Opinions Please! X79 Watercooling Build.

[lootbag]

Hellooo!

I have some questions about a new build I am putting together.
Will keep it brief for now and start off with a couple questions, since I am at work.
There is a budget in my mind... but it's not set in stone.

Quick run-down of main components:
- 3820/3930K (whatever I find a better deal on)
- Rampage IV Extreme
- GTX670 (680 PCB) SLI
- 32GB RAM THESE?
- Corsair AX750 (existing component and hopefully it will provide enough juice)
- Lian-li PC-A05NB (existing case I want to make use of)

Watercooling components:
- EK Supremacy CSQ Plexi/Copper CPU Block
- (2) EK FC680 GTX CSQ Plexi/Copper (but not 100% sure if I want to watercool the cards)
- (2) XSPC EX240 (good sizes for the case to keep the loop within the case)
- Koolance RP-452X2 Rev 2.0 or EK D5 X-RES 140 CSQ
- Dazmode D5 Vario

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Major question on my mind right now is:
(because I am about to place an order)

Gigabyte GTX670 Windforce ($318.74) or EVGA GTX670 FTW ($359.99)?
- I know performance wise they are about the same, EVGA with the faster stock clock.
- I plan to pick up 2 of either one and run them without water until I can afford all the additional watercooling parts.
- I plan to use the RIVE motherboard so... I can't make up my mind if the darn blue pcbs on the gigabyte cards will bother me when they don't match the motherboard pcb (for when I go watercooling).
- Or should I wait till Black November sales start and hope for an even cheaper 670?

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I will post more details about my plans for the waterloop later.
There are reasons for choosing specific reservoirs and radiators.
Please keep in mind it is my first time doing a custom open loop.
Will start a build log when components have arrived.

Thanks in advance for your opinions.

[GT7R]

Get the EVGA cards since they use a reference 680 PCB in order to avoid incompatibility issues with waterblocks (the gigabite cards are non-ref and may be a pain to WC). Your choice of RAM is

[lootbag]

Originally Posted by GT7R

Get the EVGA cards since they use a reference 680 PCB in order to avoid incompatibility issues with waterblocks (the gigabite cards are non-ref and may be a pain to WC). Your choice of RAM is

Ahhh ok, so the gigabyte isn't the reference 680 PCB.
Thanks for clearing that up, I guess I know which cards to go for.
The RAM seems like a good deal

[Behemoth]

Your choice of hardware looks good!

I would definitely go with EVGA as they allow water cooling and they take great care of you if you need to RMA.

[lootbag]

Another question I had in mind, will the (2) EX240s be enough radiator for an overclocked 3930K and two GTX670 FTW?

[SugarJ]

Should be ok. I'd try to keep them on separate loops though.

[lootbag]

Hmm, dual loops eh. Should be possible with the equipment I have listed. I will keep that in mind and do a little more research.

[Liu Kang]

Dual loops = 2 pumps, 2 reservoirs, etc. A lot to fit in that case of yours.

480 worth of rad should be fine to cool those parts, and you can easily run pump>rads>cpu>gpu1>gpu2>reservoir>pump and get good results.

The key to a good WC build is the ease with which you can drain/fill your loop. Not an easy task with a bay reservoir. Consider a drain and fill line...

Good luck.

[lootbag]

So I ditched X79... because I bought a GA-Z77X-UP4 TH for $120 and picked up a 3770K.
Didn't "need" the extra memory capacity and graphics lanes.
Saved the extra cash for the watercooling setup and some pretty Dominator Platinums (8GBx2, DDR3-1600 and 9-9-9-24).

As a gift, I was also given a...

(*drum rolls*)

... Case Labs M8.
Always wanted a cube case and the significant other decided to be very generous.
And now of course the watercooling setup will change.

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Originally Posted by Liu Kang

Dual loops = 2 pumps, 2 reservoirs, etc. A lot to fit in that case of yours.

480 worth of rad should be fine to cool those parts, and you can easily run pump>rads>cpu>gpu1>gpu2>reservoir>pump and get good results.

The key to a good WC build is the ease with which you can drain/fill your loop. Not an easy task with a bay reservoir. Consider a drain and fill line...

Good luck.

Liu Kang (or anyone with an answer), if I want to keep the Koolance bay reservoir and mount (2) 360 radiators on the bottom of the Case Labs M8, how do you think I should setup the drain ports?

I do not anticipate filling being a problem, the Koolance bay reservoir will be the highest point and is easy accessible for filling (front and top openings).

Should I buy 360 rads with more than two openings and use one of the extra ports for draining?
This seems like the easiest route.
Originally I just wanted to go with (2) RX360s.