water cooling parts

[Maelstrom]

Ok, so I've decided to do a small upgrade to my computer since my current w/c kit (swiftech H20 compact 220) cracked and killed both my gfx cards when it leaked. I plan on getting a q9650 to hold me over for a while before I go with core i7 or something. I wanted to watercool it, and wanted to check with you guys to see if part list is ok, and I have a few questions about a few things.

CPU block
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/7929/ex-blc-518/Swiftech_Apogee_GTZ_Universal_CPU_Waterblock.html?tl=g30c85s141
Radiator
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/7216/ex-rad-130/Feser_X-Changer_Dual_120mm_Xtreme_Performance_Radiator_-_Thermochill_Killers.html?tl=g30c95s160
Pump
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/2128/ex-pmp-27/Swiftech_MCP655-B_12v_Water_Pump_w_38_Conversion_Kit_317_GPH.html?tl=g30c107s155 with http://www.frozencpu.com/products/7832/ex-pmp-68/EK_D5_X-Top_Acetal_Pump_Top_-_Laing_D5_and_Swiftech_MCP-650655.html?tl=g30c107s156
- Got the top add-on for flexibility of placement for the pump
Reservoir
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/2184/ex-res-104/XSPC_525_Bay_Reservoir_-_Black.html?tl=g30c97s168

Ok, now for my questions:
I looked at the Naturally aspired watercooling thread and read that the radiator should be vertical, but I have seen many times radiators placed horizontal, be it in or out of the case. I'm assuming it doesn't matter, but can it affect performance? Also whats a good northbridge water block, and is it worth it? and finally, tubing. 1/2" id or 3/8" id?

Any help would be appreciated

 

[fromeo85]

no the radiator can absolutely be horizontal. i personally (and i am sure some will agree) putting the rad horizontal in the top of the case if you can fit it works great because when you need to empty it and put in fresh distilled water and coolant its a lot easier because gravity just pulls the water down

 

[Maelstrom]

Ok thx, I assumed it didn't matter, but good to know anyways

 

[aspire]

Get a DDC 3.2 instead of a D-5 B.

Pair that with the XSPC Acrylic top and you'll see better performance, smaller footprint, and a cheaper price tag.

 

[Maelstrom]

Yeah I see your point, but at least for where I planned to put the pump, the other would be better because I could set up the fittings horizontal. But if I put on top of my psu (probably wouldn't be the smartest thing ) it could work i think. I'll have to look @ where i can place the thing more thoroughly

 

[aspire]

Yeah I see your point, but at least for where I planned to put the pump, the other would be better because I could set up the fittings horizontal. But if I put on top of my psu (probably wouldn't be the smartest thing ) it could work i think. I'll have to look @ where i can place the thing more thoroughly

My DDC is setup with the outlet pointing upwards... I think that's what your talking about...

 

[Maelstrom]

My DDC is setup with the outlet pointing upwards... I think that's what your talking about...

Actually nevermind, I found another top that will put the outlet/inlet horizontal (with the pump set flat). Should be a bit cheaper