Piecing together my first loop, on a budget.

[86 5.0L]

I have decided the heat produced by an overclocked i7 920 and overclocked GTX460 folding 24/7 is just too much for my room to handle, last summer was extra harsh.

My plan is to piece together a budget "extreme" loop, scouring the FS section for bargains. Heres what I have in mind for parts so far.

Heatkiller 3.0 LC w/Backplate - $35(bought already)
Swiftech MCP35x -$75(bought already)
Swiftech MCR-420QP - $69(Newegg)
2xXSPC GTX460 full cover water blocks($54)
Sunbeam PL-RS-6 Rheosmart 6($30)
8xYate Loon D12SM-12 - $30(bought already)
8xShrouds(from gutted fans, maybe some cardbord and ducttape) - $free
T-line(picked up a micro-res lol) - $13
10x1/2" barbs - $15
10'x1/2" tubing -$10

The "extreme" part of this is that I plan to mount the radiator in the windowsill, using weatherstripping around the edge of the rad and sandwich together some Styrofoam boards and cardboard(not 100% on that) for above the radiator, creating at least some protection from the outside. Obviously the fans will be blowing outwards. The tubing will run from the rad in the window to my Antec P180 that sits below the window.

 

[86 5.0L]

 

[Tsumi]

I personally would go with universal blocks like the MCW60 and 80. They're much cheaper, and allow you to move easily from one graphics card to another. This is especially useful if you change cards often.

I would get a reservoir right away. It makes filling up your loop much easier. I would get the Micro-Res V2, it's very flexible and very cheap.

Edit: Oh, and if you get the reservoir, you don't need to bother with the t-line.

 

[aphasia]

...

Edit: Oh, and if you get the reservoir, you don't need to bother with the t-line.

yes but having a 'T' connector at bottom of loop will make draining the system much easier.

 

[Tsumi]

It would. Then again, placing a bowl or something under the Micro-Res 2 and then opening the bottom port is pretty damn easy.

 

[86 5.0L]

I personally would go with universal blocks like the MCW60 and 80. They're much cheaper, and allow you to move easily from one graphics card to another. This is especially useful if you change cards often.

I would get a reservoir right away. It makes filling up your loop much easier. I would get the Micro-Res V2, it's very flexible and very cheap.

Edit: Oh, and if you get the reservoir, you don't need to bother with the t-line.

The XSPC razor waterblock is $54 and covers the VRMs, and my goal is to remove as much heat being dumped into the ambient air and route it outside my window, but like im learning, WC is an ever changing project and nothing is ever set in stone.

I might get a small res if I can get a good deal on one, so its not out of the question.

and yes a drainport would be nice, we'll see how that goes, maybe I'll install a drain line thru the bottom of my case

 

[Tsumi]

I've seen members selling the Swiftech Micro Res 2 for about $15 shipped on here, it's about as cheap as it gets. Brand new it's about $25. And actually, you can attach a tube to the bottom of the reservoir, and use that as your drain line.

I think heat created by the VRMs is very minimal, maybe on the order of 5-6 watts. I'm not sure though, so don't trust me on this. Although for $54, you might as well just go with the full cover block.

 

[86 5.0L]

I think heat created by the VRMs is very minimal, maybe on the order of 5-6 watts. I'm not sure though, so don't trust me on this. Although for $54, you might as well just go with the full cover block.

I might not WC the gtx460s, we'll see.

TIME FOR SOME WC PrON!( I love these black chrome barbs )

 

[Wicked_Bass]

Coming along nicely. I am getting ready for my first build as well. Looks good, cant wait to see more pics.