Custom water cooling loop
Custom water cooling loop
I notice a few problems with your setup:
The Alphacool section is fine but there are more comprehensive options available; it's also quite strict. Make sure the selected block matches your card exactly—check the model number on the ID stickers and the original box.
The fittings only work at 90 degrees, so you can't connect any pipework directly to them.
You picked 'hardline' tubing which needs heating and bending with an internal tool. It won't fit with the pump you have.
If you plan to cool a GTX 1080 and turn off the CPU, consider a larger radius—at least 360x25mm or 280x25mm would work.
Have you checked the EKWB website and used their configurator? It can be a bit expensive though.
The CPU block is in good condition, actually one of the better ones.
The question remains—where are you?
It would be simpler to cut and route soft tubing, making it a preferable option for an initial build.
Although some dismiss them, companies such as EKWB offer kits that include all necessary components for at least a CPU loop. This is the most convenient method to obtain everything in one package, though it tends to be pricier and less tailored than buying parts separately.
I'm from the US and understand these kits, but I prefer making things myself, so I'm not really into them. For instance, the cpu block uses 1/4" connectors. The tubing I mentioned earlier was 1/2", which suggests it might not work? I haven't found any tubing labeled 1/4".
You, my friend, have much to discover.
😉
The 1/4" measurement pertains to the thread size in the blocks, pumps, and resovoirs-G 1/4", which is quite common though some components such as the pump in your first message use unthreaded projections where the soft hose is secured by a flexible steel or plastic clip. These types of projections can't handle rigid pipework, even if the size matches—unless you make adjustments.
Connectors come with two measurements: one for the hose's internal diameter and another for their thread size. Therefore, a 1/2" G1/4" fitting will only fit hoses with an internal diameter of exactly 1/2" (12.7 or 13mm depending on precision), and it will fit any pump or block/res with standard G 1/4" threads.
Certain connectors are designed for specific hose sizes, both in terms of internal and external diameters, so it's crucial to match hose and fittings properly. This becomes even more important since measurements are often given in inches versus millimeters.
Based on the system design, you might need more than standard fittings; using 90-degree elbow connectors can significantly shorten hose runs, resulting in a cleaner setup. The drawback is that these elbows can restrict flow and should be used carefully.
Finally, we must think about the pump.
And the radiator.
And the hose dimensions.
And the precise placement of every component.
My advice here is to seek further guidance yourself before investing any money. It's simple to make costly errors with water cooling, even if kits seem perfect for everything. Buying individual parts can be a minefield of potential issues waiting to arise.
Take your time and explore the topic thoroughly—YouTube offers many tutorial videos, while Newegg and EKWB websites provide valuable information on this subject.