Initial Cooling Components Inventory + Thoughts
Initial Cooling Components Inventory + Thoughts
So I am in the process of putting together my parts list and I was hoping I could get some advice on it and see if all the parts are compatible. A little background on me.. I work repairing computers for a living and I've been doing it for quite a while now. I built my computer a couple years ago with a Corsair H110, I have tried overclocking my CPU and memory but when I do it eventually BSoD's because the MB overheats. I've wanted to a custom loop in my PC for a while now after seeing benchmarks + they look bad ass.
Parts explanation
I've been doing a lot of research into water cooling recently and I have decided to go with PETG for life span and aesthetics. As far as the reservoir goes I wanted to go dual bay because of case space limitations and I decided on the Koolance RP-452X2 because of the build quality and ease of housing the pumps in series. I decided to use 2 pumps in series because I really don't know much about hydrodynamics and I figured my overkill loop would need 2 because of the amount of radiators and blocks. The bitspower mobo/cpu block I decided on because as far as blocks for my board goes only EK and bitspower make them and the EK block doesnt cover the chipset. I chose the aquacool radiators because of 2 Cents recomended alphacool in his tutorials and they seem to have very little restrictions. I'm not going to lie I chose the fans because of the RGB, but they also have good reviews.
My loop...
http://i.imgur.com/kW1xrtT.jpg
Sorry my MS Paint skills are lacking. I might move the reservoir down a slot for easier filling but I think the best option will be to drill holes over the reservoir filling ports in the casing and fill the loop with my case top off. Also I didn't add any bends in but I plan to bend the PETG myself.
Case HAF-X
MB - Asus x99 Deluxe II
VGA - ROG STRIX 1080
Blocks
ROG Strix Block
BP-WBV1080ARS-RGB5 Bitspower Nvidia GTX 1080 ROG STRIX Acrylic (Clear) Water Block for ASUS ROG STRIX-GTX1080
Asus Deluxe II Block
BP-WBAIX99DFCBNPAC-CL Bitspower AIX99D Nickel Plated Full-Covered-Block (Clear)
DDR4 Blocks and heatsinks
BP-RAMS42PS-CLBK Bitspower RAM Module Set For 4 Banks 2-DIMMs (Special Pair Package-For DDR4 Only)
Pumps
2 of these
AC-13169 Alphacool VPP655-PWM - Single Edition
Radiators
AC-14247-AC-17189 Alphacool NexXxos ST30 Industry HPC Series 120mm radiator
AC-14249-AC-17189 Alphacool NexXxos ST30 Industry HPC Series 360mm radiator
AC-14250-AC-17189 Alphacool NexXxos XT45 Industry HPC Series 120mm
Reservior
RP-452X2 Koolance RP-452X2 Dual 5.25in Reservoir for 1-2 PMP-450/S Pumps, Rev.2.0
Fans
2x
Riing 12 LED RGB TT Premium Edition 3-Fan Pack
Fittings plugs and drain valve
AC-17383 Alphacool HT 13mm HardTube compression fitting G1/4 for plexi- brass tubes (rigid or hard tubes) - knurled - deep black sixpack
MON-TPL-MB Monsoon Premium G 1 / 4 Temperature Plug - Matte Black
AC-17260 Alphacool Eiszapfen angled adaptor 90° rotatable G1/4 outer thread to G1/4 inner thread - deep black x2
BP-MVV-MBKBK Bitspower BP-MVV-MBK Mini-Valve - Matte Black
BP-MBWP-C02 Bitspower Premium G1/4" High Flow 3/8" Fitting - Black Matte Finish
AC-17033 Alphacool Double Nipple G1/4" Outer Thread to G1/4" Outer Thread Revolvable - Deep Black
FILL Enzotech FILL G1/4 Rubber Liquid Refill Funnel
Tubing
Alphacool Eisrohr PETG HardTube 10mm ID, 13mm OD, 60cm, Clear, 4-pack
Fill and drain
TYGON-E3603-1/4x3/8 Tygon E-3603 1/4" ID (3/8" OD) Clear Tubing
You'd only require up to 360 rad. Also, radiators are generally not too restrictive, offering less flow restriction than most blocks. Additionally, you don't need to watercool DDR4—it already performs well. RAM water blocks usually only cover the ends of the modules, which can be limiting in some cases, and DDR4 doesn't require a water block. Dual D5s aren't necessary, but if you want to invest, it's worth considering. One would suffice.
You would only require up to 360 rad for this. Radiators usually have low restrictions too, offering less flow restriction than most blocks. Also, you don't need to watercool DDR4—it already stays very cool. RAM water blocks only cover the ends of the DIMMs, which can be limiting in some cases. DDR4 doesn't require a water block either. Dual D5s aren't necessary unless you want to invest more. If you do, one is sufficient. Even with overclocking, I'm planning around 550-600 watts or so, based on my PSU's logged input during previous overclock attempts. The Delta T display on the cooling unit is a bit confusing, but I'm sure this has been discussed before. Would it help if there was a simpler calculator to estimate radiator size from component power output?
550-600 watts? The 1080 TDP at stock is only 180w. If your CPU is probably not over 100w at stock, or even a bit less...you're not wasting that much power.
Loop TDP isn't the full system TDP—it just measures the cooling loop's heat output.
The calculator I created is as straightforward as it can be—it only does this one thing.
■ The PETG bending kit can simplify your tube routing, allowing lighter angled fittings for some joints.
■ To boost cooling performance, consider using fans and adjusting the flow rate. With a high coolant loop and radii of 360+, 120+, and 120mm, VP655 should achieve around 1 gallon per minute (1GPM). Once you assemble your setup, determine the appropriate fan speed for comfort.
■ Since this is your initial project, I recommend incorporating UV-sensitive dye mixed with coolant and a UV lamp. This helps highlight any minor imperfections, particularly around joints.
■ Adding more fittings is important; note that even a small difference in inner diameter can require redoing the insertion process. With 20 fittings total, an additional 4 to 5 should be manageable.
■ I expect a great result. For a polished finish, install the side panel with tempered glass, opt for a non-dark tint, and use a parachord cable with uniform lighting. Feel free to share your progress when finished.
Assembling tips...
■ PETG generally works well with compatible ID/OD fittings from any supplier. Apply thermal grease to tube ends if needed to ensure smooth passage through HD compression fittings—avoid forcing or using soap or baby oil.
■ Always thoroughly flush the radiator; welding residues can harm the pump and block the GPU waterblock.
■ Organize components carefully, securing everything firmly:
- CPU and GPU on the motherboard
- Radiator and pump in the case
- Fittings on tubes
- Fittings on the block or pump top/rad
A cup of coffee and your favorite tunes will keep you going.
■ When researching "1st water cooling bleed and pump priming," look into ATX bridge/24-pin techniques to eliminate bubbles and ensure a leak-free loop. Perform a leak test afterward.
■ Before the first run, double-check all connections—screws, fans, and pump power cables. You can later connect to the motherboard pump/fan header, but ensure your PSU isn’t plugged directly into the motherboard, VGA, or HDD.
■ During pump priming or air bleeding, avoid losing power. If a leak appears, replace the o-ring or the fitting itself.
Heat dumping advice...
■ If you're using an OCable i7 CPU, run the pump at maximum speed with a ~1000 RPM fan (60% PWM). You can adjust settings later based on your requirements.
■ Adding an extra fan to your 360mm rad provides two benefits:
1. Increases cooling capacity and helps compensate for internal case airflow.
2. Extends the life of other fans, allowing you to run them at lower speeds.