First Loop Build

Zaspera · Jun 21, 2012, 06:31 AM

I'll be building a new rig in the next week or so. I think I have enough in the budget to do a custom loop for the CPU. The problem is I've never done one. I always used H70/80 etc. What exactly do I need? The CPU is an i5 2500k and it will be an NZXT Phantom full tower. Thanks for the help.

JrRacinFan · Jun 21, 2012, 07:13 AM

Guys have any other suggestions? We have been PM'ing back and forth and I sent him a link to an XSPC RS240.

solara2xb · Jun 21, 2012, 07:36 AM

whats your budget on water cooling gear?

Zaspera · Jun 21, 2012, 07:38 AM

I'm really pushing to keep it under $200. Jr suggested the Rasa kit and to just get some coolant or UV tubing with distilled water (because either way, I want some glow out of it).

solara2xb · Jun 21, 2012, 05:22 PM

For $200 you can get a decent set-up.
The 2500k CPU is a cool running CPU so you don't need anything too aggressive.
I had a Corsair H60 cooling a 2500k OC to 4.0 and got good temps.

However you if you want to do a custom loop -
at PPC a little over $200 but with better components IMO you get better bang for your buck.
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catal...ducts_id=33588

The EX rad is a little better then the RS, plus the pump, res and block is better then the old XSPC kits. This pump will future proof you in case you add more blocks into your loop down the line.

If you want something cheaper and more basic then the older XSPC RS240 kit can work as well. Just not that future proof.
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catal...ducts_id=30187

Tubing you can get primochill UV tubing

nleksan · Jun 22, 2012, 03:48 AM

Definitely the EX series rads, I am grabbing the 3x140 for my Switch 810 (cooling 3930K initially). The Swiftech MCP35X pump is fantastic, you can get 6x compression fittings from Monsoon for $35 plus a few rotary ones from Bitspower, and Primochill Primoflex LRT tubing is very nice it seems. I have a Swiftech Apogee HD WaterBlock and the quality is fantastic, plus I love the option of a parallel loop if I want.

You can get the above for $250 or so, which is a steal imo.

solara2xb · Jun 22, 2012, 05:04 AM

Yup.. The EX series Rads are awesome...
In my CaseLab TH10 Case I am running 2x EX480 and 1xEX360 with the Apogee HD block and 2 Koolance GPU blocks. Running Dual MCP655 pumps.

Delta6326 · Jun 22, 2012, 05:06 AM

Well this is what i was looking at getting.

Apogee Drive II
EK-Multioption RES X2 - 250 Advanced if it fits or 150.
XSPC EX240
Swiftech Lok-Seal fittings
etc.

This may be helpful also...
http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=153781

http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=157540

Zaspera · Jun 22, 2012, 05:08 AM

Damn you TPU. You never make my already-tough decisions any easier. I CANT DECIDE!

Seriously though, thanks for all the help and links. I appreciate it.

Chewy · Jun 22, 2012, 05:23 AM

Whichever you go with you will be happy in the end. Seems the Ex Rad is in popularity. Even if you spend a little over $200, which I think your willing to do, it may give you the best bang for your buck.. since you are doing a custom loop this is stuff you can use for years.

I would recommend some coolant just because I had some, and I didn't change the coolant for 2 years.. and my Luna CPU block was still shiny as new. But most will say you don't need to use coolant. I preferred to especially when first building.. little extra initial security.

Ive said alot, just trying to give my imput :P (dont worry so much on which coolant, their all about the same).

Zaspera · Jun 22, 2012, 05:26 AM

Ya I can't decide on UV tubing with distilled water or clear tubing with UV coolant. I like things to look good while performing well. I can't have mismatched colors or parts. I'll check out the Ex Rad.

Chewy · Jun 22, 2012, 05:51 AM

I think I heard the UV liquid loses its glow after a while? I may be wrong

Delta6326 · Jun 22, 2012, 06:00 AM

I would not get UV liquid, it can stain some parts. i would go with UV tubing plenty out there. I would buy all my stuff from FrozenCpu I like this tubing the most

You should also check out this thread ->

EDIT: also you usually want to base your tubing color off of the motherboard color that way there is a theme.

For example if you where using your MSI P67A-GD65 you could use that blue tubing that I linked, but of course it all is personal preference.

phanbuey · Jun 22, 2012, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chewy

I think I heard the UV liquid loses its glow after a while? I may be wrong

yeah it gets weaker, and it does stain the s*&^* out of the tubing and rez.

