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[1st Timer] Looking for Suggestions / Final Approval

S

sn0man

Gawd
Joined
Jan 25, 2007
Messages
609
I've wanted to go WC for quite some time now, and I feel like I'm finally ready to make the jump. After studying threads like crazy I think I'm at a point close to ordering.


Basics about my system, and the goals:
  • i7 930, Antec P182 case (case not entirely optimal, I know)
  • Looking to build a CPU-only loop
  • Looking for good performance-to-dollar ratio (bang for the buck)
  • Looking to keep things simple, not interested in anything flashy

These are the parts I currently have in mind. I'd like to get approval from a few members to make sure I haven't chosen anything completely off-the-wall or incorrect. I'm also hoping to get help with anything blatantly obvious I may have missed. I have no other WC parts or accessories other than what I'm listing, so if I'm missing something feel free to chime in! Alternate suggestions are certainly welcomed.


CPU Block: Swiftech Apogee XT

Pump: Swiftech MCP655

Radiator: Swiftech MCR320-QP-K

Reservoir: Swiftech MCRES-Micro Rev 2

Radbox: Swiftech MCB-120

Tubing: Masterkleer Tubing 7/16" ID 5/8" OD
  • Not looking for anything expensive here since it's my 1st time.
  • I have no idea on the number of feet I should buy in order to have enough for a learning curve. 10ft? 15ft?
  • Will I need any kind of special scissors / cutting equipment?

Fittings: (4x) Bitspower True Silver G1/4 High Flow 1/2" Barb
  • 2 barbs are already included with my block, so I'm good there?
  • 2 on the pump are fixed, so nothing needed there?
  • I absolutely need 2 for the radiator, correct?
  • The additional 2 I planned on using in place of the reservoir's supplied plastic barbs. Good call or unnecessary?
  • I'm also debating compression fittings rather than the barbs. If I go one way, I'd like to go all the same - so that would mean purchasing 6 compression fittings rather than my planned 4 standard barbs. The cost on that one certainly adds up quick - would it be worth it for a first-timer in terms of ease & security? Any other opinions?

Liquid: Distilled water (Wal-Mart, supermarket, etc.)

Additive: Silver KillCoil

Fans: Scythe S-FLEX SFF21E 120mm
  • Already have these




:) Thanks in advance!
 
Last edited:
rickss69 said:
Looks good, but why not use one of these and simplify... http://www.performance-pcs.com/cata...ge=product_info&cPath=59_367&products_id=4510
Click to expand...

That does seem simple, which I like.

Most of the guides I've read only mentioned standalone pumps, used with either a T-line or a res - I figured stuff like this was more of a specialty item I shouldn't worry about yet, so I kind of overlooked them.

The other thing was, most of my links go to performance-pcs - but I actually plan on ordering the majority (if not all) from Jab-Tech if I can. Jab-Tech didn't have quite as many pumps to offer:
http://www.jab-tech.com/Pumps-c-323.html
 
I have no idea on the number of feet I should buy in order to have enough for a learning curve. 10ft? 15ft?
Will I need any kind of special scissors / cutting equipment?
Click to expand...

Lazy today, just taking the easy ones, 10ft should be plenty, any heavy scissors or razor knife will do. Sharp large kitchen knife and cutting board ....

Don't see clamps for the barbs, I hate tye-wraps or those plastic squeeze thingies, the metal automotive type let me sleep well at night. Just good and snug till the hose just barely starts to come through the little holes, don't crank em down, no reason too and it chews up the end of the tubing. Walmart, auto parts stores have gotten ridiculous on pricing for those.

Sliver coil ok, but a pre 1963 dime from a coin shop or flea market coin dealer might be a hella lot cheaper if one near you (I hate it when shipping costs as much as the thing you buy). Just toss couple in res.

Leave the rest for the other guys as I have not bought anything new in several years now.
 
sn0man said:
That does seem simple, which I like.

Most of the guides I've read only mentioned standalone pumps, used with either a T-line or a res - I figured stuff like this was more of a specialty item I shouldn't worry about yet, so I kind of overlooked them.

The other thing was, most of my links go to performance-pcs - but I actually plan on ordering the majority (if not all) from Jab-Tech if I can. Jab-Tech didn't have quite as many pumps to offer:
http://www.jab-tech.com/Pumps-c-323.html
Click to expand...

I only linked that one because I have used them for years now without failure. They are plenty stout and eliminate some extra plumbing to boot.

Zip ties are just fine unless you are concerned about "looks"...in reality, if the tubing/barbs are compatible you could use nothing and have no leaks as long as the tubing were in no strain. Not a bad idea to use something tho for peace of mind.
 
Last edited:
BillParrish said:
Lazy today, just taking the easy ones, 10ft should be plenty, any heavy scissors or razor knife will do. Sharp large kitchen knife and cutting board ....

Don't see clamps for the barbs, I hate tye-wraps or those plastic squeeze thingies, the metal automotive type let me sleep well at night. Just good and snug till the hose just barely starts to come through the little holes, don't crank em down, no reason too and it chews up the end of the tubing. Walmart, auto parts stores have gotten ridiculous on pricing for those.

Sliver coil ok, but a pre 1963 dime from a coin shop or flea market coin dealer might be a hella lot cheaper if one near you (I hate it when shipping costs as much as the thing you buy). Just toss couple in res.

Leave the rest for the other guys as I have not bought anything new in several years now.
Click to expand...

Haha, thank ya. Good to hear on the length, as well as the cutting.

The barbs vs. compression debate kept me from choosing any kind of clamps yet, although I did just have zip ties in mind at first. I'm assuming these are the plastic clamps you're talking about? I'll have to give Wal-Mart a try on the metal clamps - any special/standard size I should be looking for or additional hardware to help with that?

I'll keep the silver coins in mind and see what I can come up with.


rickss69 said:
I only linked that one because I have used them for years now without failure. They are plenty stout and eliminate some extra plumbing to boot.
Click to expand...

Well I can certainly appreciate less plumbing. Thanks for the idea.
 
Yes, those are the clamps refered to...fine also as it isnt like someone is going to be inside your pc yanking and shoving parts around lol.
 
After deciding on the EK block over the XT or Rasa, I did some more shopping around and managed to find that Sidewinder had the block AND all the other parts I'd already planned on ordering from Jab-Tech. Sidewinder is also a lot closer to me, so I'll (hopefully) be able to get my parts faster as well.

Below is the most up-to-date list, with all parts (aside from the CPU block, tubing, and clamps) exactly the same. Since Sidewinder is currently out of silver coil, I've decided on the silver barbs (and probably a silver dime or two in the res).

As I said, I'd love comments/suggestions; especially if there are any deals on another site I may have missed - or if there are any other parts I can swap out for much better performance (without breaking the bank).

dnedm8.jpg
 
you should look at yate loon fans, and consider a Enzotech sapphire water block
 
The yate loons on the sidewinder website is under fans-yate loons, not in the 120mm fans section. 20$ for 4, a pretty good deal, just grabbed 4 for my cooling setup today.
 
I originally considered the Sapphire, and also the Rasa - definitely great bang for the buck. After looking at the flow rates and cooling performance I'm still liking the EK, despite how expensive it is.

The fans I'm saving some cash on, and using the ones I've already got (S-Flex E's).


Another question: If I were to keep all the parts in the loop the same, but down the road some time add a block to my GTX 480, how much would my idle/load temps go up on the CPU? Summer ambient temps are around 26-30C (no air conditioning).
 
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