I'm preparing for my first water-cooled build. I've been doing some reading and watching videos, but I wanted to get a reality check on what I'm thinking and ask a few questions.
This will start as a CPU loop (9700k), but I'll be expanding it to add a GPU in the near future. My priorities are quiet, looks, and mild overclocking.
CPU Block - Heatkiller IV Pro seems to be a fan favorite and performance looks to be excellent as well. The chemist in me wants the all copper version, but the color clashes a bit with the rest of my build. The clear acrylic top version looks like it may solve my issue (plus I save $20), but as a first timer, should I be worried about using an acrylic top?
Res - Bitspower Water Tank Z-Multi 250
http://www.performance-pcs.com/bitspower-water-tank-z-multi-250-full-clear-acrylic-version.html
Rad - Alphacool Nexxxos XT45 Full Copper 480mm Radiator V.2
http://www.performance-pcs.com/alphacool-nexxxos-xt45-full-copper-480mm-radiator-v-2.html
My one question here - At 12 fins per inch, is this good for low speed fans?
Pump - Swiftech MCP655-B 1/4 Threaded
http://www.performance-pcs.com/swif...-12-vdc-d5-pump-without-speed-controller.html
or
Performance-PCS Uber D5
http://www.performance-pcs.com/performance-pcs-uber-655-fully-modded-d5-12-vdc-water-pump-white.html
Performance-PCS' looks better and i'm not all that cost-sensitive, but I'm still struggling to justify the extra $$$ for the looks here.
Fittings - Shiny compression fittings from Bitspower
Tubing - I could use some help here. Recommendations on ID/OD would be appreciated. Looking on performance-pcs, I see options for PVC, Plasticizer-free, and Neoprene or polyurethane - suggestions here would be helpful also.
Coolant - Water + ~20% antifreeze... haven't really given this part much thought yet.
Fans - Also an area I'm struggling. Ideally, I'd like white fans or white and black with addressable LEDs. My default would normally be Noctua, but they look like crap. Suggestions?
Am I forgetting anything? Any advice for a newbie?
Thanks,
X
This will start as a CPU loop (9700k), but I'll be expanding it to add a GPU in the near future. My priorities are quiet, looks, and mild overclocking.
CPU Block - Heatkiller IV Pro seems to be a fan favorite and performance looks to be excellent as well. The chemist in me wants the all copper version, but the color clashes a bit with the rest of my build. The clear acrylic top version looks like it may solve my issue (plus I save $20), but as a first timer, should I be worried about using an acrylic top?
Res - Bitspower Water Tank Z-Multi 250
http://www.performance-pcs.com/bitspower-water-tank-z-multi-250-full-clear-acrylic-version.html
Rad - Alphacool Nexxxos XT45 Full Copper 480mm Radiator V.2
http://www.performance-pcs.com/alphacool-nexxxos-xt45-full-copper-480mm-radiator-v-2.html
My one question here - At 12 fins per inch, is this good for low speed fans?
Pump - Swiftech MCP655-B 1/4 Threaded
http://www.performance-pcs.com/swif...-12-vdc-d5-pump-without-speed-controller.html
or
Performance-PCS Uber D5
http://www.performance-pcs.com/performance-pcs-uber-655-fully-modded-d5-12-vdc-water-pump-white.html
Performance-PCS' looks better and i'm not all that cost-sensitive, but I'm still struggling to justify the extra $$$ for the looks here.
Fittings - Shiny compression fittings from Bitspower
Tubing - I could use some help here. Recommendations on ID/OD would be appreciated. Looking on performance-pcs, I see options for PVC, Plasticizer-free, and Neoprene or polyurethane - suggestions here would be helpful also.
Coolant - Water + ~20% antifreeze... haven't really given this part much thought yet.
Fans - Also an area I'm struggling. Ideally, I'd like white fans or white and black with addressable LEDs. My default would normally be Noctua, but they look like crap. Suggestions?
Am I forgetting anything? Any advice for a newbie?
Thanks,
X