![[H]ard|Forum](/styles/hardforum/xenforo/logo_dark.png){kind=logo}
EK on the cheap
- Thread starter pendragon1
- Start date
Thinking about getting this (240mm rad, cpu only), anyone else have first hand experience?
It's still a premium compared to an AIO, like the Corsair H110i v2 that's been on sale for ~$90ish. But I suppose to allure of expanding to the GPU is tempting.
It's still a premium compared to an AIO, like the Corsair H110i v2 that's been on sale for ~$90ish. But I suppose to allure of expanding to the GPU is tempting.
VanGoghComplex
2[H]4U
- Joined
- Apr 5, 2016
- Messages
- 2,286
Expandability isn't the only selling point. Custom loops are far and away much better thermal performers than AIOs.
Not only that, but the Quality of the Parts is Usually Pretty Good. I Recommend it Highly over the aio.
Last edited:
Yeah it's nice the Hardware, have to say., better than I figured. And Performing Well.
Just remember, that it will only work with reference GPUs. Also when extending, getting 2nd rad is basically a must - that single slim 240 won't let you OC cpu and gpu
Hi all, interesting thread, and I'd like to share my experience:
I'm new to WC, so for me price and getting a complete kit was important ... I put together a new Ryzen system some time ago, and was very interested in the EK fluid gaming series, but it didn't have Vega support.
Finally, beginning of December 2017, the A240R (Ryzen + Vega block) was available so I ordered it together with a new case (Thermaltake P3).
I'm very happy with it:
- it was a lot of fun to do
- it looks very nice, and fits nicely with my black-dark grey-red color scheme
- performance is very good IMO
For me, noise is an important factor, because my case is fairly close to my ears, it hangs at the wall, just above my monitor ... never more then a glance away
I'm impressed most by how silent the A240R kit is while keeping temperatures low:
During a gaming session (GPU bound) with Ryzen 1700 @3800 + Vega64 @1600, the temperatures are 55-60°C for the CPU, and 50-55°C for the GPU ... and this at 50-60% fan/pump speed.
(I'm surprised the CPU is actually hotter then the GPU)
As a side note, the biggest challenge I had was finding a good tool to control the fan speed related to temperatures (CPU/GPU).
In my last build (vertical airflow), I controlled all the fans through my motherboard fan headers with "Speedfan" depending on the CPU and GPU temperatures:
- 2x180mm case fans in the bottom of my Raven RV02-E > 1 linked to CPU T, 1 linked to GPU T
- CPU fan linked to CPU T, GPU fans linked to GPU T (aftermarket cooler was not PWM, so didn't work with GPU onboard fan header, so used motherboard fan header)
Sadly, it seems Speedfan (RIP) is no longer updated for new motherboards or monitoring chips.
The software of my Asus Crosshair Hero IV motherboard gives me no access to the GPU T, so I cannot link the fan/pump speed to the GPU T ...
After some digging around, I've found a good tool: "Argus Monitor", it's not free, but you have a 30-day trial.
With this, I've been able to create fan curves for the radiator fans and the pump, related to CPU&GPU temperatures
(So depending on what you prefer, you can go for lower T or less noise, or a balance)
I'm new to WC, so for me price and getting a complete kit was important ... I put together a new Ryzen system some time ago, and was very interested in the EK fluid gaming series, but it didn't have Vega support.
Finally, beginning of December 2017, the A240R (Ryzen + Vega block) was available so I ordered it together with a new case (Thermaltake P3).
I'm very happy with it:
- it was a lot of fun to do
- it looks very nice, and fits nicely with my black-dark grey-red color scheme
- performance is very good IMO
For me, noise is an important factor, because my case is fairly close to my ears, it hangs at the wall, just above my monitor ... never more then a glance away
I'm impressed most by how silent the A240R kit is while keeping temperatures low:
During a gaming session (GPU bound) with Ryzen 1700 @3800 + Vega64 @1600, the temperatures are 55-60°C for the CPU, and 50-55°C for the GPU ... and this at 50-60% fan/pump speed.
(I'm surprised the CPU is actually hotter then the GPU)
As a side note, the biggest challenge I had was finding a good tool to control the fan speed related to temperatures (CPU/GPU).
In my last build (vertical airflow), I controlled all the fans through my motherboard fan headers with "Speedfan" depending on the CPU and GPU temperatures:
- 2x180mm case fans in the bottom of my Raven RV02-E > 1 linked to CPU T, 1 linked to GPU T
- CPU fan linked to CPU T, GPU fans linked to GPU T (aftermarket cooler was not PWM, so didn't work with GPU onboard fan header, so used motherboard fan header)
Sadly, it seems Speedfan (RIP) is no longer updated for new motherboards or monitoring chips.
