Details on CPU/GPU AIO water cooling systems and their compatibility
Details on CPU/GPU AIO water cooling systems and their compatibility
The PC I just assembled functions as my HTPC, gaming machine, and audio preamp, among other uses. It is housed in a sealed cabinet beneath my TV, inside a packed nMediaPC 2800B enclosure. I have a dual-slot sound card, a TV tuner, and an MSI Gaming 980Ti GPU. The 4790K is cooled with a dual fan Noctua cooler. I also filled the case with quiet fans, but high gaming loads make temperatures rise significantly. At full GPU usage in Battlefront, temperatures reach around 87-89°C, while the CPU stays near 70°C. Living in Arizona, these temperatures will likely increase during summer. I believe this configuration needs liquid cooling.
I have previously created custom loops and had a disappointing experience, so I’m hesitant about ongoing maintenance. However, I’m willing to consider a closed-loop system that handles both GPU and CPU. I know the EKWB predator is a strong contender, but spending about $400 on cooling is beyond my budget. I’ve checked the ID-Cooling Hunter Duet for compatibility, but it only lists reference designs; I don’t see a pattern for my MSI Gaming 980Ti. I’m not sure if there’s a non-reference compatibility guide available. I’m also open to other recommendations. Should I wait for the EVGA QRC/QRG release?
The Predator is great, but I do have a few minor beefs with it. Even so, it sits at the top of my CPU-only loop list or anything that is a closed loop cooler alternative (I really have never recommended them at all).
There is also the Swiftech H220-X which is cheaper than the Predator 240 by almost $50. I am going to be testing it next.
They also have (and have for years) a handful of compact watercooling solutions before others starting making them.
http://www.performance-pcs.com/complete-...-swiftech/?
Many Corsair (and...
Not aiming to interfere with the parade, but if your cooler is showing extremely high load temperatures, running both your overclocked i7 and GPU together on the same 240mm cheap aluminum radiator with a very low-flow pump won't help much.
I recently completed tests on the EKWB Predator 240 and it's feasible to cool over 300 watts with a 10°C temperature difference. The report is moving toward executive approval and should be posted in the forums within the next day or so.
Not aiming to interfere with the parade, but if you're noticing high load temperatures in your existing cooler, running both your overclocked i7 and GPU on the same 240mm cheap aluminum radiator with a very low-flow pump won't help much.
I recently completed tests on the EKWB Predator 240 and it's feasible to cool over 300 watts with a 10°C temperature difference. The report is moving toward executive approval, so it should be posted in the forums within the next day or so.
My concern seems to be poor case airflow. I've installed as many case fans as possible, but the case is very small and packed tightly inside a closed cabinet with a hole cut for cables and exhaust. I know a 240mm radiator is a bit too small for these parts, and I might need to modify the case to fit it. However, I think liquid cooling—even if not large enough—would help keep more heat out and reduce the amount of cool air needed, which is limited in my setup.
I'm eager to read your Predator 240 write-up. Since it's the only full-block GPU closed-loop solution available, I'd really appreciate having it. It's just quite costly.
It might be possible to use two Kraken X61 models (or comparable ones) along with a G10 mounting bracket for your GPU.
The Predator is excellent, though I have some minor criticisms about it. Still, it ranks high on my list of closed-loop alternatives focused solely on CPUs (I haven’t ever suggested them before).
There’s also the Swiftech H220-X, which is significantly cheaper than the Predator 240 by around $50. I plan to try it out soon.
They also offer a variety of compact watercooling options that have been available for years before others entered the market.
http://www.performance-pcs.com/complete-...-swiftech/?