WC Noob: Need Some Clarification

[Discogoose]

Hey Guys,

I have been using the Corsair AIO coolers for some time now, and finally want to build my own loop so that I can include my GPU in the mix.

PC Specs:
ASUS Crosshair V Formula
AMD 8350 - Black Edition
Gigabyte 980TI Extreme Gaming
NZXT H440 Case

So I have a couple questions:
1) What size radiator should I go with if I want to cool both CPU and GPU, and have room to overclock?

2) When it comes to GPU waterblock, I see that EK has one made just for my card (can't link it because I don't have enough posts yet). They have 2 models for the same price, one is Acetal+Nickel and the other is Nickel only. Is there a benefit to using one over the other?

3) The card already has a backplate on it from the factory, do I need to get their backplate that matches the waterblock?

4) I saw that EK also has the predator line of AIO expandable kits. Are they any good or should I just go with building my own?

I hope I gave you fine folks enough info to help here.

Thanks!

 

[NFC]

Hey man!

1. You need to determine the TDP of your components when overclocked and then determine the BTU capacity of the radiator in order to get an approximate answer to your question here. Other things to consider are flow-rate, head pressure, and contact. Koolance does a great job being transparent in their numbers and recommending hardware based on these considerations.

2. When it comes down to it, you are making this decision primarily on looks, as the amount of heat that you will dissipate from the top of the block is atomistic. Their full nickel block is absolutely gorgeous in person.

3. That is a question for EK.

4. I like what I see from the predator line, but being able to easily drain, fill, and bleed my system is why I would consider adding a reservoir to that setup or build my own.

Peace!

 

[Skripka]

3x120 radiator or equivalent to start with. Depends on how low a delta-T you want and how low you want to run your fans. Flow rate/pressure is going to be a non-issue for a 2-block system, you'd have to pick some seriously whacky blocks to make a D5 water pump struggle with only 2 waterblocks.....those blocks do exist, ofc-like Alphacool's hybrid GPU blocks and old CPU blocks like the original Swifty Apogee or ApogeeXT....

Why EK and why nickel?

 

[Discogoose]

Hey guys,

Thanks for the quick reply.

NFC, I will definitely sit down and figure out what kind of TDP I am working with here and go from there.

Skripka, I only looked at EK because I found that they have a full sized WB from my specific graphics card. And I was asking about nickel because they only offer the card in Nickel or Nickel+Acetal. Is there a different manufacturer that you would recommend? Is there a better WB material that I should look at?

Like I said, I'm really new to this whole piecing parts together and I just want to make sure that in the end I walk away with a setup that I am happy with and proud of. I will definitely be reading more and more info so I can make the best educated decision.

Thank you guys for all the help

 

[WackyWRZ]

I would second the recommendation of 360mm total to start. I have a 4790k and 980ti with a 360 radiator and it's plenty to keep it cool (overclocked). Another option outside of the EK Predator kit would be something like a Swiftech H320-X2 (or whatever size) - they are expandable kits just like the predator. Going full custom can be a bit overwhelming with all the pieces and parts needed - but you can also buy pre-made kits that come with everything you'll need (Watercooling Complete Kits). They'll come with a radiator, pump, tubing, fittings, fans, reservoir, etc... You can also look at these kits to get a firmer grasp of what all components you'd need to order separately.

I've got an EK Nickel+Acetal block on my 980ti Classified and have had no problems with it. I also don't see any other full cover blocks that will work with your card anyway. Those two blocks you are looking at are identical (nickel block) and will perform exactly the same. As previously stated the only difference is the cover material (clear plexi vs black acetal). What is the difference between Acetal and Plexi? - ekwb.com

 

[Discogoose]

Hey Everyone,

Thank you for all of the information and guidance! I pulled the trigger on the Predator 360 and GPU waterblock, and I couldn't be happier! I ran into one small snag because the Crosshair V heatsinks get in the way of the cpu mounting hardware, but a little dremeling fixed that right up.

I am now working on my overclocks.

Currently:
- FX-8350 @ 4.5GHz @1.42v - 32C idle, 52C under load
- 980Ti @ 1570MHz Clock, 8GHz Memory - 30C idle, 55C underload
- Fans are set to 60% (can't be heard in the H440) and ramp up to 100% as the temps get closer to 60C

If you guys have any experience overclocking the FX-8350 I would love some feedback on what you have found. I feel like I should be able to push this CPU further but don't know all of this chip's nuances just yet.

Thanks again for the help!

 

[alxlwson]

Hey Everyone,

Thank you for all of the information and guidance! I pulled the trigger on the Predator 360 and GPU waterblock, and I couldn't be happier! I ran into one small snag because the Crosshair V heatsinks get in the way of the cpu mounting hardware, but a little dremeling fixed that right up.

I am now working on my overclocks.

Currently:
- FX-8350 @ 4.5GHz @1.42v - 32C idle, 52C under load
- 980Ti @ 1570MHz Clock, 8GHz Memory - 30C idle, 55C underload
- Fans are set to 60% (can't be heard in the H440) and ramp up to 100% as the temps get closer to 60C

If you guys have any experience overclocking the FX-8350 I would love some feedback on what you have found. I feel like I should be able to push this CPU further but don't know all of this chip's nuances just yet.

Thanks again for the help!

There is a great guide over at the AMD forums on Overclock.net. Highly worth checking out.

Temps look good.

 

[pendragon1]

Hey Everyone,

Thank you for all of the information and guidance! I pulled the trigger on the Predator 360 and GPU waterblock, and I couldn't be happier! I ran into one small snag because the Crosshair V heatsinks get in the way of the cpu mounting hardware, but a little dremeling fixed that right up.

I am now working on my overclocks.

Currently:
- FX-8350 @ 4.5GHz @1.42v - 32C idle, 52C under load
- 980Ti @ 1570MHz Clock, 8GHz Memory - 30C idle, 55C underload
- Fans are set to 60% (can't be heard in the H440) and ramp up to 100% as the temps get closer to 60C

If you guys have any experience overclocking the FX-8350 I would love some feedback on what you have found. I feel like I should be able to push this CPU further but don't know all of this chip's nuances just yet.

Thanks again for the help!

that OCNet guide will help, you should be able to get a bit more out of it.
I can get my 8120 to 4.6 and that's about it with my 212evo and its hot. you should be able to get yours to 4.6-4.8. try playing with lower multi and higher fsb. some of these chips really like fsb being pushed, mine is good at 240. also up your llc if you bios has it and up all your voltages just a tiny bit. keep in mind that max temp for these chips is ~62-65c and make sure there is some air flow over the cpu area to cool the vrms and nb.

and POST PICS!