F5F Stay Refreshed Power Users Overclocking Yes, some have run EKWB custom cooling.

Yes, some have run EKWB custom cooling.

Yes, some have run EKWB custom cooling.

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X
xisco_11
Junior Member
17
10-08-2023, 06:53 PM
#1
I'm planning to set up a new system soon. I'm considering starting with overclocking and water cooling for the first time. I'd like to create a custom loop using rigid acrylic, but it's out of budget. My goal is to have clear tubing, and I've heard EKWB is a strong material. I'm curious if this setup can be expanded later—perhaps adding a reservoir and cooling for the cards. I'm not sure about a closed loop, but if it exists, EKWB seems like a good choice. If not, I might try something else now that offers clear tubing and I can build a full loop later.
X
xisco_11
10-08-2023, 06:53 PM #1

I'm planning to set up a new system soon. I'm considering starting with overclocking and water cooling for the first time. I'd like to create a custom loop using rigid acrylic, but it's out of budget. My goal is to have clear tubing, and I've heard EKWB is a strong material. I'm curious if this setup can be expanded later—perhaps adding a reservoir and cooling for the cards. I'm not sure about a closed loop, but if it exists, EKWB seems like a good choice. If not, I might try something else now that offers clear tubing and I can build a full loop later.

1
111carys111
Posting Freak
832
10-13-2023, 11:45 PM
#2
Not every Predator system leaks; the one I tested didn't. The problem seems to be with defective o-rings, not any other part of the product. EK produces high-quality items - my pump/res and GPU block are from EK. Honestly, I prefer a company with a strong track record in watercooling (Swiftech, EK) over those that mainly make fans and cases (Corsair, NZXT). Knowing that AIO coolers rely on aluminum radiators and low-flow pumps makes me hesitant. I've tested and own a Corsair H110i GTX, but I won't use it on anything I already own.
1
111carys111
10-13-2023, 11:45 PM #2

Not every Predator system leaks; the one I tested didn't. The problem seems to be with defective o-rings, not any other part of the product. EK produces high-quality items - my pump/res and GPU block are from EK. Honestly, I prefer a company with a strong track record in watercooling (Swiftech, EK) over those that mainly make fans and cases (Corsair, NZXT). Knowing that AIO coolers rely on aluminum radiators and low-flow pumps makes me hesitant. I've tested and own a Corsair H110i GTX, but I won't use it on anything I already own.

F
Frost_Pvp017
Member
225
10-14-2023, 12:49 AM
#3
I'm planning to set up a new system soon. I'm considering starting with overclocking and water cooling for the first time. I'm interested in creating a custom loop using rigid acrylic, but it's out of budget. I'd like clear tubing, and I've heard EKWB is a strong material, so I'm thinking about starting with that.

I found this article about EKWB: https://www.ekwb.com/news/623/19/EK-Pred...d-cooling/

I'm wondering if this setup can be expanded later. I'd like a reservoir and possibly cooling for the cards as well. A closed loop might not be feasible, but if it is, I'm more inclined to choose EKWB. Otherwise, I might opt for something else now that offers clear tubing and I can build a full loop later.

Thanks.

In all truth, I've tried both custom loops and aftermarket ones. The latter are much simpler to install and maintain. I prefer aftermarket options, especially for water-cooled GPUs. For me, the downsides of custom loops seem to outweigh any benefits. AIO is the better choice.
F
Frost_Pvp017
10-14-2023, 12:49 AM #3

I'm planning to set up a new system soon. I'm considering starting with overclocking and water cooling for the first time. I'm interested in creating a custom loop using rigid acrylic, but it's out of budget. I'd like clear tubing, and I've heard EKWB is a strong material, so I'm thinking about starting with that.

I found this article about EKWB: https://www.ekwb.com/news/623/19/EK-Pred...d-cooling/

I'm wondering if this setup can be expanded later. I'd like a reservoir and possibly cooling for the cards as well. A closed loop might not be feasible, but if it is, I'm more inclined to choose EKWB. Otherwise, I might opt for something else now that offers clear tubing and I can build a full loop later.

Thanks.

In all truth, I've tried both custom loops and aftermarket ones. The latter are much simpler to install and maintain. I prefer aftermarket options, especially for water-cooled GPUs. For me, the downsides of custom loops seem to outweigh any benefits. AIO is the better choice.

