How long to actually put in your loop?

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x509

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I need to know how much extra time to allow for water-cooling, if I already know how much time it takes to build an air-cooled, non-overclocked system. :confused:

I've been hesitating to start my next build because I'm worried about how long it will take. There are times when I get very busy with my work or I have to be out of town for a full week at a time, sometimes more than that. What worries me is that I would buy all these parts, but weeks or even months pass before I can build up my system, and something faster/better/cheaper will come along. :(

I've done a bunch of builds on air-cooled systems so I know that drill pretty well. :D In 3-4 hours, I can go from an empty case to having Windows installed. But with a water-cooled system, how much extra time do I need, especially on my first build? :confused: :confused:

My plan is to w/c the CPU, and GPU, but probably not a full-cover block, so I would need to air-cool other parts of the vid card. I would also need to somehow air-cool the chipset and maybe the RAM, or so I've been told. I'm thinking that I would do a single loop with a 3x120 radiator, a 655-type pump (maybe with custom top), and a separate res, probably using compression fittings rather than barbs or clamps. I'm planning to use my existing Corsair 700D case, but remove the existing motherboard/CPU/RAM.

Over-clocking would come later, after I know that I have a solid loop and I have a system that I can use to get my work done. I know that some guys spend days just to tweak their system to get the highest possible overclock. I may do that also, but the first priority is getting that system up and running.

Thanks guys.:D
 
If you buy and plan everything before hand, maybe a few hours tops. Once I had planned and was ready to build it, it took me maybe 4 hours because I had a leak at first(always leak test without any power for obvious reasons). After that I let it run for 1-1.5 hours to test for another leak. Then I put it upstairs in my room and installed windows.

Now if you want to do some crazy shit like modify your case so you can do certain things then it may take quite some time. Really it all depends on what you want to do with it.

If you want an easy route, just get something like an NZXT 810 Switch and get the WC gear you want/need and just install it. Do leak tests and all and then enjoy.
 
Mine took me about 8 hours all told, over the course of a month. A few hours drilling out rivets, figuring out how to mount rads, which directions were most optimal, test fitting, etc. To be fair, I was determined to shove 10 lbs of shit into a 5 lbs box.
 
Just as an example for how long some can take, here are two of my brothers builds...

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?271028-Project-.-Ragnar%F6k-.-gt-LianLi-v350
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums...ct-.-Prometheus-v3-.-gt-LianLi-V1200B-Plus-II

First went on for at least 6 months if I am not mistake, probably close to a year before his case got stolen by some fucktard at OCN.(I got a bit pissed because if you look at that worklog, all that work went to waste).

The second one is still not done, I think he started a bit after the other one was stolen(posted that thread later than when he started). I am guessing he will be done with it by the end of the year.

So if you want a crazy one with really good looks and a smart design, it will take a while. If you are a lazy shit like me and just like to throw stuff in and don't care too much about looks, it won't take long.
 
xIronCrossx said:
If you buy and plan everything before hand, maybe a few hours tops. Once I had planned and was ready to build it, it took me maybe 4 hours because I had a leak at first(always leak test without any power for obvious reasons). After that I let it run for 1-1.5 hours to test for another leak. Then I put it upstairs in my room and installed windows.
Click to expand...

That's great. So if an air-cooled build takes me 4 hours, say 2 evenings, then in 2 more evenings, I should have my water-cooled system ready for the 24 hour leak-test. That's great. :D

Now if you want to do some crazy shit like modify your case so you can do certain things then it may take quite some time. Really it all depends on what you want to do with it.
Click to expand...

I don't really want to mod the case, say to install a second 2x120 by removing the lower drive bay in the 700D case. And while I have huge respect for the guys who mod a Corsair case to put in a quad-radiator, for example, or extra fans, or even repaint the case, I don't plan to do any of that. In fact, the reason I have the 700D, and not the 800D (which has the window in the side panel), is that I am not worrying about the colors inside my case. No painting, no sleeving, no colored tubing (or dye), none of that.

My case sits in a space in between my desk and a filing cabinet, and when the case is "in place" you can't even see the side panels. Not great place for a case as nice as the Corsair, but it is what it is.

If you want an easy route, just get something like an NZXT 810 Switch and get the WC gear you want/need and just install it. Do leak tests and all and then enjoy.
Click to expand...

Well, I do plan the "easy route," if you can say that any DIY water-cooling is "easy," but I already have the Corsair 700D. And I love the clean lines.

Thanks for the reply.
x509
 
baldrik said:
Mine took me about 8 hours all told, over the course of a month. A few hours drilling out rivets, figuring out how to mount rads, which directions were most optimal, test fitting, etc. To be fair, I was determined to shove 10 lbs of shit into a 5 lbs box.
Click to expand...

One reason I bought the Corsair 700D is that it is pre-drilled for water-cooling, within limits. And, I'm not planning to go past those limits. I still need to figure out how to mount the 655 pump and the reservoir.
 
xIronCrossx said:
Just as an example for how long some can take, here are two of my brothers builds...

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?271028-Project-.-Ragnar%F6k-.-gt-LianLi-v350
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums...ct-.-Prometheus-v3-.-gt-LianLi-V1200B-Plus-II

First went on for at least 6 months if I am not mistake, probably close to a year before his case got stolen by some fucktard at OCN.(I got a bit pissed because if you look at that worklog, all that work went to waste).

The second one is still not done, I think he started a bit after the other one was stolen(posted that thread later than when he started). I am guessing he will be done with it by the end of the year.

So if you want a crazy one with really good looks and a smart design, it will take a while. If you are a lazy shit like me and just like to throw stuff in and don't care too much about looks, it won't take long.
Click to expand...

