water cooling system, cost-effective solution
water cooling system, cost-effective solution
Hi guys, looking to create a loop for both GPU and CPU for a modest overclock (around 10-25%). The product you found on Amazon seems like a good fit. Would it be sufficient to handle cooling for both the CPU and GPU during overclocking? Or should I suggest another option in a similar price range? I've worked with a shop before and would like to install two 240mm radiators, but I'm unsure about the required water reservoir size. Thanks!
reservoir size doesn't matter. It's just a helpful feature in the loop to make filling and air bleeding simpler. It won't change how the system performs.
If you're looking for something impressive, try models like Swiftech H220 X2 or EK Predator 240—they expand easily.
Avoid purchasing no-name parts from eBay for liquid cooling unless you're confident about what you're doing and why. Your computer is far more valuable.
In short, liquid cooling is mainly for enthusiasts who want extra performance—most games run just fine without it.
unless you possess over 200 pounds of CPU capacity only loop (GPU will add another 100-150), don't begin there.
the main issues with parts revolve around materials and manufacturing standards.
materials – blending metals such as copper, brass with aluminum is a poor choice.
quality – cooling efficiency is just one aspect. inferior components can leak, have weak solder joints that may corrode over time.
a high-quality R-240 board can manage up to 300-350 watts with reasonable fan speeds (noise).
in short, the advantages of liquid cooling for overclocking are minimal. A solid air-cooled Pascal card would not benefit more from liquid—it quickly reaches its power ceiling compared to thermal constraints.
a decent 50-70 dollar cooler will suffice. with a proper liquid setup, you might achieve an extra 100-200MHz.
when switching to liquid cooling, ensure your case provides adequate airflow, as other elements like RAM, VRM, and fans also depend on it.
n0ns3s:
unless you have about 200+ pounds for the CPU only loop (GPU will add another 100-150), don't even begin with it.
the main issues with parts are the materials and their quality.
materials - blending metals (copper/brass with aluminum) is a poor choice.
quality - cooling performance is just one aspect. Poor components can leak, have low-quality parts that may dissolve over time, and can corrode.
a good size for a rad-240 is sufficient for handling up to 300-350 watts with reasonable fan speed (noise).
after all, the advantages of liquid cooling for overclocking are minimal. A solid air-cooled Pascal card would not overclock more with liquid—it reaches its power limit much sooner than thermal limits.
a decent 50-70$ cooler will suffice. you might achieve an extra 100-200MHz with a proper liquid setup.
when switching to liquid, ensure there is adequate airflow in the case, as other components like RAM and VRM also need cooling, usually relying on case fans and air coolers.
thanks for your advice, yes, I'm willing to invest more, but I just wanted something entry-level mostly for looks. water cooling looks impressive, and I'd like to upgrade my system a bit since I play Ark, which is a GPU hog. I've read that for overclocking, you need 240 rad for the GPU and one for the CPU—but what size reservoir would be needed? For example, two units?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/231847270100
would that be enough?
reservoir size doesn't matter. It's just a helpful feature in the loop to make filling and air bleeding simpler. It won't change how the system performs.
If you're looking for something impressive, try models like Swiftech H220 X2 or EK Predator 240—they expand easily.
Avoid purchasing no-name parts from eBay for liquid cooling unless you're confident about what you're doing and why. Your computer is far more valuable.
In short, liquid cooling is mainly an expensive hobby choice—unnecessary for most workloads. Any air-cooled GPU will handle your games just fine.
To keep things straightforward, many opt for a two-in-one pump and res combo that resembles an 8-inch plexi-glass cylinder. This unit tends to be pricier than most aio watercoolers. A single 240 rad can handle two overclocked parts; if temperature control is important, consider a thicker model (45-60mm). I concur with what n0ns3ns3 mentioned about the best approach being to invest in a high-quality, expandable EK Predator.
When deciding to build something, visit this shop:
http://www.kustompcs.co.uk
They have purchased many parts for them and offer great deals with top-notch service.