Hi Spook.
Thank you for your lengthy reply. Very helpful for keeping the "little" things in mind.
So far I have decided to go with the following (I've always considered quality is worth the extra money, so please correct me if I am making the wrong choices):
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PURCHASE LIST
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Radiator: Thermochill PA120.3
(It has really good results and it seems you have room to "grow") (I'm guessing the pump and the radiator is where to spend the money, since those two pieces of hardware are a.) meant to last b.) affect performance the most)
I also found this performance comparison:
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...ad.php?t=77260
The 120.3 has the least pressure drop and performs by far the best overall. It would seem it is an excellent radiator.
Tubing: Tygon
I'm gonna go for 1/2 inch through out, since it seems from what I have seen that 1/2 performs better
Quote:
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although if you want slightly lower resistance go with 1/2 inch.
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T-line or Res:
I'll probably go with a T-line. It just seems a simpler setup and as mentioned, it affects the flow less.
CPU Block:
Swiftech Apogee CPU water block $47.95, as per ricecrispies recommendation
It would seem Swiftech make high quality products and the quality of the block affect the performance to a high degree as well
GPU Block:
Swiftech MCW60VGA cooler $59.95, as per ricecrispies recommendation
Chipset cooler:
Swiftech MCW30 Chipset cooler $29.95, as per ricecrispies recommendation
That's what I have so far. Unfortunately the PA120.3 is out of stock at DD and no word of when they will be in stock again.
It would seem the last major decision I have left is the pump. Despite ricecrispies recommendation looks like a solid one, I am still looking around.
As far as tubing and "bling-bling", I chose my case for a reason. It has no windows, no lights, no nothing. It's black and simple. Just the way I like it. I am building this to perform, not to impress. UV-lights and LEDs are more annoying then anything else to me.
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A couple of questions:
1. In most cases people setup the loop so it goes to the CPU first. Any specific reasons as to why you wouldn't go to the GPU first? Since my system will be pressed the most during gaming, this makes sense to me. But of course I could be completely wrong.
2. Even though my case will fit everything inside, I am still considering mounting the radiator outside the case, for the sole reason of colder air. Is that a gain or am i just being picky?
3. How do I set the voltage for the fans?
4. About not mixing metals. Does that in practice mean, the metals should be the same for the pump, block and radiator or only the blocks?
5. Are there any studies of how performance longevity / life span increases due to lower temps? Just curious.
6. About clamps. This much I figured. Sure a poor quality clamp will do the job, but since leaks has got to be the biggest worry, it would seem better to spend whatever extra dollar on good clamps and sleep well at night, then the other way around?
7. Order of flow. So should the T-line be well above the pump or level or below, "to best feed the pump?"
8. Rad placement. The one thing I have read which made sense, is it is better to place it low, then high, since heat rises. Would that be a correct assumption?
9. What is the approximate lifespan of a WC system. Will it last several upgrades, if done proper? Of course blocks would have to be replaced if they don't fit the new components, but never the less. If the life span is decent, I'd rather spend more money now and have it last, then the WalMart method.
10. About the T-line. Is it a bad idea, to have it 'leaning' against something up top in the case, or does it have to be secured, with i.e. a fillport?
Thank you once again, for your help.