N-Gen · Jun 22, 2012, 09:53 AM

A mate told me to steer off of Feser products because they stained some of his gear. I use EK Ekoolant and haven't had any problems so far but I'm looking to switch to something from Mayhem. Might want to give them a look.

solara2xb · Jun 22, 2012, 05:36 PM

I stay far far away from Dyes and colored coolant.
bad experience.. I just stick to clear fluid and use UV tubing.

I use to use Primochill ICE Clear, but it gets expensive if you have a large loop.
Now I just Dis-stilled Water with PT nuke / silver coil.

Haven't had any issues with that..

Delta6326 · Jun 22, 2012, 05:58 PM

Yeah Dis-stilled water and this work http://www.frozencpu.com/products/11...oir_Strip.html

brandonwh64 · Jun 22, 2012, 06:06 PM

I can vouch foe rasa kits, they cool VERY well

Jun 21, 2012, 06:31 AM	#1
Zaspera Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Mapleville, RI Posts: 500 (0.56/day) Thanks: 54 Thanked 11 Times in 10 Posts System Specs	First Loop Build I'll be building a new rig in the next week or so. I think I have enough in the budget to do a custom loop for the CPU. The problem is I've never done one. I always used H70/80 etc. What exactly do I need? The CPU is an i5 2500k and it will be an NZXT Phantom full tower. Thanks for the help.

System Name:	HAF Gamer
Processor:	Phenom II x4 965 Black Edition
Motherboard:	Asrock 970 Extreme3
Cooling:	CM Hyper 212 EVO
Memory:	8GB Crucial Ballistix 1600mhz (2x4GB)
Video Card:	PNY GTX 680 1006MHz
Hard Disk:	Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB 7200RPM 3GB/s
Optical Drive:	Samsung 24x DVD Burner
CRT/LCD Model:	22" LG EW224T LED
Case:	Cooler Master HAF 922
Sound Card:	Onboard (for now)
PSU:	OCZ ModXStream Pro 600W
Software:	Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit

Jun 21, 2012, 07:13 AM	#2
JrRacinFan Served 5k and counting ... Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Youngstown, OH Posts: 16,121 (7.05/day) Thanks: 4,149 Thanked 4,552 Times in 4,027 Posts System Specs	Guys have any other suggestions? We have been PM'ing back and forth and I sent him a link to an XSPC RS240. __________________ Graphics Artists United™ Request Thread Low Cache CPU Club Solaris Utility DVD 3.0 DanishDevil's Logitech Soundroom TPU Video Gallery Sciencemark Revisited

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System Name:	Royale Burple
Processor:	i7 3820
Motherboard:	Sabertooth X79
Cooling:	Custom Water
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Video Card:	GTX670 OC SLI
Hard Disk:	Kingston 240GB HyperX 3k, Corsair 120GB SSD, 1TB WD Black
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Sound Card:	OB
PSU:	Corsair AX1200

Jun 21, 2012, 07:36 AM	#3
solara2xb Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Alta Loma CA Posts: 110 (0.30/day) Thanks: 9 Thanked 20 Times in 19 Posts System Specs	whats your budget on water cooling gear?

Jun 21, 2012, 07:38 AM	#4
Zaspera Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Mapleville, RI Posts: 500 (0.56/day) Thanks: 54 Thanked 11 Times in 10 Posts System Specs	I'm really pushing to keep it under $200. Jr suggested the Rasa kit and to just get some coolant or UV tubing with distilled water (because either way, I want some glow out of it).

Jun 21, 2012, 05:22 PM	#5
solara2xb Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Alta Loma CA Posts: 110 (0.30/day) Thanks: 9 Thanked 20 Times in 19 Posts System Specs	For $200 you can get a decent set-up. The 2500k CPU is a cool running CPU so you don't need anything too aggressive. I had a Corsair H60 cooling a 2500k OC to 4.0 and got good temps. However you if you want to do a custom loop - at PPC a little over $200 but with better components IMO you get better bang for your buck. http://www.performance-pcs.com/catal...ducts_id=33588 The EX rad is a little better then the RS, plus the pump, res and block is better then the old XSPC kits. This pump will future proof you in case you add more blocks into your loop down the line. If you want something cheaper and more basic then the older XSPC RS240 kit can work as well. Just not that future proof. http://www.performance-pcs.com/catal...ducts_id=30187 Tubing you can get primochill UV tubing

Jun 22, 2012, 03:48 AM	#6
nleksan Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Ohio Posts: 229 (0.51/day) Thanks: 67 Thanked 29 Times in 29 Posts System Specs	Definitely the EX series rads, I am grabbing the 3x140 for my Switch 810 (cooling 3930K initially). The Swiftech MCP35X pump is fantastic, you can get 6x compression fittings from Monsoon for $35 plus a few rotary ones from Bitspower, and Primochill Primoflex LRT tubing is very nice it seems. I have a Swiftech Apogee HD WaterBlock and the quality is fantastic, plus I love the option of a parallel loop if I want. You can get the above for $250 or so, which is a steal imo.

