Best Case and Other Components for Custom Loop Liquid Cooling Build

Lgiovannip on 01/11/2016 - 14:00
Last edited 01/11/2016 - 14:09 by 1 other user

Hey guys,

sooo I have decided to build my first custom liquid cooled PC.

I have bought a gigabyte z170x gaming 7 board, so I guess the build is going to be inspired from those colours (black red and white).

I am wondering what cases you recommend for liquid cooling. Initially I would just be cooling the cpu and mobo with a monoblock but I will eventually also cool dual gpus.

Do I need two systems or is one larger system enough?

Also do you recommend any brands or parts in particular? I will be using EK for the monoblock as they manufacture one for my board.

I am open to suggestions and ideas as this is my first time doing this.

Also since I have purchased two msi 1080 gtxs, I am really considering swapping my motherboard to an msi z170 m7 to keep the colour scheme consistent (and the monoblock for this board looks much better), what do you guys think?

Thanks

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  spackbace on 01/11/2016 - 14:15

  I hate to think of the PSU you'd need for that build :o

  Given you've spent ~$1700 on just the 1080s, what's the overall budget? About $5k ish?

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  giovannip on 01/11/2016 - 14:28

  I currently have a corsair 1000 watt but I am trying to get my hands on a 1200w psu for cheap. Budget depends I guess. I was hoping less than 5k. That being said once I buy the new psu, case, cpu and ram, I can just buy a cheap all in one cpu cooler to get the new system going and sell my old build for around 2k, this will give me a bit of flexibility.

  So far I have spent: 2x gtx 1080 $1700 +
  Gigabyte z170x Gaming G7 $280 = 1980

  I plan to buy:
  1. 6700k when it drops down to the 400ish again
  2. Corsair vengeance led ram 3000mhz 32gb kit (16x2), this is currently $280 cheapest. I can get it from amazon Italy for $260 but would love around $250 local.

  1980 + 400 + 250 = 2630 already planned

  For the case and PSU, I have been keeping my eye on used stuff, I have no issues there. Hopefully that can keep me around the $3000 mark. Do you think a custom loop will cost around 2k? I was hoping more like $1k maximum….

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  skrep on 01/11/2016 - 17:16

  I like to think with my custom loop is that I can take it apart and put it into a new build. I've done this twice now and the only thing I have to look at is the blocks. My cpu block has been with me since the beginning and remains suitable for new builds. So in future I know I only have to spend maybe 300 TOPS for new blocks to keep playing around with overclocking PCs.

  I also learned that a lot of stuff you see around is overkill. I currently cool my cpu and gpu in one loop on a single EK 240 rad.
  If you research into what I mention above you will see some numbers people have done.

  Depending on you interests and environment - consider water cooling an investment as well as a hobby.

  A lot of places in summer really heat up for some users I've spoken to people where their air cooled graphics will not cope with the heat when playing high end games.

  have a look at 2nd hand pieces - overclockers.com.au has a great place for like minded people like ourselves that flog off their 980 cards cheap so they can move up to the 1080 etc.. most of the time they will leave the cooling block on it too!

  If you are stuck for ideas, advice or some WC porn then click here
  Top bloke that lives in Cairns - from what I gather is arguable the best world wide.

  Good luck!

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  giovannip on 02/11/2016 - 10:13

  Thank you guys, I think I am going to go fro the Fractal Design Define S. Although the Phanteks Enthoo Evolv ATX also looks so good!