• Some users have recently had their accounts hijacked. It seems that the now defunct EVGA forums might have compromised your password there and seems many are using the same PW here. We would suggest you UPDATE YOUR PASSWORD and TURN ON 2FA for your account here to further secure it. None of the compromised accounts had 2FA turned on.
    Once you have enabled 2FA, your account will be updated soon to show a badge, letting other members know that you use 2FA to protect your account. This should be beneficial for everyone that uses FSFT.

My first custom watercooling loop

A

AlC0

n00b
Joined
May 29, 2013
Messages
16
Hi there!

As the subject says, I am about to build my first custom loop watercooling. I have been reading for months, and I have put together a list of components witch I will order during June. That is except I have missed anything of course.

If anyone would help me check my list, and/or comment anything, that would be great!

So here is the list:

Chassis: Fractal Design XL R2
Pump: Swiftech MCP655 Vario
Rad: 2x XSPC AX240
CPU block: XSPC Raystorm
GPU block: EK-VGA Supremacy - Acetal
Res: Bitspower Z-Multi 150
Anti algae: 3x IandH Silver KillCoils
Coolant: Demineralized water (for car batteries)
GPU VRM: Arctic Cooling VR005
Tubing: PrimoFlex Advanced LRT 10ft
Fittings: 6X Phobya 19/13mm (1/2-3/4") Compression Fitting Straight
4X Phobya 19/13mm (1/2-3/4") Compression Fitting 45° Revolvable
Fans: 6x Noctua NF-F12

- I will have my res above the pump.
- Push/pull on the radiator in the front of the chassis, only push on the top radiator.
- I will put in as much shrouds as I can fit.
- I have acquired a scalpel for cutting the hose, and a funnel for filling the reservoir.
- I know that the pump cannot run dry, or else it will get damaged.
- I will be cooling my I5-3570K, clocked as far as I can below 1.5V, and my GTX560Ti overclocked as wll. This is a custom PCB from Gainward, thats why I need the universial block and VRM/Mosfet heatsinks.
- I have ordered a 50 pk of 6-32 UNC screws at 2 1/4 inch (57mm) and will cut all of them to my needs, according to the shrouds.

Thanks in advance!

AlC0


Links to all of my parts in order as above (except coolant, witch I bought at the local hardware store):

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=37249

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=28303

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=35555

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=32331

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=36160

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=26442

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=28871

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=29702

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=36349

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=33638

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=33642

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=32821
 
Last edited:
It all looks good to me.
But just one thing. Just regular store distilled water if fine.
After running a bit in your loop will cause it to pick up stuff so expensive water means nothing.
Unless it's (the water you got) is equally cheap, can't beat .49 cents.

Just make sure when you cut the tubing you have it as straight of a cut possible.
If you want to make life easier you can buy a PCB pipe cutter tool it'll make cuts easy and quick, I use one for my tubing.
I.E:
http://www.lowes.com/pd_56947-61002...rentURL=?Ntt=pcb+pipe+cutting+tool&facetInfo=

I also recommend:
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/1..._Filling_Bottle_-_500mL_.html?tl=g30c229s1206

It's very nice to fill with nearly no chance of causing water to slip.
I've heard bad stories of funnels slipping and dumping water in their rigs.
Doesn't hurt as long as it's not powered up.

Also another recommendation is getting:
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/3...upply_Jump_Start_Connector.html?tl=g12c133s88

That way you don't have to have to use the paper clip method (which is dangerous in itself) or worse connect to mother board.
 
I have already bought the water at my local hardware store. Paid 7,5 $ for a little over a gallon. Done is done, right?

The cutting tool I might get if I can find it in a local hardware store.

I got an extra set of hands to help me fill the tank, so I don't think I need the bottle, but still a good tip.

But the last tip was the most useful! I would have had to make some bogus homemade shit with wires, if you hadn't told me. Thanks for your help!

AlC0
 
No problem.
I love to help new water coolers, I spent a month planning mine learning what to do and what not to do.

Oh FYI keep a close look at the CPU block you get since some come with a very thin piece of plastic covering them. Many don't know it and mount it and go nuts as to why their temps are through the roof.
 
That will not be a problem ;) I love studying my new parts before mounting :p I guess I will use an entire day/weekend on the mounting and overclocking... I have to put up a separate airflow in my case for cooling the heatsinks on the videocard, for the VRM and mosfets. So I think I will make a plywood panel surrounding the videocard, so that the door fan blows air over the mosfets/VRM and the PSU fan pulls it out.
 
Another thing. Your pump.
It's a great pump (I'm using it) make sure you get the one with threads and not the barbs.

Are you sure your PSU's fan will be on all the time?
My PSU's fan never needs to come on since it doesn't get hot enough in there for it.
 
I need to check my PSU fan then... And if nesessary, connect the PSU fan cable to my motherboard to have a constant airflow.

about the threaded pump? what is the difference? can you post a link please?
 
AlC0 said:
I need to check my PSU fan then... And if nesessary, connect the PSU fan cable to my motherboard to have a constant airflow.

about the threaded pump? what is the difference? can you post a link please?
Click to expand...

Threaded:
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/1...Pump_w_G14_Thread_Ports_Perfectly_Tapped.html

Barbs:
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/1...2v_Water_Pump_-_PWM_Enabled_Full_Version.html

Depending on where you go for the pump just make sure it doesn't say barbs.
I made the mistake when I first got my pump it had barbs.

And with the PSU I personally never seen a PSU with it's own fan cable, I'm fairly certain they are all internal.
 
I thought I could just open up the PSU and pull out the fan cable? Or if not, replace it with a 140mm case fan?

Back to the pump: I am planning to have my pump in the bottom of my case, and use hose clamps for the barbs. I thought that i probably would get it tight, and if there should be some small leakage, that wouldn't get in contact with anything electrical anyway? I don't quite get your point on why barbs are bad? Please feel free to elaborate :)
 
AlC0 said:
I thought I could just open up the PSU and pull out the fan cable? Or if not, replace it with a 140mm case fan?

Back to the pump: I am planning to have my pump in the bottom of my case, and use hose clamps for the barbs. I thought that i probably would get it tight, and if there should be some small leakage, that wouldn't get in contact with anything electrical anyway? I don't quite get your point on why barbs are bad? Please feel free to elaborate :)
Click to expand...

You should know the risk of barbs.
It's not like 100% always happening but hoses sometimes pop off those barbs and water gets sprayed every where inside the case.

And ANY leaks from the water cooling loop is very very bad, leaks get bigger.
Very few people still use barbs because of the risk.

Threaded with compression fittings have far less problems and can get a tighter seal on the tubing.

Another thing to look at if you go for a barbed pump is the size of the barbs if your tubing is the right size. Barb outer diameter needs to fit the inner diameter of tubing.
(I.E ID 3/4 Hose = OD 3/4 Barb)
 
This is getting very interesting!

I thought that any modding of the original was unwise, and would be more likely to fail than the original. But this modding is done with quality craftsmanship I presume?

I have never before read about the risk of barbs, it has never crossed me while I have been researching. Thanks for the tip!

I will order my stuff from Performance-PCs. I have found a pump with 3/8 threading, and the compression fitting fit my 1/2 ID 3/4 OD tubing. Will the 3/8 threading give me lower flow rate than the 1/2 barb? Here is the link to both the pump I was going to buy, and the other is the closest I can find to what I assume you suggest:

My first choice: http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=28303

What I think you suggest: http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=34909

I am already on an exceeded budget, but all things considered I should go for the threaded version with compression fittings?

Thanks for your help, really! I could easily have fucked this up if you hadn't told me.
 
Your flow rate should be fine.
I'm using the same pump modded with threading.

Put it this way my loop is pretty involved.
Two GPU with a serial connection CPU and two large rads and I have very good water flow and plenty of elbow fittings. My res alone is covered in them to get the hoses in the correct angle with no kinks.

I know for fact FrozenCPU after modding the pump for you tests it I'd assume your site does it as well so you have a very good probability of no problems with it.

Just remember this is a powerful pump you need a lot to reduce the flow rate and your build so far doesn't come close.

You seem like me with preferring a site but I'd make sure between the two you're getting the best deal, one could have a sale on an item the other doesn't.

My loop is worth (retail) a little over $1,000 so I know how pricey it can get.
 
Last I checked, performance-pcs was cheaper, or equal in price on every component. I live in Norway, so shipment is going to cost me 120 dollars. If I order some products from another site, I would spend more in extra shipment, than I could possibly save on any low percentage offer.

But I will do one last check before I order anyways ;) I will also email the site and ask how they test their modded pumps. Then I will post the answer here so you can help me reading between the lines if you want.

My loop this far is about 530 dollars plus shipment. Can't wait to order! I'll get back with the answer from erformance-pcs.
 
Last edited:
Here is the e-mail correspondence between me and Performance-PCs:

My e-mail:

"Hi!

I am considering to buy the Swiftech MCP655 G3/8 Threaded Edition instead of the original with barbs. In that manner, I am wondering about the process of the modification.

1. Is this pump as durable as the original version?

2. Is the warranty still the same after?

3. What is tests are being conducted on each pump to ensure quality of craftsmanship?"

Answer from Performance-PCs:

"The Pump is exactly the same pump, the pump itself is not modified only the housing. This does void the warranty if you try to go through Swiftech for the RMA, you can purchase a Housing replacement if the pump does go bad and swap the housing out if the pump does go out.

We do not run the test on the pumps, they quality controlled by the manufacturer, as I said before we only modify the housing."

I really trust your judgment on this issue, so if you tell me it is worth it, I will buy the pump I found, if you mean I should go for another pump from another site instead, I will consider that too, even with the enormous shipping price.

Which pump would you buy if this was your system?

Looking forward to reading your answer!
 
continued e-mail correspondence:

me:

"If I understand correctly, I will not have any form of warranty from anyone on my pump, and if something should go wrong with the unit, I will not get a replacement unit for free? In that case it would be "gambling" on my part to buy this pump? Do you get some complaints that this pump is failing, or would you say it is pretty safe? I am trying to get a feeling of where I stand before buying my pump, as I live in Norway and the waiting time if something should go wrong will be weeks at best. As you surely understand, a product that no one will guarantee for, sounds a little unsafe. Still, the concept is very appealing!"

answer from Performance-PCs:

"I don't think you understand what I am saying. I mean the pump housing gets modified making the pump warranty void. But the housing is separate from the pump, so you can order a replacement housing should anything go wrong with the pump and we can do the RMA process.

These pumps are the most popular and have a great quality rating. There has been some that might go bad not very often, most of the time its improperly used or installed. We sell these pumps more than any pump in our stock."


This is good news, if you agree, this is the pump I will go for:

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=34909

And again, thanks for all your help!
 
I would go with FrozenCPU.com for the pump then.
You send them an e-mail and ask them to test the pump before shipping and they will be happy to do it for you. And they will send you the extra parts if you need to send in for a RMA you don't have to order it and pay for what's already yours.
I had a bad pump (didn't ask for testing found out later I could) and I just had to slap the parts the took off back on, they came with the modded pump.
 
I'll keep that in mind when I'm ordering! But at the moment, it seems like a 60-80 dollar price bump to go with Frozen CPU. So I'll have to consider it, but at least I know about all the factors. Thanks!
 
Good luck on your build if there's anything else you need help with just let me know.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top