System Name:	Cogito Ergo Switch
Processor:	i7 3930K @ 4.8Ghz
Motherboard:	Asus Rampage IV Extreme
Cooling:	Custom Water (CPU/MB/GPU Blocks, 420+240rads PP)
Memory:	16GB G.Skill Ripjaws Z 2133 9-11-10-27 @ 2380 9-10-10-28
Video Card:	EVGA GTX670 FTW 2GB SLI @ 1344core/7648mem + EVGA 650Ti PhysX
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Jun 22, 2012, 05:04 AM	#7
solara2xb Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Alta Loma CA Posts: 110 (0.30/day) Thanks: 9 Thanked 20 Times in 19 Posts System Specs	Yup.. The EX series Rads are awesome... In my CaseLab TH10 Case I am running 2x EX480 and 1xEX360 with the Apogee HD block and 2 Koolance GPU blocks. Running Dual MCP655 pumps.

Jun 22, 2012, 05:06 AM	#8
Delta6326 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Iowa, USA Posts: 3,359 (1.81/day) Thanks: 569 Thanked 616 Times in 451 Posts System Specs	Well this is what i was looking at getting. Apogee Drive II EK-Multioption RES X2 - 250 Advanced if it fits or 150. XSPC EX240 Swiftech Lok-Seal fittings etc. This may be helpful also... http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=153781 http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=157540 __________________ Diablo III- Delta6326#1894 TechPowerUp WCG Forum Skyrim Skill Perks By Delta6326

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Motherboard:	ASUS P5Q Pro Bios 2102
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PSU:	XION AXP Lan-Party AMP Edition 146A 800W
Software:	Windows 8 Pro x64

Jun 22, 2012, 05:08 AM	#9
Zaspera Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Mapleville, RI Posts: 500 (0.56/day) Thanks: 54 Thanked 11 Times in 10 Posts System Specs	Damn you TPU. You never make my already-tough decisions any easier. I CANT DECIDE! Seriously though, thanks for all the help and links. I appreciate it. Last edited by Zaspera; Jun 22, 2012 at 05:17 AM.

Jun 22, 2012, 05:23 AM	#10
Chewy Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Halifax, Canada Posts: 2,616 (1.03/day) Thanks: 325 Thanked 151 Times in 140 Posts System Specs	Whichever you go with you will be happy in the end. Seems the Ex Rad is in popularity. Even if you spend a little over $200, which I think your willing to do, it may give you the best bang for your buck.. since you are doing a custom loop this is stuff you can use for years. I would recommend some coolant just because I had some, and I didn't change the coolant for 2 years.. and my Luna CPU block was still shiny as new. But most will say you don't need to use coolant. I preferred to especially when first building.. little extra initial security. Ive said alot, just trying to give my imput :P (dont worry so much on which coolant, their all about the same). __________________ BUGABUGABUGABUGAAAAA! From_Nowhere's perspective on Jerry Seinfeld and Bill Gates Promoting Windows Vista. “Mac: "Woah, what are you doing?" Mac says as he levitates in the air. PC: "Playing Half-Life 2, this is my gravity gun." Mac: "Well I can sort of do that." PC: "Technically Mac, you have to become me first."” -From_Nowhere

Processor:	Q6600 G0 @ 3.2Ghz
Motherboard:	Asus p5k-Premium/Black Pearl
Cooling:	Luna Block, 240mm rad
Memory:	Patriot Extreme PC2-6400 2x2GB
Video Card:	Saphire 5850 1GB
Hard Disk:	60GB SSD + 2x500GB/1TB/2TB
Optical Drive:	2 Pioneer DVR-212D
CRT/LCD Model:	Samsung 226BW and 50" Panasonic S2
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Sound Card:	X-fi Prelude
PSU:	Enermax Galaxy Dxx 850watt
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Jun 22, 2012, 05:26 AM	#11
Zaspera Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Mapleville, RI Posts: 500 (0.56/day) Thanks: 54 Thanked 11 Times in 10 Posts System Specs	Ya I can't decide on UV tubing with distilled water or clear tubing with UV coolant. I like things to look good while performing well. I can't have mismatched colors or parts. I'll check out the Ex Rad.

