Initial experience with water cooling. Suggestions for shopping list.
Initial experience with water cooling. Suggestions for shopping list.
Hi everyone,
I’m about to start custom water cooling and have been planning it for a while now.
I’ve done some research and now I have a clear idea of what I need.
Here are my current components:
CPU: i7 5820k
Motherboard: Asus X99 Deluxe
RAM: Corsair 16GB 4x4 2800
GPU: AMD R9 290
Power Supply: Corsair HX1000i
Case: Corsair 900D
My current setup includes:
EK Water Blocks EK-FB ASUS X99 Monoblock - Nickel
EK Water Blocks EK-CoolStream CE 420 (Triple)
XSPC D5 Photon 270 Reservoir/Pump Combo V2
EK Water Blocks EK-ACF Fitting 10/16mm - White x6
XSPC HighFlex Hose 3/8" ID, 5/8" OD, 16/10mm, 2m, White
Mayhems Biocide Extreme
Please share your feedback and let me know what you’d suggest changing.
Cheers!
Usually a solid choice for newcomers.
A few things to keep in mind:
1. Monoblock – this is used once only – you’re unlikely to reuse it, and the benefits are minimal. A dedicated CPU block might be more practical.
2. The R9 290 is outdated and underperforming – not a good value for money. Consider upgrading your card first.
3. A single 3x140 radiator is quite basic for cooling both CPU and GPU, particularly in high-end builds. I’d suggest checking out HWLabs Black Ice GTR series or Alphacool nexXxos radiators; they’re available in XFlow versions which are much easier to find. Also, a 120mm width would fit better in future cases. As far as I’m concerned, the Noctua NF-A12...
Usually a solid choice for newcomers.
A few things to keep in mind:
1. Monoblock units are single-use devices—most likely you won’t be able to reuse them, and their usefulness is minimal. A dedicated CPU block might be a better option.
2. The R9 290 model is outdated and underperforming—don’t invest in it. Consider upgrading to a more recent card.
3. A single 3x140 radiator is quite basic for cooling both the CPU and GPU, particularly in high-end builds. I suggest checking out HWLabs Black Ice GTR series or Alphacool nexXxos radiators; they’re available in convenient XFlow versions. Also, a 120mm width would fit better with future cases. In my opinion, Noctua NF-A12 industrialPPC fans are among the top choices for radiators because of their focused airflow.
General advice for beginners is useful. A few things to keep in mind:
1. Monoblock units are single-use items—most users won’t be able to reuse them. Their practical advantage is minimal. A CPU block might be a better option.
2. The R9 290 model is outdated and underperforming—don’t invest in it. Consider upgrading to a higher-end card first.
3. A single 3x140 radiator is quite basic for cooling both the CPU and GPU, particularly for high-end components. I’d suggest checking out HWLabs Black Ice GTR series or Alphacool nexXxos radiators. Both are available in XFlow versions, which is much more convenient. Also, a 120mm width would fit better with future cases. In my opinion, Noctua NF-A12 industrialPPC fans are the top choice for radiators because of their focused airflow.
Thanks for your response.
I intend to keep this machine for at least another two years, so I think a monoblock setup makes sense.
I already own the machine and am waiting to replace the 290 with a VEGA model when it arrives.
I believe the radiator is sufficient for CPU and VRM cooling. If I later add GPUs to the loop, I’ll install a quad 120mm fan at the bottom.
And as mentioned, I already have some Industrial A14 units around, so it would be a waste not to use them.
I checked your setup and wow, that looks great!
Are those the Noctua Industrial fans? How did you obtain the white grommets? Did you paint them?
Thank you. It took some time to construct it, but after several revisions it now meets my expectations in terms of performance, noise, and appearance. Those grommets are part of Chromax accessories.
Regarding your plan:
In my opinion, cooling the VRM (and RAM) isn't necessary for your model. However, if you prefer that aesthetic and can afford it, it's worth considering. I'd rather use a high-quality CPU block like this one:
https://shop.aquacomputer.de/product_inf...er0bnlfmvj
or
https://shop.aquacomputer.de/product_inf...er0bnlfmvj
and incorporate it into future builds. Monoblocks are single-use, and my practicality prevents me from using them unless absolutely needed.
The 420 rad will definitely suffice. Even 280 should be sufficient unless you expect fans to spin rapidly under heavy load (over 1000 RPM).
Thank you. It took some time to construct it; it underwent numerous adjustments until it reached the current state, which I’m satisfied with regarding performance, noise, and appearance. Those grommets are part of Chromax accessories.
Regarding your plan:
In my opinion, for your model, cooling the VRM (and RAM) isn’t essential. However, if you prefer that aesthetic and have the budget, it’s worth considering. I’d rather use a high-quality CPU block like this one:
https://shop.aquacomputer.de/product_inf...er0bnlfmvj
or
https://shop.aquacomputer.de/product_inf...er0bnlfmvj
and incorporate it into future builds as well. Monoblocks are single-use, and my practicality prevents me from using them unless absolutely necessary.
The 420 rad will definitely suffice. Even 280 should be sufficient unless you intend to run fans at high speeds under 1000 RPM.
Thanks for the link—I’ll definitely need a few of those.
😀
Those blocks look incredible, and the screens... I’ve never seen anything like them before :O
ooh ...
if you are into this kind of thing, i can suggest few more
1. the pump top - https://www.singularitycomputers.com/sho...d-acrylic/ there is also a clear and black version of it. the main thing after look, is the versatility - you can mount tube res directly to it or use it like mine since it has the awesome cap.
on that store you can find awesome reservoirs and mounts.
2. check out those:
https://shop.aquacomputer.de/index.php?c...er0bnlfmvj
https://shop.aquacomputer.de/index.php?c...er0bnlfmvj
3. Awesome looking radiators - also happens to be top performer: http://hardwarelabs.com/nemesis/gtr/
though i personally prefer those: http://hardwarelabs.com/nemesis/gtsxflow/
4. lighting
https://www.alphacool.com/alphacool/de-eislicht
though I'm waiting for the RGB/UV to be released.
Interesting features.
I'll check the pump top and consider the LED panels needed
😀
Appreciate the help again
Great details, nothing could be expressed more clearly on my part.