First Custom Loop -- Any Advise?

[bpgt64]

Parts Listing;

EK-CoolStream SE 360 (Slim Triple) -- SKU 3831109860472 -- QTY 2
K-XRES 140 Revo D5 RGB PWM (incl. sl. pump) 3830046992987 1
EK-FB ASRock X299 RGB Monoblock - Nickel 3830046994714 1
EK-Vector RTX 2080 Ti RGB - Nickel + Plexi 3831109810477 1
EK-Vector RTX Backplate - Black 3831109810491 1
EK-ACF Fitting 10/16mm - Black 3831109846513 10
EK-CryoFuel Blood Red Concentrate 100 mL 3831109880142 1
EK-ATX Bridging Plug (24 pin) 3831109867716 1
EK-UNI Pump Bracket (140mm FAN) Vertical 3831109843291 1
EK-DuraClear 9,5/15,9mm 3M RETAIL 3831109850978 1

Used EK's fancy loop configurator. Fractal Refine Design R6 for the case, already removed the HDD bay tower. The only thing I have thought of that I need to add is a place to drain/fill the loop from. I wasn't sure how to accomplish that, but I was thinking some form of T Valve/Junction to another piece of hose?

 

[crazyeyesreaper]

grab two EK QDC fittings or get nicer ones from Koolance, With two sets of QDC you can drain the loop any time with ease or expand it. With the Koolance options you can use the EK ACF compression fittings in the same color theme (they have black if memory serves me right) Meaning it won't look out of place.

Grab two of each, along with a couple 4 extra ACF fittings. This will let you use extra tubing and drain each side of the loop. Expand it etc when necessary. I used the cheaper EK QDC fittings in my loop. Definitely won't go back to the old way. The ability to diassemble the loop into two separate pieces so it can be removed / moved to a different case. Or just taken apart for cleaning without having to worry about spills or other headaches has made them a worthy investment.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIAEKS6SK5913
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIAEKS6MM7561

You can view my lovely foray and expensive trip here: https://www.techpowerup.com/forums/...ne-wild-overly-expensive-noob-edition.245864/

 

[bpgt64]

grab two EK QDC fittings or get nicer ones from Koolance, With two sets of QDC you can drain the loop any time with ease or expand it. With the Koolance options you can use the EK ACF compression fittings in the same color theme (they have black if memory serves me right) Meaning it won't look out of place.

Grab two of each, along with a couple 4 extra ACF fittings. This will let you use extra tubing and drain each side of the loop. Expand it etc when necessary. I used the cheaper EK QDC fittings in my loop. Definitely won't go back to the old way. The ability to diassemble the loop into two separate pieces so it can be removed / moved to a different case. Or just taken apart for cleaning without having to worry about spills or other headaches has made them a worthy investment.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIAEKS6SK5913
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIAEKS6MM7561

You can view my lovely foray and expensive trip here: https://www.techpowerup.com/forums/...ne-wild-overly-expensive-noob-edition.245864/

Thanks for that. My plan is;

Outlet Pump/Res -> GPU -> CPU Mono Block > Rad1 -> Rad 2 -> Intake on Pump/Rez

Would you suggest putting the quick disconnect between any specific components? And any issues with this order?

 

[crazyeyesreaper]

I had no issues with order. As for placement, pick a spot that makes sense in terms of maintenance.

My loop is Pump/res to QDC to CPU to QDC to Rad.

Due to my pump/res combo being mounted to the radiator. This allows me to disconnect the CPU block and a good chunk of tubing thus allowing the pump/res and radiator to be pulled as one unit and the CPU block to be pulled separately.

Best way to do it is to order what you KNOW you will need, then do a mock up. Since the QDCs are a bit long they require a bit of thought in terms of implementation.

Even with a multitude of 90' fittings one after another and two QDCs etc ive seen no issues in terms of flow etc either.

Everyone likes to think they have the 100% right way of doing something but other than basic guidelines like don't mix metals or avoiding the worst of the coolant dyes on the cheap etc. There really isn't a wrong way of doing things. Obviously don't go out of your way to make it complex with useless shit but in terms of loop order etc I haven't noticed much difference. Loop order might make a few degrees difference here or there but its not going to ruin your chances of an overclock. Hell its not likely to be something you would ever notice.

For loop order and QDC usage just go with what works for you. Look at my loop. Common sense conventions are to avoid 90' fittings or to not use them after the pump immediately because noise blah blah blah. You know what.. I have no noise issues, No flow issues, and everything works just fine. So just do you man make the loop the way you want it and just go for it.

 

[LiveOrDie]

I would say away from EK coolant as its about as good as pond water, grab your self some Mayhems XT-1 Nuke Coolant Concentrate and just add die to it.

 

[Ferrum Master]

I would say away from EK coolant as its about as good as pond water, grab your self some Mayhems XT-1 Nuke Coolant Concentrate and just add die to it.

I would say screw it all and use distilled water and call it a day.

 

[LiveOrDie]

You want to get your self a tap and a T Fitting or draining your loop will be a pain in the ass.

I would say screw it all and use distilled water and call it a day.

If your lazy like me and doesn't change his coolant for 3 years I would go with Mayhems as it never went bad or went like pond water.

 

[moproblems99]

I use distilled water and Nuke. Never had a problem. My other advise is to take your time. I also don't use compression fittings and have setup my loop so I can remove it and install it completely assembled and filled. This allows me to leak test outside of my case with a spare psu.