E
ExagonHD
Member
161
10-14-2023, 05:14 AM
#4
EKWB is my preferred choice for water cooling solutions. My initial water cooling project used one of their pre-assembled kits. I would suggest this option for a solid starting point, provided your case supports a triple radiator. If not, they also offer a double radiator version. These kits include all necessary components except distilled water, making them an excellent starting point for a full custom loop. The included fittings are top-notch, significantly reducing the risk of leaks. The instructions are clear and tailored for beginners. The only recommendation is to purchase additional tubing if you prefer black, such as PrimoChill PrimoFlex Advanced LRT (10mm/16mm). I use the Bloodshed Red color in my loop. If you wish to add color, opt for colored tubing rather than colored coolant, as the latter can lead to clogging issues. Color can also be incorporated using LEDs.
E
ExagonHD
10-14-2023, 05:14 AM #4

EKWB is my preferred choice for water cooling solutions. My initial water cooling project used one of their pre-assembled kits. I would suggest this option for a solid starting point, provided your case supports a triple radiator. If not, they also offer a double radiator version. These kits include all necessary components except distilled water, making them an excellent starting point for a full custom loop. The included fittings are top-notch, significantly reducing the risk of leaks. The instructions are clear and tailored for beginners. The only recommendation is to purchase additional tubing if you prefer black, such as PrimoChill PrimoFlex Advanced LRT (10mm/16mm). I use the Bloodshed Red color in my loop. If you wish to add color, opt for colored tubing rather than colored coolant, as the latter can lead to clogging issues. Color can also be incorporated using LEDs.

H
holobesse
Member
89
10-15-2023, 01:41 AM
#5
I haven't received the predator yet; they just got them back because of leaks. There will be an updated version, but I'm not sure if it's coming soon, so I'll wait until you get a message from them.
H
holobesse
10-15-2023, 01:41 AM #5

I haven't received the predator yet; they just got them back because of leaks. There will be an updated version, but I'm not sure if it's coming soon, so I'll wait until you get a message from them.

M
Marcustheduke
Senior Member
679
10-15-2023, 09:52 AM
#6
Great info as always. Hadn't heard there were predator issues.
I do have room for a 360 in the front I think. Need to make sure it leaves room for gpu clearance I suppose, but I have this case.
http://www.lian-li.com/en/dt_portfolio/pc-x900/
What about the step up to the next kit? It has clear tubing so I wonder about the increased cost with the increased cost of clear tubing with the lower kit?
I noticed it mention adding led lights. Ideas on how to do that? Right now the case had bright blue fan lights.
Is there bright blue primochill tubing?
Thanks guys!
M
Marcustheduke
10-15-2023, 09:52 AM #6

Great info as always. Hadn't heard there were predator issues.
I do have room for a 360 in the front I think. Need to make sure it leaves room for gpu clearance I suppose, but I have this case.
http://www.lian-li.com/en/dt_portfolio/pc-x900/
What about the step up to the next kit? It has clear tubing so I wonder about the increased cost with the increased cost of clear tubing with the lower kit?
I noticed it mention adding led lights. Ideas on how to do that? Right now the case had bright blue fan lights.
Is there bright blue primochill tubing?
Thanks guys!

G
GekkeGans
Member
201
10-18-2023, 10:40 PM
#7
Could you learn the skills independently and apply them to your lower kit?
G
GekkeGans
10-18-2023, 10:40 PM #7

Could you learn the skills independently and apply them to your lower kit?

R
RavenRavine
Member
197
10-19-2023, 05:22 AM
#8
I wonder if I can learn to make rigid petg on my own and apply it with the lower kit? JayzTwoCents has a guide on bending rigid tubing, you'll need a heat gun.
R
RavenRavine
10-19-2023, 05:22 AM #8

I wonder if I can learn to make rigid petg on my own and apply it with the lower kit? JayzTwoCents has a guide on bending rigid tubing, you'll need a heat gun.

J
JaccoSVL
Junior Member
46
10-19-2023, 09:21 AM
#9
I possess a similar item?
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Wagner-HT3500.../203474822
J
JaccoSVL
10-19-2023, 09:21 AM #9

I possess a similar item?
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Wagner-HT3500.../203474822

C
cairnnoodle
Junior Member
6
10-20-2023, 09:13 PM
#10
This video demonstrates a process or technique.
C
cairnnoodle
10-20-2023, 09:13 PM #10

This video demonstrates a process or technique.

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