Loop considerations for a new build

[Gh()st]

Hey folks,

Need some input on setting up a loop(s) in a new case. I want to increase the W/C loop's capacity, so I'm adding/changing a few pieces. It also helps that I'm moving everything over to a BB RocketFish (rebadged Lian-Li) case.

So here's the current loop.

Laing DDC (18w) with Alphacool plexi top pump.
BIP II
Apogee GT CPU block
BIP GT 120
Maze 4 GPU block
double 3.5 bay res

Moving to this:

I'm looking for an optimal option with regards to how I setup the loop. (or loops)

While I'm exchanging the BIP II for the Swifty 320, I'd like to replace the BIP GT 120 with the BIP II. (going from 240x120 to 360x240)

While it's obvious the 320 goes up top, placement of the other radiator is my dilemma.

Based upon space in the new case I've got 4 options. The obvious, externally mounted, is my least favorite. In my minds eye, having the 2nd rad outside the case doesn't work for my ultimate goal/design.

2 of the next 3 require some modifications/tight area considerations. The 4th, being the most appealing, has its own detractions.

I know that ultimately where things are in a loop doesn't matter from a relative thermal perspective. Temps throughout a loop will balance across the entire span. I'm trying to put the "gravity/static pressure" factor into consideration when thinking about loop resistance placement.

With only the 1 pump my choices are either:

1. Externally mount the 2nd rad​

2. Internally mount in 1 of 3 configurations​

- cutting a part of the mobo backplane, and mounting on the side panel, or mounting the 2nd rad on the bottom.​

Seen here:

I'd like to put the bottom rad option into place, but I don't think the pump has the ability to push the coolant around effectively based upon the restrictions.

Add to this I'm thinking of changing vid cards (possibly a 4870), and going with a F/C block.

If I do the bottom rad mount, my concern revolves around the pumps ability to push from its static position, up to the 320 rad, down through the CPU block, down to the 240 rad, and then back up to the GPU, over to the resovoir.

Makings changes is not out of scope, and is why I'm asking for you feedback.

What about splitting things up into 2 loops?

1 for the CPU (360 Swifty, or Fesser)
1 for the single 8800GT/4870, or Crossfire 4870/x2. (F/C blocks) I can pick up a 2nd, 10w DDC pump to run a VGA/vid card loop only.

Feel free to toss some ideas around.

 

[kadozer]

I admit I was doing a search for Alphacool Top with Laing pumps and stumbled upon your thread. I like the bottom radiator idea but with a seperate loop and 2nd pump. Optimal cooling, don't have to worry about water movement issues, and overall would make for a cleaner efficient system. My 2 cents. I think you should also go for a 2nd Alphacool Laing combo not only for aesthetic reasons but it also seems to be the most versatile in mounting options.

BTW: how does the Alphacool Laing combo mount exactly to your case? Looking at etailers pics and descriptions doesn't necessarily give me the entire picture.

 

[Gh()st]

Currently I've got the pump mounted onto the mobo tray. The tray happened to have 2 corresponding screw holes that aligned with the ones on the bottom of my pump. Something akin to this aftermarket bracket:

http://www.jab-tech.com/XSPC-Laing-DDC-Stand-pr-4122.html

Amongst other differences within the model line, how they can be mounted seems varied as well. Some are like mine, without the mounting/screw-down tabs on the body of the pump, while others do have the side tabs. Not sure if that designates an older/newer model.

Mine's a Laing DDC-1Plus (I think.) Hell, I need to take it down to read the sticker. Pretty sure it's an 18w version, which I think was the 1Plus. I haven't had a need to touch it in over 2+yrs, so I can't remember the specifics.

The nice thing about the Alphacool top is the fact that it actually extends out further around the pump base. There are pre-drilled holes in the 4 corners, through which you can also use (albeit long) scews to mount.