 

[LiveOrDie]

I use distilled water and Nuke. Never had a problem. My other advise is to take your time. I also don't use compression fittings and have setup my loop so I can remove it and install it completely assembled and filled. This allows me to leak test outside of my case with a spare psu.

Do you use HDC fittings? that must be a hand full to install? I also use a spare PSU to test my loop once installed, also a good tip is to use soapy water to install your compression fittings OP if you go with that black EK tubing its a b**ch lol.

bpgt64 the center port is always the inlet on the monoblocks so you need to swap those around, this is how i have mine setup if i still had a GPU block.

 

[EarthDog]

My adviCe...

Loop order doesnt matter... res before pump and the rest isnt relevant.

Rad space looks good for the load...

 

[phanbuey]

i would put both rads to intake with low speed fans. otherwise looks good

 

[bpgt64]

I am going to use Clear Tubing, and Distilled Water. Then add color via Blood Red Concentrate.

I am likely going to add some 45 degree turns here and there, but luckily Microcenter Carries the fittings in stock. Also, all compression fittings across the board.

 

[HUSKIE]

my advice

res/pump-> cpu or gpu blocks->rad->cpu or gpu->rad then back to res/pump

it cooled both chips

 

[bpgt64]

Do you use HDC fittings? that must be a hand full to install? I also use a spare PSU to test my loop once installed, also a good tip is to use soapy water to install your compression fittings OP if you go with that black EK tubing its a b**ch lol.

bpgt64 the center port is always the inlet on the monoblocks so you need to swap those around, this is how i have mine setup if i still had a GPU block.

View attachment 113531

This is how I intend to route the fluid, even if my diagram implies otherwise. I was thinking of keeping the radiators close together at the intake/outflow on each...any reason not to?

 

[EarthDog]

Use red tubing. Dyes will tend to clog the loop. At minimum, cause more frequent cleaning. Please read..

https://www.overclockers.com/forums/showthread.php/628092-The-Ultimate-Water-Cooling-Thread

https://www.overclockers.com/forums...Water-Cooling-Your-PC-***-READ-THIS-FIRST-***

i would put both rads to intake with low speed fans. otherwise looks good

I'd go front rad intake, top exhaust. No need to dump that heat load in the case...

I prefer airFLOW in a case as opposed to a couple C gained by pushing both.

 

[LiveOrDie]

This is how I intend to route the fluid, even if my diagram implies otherwise. I was thinking of keeping the radiators close together at the intake/outflow on each...any reason not to?

No reason but in most cases haha Cases< theres not enough room as the rad is larger on the side with the ports but this will depend on your case so if it fits go for it.

 

[EarthDog]

i would put both rads to intake with low speed fans. otherwise looks good

I'd go front rad intake, top exhaust. No need to dump that heat load in the case...

 

[crazyeyesreaper]

All anyone needing confirmation on loop dye problems just needs to read my thread posted #2 in this thread. Swiftech AIO + red dye = less than 6 months can't get the block clean the nickel is stained and even with a tooth brush and fine cleaning particles remain stuck between the tiny copper fins.

 

[Deleted member 182486]

Usually a T junction off the GPU or reservoir is used for the drain port. A rotary adapter to the T junction will allow you to rotate it around as needed

 

[bpgt64]

Usually a T junction off the GPU or reservoir is used for the drain port. A rotary adapter to the T junction will allow you to rotate it around as needed

Yup! After watching some video's on the need to regularly clean/drain/refill. I have opted for a permanent drain valve. Going to T-Junction off the Intake/Output of the D5 then put a Ball Valve/Stopper. So I can just connect a pipe onto it at the lowest point and drain.

Also will be looking into a means to fill from the Top of the D5/Res combo, not 100% sure on this, thinking a single input to Tube Leading to the outside of the case I can remove/stopper as needed.

 

[LiveOrDie]

Yup! After watching some video's on the need to regularly clean/drain/refill. I have opted for a permanent drain valve. Going to T-Junction off the Intake/Output of the D5 then put a Ball Valve/Stopper. So I can just connect a pipe onto it at the lowest point and drain.

Also will be looking into a means to fill from the Top of the D5/Res combo, not 100% sure on this, thinking a single input to Tube Leading to the outside of the case I can remove/stopper as needed.

If you can find a multi port res top it will come in handy https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-res-x3-top-v2-multiport , looking at the size of that depending on your GPU it mite hit it lol, as its will add height to your res.

Usually a T junction off the GPU or reservoir is used for the drain port. A rotary adapter to the T junction will allow you to rotate it around as needed

Jake I see the multi port res top but I think most people are looking for just a dual which shouldn't larger than the standard one but just offers another port on the top.

 

[bpgt64]

Any thoughts on putting the mono block and the GPU in parallel vs in series? I have ready it doesn’t matter all that much but wanted more opinions on it? Or if there is a performance study?

 

[bpgt64]

Had a leak slight re configuration.

Having this ready and waiting on the tools to do with was well worth the time and money. Just hope my gpu isn’t fried. Not running power to anything but the pump for testing so I should be ok... right? (Laughs nervously)..

Time Lapse FAIL

 

[bpgt64]

Final, fully lit. Just need to replace the PWM Controller.

 

[phanbuey]

https://www.amazon.com/CloverTale-A...75&sr=8-4&keywords=video+card+support+bracket

Looking good, that card is sagging though, might want to pick up one of those, makes a difference aesthetically.