Interested in watercolor CPU and later GPU?
Interested in watercolor CPU and later GPU?
I’m fairly comfortable with overclocking and have mainly used air cooling. I’m interested in switching to water cooling but don’t know much about it. I’m seeking some guidance. I’m planning to upgrade to a Ryzen 1600x with a 370 chipset motherboard. I’d like the Coolermaster Mastercase Pro 5, but I’m not locked into it. I have roughly $200 left for this upgrade. I’ll keep my current GPU (GTX 670) for now, but with more funds I might get a 1070 or a new AMD GPU. I’ve been researching AIO CPU cooling options like the Corsair H100 v2/H110i. I’d like to eventually add a new GPU and water cooling as well. Do you have any suggestions? Should I consider a custom loop that could later include GPU cooling for around $200, or should I go with AIO solutions? The 1600x doesn’t come with a CPU fan, so I’ll need to find a replacement.
Actually, I usually recommend air cooling your CPU as long as you're not trying to break world records. Liquid coolers are heavy, the loop can clog and stop fluid flow (it won't cool the CPU if this happens), and the loop can even leak. You don't have these dangers with air coolers.
On the graphics side, newer GPUs are so efficient that they no longer need water cooling to reach their maximum speeds. This is because newer chips run at lower voltages and don't require raising voltage as much to get stable overclocks.
Absolutely.
The Swiftech H220-X2 (240mm) or H240-X2 (280mm) is a solid part. It includes a "Real" CPU module, a DDC pump/Radiator/Reservoir setup. The loop can be emptied and connected easily.
EK offers their line of predator products. Some feature quick disconnects and come with pre-filled parts that fit together. No draining or bleeding needed (at least during first installation), though regular upkeep is still necessary.
Any custom cooling system can be adapted by selecting the appropriate components. Purchasing the discrete CPU, radiator, pump/reservoir will usually cost around $200, or more.
Actually, I usually recommend air cooling your CPU as long as you're not trying to break world records. Liquid coolers are heavy, the loop can clog and stop fluid flow (it won't cool the CPU if this happens), and the loop can even leak. You don't have these dangers with air coolers.
On the graphics side, newer GPUs are so efficient that they no longer need water cooling to reach their maximum speeds. This is because newer chips run at lower voltages and don't require raising voltage as much to get stable overclocks.
All statements are accurate. It really does look impressive.
Nvidia GPUs don't require water blocks unless you're modifying them for higher voltage operation. Running a GPU at 50°C under full load is always pleasant.
The RX480 is constrained more by its power delivery than any other factor, and it's not considered a top-tier card.
Most users are encountering frequency limits with Ryzen so far. Temperature only drops in a few instances (typically the gap between 3.9Ghz and 4.0Ghz)
Yes, I planned to wait and check the r5 series first before making a purchase. The boost clock is expected to be 4.0 with xfr running better. The 7700k or 7600k looked like good alternatives. I'm still weighing my options.
The Swiftech have received mixed reviews, which is confusing. I'm still looking into it. If I can't find a decent watercooler, I might consider an air cooler. I just wanted something new, but.
CL3WL3SS :
I was planning to wait and observe the performance of the r5 series before making a purchase. The boost clock is expected to be 4.0 with xfr running faster. The 7700k or 7600k appeared as other reasonable choices. I'm still in the decision phase.
The Swiftech models seem to have poor reviews. I don't know much more. I'm still looking into things. If I can't find a decent watercooler, I might consider an air cooler. I just wanted something new, but.
Swiftech coolers differ significantly from the usual AiO models. Those that @Eximo mentioned are among the top AiO coolers I've come across.
I'm working with the older H240-X as the main part of my loop and it performs very well. It's a bit noisy in this new setup, but I didn't think about how close the reservoir would be to the acrylic window on the side. I probably need a replacement panel from a glass shop.
I believe many negative reviews stem from poor installation by users or unrealistic expectations. Reviews often seem more negative than positive. Some people treat it like an AIO, which isn't accurate. Although it comes pre-filled, it still has all the issues of a custom loop, such as leaks and air bubbles. These bubbles can take about two weeks to resolve properly, and the pump is a bit too strong for just a CPU. I had better results with a CPU and two GPUs this time, but with a single GPU it seems to run a bit faster.
I plan to separate the fan and pump speed control soon. I'm still deciding whether to re-build so I can upgrade my 280mm radiator for my older 980s.
The Apogee CPU blocks are decent. The radiator is average, but it meets all the needs of a custom part. Brass/Copper construction. The older swiftech fans worked fine, unlike these new ones. One sticker has come off from one unit.
The H-240X required buying a G1/4 fitting for the pump, so my first step was to drain it during the upgrade.
The new model has all G1/4 fittings now, which solves that issue. I'm not a big fan of the new tube-shaped reservoir, but that's just my opinion.
I will definitely look into it further so I don't repeat the same errors as others reviewing them, lol. Thanks for all the help, I need to decide by a bit after April 11th before anyone tests the Ryzen 5 lineup.
When you can invest a little more, the EK Predator 240 shows better results compared to the Swiftech 220.