Initial watercooling tips. Advice on part lists.
Initial watercooling tips. Advice on part lists.
Hi,
So let me start off by saying that this is a passion project that I've wanted to do for a while, and I'm not looking to upgrade any of my PC components, except my case.
I'll be using a Cooler Master H500M (http://www.coolermaster.com/case/mid-tow...ase-h500m/ - ideally better suited for air cooling, but looks stunning). I'm running an i7-6700k on a Gigabyte GA-Z170x-UD5 TH motherboard with a Gigabyte GTx1080 GV-N1080XTREME-8GD-PP Rev 2.0.
I've been reading up on water cooling components for weeks, but it's all starting to become a blur. I ran the configurator on the ekwb website, then added/removed components as needed from the final part list.
They didn't have the H500M listed in the configurator, but I've checked the dimensions and I'm certain my Rad, fans and pump/res combo will fit. I'll be top mounting the rad and air cooling the GPU. In the distant future, I'll likely get a GPU that I can add to the loop. I opted for a 360 RAD for overkill on cooling, and went as thick as I could fit in the case.
Part list:
https://ibb.co/dBeCmK
My questions are...
1. Do you think there's anything else I need?
2. Is there anything there that's irrelevant? (I added QDC connections so I can easily create space if I need to work in the tower. I might need a 2nd pair though)
3. Is the listed coolant sufficient or will I need copper coil, additives, etc?
4. If anyone has a H500M (mine hasn't arrived yet), is it easy enough to access the fill port on the top? Or could I remove the fill port, add a fitting, run a tube into the top and seal it, so that I can simply remove the top of the case when I need to fill? Any other suggestions for an easy fill port?
5. With the pump/res combo sitting in the standard location in the h500m (the case has a mounting bracket behind the front fans, on top of the HDD cage), would I just need to add a Y/T fitting to the outlet port, then attach the ball valve, to create my drain port? Is there a better location or way to add a drain port?
6. Surely there's something I've forgotten, so any other advice?
Finally, I'm located in Australia, so may not have access to the all brands and models of components that some of you may suggest.
Thanks
I believe the loop you described will function properly. The sequence involves pump/res -> 90 -> straight -> rad (top mounted) -> Extender -> Tfitting to fill port -> 45 -> 45 -> CPU -> straight -> 45 -> GPU (vert mounted) -> 90 ->straight -> Tfitting to extender to ball valve -> extender -> pump/res.
I'm quite satisfied with the results. Getting the length correctly on the CPU to GPU block hasn't been successful, and while the fill port works well initially, it struggles with topping off. It would be better if we could integrate this into the res, but I'm having trouble finding a fitting between the top of the res and the 5.25 cage. It's just a bit too tight and would look unprofessional.
You don't require the bridging plug. You can obtain some 16AWG wire and simply connect a black wire to the green wire. If you skip this step to save costs, I won't follow my advice. For soft tubing, I recommend using 1/2 compression fittings for better flow. With PWM fans, avoid the y splitter and opt for a longer PWM fan splitter that supports molex/sata power. Brands like Silverstone, Swiftech, and Akasa Panteks offer options.
I would consider purchasing the P360 kit. It could help reduce costs compared to buying parts separately, as many components come directly from the kit.
The vardar fans seem to have control problems. I experienced instability with RPM output, which made it difficult to manage. Switching to Corsair ML fans resolved those issues.
You'll also need M-M extenders for mounting your ball valve and T fitting. It might be wise to explore right angle and 45-degree fittings to improve the appearance of the loop. I used 45-degree fittings on the CPU and GPU blocks and a right angle on the pump/res. Also, think about how you'll refill the loop—keep in mind it should be accessible every 3 months to a year depending on conditions.
Good luck!
I've checked the sticky several times lately.
I'll retain the bridging plug, as it's one less thing to forget.
The 1/2" ID fittings are in imperial units; in metric they measure an inner diameter of 13mm. This matches what I already have, though the site appears to use metric instead of imperial.
I didn't realize I still had the Y splitter on my list after adding a 4-way splitter for RAD fans. I removed it now. The 4-way splitter is longer and uses Molex power.
For now, I can skip the Quick Disconnects. Thanks.
I believe the loop you described will function properly. The sequence involves pump/res -> 90 -> straight -> rad (top mounted) -> Extender -> Tfitting to fill port -> 45 -> 45 -> CPU -> straight -> 45 -> GPU (vert mounted) -> 90 ->straight -> Tfitting to extender to ball valve -> extender -> pump/res.
I'm satisfied with the results. Getting the length correctly on the CPU to GPU block hasn't been successful, and while the initial fill works, it struggles with topping off. It would be better if we could integrate this into the res, but I can't find a way to connect the top of the res to the 5.25 cage without it being too tight and looking unprofessional.
I'm worried about my capacity to add more, but I went ahead and purchased the necessary components. I have two additional fittings and some extra tubing, so I plan to attempt building a raised fill port into the top of the case. This would allow me to remove the glass cover and fill it directly without disturbing other parts. If that doesn't work, I might need to make adjustments later.
WC isn't completely maintenance-free. I've taken it apart three times to make adjustments over the last year. It's just part of the hobby.