Props to your brother, but I'm with you. I'm also a lazy shit. :rolleyes: :D
 
If I have my boxed emptied of motherboard and block unmounted, all rads/pumps/res removed....I can install and plumb in 2-3 hours in my H2gO. Every computer case is different, and if you're in a hurry you need to have a plan in advance.
 
Taking your time and carefully planning it out from start to finish will help make it go as smooth as possible. For me making custom mods or trying out different configurations has often wasted time but it was a learning experience. Stick to the basics with what works and make sure you have enough room for everything. Sometimes it takes alot of time to figure out a way to mount stuff and make it work with a case.

Also good idea to build it so that it is easy to break down for changing out water or adding or adding more blocks...service it..

Take your time and enjoy building it. Lots of fun IMO.

I'm getting ready to reconfigure my loop for a new gpu block that I got. It's going to take me at least 4 hours to re-do my tubing. I'm also going to flush out my loop and add some fresh liquid. Going to redo my cpu TP as well.
 
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My current build takes three hours just to bleed the loop. Don't get me wrong after about a half hour you can just walk away but it does take a bit longer. As long as you do a good job planning everything out and pick up a couple of spare rotary angled connectors then its really not all that time consuming.
 
For your first build you should leak test for at least several hours, preferably overnight, just to be safe.
 
BababooeyHTJ;1039046391]My current build takes three hours just to bleed the loop. Don't get me wrong after about a half hour you can just walk away but it does take a bit longer. As long as you do a good job planning everything out and pick up a couple of spare rotary angled connectors then its really not all that time consuming.
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Thanks. This is EXACTLY the kind of answer I needed. So maybe it's 3-4 hours to install the blocks, do the tubing, etc, but it sounds like I need to add one more evening just to bleed the loop. What I want do to is set up my loop so that it is as maintenance-free as possible.

The spare rotary angled connectors. How do I use them when I'm bleeding my loop? Can you suggest any specific products.
 
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dealmaster said:
For your first build you should leak test for at least several hours, preferably overnight, just to be safe.
Click to expand...

I was planning to do a basic leak test for 1-2 hours to make sure that everything is OK, then let the loop run for say 24 hours to be absolutely sure that there are no problems.

So it sounds like here is my timetable, once the parts I have ordered have been delivered:

  • Build the loop 3-4 hours
  • Bleed the loop 2-3 hours
  • Leak test 2-3 hours + overnight

Then I can start using my new system for normal work.

After a few weeks (so the TIM can fully cure), then I will star to overlock. :D
 
Amigo you bleed for as long as needed to purge the air out of blocks and hoses. It takes as long as it takes.

Spare fittings, rotary or otherwise, are nice to have on hand as until you have your parts in your case you may won't know for sure what is best in routing for aesthetic or to avoid kinking.
 
Skripka said:
Amigo you bleed for as long as needed to purge the air out of blocks and hoses. It takes as long as it takes.

Spare fittings, rotary or otherwise, are nice to have on hand as until you have your parts in your case you may won't know for sure what is best in routing for aesthetic or to avoid kinking.
Click to expand...

Yeah agreed. Each loop is going to bleed differently depending on arrangement and part selection. I've redone the loop enough that i probly spend almost as much time analyzing how i'm going to run it in my case beforehand to make sure I've got a rotary or angle onhand to avoid extra shipping and time wasted with my computer on the table out of commission.

I'd say once you've got the water circulating without much in terms of bubbles, you can start your leak test then. Fill res up, run overnight and you'll likely be running with no air in the loop and leak tested. Probly oversimplified, but I don't think u need to sit there bleeding it then once complete, start the leak test afterwards. Even if its not bled by the next morning, you'll be fine actually using it and letting it finish the bleeding process over the next day or 3.
 
xIronCrossx said:
Just as an example for how long some can take, here are two of my brothers builds...

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?271028-Project-.-Ragnar%F6k-.-gt-LianLi-v350
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums...ct-.-Prometheus-v3-.-gt-LianLi-V1200B-Plus-II

First went on for at least 6 months if I am not mistake, probably close to a year before his case got stolen by some fucktard at OCN.(I got a bit pissed because if you look at that worklog, all that work went to waste).

The second one is still not done, I think he started a bit after the other one was stolen(posted that thread later than when he started). I am guessing he will be done with it by the end of the year.

So if you want a crazy one with really good looks and a smart design, it will take a while. If you are a lazy shit like me and just like to throw stuff in and don't care too much about looks, it won't take long.
Click to expand...

Wow that sucks that his case was stolen. And it looks like the guy who stole it is still doing business on OCN? What a terrible forum.
 
SilverSliver said:
Wow that sucks that his case was stolen. And it looks like the guy who stole it is still doing business on OCN? What a terrible forum.
Click to expand...

I actually posted a link to a guys banned heatware account on OCN and a mod removed my post. The guy had been banned from multiple forums including here and Anand.

Hell, check my heatware you'll see my only headache selling on the forums. Obviously also on OCN.

I don't like the way that the moderators handle the classifieds on that forum. They also hide all of the bad transactions unlike here and Anand so it makes me wonder how often that type of shit goes on at that forum.
 
Not to go off topic, but I hate OCN. Don't even get me started about how they locked the thread of the korean monitors b/c they could not get a slice of the action...
 
doug_7506 said:
Not to go off topic, but I hate OCN. Don't even get me started about how they locked the thread of the korean monitors b/c they could not get a slice of the action...
Click to expand...

Guys,

I think that OCN is a valid subject to discuss, but can we "take this outside," meaning to its own thread.
 
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