First Loop Build

[Zaspera]

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]

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

 

[solara2xb]

whats your budget on water cooling gear?

 

[Zaspera]

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]

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/cata...oduct_info&cPath=59_202_972&products_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/cata...oduct_info&cPath=59_202_972&products_id=30187

Tubing you can get primochill UV tubing

 

[nleksan]

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]

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]

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/showthread.php?t=153781

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

 

[Zaspera]

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]

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 (dont worry so much on which coolant, their all about the same).

 

[Zaspera]

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]

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

 

[Delta6326]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Yeah Dis-stilled water and this work http://www.frozencpu.com/products/1...l_999_Fine_Silver_Tubing_Reservoir_Strip.html

 

[brandonwh64]

I can vouch foe rasa kits, they cool VERY well