have a 360mm radiator at the top of my case, exhausting air out with two front fans bringing in the air.
With regards to EK or any other radiator, it doesn't really matter, but if everything else is EK, it's best to stick with EK...
It's time to take the leap! There are numerous excellent YouTube tutorials for creating a custom loop, and I've successfully completed one using soft tubing—though I think starting with soft tubing could be a better approach before moving to hard tubing. Hard tubing guides are also quite helpful on YouTube.
When it comes to pumps, the D5 is highly regarded for its strong flow rate. For CPU blocks, I’d definitely recommend a well-known brand such as EK or Phanteks. You can check out their water blocks here: https://www.overclockers.co.uk/water-coo.../processor
You might also want to look into an all-in-one pump and reservoir system, which offers good value and a nice appearance—see this link: https://www.overclockers.co.uk/water-coo...oir-combos
For radiators, a 360mm unit should suffice for both GPU and CPU needs. Explore these options: https://www.overclockers.co.uk/water-coo...-radiators
Regarding the case, the View 71 TG provides ample space for modifications, though you may need to add extra fans. Another good choice is the Cooler MasterH500P Mesh, which I’m currently using and finding very effective.
Hope this gives you a solid starting point!
Here’s the rewritten version:
The vMax is ready... You’re all set and eager to dive in. There are numerous excellent YouTube tutorials on constructing a custom loop, and I’ve successfully completed one using soft tubing—though I’d suggest starting with soft tubing before progressing to hard tubing. That said, hard tubing guides are also highly recommended on YouTube.
When it comes to pumps, the D5 model stands out as the top choice, offering impressive flow rates. For CPU blocks, a well-known brand such as EK or Phanteks is ideal. You can check their options here:
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/water-coo.../processor
You might also want to look into an all-in-one pump and reservoir, which offers good value and a sleek appearance—see this link:
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/water-coo...oir-combos
For radiators, a 360mm unit should suffice for both GPU and CPU needs. Explore these options:
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/water-coo...-radiators
Regarding the case, the View 71 TG provides ample space, though you may need to add extra fans. Another good option is the Cooler MasterH500P Mesh, which I’m currently using and finding very effective.
I agree on the pump and reservoir choice. I’ve settled on the EK XRes-140 Revo D5 PMW pump—perfect for this build. Since I’m sourcing both the CPU block and pump/reservoir from EK, I’m leaning toward adding an EK CPU block as well.
Your point about radiators is valid. Switching from soft tubing to hard tubing might push me to rebuild sooner, which could be a learning curve. This raises the question of proper draining—ball valves and similar methods are worth exploring, especially since I plan to replace the tubing in a few months.
A couple more questions:
- Would mounting a radiator on the front obstruct the case’s intake fans?
- Could top-mounted radiators affect the exhaust fans? (It seems like a minor doubt at this stage.)
Lastly, since most of my purchases will come from EK, should I opt for one of their radiators and go with them? I’ve heard Black Ice SR2 performs better with slower fans, but finding someone in Spain to deliver them at a fair price is proving challenging. Are they truly superior?
Thanks a lot! Appreciate your help.
Hi, regarding the front radiator positioning, there are no problems since the fans will draw in the air through the radiator and push it out via the rear and top fans. You can choose either route. I currently have a 360mm radiator at the top of my case, exhausting air out with two front fans bringing in the air.
With regards to EK or any other radiator, it doesn't really matter, but if everything else is EK, it's best to stick with EK...
Shopping list is almost complete =)
Time to pick some fans!
Thanks a lot!
Great, shopping list almost complete =)
Looking to pick some fans!
Thanks a lot!
No issues at all... enjoy!