Jun 22, 2012, 05:51 AM	#12
Chewy Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Halifax, Canada Posts: 2,616 (1.03/day) Thanks: 325 Thanked 151 Times in 140 Posts System Specs	I think I heard the UV liquid loses its glow after a while? I may be wrong __________________ BUGABUGABUGABUGAAAAA! From_Nowhere's perspective on Jerry Seinfeld and Bill Gates Promoting Windows Vista. “Mac: "Woah, what are you doing?" Mac says as he levitates in the air. PC: "Playing Half-Life 2, this is my gravity gun." Mac: "Well I can sort of do that." PC: "Technically Mac, you have to become me first."” -From_Nowhere

Jun 22, 2012, 06:00 AM	#13
Delta6326 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Iowa, USA Posts: 3,359 (1.81/day) Thanks: 569 Thanked 616 Times in 451 Posts System Specs	I would not get UV liquid, it can stain some parts. i would go with UV tubing plenty out there. I would buy all my stuff from FrozenCpu I like this tubing the most You should also check out this thread -> EDIT: also you usually want to base your tubing color off of the motherboard color that way there is a theme. For example if you where using your MSI P67A-GD65 you could use that blue tubing that I linked, but of course it all is personal preference. __________________ Diablo III- Delta6326#1894 TechPowerUp WCG Forum Skyrim Skill Perks By Delta6326 Last edited by Delta6326; Jun 22, 2012 at 06:05 AM.

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PSU:	Silverstone SG08 600W
Software:	Windows 7 64 Bit

Jun 22, 2012, 09:53 AM	#15
N-Gen Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Paola, Malta Posts: 542 (0.26/day) Thanks: 91 Thanked 149 Times in 122 Posts System Specs	A mate told me to steer off of Feser products because they stained some of his gear. I use EK Ekoolant and haven't had any problems so far but I'm looking to switch to something from Mayhem. Might want to give them a look. __________________ Main Rig in Tech Specs Alienware Area-51 m9750 - Intel Core 2 Duo T7200 2.0GHz, 4GB DDR2 667MHz 4-5-5-9, Samsung 160GB Hybrid 256MB Flash Cache 5400RPM, nVidia GeForce GO 7950GTX 512MB Toshiba Satellite L650-13M - Intel Core i5-410M 2.26GHz, 4GB DDR3 1333MHz, Seagate 320GB 5400RPM, ATi Mobility Radeon HD5650 1GB Acer Aspire 5750G - Intel Core i5-2410M 2.3GHz, 8GB DDR3 1333MHz 9-9-9-24, Hitachi 750GB 5400RPM, nVidia GeForce GT540M 1GB (DDR3 ver.)

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PSU:	Corsair TX850 V2 850 Watts
Software:	Windows 8 Professional 64-Bit

Jun 22, 2012, 05:36 PM	#16
solara2xb Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Alta Loma CA Posts: 110 (0.30/day) Thanks: 9 Thanked 20 Times in 19 Posts System Specs	I stay far far away from Dyes and colored coolant. bad experience.. I just stick to clear fluid and use UV tubing. I use to use Primochill ICE Clear, but it gets expensive if you have a large loop. Now I just Dis-stilled Water with PT nuke / silver coil. Haven't had any issues with that..

Jun 22, 2012, 05:58 PM	#17
Delta6326 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Iowa, USA Posts: 3,359 (1.81/day) Thanks: 569 Thanked 616 Times in 451 Posts System Specs	Yeah Dis-stilled water and this work http://www.frozencpu.com/products/11...oir_Strip.html __________________ Diablo III- Delta6326#1894 TechPowerUp WCG Forum Skyrim Skill Perks By Delta6326

Jun 22, 2012, 06:06 PM	#18
brandonwh64 Addicted to Bacon and StarCrunches!!! Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Chatsworth, GA Posts: 13,664 (9.89/day) Thanks: 2,165 Thanked 5,382 Times in 3,729 Posts System Specs	I can vouch foe rasa kits, they cool VERY well __________________ Cruncher's: All GPU's GPU's: 7970 3GB = 8 Threads 5770 1GB OCed = 2 Threads

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