Please share your thoughts on the upgrade ideas, including watercooling and the new case.
Please share your thoughts on the upgrade ideas, including watercooling and the new case.
If you're following that path, it might be better to select only the loop parts you need and skip the kit.
I believe I didn't explain clearly enough. The kit is already installed on my CPU now. I'm planning to upgrade the loop using a second radiator and a GPU block.
The components I already have are:
■ RayStorm Intel CPU Waterblock
■ D5 Dual Bay Reservoir
■ D5 Vario Pump
■ AX240 Dual Radiator
■ G1/4″ to 7/16″ Compression Fittings (Black Chrome) x6
I would like to purchase:
■ EK-XRES 100 Revo D5 - Acetal
■ Alphacool NexXxoS GPX Nvidia GeForce GTX 970 M03
■ 4x EK-ACF Fitting 10/16mm - Elox Black
■ EK-CoolStream CE 280 (Dual)
■ TUBE PrimoChill PrimoFlex™ Advanced LRT™ 15,9 / 9,5mm - Atomic UV Green RETAIL 3m
■ EK-Cable Splitter 4-Fan PWM Extended
■ 2x NOCTUA NF-A14 PWM
And I'm considering a new case, likely the Corsair 540 Air.
Sure, I understand now. You intend to transfer the D5 from the current bay res and install it on the cylinder res... all set.
Oh, sure, that now makes more sense. You're planning to take the D5 from the existing bay res and mount it to the cylinder res... got it. I'm keeping track.
Regarding your question: am I comfortable with the part selection and the 540 Air case (or Define S)? Did I miss something important or a useful detail I overlooked?
Thanks again!
That is a good question - I have not owned either of them to offer an opinion. I do currently have my build inside a Corsair 250D, and I really like it, but it is a different case setup. The 'Air' cases are meant to be for high air flow builds, but they have certainly been done for watercooling before.
https://www.google.com/search?q=cor...By...er+cooling
Of course, some of those might not actually be 540's, but that's what Google found. I actually was looking at the 540 until I decided on the 250D, so I do know that it does have a good amount of space.
That's an interesting inquiry - I haven't owned either of them to form a judgment. I currently possess my build within a Corsair 250D, and I really appreciate it, though the case configuration is different. The 'Air' cases are intended for high airflow setups, but they've certainly been used for water cooling before.
https://www.google.com/search?q=cor...By...er+cooling
Of course, some of those models might not actually be 540's, but that was what Google identified. I was considering the 540 until I settled on the 250D, so I'm aware it offers ample space.
After researching the Corsair 540, Define S, and EVOLV atx, I ultimately selected the 540. I also ordered the Alphacool NexXxoS GPX since I discovered a favorable deal on Amazon.
One point I'm uncertain about: is a 280mm/45mm@16FPI better than a 360mm/38mm@19FPI?
EK-CoolStream PE 360 (Triple)
EK-CoolStream CE 280 (Dual)
Both models would fit in the front of the 540.
Edit: I plan to use Noctua high pressure fans. I suppose the increased surface area and higher FPI are preferable, though I'm not entirely convinced.
Edit 2: I've had some free time at work and began exploring fan/rad concepts more deeply.
The Noctuas would operate at 1200 RPM (with a low-noise adapter)
140mm fans: At this speed they deliver 1.51 mm H20 pressure @ 115.5 m3/h - equating to 231 m3/h for two fans
120mm fans: At this speed they provide 1.83 mm H20 pressure @ 74.3 m3/h - resulting in 223 m3/h for three fans
Regarding the radials:
280mm has: 16 FPI | 60.76 square inch | 960 fins | 45mm thickness
360mm has: 19 FPI | 66.96 square inch | 1273 fins | 38mm thickness
Based on this analysis, the 280mm seems advantageous as it can push a bit more air. The slightly lower pressure is acceptable since the fin count is reduced and offers more contact surface due to its greater thickness.
Or perhaps I'm overcomplicating things and it doesn't really matter?
/Edit
Additionally, considering the Alphacool NexXxoS GPX, angled fittings appear to be a superior option.
It seems one of those radiators should work well for your project, since the size and thickness are quite similar, and the 280 might even offer slightly more space overall. I suggest picking the one that suits you better or is more economical, which could mean buying fewer fans for the 280 compared to the 360, etc.
Regarding the fittings on your GPU block, you can use angled connections—either 45 or 90 degrees—to assist with bending your tubing. I have a 90-degree fitting and a standard compression type on my GPU block because they fit the routing I planned.
You should have enough room for the installation, so you shouldn’t run into any issues.
Great job! Your thorough research will really aid you during the build and future projects. Understanding the information needed to make informed choices is invaluable when setting up your first watercooling loop. Well done.
The two radiators are suitable for your setup—considering their size and thickness, they offer comparable volumes, with the 280 possibly slightly larger overall. It’s best to pick the one you prefer or find more cost-effective, which may reduce the number of fans needed compared to other options.
For the GPU block fittings, angled connections like 45 or 90 degrees can aid in routing your tubing. I have a 90-degree fitting and a standard compression type that fit my design requirements.
You should have ample space for installation, so you shouldn’t encounter major issues.
Great job on your research and planning—it will make a big difference during the build and future upgrades. Understanding the necessary details helps you make informed decisions when assembling your watercooling loop. Well done.
I’ll take some measurements on the case now, since I’ve already ordered it, to get a clearer sense of fit.
Lastly, should you prefer a quick disconnect on the lowest tube or a “T” fitting with a valve for improved loop drainage?