The software of my Asus Crosshair Hero IV motherboard gives me no access to the GPU T, so I cannot link the fan/pump speed to the GPU T ...
After some digging around, I've found a good tool: "Argus Monitor", it's not free, but you have a 30-day trial.
With this, I've been able to create fan curves for the radiator fans and the pump, related to CPU&GPU temperatures
(So depending on what you prefer, you can go for lower T or less noise, or a balance)
pendragon1
Extremely [H]
- Joined
- Oct 7, 2000
- Messages
- 44,838
I would wait and try them both since you have 'em and see which works better. then decide.
Last edited:
Be sure to check that the block in question will actually fit your card before you order. As I recall, the MSI Armor is the same as MSI's higher end custom PCB designs, and the EK aluminum block only fits the reference design (AKA Founders edition). I could be wrong about this, but you should check first. I have a couple of higher end MSI cards that are definitely different from a Founder's Edition.
Hey guys. I just got this kit and I'm going to install it tonight to cool a 4790k at 4.5 and a 2017 Titan Xp. Its my first loop and I'm actually really looking forward to installing it. Wanted your opinion first however. I know there's probably not a wrong answer, but if it were you, would you direct your loop to cool the GPU first, then CPU, or CPU then GPU? From what I'm reading, it looks like the people who install this and cool the GPU first, it leaves the CPU running a little hot. I have the Titan overclocked to just a shade under 2100 mhz under load but in order to hold there, I have to run the fan at nearly 100% and that thing is pretty damn loud at that speed. I'm mainly looking forward to just cutting down on the noise while gaming. Anyway maybe it really doesn't matter but I wanted your 2 cents.
Looking back, I probably should have ordered another 120mm rad to place between the GPU and CPU. I'll probably add one at a later date depending on how this kit works out. Anyway, thanks in advance.
Looking back, I probably should have ordered another 120mm rad to place between the GPU and CPU. I'll probably add one at a later date depending on how this kit works out. Anyway, thanks in advance.
KedsDead
Limp Gawd
- Joined
- Jul 22, 2016
- Messages
- 128
I would do the GPU.. the CPU ( while gaming ) work load will vary, and a couple degree's C wont matter to much.. Its your loop, you do it.. there is only 1 thing that has to happen for it to be effective.. Reservoir to Pump.. is a must.. the pump needs unrestricted supply...
pendragon1
Extremely [H]
- Joined
- Oct 7, 2000
- Messages
- 44,838
some results with the vega kit.
https://hardforum.com/threads/ek-fluid-gaming-a240r-water-cooling-kit.1956389/#post-1043533946
https://hardforum.com/threads/ek-fluid-gaming-a240r-water-cooling-kit.1956389/#post-1043533946
It's an ok kit man...but you can build something better I promise you.
pendragon1
Extremely [H]
- Joined
- Oct 7, 2000
- Messages
- 44,838
ok man good for you man not the point of this kit man so give it rest man
Ok man just saying...more impressed with the Block really..strong top and some harder stuff. the fittings are just so so but the cool Allen idea etc. It should do you well, I just wished sent it out and they made stronger pumps with that same combo idea and easy to fill etc.
Last edited:
pendragon1
Extremely [H]
- Joined
- Oct 7, 2000
- Messages
- 44,838
oh shut up, you are ill-informed and trying to make yourself sound cool and smart. knock it off, noob.
No not really man....I know what I'm talking about lol
VanGoghComplex
2[H]4U
- Joined
- Apr 5, 2016
- Messages
- 2,286
I saw you considering the merits of combining copper and aluminum a few threads over, so....
You cannnn...they been doing it for yearsss in the automotive world and the stuff was fine for years...before anything ever leaked or rotted out or anything like that...You're High lol
Last edited:
VanGoghComplex
2[H]4U
- Joined
- Apr 5, 2016
- Messages
- 2,286
A car =/= a computer. The reason mixed metals work in cars is because of the cocktail of corrosion inhibitors found in automotive coolant, which is a poor choice to use as a PC coolant for a number of reasons.
Well there's other stuff you can add too but some people don't tell everything they know lol, concocted homebrew solution I don't think anything will form in it, I don't think 5-10% is gonna hurt anything honestly...and hell some prevention.
Last edited:
I wanna save the Ek block though...man that thing leaks or that gasket get old...you'd have to like rtv silicone a gasket on that thing....or whatever other gasket maker/seal stuff.
idk some china/Lenx copper block...think they intended that with something for haswell but of course will work. Telling ya it's ok block man....it passes man lol
idk some china/Lenx copper block...think they intended that with something for haswell but of course will work. Telling ya it's ok block man....it passes man lol
Last edited: