New WC setup. Need some advice.

[GoneUpInSmoke]

Hey guys,

I'm about to buy a WC setup to fit in my Cosmos S, but I'm having some questions for witch I cannot find an answer...

My planned setup would look like this:
- Laing DDC-1plus (G1/4")
- PA 120.3 (G3/8") + 3 x Scythe S-Flex SFF21F
- AC poweradjust USB
- AC aquaero OLED + black front
- D-Tek Fuzion v2 (G1/4") (for intel quad core CPU)
- GPU block (G1/4") (7800gtx but will buy a new GC soon)
- Chipset block (G1/4")
- AC aquatube + aquabay + black front
- AC flow meter
- AC temp sensor
- AC tubemeter
- fillport
- Tygon tube 9,5mm (9,5x1,6) with O-gasket fittings

I really like the looks of the aquatube but I think the G1/8" version will restrict the flow of my setup where all the other fittings are G1/4" and the tubing is 10mm. There is a G1/4" version of the aquatube, but it's only available in silver and not in black. After some searching I I found a german webshop (http://www.aqua-computer-berlin.de) where they sell the silver G1/4" version and they can anodize it in your favourite colour (being black).

What do you guys think of:
- Preferring laing ddc (+ AC poweradjust USB) to AC aquastream for higher head pressure witch will result in higher flow rates in this single loop system. Is this going to make a big difference in flow rates and temps?
- restriction due to G1/8" threads in the aquatube. Is the G1/4" version going to make a big difference?
- Are Scythe S-flex SFF21F and PA 120.3 a good combination or will I be better of with another brand (like papst) or more powerfull fans?
- I was told the Fuzion v2 block is designed for a high flow rate. is the laing DDC-1plus in combination with 10mm tubing and G1/4" fittings going to deliver this? Or should I be thinking of another CPU block or pump? Also keep in mind that it will be a single loop setup.
- Is full cover the way to go for the GC. Seems to me the memory doesn't really need the extra cooling. Some simple heatsinks should do the job. On the other hand there is going to be a lot less airfow so maybe the memory temp will rise significantly compared to what I have now. For now I still have an old 7800gtx, but I will buy a new GC soon. I would prefer not to spend too much money on the GC WC block for now...
- O-gaket fittings vs plug&cool? Seems to me O-gasket fittings will be more reliable. Or am I wrong?

Other tips and suggestions are always welcome cause I'm quite new at this....

Greetz,
Stijn

 

[R1ckCa1n]

That sounds like a very nice (and expensive) loop! Personally I would get a TFC 360 radiator as they will compliment your loop better while giving great performance.

1 - I prefer the Laing DDC pump with a poweradjust USB as it works well for me right now
2 - Don't buy anything G 1/8", period
3 - I really like the Silenx fans but is just a preference
4 - My suggestion is 3/8" tubing instead of 10mm as 10mm really limits you on tubing
5 - I'm using Dtek GPU V2 blocks and find them to work will on my 4850's (soon to be 4870X2)
6 - Plug N Cool's work great if you go 10mm

You've laid out a pretty damn good loop that will give you tons of performance and data about the loop.

 

[nsx241]

Silenx fans are pretty bad and overpriced. I say this having owned 4 of them, they all start out ok, but one by one issues come up like excessive noise, heat, and ultimately failure. Plus their specifications are well known to be physically impossible.

As for the S-Flex, as far as I know, the PA rads can get by with low CFM fans, so the F Series is probably overkill (and having 3 at full blast is quite loud). I think you can get by with E Series, or just get medium speed Yates like everyone else .

 

[MrE]

Spent $24 a piece for two SilenX fans only to have them fail within 3 weeks use. They weren't any quieter than the pair of AeroCool 120mm they replaced. Ended up going back to the Yate Loons as they are cheap, but excellent performers.

BTW OP, very nice setup. I agree with R1ckCa1n's assessment about staying away from G1/8 if you can. Course all this talk of nice gear makes me want to order that TFC radiator (must resist!).

 

[GoneUpInSmoke]

Thx for the tips.

I am definitely going for the G1/4" aquatube. I'll just have to buy my stuff in two different shops...

The tubing I was referring to as 10mm is in fact Tygon 9.5mmx1.6mm or 3/8"ID 1/2"OD. I meant 10mm ID. My mistake.

Very interesting remark about the radiator. The TFC 360 seems to be the best radiator you can get (slightly better than PA 120.3). But they don't sell it in the shop where I was going to buy. I am thinking about changing shop. Looking for alternatives. Anny suggestions? preferrably close to Belgium.

Also noted the remark about the 1600RPM fans. I was thinking I might need the extra power for heavy load or high ambient temps, but now I think I'll go for 1200-1300 RPM fans. Still looking into wich ones to choose.

I am also thinking about a second radiator. It would be a single 120mm radiator for the outlet on the back of the case. A low restiction radiator shouldn't lower the flow rate by much when using the laing pump. With the aquaero I can lower the RPM's of the fans or even turn some off when not needed. Maybe it will make a difference under heavy load and high ambient temps.

Only one bad thing... All these goodies are gonna cost me...

 

[GoneUpInSmoke]

Just found out that the TC PA 120.3 doesn't fit in the Cosmos S case without modification. The space between the fans is too big to use the predrilled holes.
The TFC 360 on the other hand fits without modification.

It's not too hard to mod the case so that the PA 120.3 will fit, but still... Another reason for me to buy the TFC 360.