Do you have all the essentials ready for your initial loop?
Do you have all the essentials ready for your initial loop?
Hello! I’m a beginner who managed to create a custom loop for my 4690k/gtx 980 system, specifically in a Corsair Air 240. I’d appreciate feedback on the components I used and confirmation that I have everything needed. Please see the full details if you want more information.
CPU Block: EK-Supremacy EVO BLUE Edition
https://shop.ekwb.com/ek-supremacy-evo-blue-edition
GPU Block: Swiftech KOMODO-NV-GTX9
http://www.swiftech.com/KOMODO-NV-GTX9.aspx#tab2
Reservoir/Pump: EK-XRES 100 DDC MX 3.2 PWM (incl. pump)
https://shop.ekwb.com/ek-xres-100-ddc-mx-3-2-pwm-incl-p...
Radiator: (This will be the front radiator and my sole cooling unit) EK-CoolStream PE 240 (Dual)
https://shop.ekwb.com/ek-coolstream-pe-240-dual
Tubing: TUBE PrimoChill PrimoFlex™ Advanced LRT™ 15,9 / 9,5mm - Crystal Clear (PFLEXA-58)
https://shop.ekwb.com/tube-primochill-primoflextm-advan...
Fittings: 8 x EK-ACF Fitting 10/16mm - Elox Black
https://shop.ekwb.com/ek-acf-fitting-10-16mm-black
Coolant: EK-Ekoolant EVO UV BLUE (premix 1L)
https://shop.ekwb.com/ek-ekoolant-evo-uv-blue-premix-1l
Please let me know your thoughts and whether I should add anything else. The suggested path is Pump > GPU > CPU > Radiator > Reservoir. The pump and reservoir will be placed in the rear chamber alongside the PSU, with tubes emerging from the cable holes as shown:
https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/b/vDd6Mp
Thank you very much!
If you found this lengthy, you’re lucky to have a virtual cookie. *gives virtual cookie*
I don't particularly favor the term 'coolant' in a loop. It's better to use distilled water along with anti-microbial or biocide solutions. I've noticed many reports about coolants building up or causing problems, so it's wise to avoid them. Colored tubing is fine if you need color, or you can use dyes—still requiring an anti-microbial or biocide.
As noted by 1LiquidPC, a single 240 isn't sufficient for cooling your system. Just having a radiator isn't enough; it needs to be more than just one. You'd likely need at least another 120mm of radiator, but depending on how much you plan to overclock your CPU, you might want an extra 240 radiators.
I don't particularly favor the term 'coolant' in a loop. It's better to use distilled water along with anti-microbial or biocide solutions. I've noticed many reports about coolants building up or causing problems, so it's wise to avoid them. Colored tubing is fine if you need color, or you can use dyes—still requiring an anti-microbial or biocide.
As noted by 1LiquidPC, a single 240 isn't sufficient for cooling your system. Just having a radiator isn't enough; it needs to be more than just one. You'd likely need at least another 120mm of radiator, but depending on how much you plan to overclock your CPU, you might want an extra 240 radiators.
EK-Ekoolant is essentially distilled water enhanced with biocide and anti-corrosion agents—available premixed or in concentrate for your own use. I personally prefer the clear variant. For adding color to your loop, colored or UV tubing works well, and you can also incorporate LEDs to illuminate the reservoir. Regarding radiator requirements, I follow a guideline of one fan per 100W TDP of components cooled. With an 88W TDP processor and a reference GTX 980 at 165W TDP, your card may have a higher TDP. Based on that, you’d need around three fans, meaning a minimum of 360 radiators. Personally, I lean toward Rubix’s suggestion of 480 total radiators. In fact, I exceeded it with my setup—two 360 radiators for a 6600K (91W) and a GTX 980 Ti (250W).