Question about the Dual-Loop Cooling System
Question about the Dual-Loop Cooling System
I am a High School technology teacher. This year, my students are building a PC into a glass-top desk. The build specs are below.
We are installing a custom cooling system with a loop for the CPU and a loop for the graphics card. Our question to you guys is: Do we need one or two pumps? (currently have one reservoir designed, but could change that if need be...)
We have been looking at Jayz2cents and other YouTube videos for help learning custom bends, couplings, etc. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Current Build:
MSI Z170A Krate
i7 6700K
Crucial Ballistics Sport LT 64GB
EVGA 1080
1000W PSU
PNY 480GB SSD (Boot Drive)
2 TB HDD
(Monster build, but would like to list it on eBay as a fundraiser for the computer lab.)
Initially, dual pumps don't imply dual loops. For one CPU and one GPU, sticking with just one loop is more suitable, particularly given the components involved. The 6700k TDP is relatively low, and the 1080 TDP is significantly lower than those of previous-generation flagship cards. A single 360 radiator should suffice for your needs. Additionally, the '120 rad' per component figure isn't accurate or consistent with past data. Cooling primarily concerns heat dissipation in watts, not the count of components.
A 120mm radiator would be sufficient if you had one for every loop. I recommend using 240mm or 360mm radiators for each loop to boost cooling capacity and maintain quieter operation because the fans won’t spin as fast.
In my PC, I use a single loop with both CPU and GPU, but I have a 360mm and a 240mm radiator and it runs very quietly even under heavy load.
If you can afford a larger radiator, go for it—it looks much better too. But if needed, a 120mm on each loop will be fine.
Initially, dual pumps don't imply dual loops. For a single CPU and GPU, sticking with just one loop would be more suitable, particularly given their specifications. The 6700k TDP is relatively low, and the 1080 TDP is significantly lower than those of previous-generation flagship cards. A single 360 radiator should suffice for your needs. Additionally, the '120 rad' per component figure isn't accurate or consistent with past data. Cooling efficiency relates to heat dissipation in watts, not simply the number of components.
You'll require:
- CPU block
- GPU block (preferably nVidia reference PCB or a card with built-in watercooling)
- Fittings (2 per component, e.g., 2 for CPU block, 2 for GPU block, 2 for radiator, etc.)
- Tubing (8-10ft is average)
- Pump (one unit would be adequate unless you prefer extra capacity; D5 or DDC pumps work well)
- Reservoir (optional but recommended for beginners to help with filling/priming)
- Radiator (360mm, 3x120mm size or similar will work)
Much of this guidance is included in the watercooling documentation I referenced earlier. The delta-T calculator and detailed instructions are available below.
We shared some images of this project on the forum at the provided link.
2016-2017...
Gratitude goes to everyone who helped with this discussion. The students are really enjoying this large build. We plan to allocate 120 man-hours to complete it. Much of the funding for materials came from donations to the school.
Thanks again!