Top affordable do-it-yourself water cooling solution.
Top affordable do-it-yourself water cooling solution.
I aim to build a custom water cooling setup but keep costs low, aiming for no more than $200. I’ll use the Corsair Spec M2 case and plan to install this specific radiator. I’m focusing on a budget-friendly approach and want advice on whether a res/pump combination would work best for this kind of loop.
■ XSPC Ion (Pump+Res + all components) + compatible tube/fittings + 120mm fan + CPU waterblock
Alphacool Eisbaer Solo
Pump+Res+CPU waterblock, matching tube/fittings, 120mm fan
■ Soft tube dimensions (10/12mm inner/outer diameter), verify fittings match tube size.
■ PETG with bending kit offers a cleaner appearance compared to hanging soft tubes.
Consider purchasing all items from a single supplier to reduce delivery and shipping expenses. Your chosen radiator should handle around 160 watts TDP with a 1200RPM fan; any fan exceeding 1000-1300RPM tends to be noisier.
Why just one 120mm? I thought it would suffice for the CPU alone, just like you mentioned before, but it's odd that you picked a particular radiator. Have you checked out the Swiftech H220 X2?
Why just one 120mm? I thought it would suffice for the CPU only, just like you mentioned, but it's odd that you picked a particular radiator. Have you checked out the Swiftech H220 X2?
■ XSPC Ion (Pump+Res + all components) + compatible tube/fittings + 120mm fan + CPU waterblock
Alphacool Eisbaer Solo
Pump+Res+CPU waterblock and matching parts included + 120mm fan + compatible tube/fittings
■ Soft tube options available (10/12mm, 12/16mm inner diameter/outer diameter ID/OD); verify fittings match tube dimensions.
■ PETG with bending kit offers a cleaner appearance compared to hanging soft tubes. Consider purchasing all items from a single supplier to reduce shipping expenses. Your chosen radiator should handle around 160 watts TDP using a 1200RPM fan; fans exceeding 1000-1300RPM tend to be noisier.
get 240 rad. a little more budget, but significantly better cooling and the chance to run fans at nearly silent RPM levels.
200$ feels tight for a loop with quality parts.
a good CPU block usually costs between 70-150$.
this seems like the closest you can get near 200$.
link: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a...5980&cm_re
Colin_37 asked why only a single 120mm was chosen, suggesting it might be for the CPU only as mentioned before. They wondered if a different radiator was considered and mentioned looking into the Swiftech H220 X2. The user shared a link and noted positive feedback about that radiator, mentioning it also fits their color scheme. They also referenced Black Ice rads from around ten years ago.