Full System Water Cooling Loop
Full System Water Cooling Loop
Hey everyone.
I'm trying to figure out the best cooling solutions for my CPU and GPU without breaking the bank right now. I've already chosen the XSPC Raystorm EX240 kit, but I'm not sure what else I should add to keep my GPU cool. I just want to stay within a reasonable budget and avoid overspending. If you need my PC details, you can check them out here. Thanks!
Here’s what I’m considering. With a $320 budget after tax and shipping, I’m not sure I can afford the one you recommended, Ryan. I was searching for another option with a D5 pump, and here’s what I found.
I also mentioned looking for an EK Supremacy block, but I could purchase that separately instead of buying the kit.
Now comes my main question (so far xD). At this stage, should I abandon the kit idea and start from scratch?
Ensure you obtain a waterblock for your graphics card, along with necessary mounts. A second radiator could be useful, though I only recommend it if you experience overheating problems.
You should get a waterblock for your graphics card, some mounts for the card, and maybe a second radiator, but only if you notice it’s a heat problem. Would you like me to suggest some specific parts? I’m new to this and not sure where to begin. xD
I would suggest spending a bit more time on this, similar to getting a 20$ PC at good will and setting it up before your own machine. For the water cooler, you might want to check out http://www.performance-pcs.com/water-cooling. Also, the 970 model looks really impressive—I've never seen it before.
The first error I notice is in your parts list—what you want to do requires housing, so think about a different approach and check the link below. It offers ample space for water cooling and is one of the best cases I've seen recently, plus it looks stunning.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6811854003
If you're beginning with a kit, opt for this high-quality model, which includes a D5 pump and an EK Supremacy CPU water block.
http://www.performance-pcs.com/ek-kit-p2...r-kit.html
Starting with a kit can be more affordable initially, but avoid purchasing one you'll later regret.
Have you looked over the watercooling sticky?
Yes, I’ve read through most of it. I think I have a decent understanding of water cooling, but I’m reaching out to others who’ve actually done it before. Just in case, before I invest more than $300.
The initial error I notice is in your parts list—what you need depends on what you want to achieve. You should think about a different setup and check the link below; it offers ample space for water cooling and is one of the top cases I've seen recently, plus it looks stunning.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6811854003
If you're beginning with a kit, opt for the quality here—includes a D5 pump and an EK Supremacy CPU water block
http://www.performance-pcs.com/ek-kit-p2...r-kit.html
Please note: Starting with a kit is a more affordable way to begin a custom loop, but avoid buying one you’ll later regret.
Regarding overclocking your 4790K?
I’m not seeking a case upgrade. I’m pretty sure my current build can handle everything fine. It’s possible I connected the wrong model—just confirming I have the NZXT Phantom 630 Windowed Black.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...-_-Product
Please let me know if I’m mistaken, but this case should comfortably accommodate a pump and all the extra features you mentioned.
Additionally, I’m creating a custom PSU cover, so everything fits neatly beneath it without being noticeable.
In response to your thoughts, here’s my plan: With a $320 budget (after taxes and shipping), I can’t afford the one you recommended, Ryan. I was searching for another option with a D5 pump, and this is what I found.
http://www.performance-pcs.com/xspc-rays...ifications
I also understood you suggested an EK Supremacy block, but I could purchase that separately instead of including it in the kit.
Now, my final question (lol) – should I abandon the kit idea and start fresh?
Here’s what I’m considering in response to both of you. I have a $320 budget after tax and shipping. Essentially, I can’t afford the one you recommended, Ryan. I was searching for another option with a D5 pump, and here’s what I found.
I understand you mentioned looking for an EK Supremacy block, but I could purchase that separately rather than as part of the kit.
Now comes my main question (so far xD). At this stage, should I abandon the idea of buying a kit and start from scratch?
Sharing my budget would have really helped shape my advice. You’re right to note that a full coverage GPU water block alone would cost around $100, which is quite significant.
The kit you linked works well for beginners; the Raystorm water block isn’t as superior as the EK Supremacy EVO, but it’s still a solid CPU low-flow solution.
If I were making the decision, I’d opt to buy separately rather than with such a limited budget for a custom water cooling setup.
You didn’t mention whether you intended to overclock the 4790K, as that would greatly influence how much radiator cooling is needed for the entire loop. With just one 240 rad, you won’t achieve optimal performance.
My advice aims to ensure you have enough clarity before spending all your money—otherwise, you might regret it later, feeling like you wasted a lot on what didn’t work out.
I get it—been there, done that!
P.S.: Your 4790K is an 88W TDP, the GTX 970 is a 145W TDP (233W total), assuming no overclocking.