New Project Corsair 900R with water cooling dual loop
New Project Corsair 900R with water cooling dual loop
Hello everyone,
I'm starting a new water cooling project and could really use your help.
I have a Dual GTX 980 Ti SLI with a 4790K and need separate cooling for the CPU and the two GPUs.
Here’s what I’m considering: Corsair 900R
1 rad 480 top (8 fans)
1 rad 480 bottom 1 (8 fans)
1 rad 280 bottom 2 (2 fans)
1 rad 240 front (2 fans)
1 rad 120 rear (1 fan)
I’m planning a dual loop setup and have some questions:
1. Which dual pump should I choose?
2. Which two reservoirs are best?
3. What fittings and connectors do I need?
4. Is my Corsair RM1000w PSU enough for this build?
5. Which GPU block and backplate would fit the GTX 980 Ti best?
Please send me links to these topics, I’m a bit confused but really appreciate your support.
Looking forward to your answers!
G1/4 fittings refer to the thread size, not the actual diameter of the tubing. When discussing case airflow, I mean removing cooling fans from certain parts like the CPU and GPU that also circulate air around nearby components to aid cooling. Without this air movement, you must ensure your case provides sufficient airflow to maintain proper circulation. You don’t need clamps with compression fittings—the compression ring serves as the clamp. Additionally, for hardline tubing, practice bending is important, and hardline compression fittings differ from standard ones; confirm you’re using the correct type.
It seems like you're considering having more radiators than necessary, though not necessarily because you can't or shouldn't. You're at a point where additional benefits won't make much difference. The answers to your questions can't come from anyone else—we can provide ideas, but it's up to you to decide. Who truly gave you solid advice and who wasn't? Which suggestions did you find trustworthy enough to act on?
Reply with your thoughts on whether the loop is set up properly in the project.
It seems like you're dealing with more radiators than necessary... though not necessarily a problem, you're past the point where extra benefits start to drop off. The answers you're seeking can't be directly given by anyone—we can provide guidance, but ultimately it's up to you to decide what to do. Who is actually giving you solid advice and who isn't? You should be evaluating their suggestions carefully before making a purchase. Have you gone through the watercooling sticky? What information have you gathered so far? What are your thoughts?
The setup of 480 rad for a CPU could be slightly excessive, but it largely depends on the level of overclocking you're doing. Regardless, this configuration should work well and you shouldn't face any cooling issues with those large radiators.
The reservoirs resemble cylinder-style ones with D5s at the base...is that your intended design for the loop? You might also consider using DDC pumps. Keep in mind that even detailed schematics must be adjusted when it comes to actual component dimensions and tubing requirements. The cooling system demands considerable space.
I prefer EK GPU blocks (fully enclosed)—they are robustly constructed. Others favor Alphacool or Aquacomputer as well. I've used two Swiftech MCw80/82s for a long time (universal), which performed exceptionally with high water flow, though most universal models require you to factor in VRM, vRAM, and MOSFETs on the PCB—these also need cooling.
I also enjoy EK CPU blocks, but I'm a fan of the older Swiftech Apogee (custom-built for a friend). The XSPC Raystorm was a solid choice for some time—there could be compatibility concerns with newer sockets if no adapter is available, though one might exist.
When it comes to fittings, I favor compression types, but have used barbs for a long period. My current CPU is an older D-tek Fuzion v2, and the I/O ports are too close together for compression fittings due to the wide sleeves that slide over the tubing. I use 1/2" barbs and fit 3/8" tubing around them. The rest of my build uses compression fittings. Barbs and compression fittings are essentially the same, differing mainly in how they retain tubing. Barbs require a clamp to secure tubing over the fitting, whereas compression fittings use a threaded sleeve that screws down onto the tubing or barf. (Refer to the watercooling guide diagram.)
For radiators, you have several options, and the thickness will likely depend on fan speeds and available clearance. Many manufacturers now offer thicker radials—60-80mm being typical, with 35-45mm being common. Running a thick-core radiator allows you to use a smaller one; for instance, a 240 rad can replace a 360 rad when paired with efficient fans and proper flow rates.
The setup with a 480 rad for the CPU might be slightly excessive, but it really depends on your overclocking level. Either way, this configuration should work well and you shouldn’t face cooling issues with those large radiators.
The reservoirs resemble cylinder reservoirs with D5s at the base... is that your intended design for the loop? You could also consider using DDC pumps as well. Keep in mind that even detailed schematics require checking enough space in the case for all parts. What appears suitable on paper often needs adjustment when it comes to actual hardware dimensions and tubing requirements. Water cooling also consumes a significant amount of space.
I favor EK GPU blocks (fully enclosed) – they are robustly constructed. Others also appreciate Alphacool and Aquacomputer. I’ve used two Swiftech MCw80/82s for a long time (universal), which performed very well with high flow rates, though most universals require you to factor in VRM, vRAM, and MOSFET cooling needs – this is crucial.
I also like EK CPU blocks, but I’m a fan of the older Swiftech Apogee (built for a friend). The XSPC Raystorm was a solid choice for some time; you might encounter compatibility problems with newer sockets if no bracket adapter exists, though one may be available.
When it comes to fittings, I prefer compression fittings, but for a long time I also used barbs. My CPU is an older D-tek Fuzion v2, and the I/O ports are too close together for compression fittings because the sleeves that slide over the tubing are too wide. So I use 1/2" barbs with 3/8" tubing over them. The rest of my build uses compression fittings. Barbs and compression fittings are essentially the same – the difference lies in how they retain tubing. Barbs need a clamp or similar to secure tubing over the fitting, while compression fittings use a threaded sleeve that screws down over the tubing/barb for stability. (Refer to the watercooling guide diagram.)
Regarding radiators, you have several options, and your choice will likely depend on fan speeds and available clearance. Most manufacturers now offer thicker rad designs – some in the 60-80mm range are common, while 35-45mm is typical. Running a thick core radiator allows you to use a thinner one; for example, a 240 rad would be comparable to a 360 rad when accounting for high-quality fans and flow rates.