Do I need a custom water loop?
Do I need a custom water loop?
Case: Corsair carbide air 740
Mobo: Gigabyte AORUS GA-Z370 AORUS Gaming 7
CPU: Intel i7-8700k
GPU: ASUS ROG Strix GeForce GTX 1080 Ti OC
PSU: Corsair HX1000
RAM: G.Skill Trident Z RGB F4-3200C14D-16GTZR 16GB (2x8GB) 3200MHz DDR4
Sound: Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5
Initially, I planned to use the Noctua NH-U14S CPU cooler, but the heatsink is huge and its color doesn’t appeal to me. Since most parts in this setup will be RGB-enhanced, I thought it would be worth improving the interior appearance, though a large heat sink might clash with that vision.
Beyond looks, I prioritized top-tier cooling for both CPU and GPU. I was thinking about using an AIO Kraken X62 for the CPU and letting the GPU handle itself, but I’m also thinking of adding a second card later.
The issue is that the 1080 Ti runs at a high core temperature of 84°C, and I’m concerned the lower card might overheat the upper one, possibly leading to long-term problems. I’m leaning toward building a custom loop first.
I have no experience with this setup and feel anxious about leaks, even after researching. Could you say whether having two close graphics cards would cause trouble? Would a custom loop be necessary? Thanks in advance.
It's all a matter of choice. If you really are considering full custom, you really need to read everything thoroughly. There's plenty to learn to understand the risks and rewards. Do you need it, not necessarily, but as mentioned you really are going to want excellent airflow with 2 250W TDP cards plus nearly 100W CPU in your case. Do you have any intent to OC the CPU as well? I would say that your GPU speeds will suffer a bit in SLI from higher temps and lower boost clocks on average from higher temps. All newer Nvidia cards start dropping boost bins after 59C. This is a great example of where custom WC and some hybrid solutions for GPUs really shine. In my setup for reference, my 1080 Ti never goes of 45C full load in summer...
Hi jackfleegal,
Regarding watercooling, the issue isn't about necessity but about excitement. If you're comfortable with all the downsides—maintenance, failures, leaks—it's up to you to decide if you want to invest in a custom loop.
To keep up with an SLI, you need strong case airflow, that's all. Be mindful of how many slots you use. Some GPUs require 2 slots, others 2.5 slots.
Rodolphe
It's all a matter of choice. If you really are considering full custom, you really need to read everything thoroughly. There's plenty to learn to understand the risks and rewards. Do you need it, not necessarily, but as mentioned you really are going to want excellent airflow with 2 250W TDP cards plus nearly 100W CPU in your case. Do you have any intent to OC the CPU as well? I would say that your GPU speeds will suffer a bit in SLI from higher temps and lower boost clocks on average from higher temps. All newer Nvidia cards start dropping boost bins after 59C. This is a great example of where custom WC and some hybrid solutions for GPUs really shine. In my setup for reference, my 1080 Ti never goes of 45C full load in summer. Because of this, my card will stay solid in the 1950+ range for core clockspeed vs. dropping off. Also, if done correctly, custom loops are very quiet vs most aircooled setups at least where GPU fans are concerned.
This all said, besides the research and understand the pros and cons of custom, it can get very expensive very quickly. It's not for the faint hearted, and like mentioned above, there is maintenance involved but how much can vary. If still interested, I can offer further info based on my own experiences. One more note, I tested my 8700k with the NH-U14S, worked great even for OC settings but my CPU is also delidded. Fan is quiet.
Good suggestions, solid feedback.
Some personal thoughts:
Selecting the right case matters greatly, as not every configuration can handle extensive custom loops. Even with a GTX1080Ti and an overclocked CPU, you’ll need at least a 360mm radiator to maintain both performance and quiet operation.
Don’t overly stress about hose dimensions; a 13/10mm size should suffice, though larger sizes work for a more robust appearance. Water cooling systems are particularly sensitive to radiator type and fan airflow compared to coolant flow rate.
A single D5 class pump can adequately move enough coolant for even an SLI configuration.
Hardline tubing has its aesthetic appeal but is more challenging to cut, shape, and route than softer options. It also demands extra tools and deeper understanding of its application.
Beginners often overlook the importance of regulating pump and fan speeds, which can pose a challenge on its own.
In air-cooled SLI configurations, the top component typically becomes the hottest part, especially if the lower unit is positioned very near it.