Very New to Water Cooling, Need All the Help I Can Get!

[blu3flannel]

I ordered some (new and used) water cooling parts off both here, Danger Den and Frozen CPU. I'm very new to water cooling, meaning I've never done it before. The closest I've come is using an H50 for a while. I need help setting everything up and will give a parts list so you can tell me if anything's missing, and I'll need a setup guide after that. If you need pictures of parts/my current setup I'll be happy to oblige.

Here's the parts list:

1 Swiftech 120mm rad
1 Koolance 120.2 rad
3 fans (2 for the 120.2, 1 for the 120mm rad)
blue 3/8 tubing
black 3/8 tubing
distilled water
OCZ Hydro Pulse 500 pump
Danger Den TDX CPU block
1156 Lucite top ( I don't think I bought a backplate, if anyone knows how to ghetto one up let me know how )
3/8s T-line
T-line fillport
mounting hardware

I have most of the mounting hardware and will be getting more here in a few days, but it's enough to make everything work. Please let me know how to set everything up.

PS- I already put in the 120.2 rad and two fans for it in the top of the case (a CM 690 II Advanced) so don't worry about that. I'll also be putting in the 120mm rad in the back of the case but if anyone has any suggestions feel free to make them!

 

[JrRacinFan]

OK , easiest way is to put everything in the spots where you want them to be. I suggest running the tubing from the outlet of the pump to the highest point in the loop first and reservoir being last before the pump. Remembver the the best flowing outlet of your reservoir is it's lowest point.

EDIT:

Noticed you have a T-Line, put it at the end of your loop as close to the pump as you can.


EDIT2:
Use the stock mounting backplate if you can.

 

[blu3flannel]

It didn't come with a backplate, the person who I got it from used AM2 and that's the only backplate it came with.

 

[JrRacinFan]

Ahhhh ....


I see. You are going to have to either purchase a new block or mount.

 

[blu3flannel]

Ohhhh, I have an idea. I'll come back when it works/doesn't work.

 

[JrRacinFan]

http://www.dangerden.com/store/tdx-lucite-top-kit.html

You can purchase a backplate from there also.

 

[blu3flannel]

That's what I purchased and it didn't come with one, just a top plate to mount the block. And I'm almost done, I got a little sidetracked.

 

[JrRacinFan]

Oh. Well pics, must see when finishd. Make sure you pull the whole loop out before attempting to run it internally to leak test.

 

[blu3flannel]

Alright, it works:

Now I just have to reinstall the motherboard, install the pump and second rad, and map out the tubing.

 

[sneekypeet]

ummm your block is on wrong.

Usually you screw a nut on the end of the rod and add a washer. Side that in from the back, then add washer and nut (tighten to motherboard). Set the block on the processor with TIM. Then there should be springs that set above the clear plastic, then top it with the brass thumbscrews. No back plate needed.

 

[JrRacinFan]

Was just about to mention that as well peet. Move the springs to the top of the block blu3 or you will have problems, it's fine for now for you to map your tubing but will need to be switched.

 

[blu3flannel]

Ahh, gotcha. Thanks for that, I'm gonna go fix it now.

 

[blu3flannel]

Well, it may just be me, but the springs are impossibly hard to get on. Maybe it's the screw length or something, but this is insane.

 

[sneekypeet]

the threaded rod does seem short in those pics. MAybe run to the hardware store and grab 4 longer ones in the morning. ( be sure to take a rod and a nut so you know they work )

 

[ERazer]

the threaded rod does seem short in those pics. MAybe run to the hardware store and grab 4 longer ones in the morning. ( be sure to take a rod and a nut so you know they work )

+1, and take ur time dont rush when building custom h20

 

[blu3flannel]

the threaded rod does seem short in those pics. MAybe run to the hardware store and grab 4 longer ones in the morning. ( be sure to take a rod and a nut so you know they work )

Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. How much longer should they be, about half an inch or so?

 

[sneekypeet]

mark the ones you have just above the clear plastic (sharpie marker comes to mind) then while you are in the store you can see what will work best. Remember you can always buy them longer, then cut them if they are in the way or odd looking.

 

[blu3flannel]

Alright, that works for me. So for now I at least have a way to map out the tubing, how should I do this? I have 2 rads, a pump, the block, and the T-line to consider. I also need help on placement, i.e. where I should put the T-line fill port and the pump. Any suggestions?

 

[sneekypeet]

set it all up at your desk as is

play with a few ideas, rad up top and rad at the bottom if you are using the 690II still.

Then see what kinks the tubes and what allows for gentle bends

 

[blu3flannel]

I've been juggling a couple of ideas, but I have a question that should probably be answered first: Which way is in and which is out? On the rads, the block, and the pump. Hopefully that question isn't too stupid.

 

[JrRacinFan]

Technically, there is no inlet/outlet EXCEPT on the pump. You decide which is which on all the other parts.

 

[blu3flannel]

That's awesome, and makes things much easier to route. Which is in and which is out on the pump?

 

[JrRacinFan]

That's what I'm looking for right now. Will edit my post.

 

[sneekypeet]

centered in the side is the inlet. The barb up top is then the outlet.

 

[blu3flannel]

Ah, thanks. Now I'm debating on whether or not I should put the pump in the 5.25" drive area, which would save tubing but would look very cluttered, or to put it in the bottom of the case, which would use more tubing but would look much more clean. Thoughts?