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First water cooling setup


maestr0

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I would recommend plumbers tape on threaded fittings for the same reason tim is recommended between components and heatsinks, to fill any gaps which could be present, and because its use is a standard practice.

 

Just remember that it should ONLY be used between metal to metal contacts. Acrylic like I mentioned is a big no no when using tape. Delrin I'm not sure about but again doesn't seem necessary since it's really strong and seals really well as you can turn the barbs in rather tight. People tend to advise using the tape but forget to mention it's appropriate method of use. :biggrin:

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I would use plumber's tape for plastic part threads because gaps may be present. I would definitly not tighten plastic parts together very tightly because they WILL crack.

 

Plumber's tape requires more tightening to avoid leaks because it is so slick and allows the fitting to spin. This is why it's not advised to be used on plastic parts, because like you said tightening plastic too much does cause them to crack. DO NOT USE PLUMBERS TAPE ON PLASTIC FITTINGS!! :biggrin:

 

I would recommend not using the plumbers tape... if any pieces come loose down the road, it is possible for them to clog your pump. Though this may not seem very likely -- with any luck it would happen. In reality the small spaces that can be filled up by the tape make such little difference that using plumbers tape does not prove to be any better than not using it.

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I'll probably go without the tape because that seems easier.

 

As for the radiator, I'm going with the Swiftek MCR220, and does anyone know if you can see led-lit fans beneath it? :) Just wondering if I should be picking up the two I want, or if they'll be wasted. Either way they're the cheapest, while offering up to 2000RPM. I already have 2 non-lit ones, but they're currently in use (one will free up as it's cooling the CPU, but I'll probably mount it on the bottom of the case for fun, and the other is mounted on the back of the case.). They work really well, and really quietly - they're only audible when fully spun up.

 

EDIT: And a second thought - I've read that the reservoir should be at the top of the loop so that any air bubbles float up. This being the case, I would instead mount the radiator on the side of the case instead of the top. Opinions?

Edited by maestr0

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EDIT: And a second thought - I've read that the reservoir should be at the top of the loop so that any air bubbles float up. This being the case, I would instead mount the radiator on the side of the case instead of the top. Opinions?

Bleeding isn't that bad. My rad is at the top of my case and it's not too horrible to bleed.

 

 

3/8" versus 1/2" tube will produce no discernible difference in performance. Unless you're dead set on the looks of 1/2" tubing I'd go with 3/8". You can get it to fit over the pump barb pretty easily by dipping the end of the tube in near-boiling water to loosen it up.

 

I'll suggest again that you use barbs + clamps over compression fittings (because barbs + clamps are more secure). They take slightly more effort to install and some people don't like the looks but the security they provide is worth it IMHO.

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So here's my final plan:

 

Pump: Swiftek MCP655 - the normal one is back in stock!

Radiator: Swiftek MCR220

Reservoir: EK X2 150 Basic

CPU block: Koolance CPU-370

Tubing: Primochill UV Red 1/2" ID 3/4" OD 10 feet

Fittings: Bitspower High Flow Pair x3 - rad, cpu, res

Clamps: Swiftek Adjustable Hose Clamps pair x3 - rad, cpu, res

GPU: EVGA GTX 580 FTW Hydro Copper 2 - comes with 1/2" barbs + clamps

Fans: Cooler Master R4 x2

 

Total + Shipping + Tax: $1216.96

 

Ran out of 3/8" fittings of any kind, so I need to switch back to 1/2"

Tubing: Primochill UV Red 3/8" ID 5/8" OD

Fittings: Bitspower G1/4 High-Flow 3/8"ID Nickel-Plated x3

Clamps: Primochill Zinc-Plated Worm Drive Clamps x3

Edited by maestr0

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No matter what you decide, it is good practice to read the instructions prepared by the manufacturer. Thier team of experts will no doubt provide the information pertenent to the component installation.

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Guest vivid2012

No matter what you decide, it is good practice to read the instructions prepared by the manufacturer. Thier team of experts will no doubt provide the information pertenent to the component installation.

Nice instructions for sure.

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