New gaming setup with cooling and all the components – what do you need help with?
New gaming setup with cooling and all the components – what do you need help with?
Hey there,
I’m planning to upgrade or renew my gaming setup. The current specs are as follows:
CPU: Intel - Core i7-8700K 3.7GHz 6-Core (€320.00)
Motherboard: Asus - ROG MAXIMUS X HERO (WI-FI AC) ATX LGA1151 (€300.00)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3200 (€170.00)
Storage: Samsung - 960 EVO 500GB M.2-2280 SSD (€155.00)
Case: be quiet! - Dark Base 700 ATX Mid Tower (€135.00)
Power Supply: be quiet! - DARK POWER PRO 11 750W 80+ Platinum Certified Semi-Modular (€165.00)
Overall cost comes to €1245.00
There are a few points I’m still deciding on:
1. Which GPU should I pick – a GTX 1080 Ti? Should I go for a hybrid model or opt for a standard one and add a waterblock?
- Hybrid options: Asus Poseidon, EVGA SC2 Hybrid Gaming, EVGA FTW3 Hybrid Gaming, FTW3 iCX Hydro Copper Gaming
- Regular options: Asus ROG Strix, Asus ROG Strix OC, EVGA FTW3 Gaming
2. If I choose a regular GPU, what waterblock would be best?
3. Do I need more than one radiator for both CPU and GPU? Or could I use separate loops – maybe a smaller radiator for the CPU and a quieter one for the GPU?
4. I’m new to watercooling, so which brands offer good liquid cooling at a reasonable price? EKWB, AIO, OCcool are what I’ve heard.
5. Is a 750W PSU enough for this configuration?
I’d love to discuss these ideas here. For now, don’t focus too much on prices – just explore options and see what fits my needs best. Feel free to suggest other configurations if you have any thoughts.
Best,
Simon
I appreciate the thoughtful selection of parts, it really sets you apart. Since I'm not familiar with ASUS products, I wouldn't have picked a different motherboard, just personal preference.
If you have time, check if the 11 series is available. If not, you won't miss out on getting the GTX1080Ti. I recommend sticking with air cooling, no hybrids.
That depends, are you thinking about setting up a custom watercooling loop?
3+4. Check the watercooling guide, in my opinion.
More than enough
Hi Lutfij,
Thanks for your prompt reply.
1. The issue is determining the time required and since prices will fall for the GTX 1080 Ti, I think I should choose the 1080 Ti.
Which one would you recommend from the ones mentioned?
2. If a custom loop means I won’t receive a kit, I’ll opt for a custom build.
3./4. I’ve reviewed it, but now I need suggestions for each part.
Thanks a lot.
Hi Simon,
I'm also sourcing components for my watercooler 4K/120 FPS build and here are my suggestions:
1. I’d hold off on the 1180/1180 TI until late August, when it should be released. In a couple of months you might see a 20% price drop for the 1080 TI, but I’d wait for the next generation. If you’re keen to buy a 1080 TI now, go for the EVGA FTW3—its GPU builds are superior (better VRAM, etc.), and ASUS is solid for aesthetics, though it doesn’t matter much if you’re skipping the cooler.
2. Whatever block you choose, stick to copper or aluminum—no mixing. The system needs all-copper radiators, GPUs, and CPUs, or all-nickel ones (aluminum’s cheaper but not ideal).
3. A 360 and a 240 would be the minimum, but I’d likely use two 360 units. Check out this link for guidance: https://www.ekwb.com/custom-loop-configurator/
4. EKWB is a solid choice—they handle everything well and have great reputation and support.
5. A 750W is fine, just ensure it’s 80 gold+. I’d avoid “be quiet” (I’ve been in IT for years, building PCs long before), so I’d opt for an EVGA power supply—they make some of the best you can find.
6. For other components, consider the PC-011 dynamic case, which is designed for water cooling (I own one, it’s top-tier).
Here’s a link to a good build guide: https://www.overclockers.co.uk/lian-li-p...6s-ll.html
I’d also recommend the G.Skill Trident Z RGB at 3200Mhz—it offers top performance for its price, especially in RAM speed and appearance.
Also, the ROG Maximus Hero WI-FI AC is highly recommended.
Thanks,
matt
I have reviewed EKWB and completed the setup:
This is the result:
https://www.ekwb.com/custom-loop-configu...ccf74c5c47
For certain components I cannot locate copper (such as the GPU block)
I will examine your case suggestion. What are your experiences with be Quiet? I have been using them for over ten years and none have failed me so far. I will also consider Seasonic, recommended by that 8auer guy. Additionally, looking at EVGA.
My loop should be adequately cooled, but with temperatures around 34 degrees. Perhaps a small additional radiator would help.
You can always use different components if you don't like EK specific ones. For example, if you like Bitspower fittings better, you can use them instead. Don't like the EK radiators? XSPC, Alphacool or Koolance might have one you like instead. There are also vast assortments of tubing. Be careful about limiting yourself to just one-stop-shopping or brands.
Also, watercooling is dependent upon ambient room temperature. You can never reach temperatures below ambient temp, even at idle with air or normal watercooling. So, as the temperature rises, your idle and load temps will likely see some increase as well.
You can combine copper and nickel, but avoid mixing aluminum with copper, brass, nickel, gold, or silver. Aluminum stands out here. Unless you're doing extremely high overclocking, a standard 360 radiator should suffice.
You have the flexibility to choose alternative parts if you prefer not to use EK-specific components. For instance, if Bitspower fittings appeal to you, they could be a better fit. If you don’t like the EK radiators, options like XSPC, Alphacool or Koolance might suit you better. There are also a wide range of tubing choices available. Be mindful not to restrict yourself to only one retailer or brand.
Water cooling performance is also influenced by the surrounding room temperature. It’s impossible to achieve temperatures lower than the ambient environment, even when idle with air or standard water cooling. As the room gets warmer, both idle and load temperatures are likely to increase too.
Using various components and brands is definitely a good idea and strongly encouraged. However, if you’re new to water cooling, EK offers an intuitive website with plenty of guides and a configurator that can help you grasp the fundamentals (which proved useful for me).