Down the path to the Dark Side...my first ever WC build!

[zlojack]

Ok, I've started down the path. I will be acquiring the parts over the next little while as finances permit, but I've made the initial order for some components.

I'll update this with planning and pics once I get the components and the loop starts to take place.

I am going for the following loop

Res>Pump>Rad>CPU>GPU>NB>Res

The GPU is still not decided, although I think I'm going to have to stick with my current 8800 GTX for cash concerns, since this project will eat up most of my budget for a new card...

Oh well, c'est la vie.

Still not sure whether to get a full coverage GPU block or go for a regular GPU block and heatsinks (which also might be re-usable when I eventually update to a new card)

The jury is still out on the 3870x2 and I'm not sure it's worth ditching the 8800 GTX for that, so I think I'll wait for the next generation of cards.


In the past couple of days I've ordered the following:

D-Tek Fuzion CPU block w/Pro Mount

Thermochill Pa 120.2

Ek Water Blocks EK-NB S-MAX Plexi Top Motherboard Chipset Water Block

Swiftech MCP655 12V Industrial Water Cooling Pump 1/2IN Barbs

Thermochill 1/2IN Chrome Plated Barb Fitting G3/8 Threads *Single Barb* x2

Swiftech MCRES-MICRO Clear HI-FLOW Water Cooling Reservoir 3/8IN & 1/2IN Barb Fittings

Swiftech MCB-120 Radbox Revision 2 Black

Thermalright HR-09S Type 2 Mosfet Heatpipe Cooler

Thermalright HR-09U Type 2 Mosfet Heatpipe Cooler

[3.0charlie]

Full coverage equals specific block to your card, better cooling.
Single block w/heatsinks equals lesser cooling, but can be adapted to many different cards.

Did you order 2 Thermochill barbs for the rad? Since they come as a single barb only.

The Micro-res has plastic barbs - I recommend to order a set of metal barbs. I don't know about the EK NB block. It may be the same issue.

[zlojack]

Yeah, I ordered 2 barbs for the Thermochill.

I'll check out the EK NB block and definitely order some barbs for the Microres. (maybe these?)http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...cture=Swiftech

Next paycheque I'll place another order with NCIX and so by then I should have a better idea of what I need.

I am leaning toward the full coverage EK block for my 8800GTX.

I like the alignment of the barbs since if I use a standard GPU block I'd have to do a pretty sharp bend to get the tubes onto the barbs. I'll probably end up with that block.

[zlojack]

Another question. Does it really make that much of a difference to go with 7/16 over 1/2 inch tubing?

If I go with worm clamps and teflon tape I should get a good seal without going with the smaller diameter tubing?

[3.0charlie]

I recommend 7/16 over 1/2 - it's easier to curve with the thinner wall. It's more difficult to install though. Usually you'll need to soften up the end of the tube by dropping it in hot water for 20 seconds. You don't need teflon tape, the oring is there to seal. Worm gear clamps are fine, I like plastic clamps better - just like the Swiftech ones.

[zlojack]

But 1/2" will do alright? As long as I properly install the worm clamps?

I can't find the Tygon R3603 in 7/16 in Canada.

[3.0charlie]

Yes, 1/2 will fine.

you will need teflon tape for the Thermochill barbs, but everything else seals with an o ring.

[3.0charlie]

Damn. I always forget that fact about the 'chill barbs. You do need teflon tape for the rad barbs.

[zlojack]

Cool... well that's a minor detail anyway. I can pick that up at Canadian Tire.

Ok... well once the new components get here, I'll post pics and stuff. (if my wife doesn't kill me! I'll have to make sure she doesn't see the invoices!)

Still have some more stuff to order, but that won't be until I can afford it. The process was greatly accelerated by the unexpected money. (Surprise Insurance cheque FTW )