First Watercooling Loop!

[shiftymcgoo]

Hi Guys,

As the title of the thread suggests this is my first ever watercooling project. I've been building computers for about 10 years now and I finally decided it was time!

I started by watching videos on YouTube of some expert builders and reading more forum posts and guides than I can count. I quickly realized this was going to be a monumental undertaking. I've definitely learned a lot so far and the job's still not done. One thing's for sure though, I'm having a great time! I love that there are no simple "Step 1-10" type instructions. I've had to overcome so many obstacles by taking my time and being creative.

I've ordered the bulk of my parts from DazMode but had to go to a few other places for some stuff (regrettably, because I love DazMode's selection and speedy delivery!)

Here's what I'm working with:

Case: Corsair Air 540 (chosen for the relatively small form factor, ability to disassemble, and watercooling friendly nature.)
Fans: Gentle Typhoon Performance Radiator Fan - 2150rpm, 68cfm - Black Edition x 5 Sleeving wasn't black though!
Water Treatment: DazMode Protector
Water Colour: Feser View Active UV Dye - UV CLEAR
Front Radiator: XSPC EX360 MultiPort
Top Radiator: Cross-Flow Dual LPX240 Extra Slim Radiator
Fittings: EK Compression Fittings (12 total)
Additional Fittings: Bitspower 3 Way Splitter, Ball Shutoff Valve (for drain)
Tube: EK-HD Tube 10/12MM
GPU Waterblock: EK-FC Titan X - Acetal+Nickel
CPU Waterblock: EK-Supremacy EVO - Nickel (Original CSQ)
Pump: LAING D5 STRONG 8-24V Pump
Pump Top: Bitspower Dual / Single D5 Top Upgrade Kit 250
Fan Controller: FC5 V2 4-Channel Watercooling Fan Controller
Cables: All DarkSide Single Braid Cable - Dark Blue UV

What I've done so far:

- GPU & CPU blocks installed
- Reservoir, pump, and pump top mounted
- Radiators and fans mounted (still playing around with push or pull config)
- 2 layers of paint on the case pieces (not pictured)

Still to go:

- tubing!! Bending vs. Fittings because I just can't spend any more right now.
- Fill the loop
- Leak test

[Hooded]

Looks like a nice build under way.
to the forums.
Please note first 6 post may require moderation should they contain and image or link.
Looking forward to your progress.

[shiftymcgoo]

Thanks! And sorry for the posting blunder.

[Chann3l]

Using a 540 myself, I can say it is a great case for water cooling. Welcome to the forums and have fun, sounds like it's going to be an awesome build.

[shiftymcgoo]

Thanks! I'm really enjoying the case so far. Any tips or tricks you've found working with it? One thing I discovered early on is that a cross flow 360 rad won't fit in the front. Too high. :/

[Chann3l]

Ya let's see. You can actually fit fans on the outside of the front mount with 360 rad on the inside to give yourself a bit of extra space and the front cover will still fit. You may need to break off the right clip on the top of the front panel though for the wires to be able to feed through the top. Still holds in securely if you do this too. 5.25 cage can be removed (4 screws under the right front panel) saves a bit of space and I got lucky that my fan control actaully holds into the panel by pressure alone. Careful removing the front right panel there are two tiny screws on the left side as well as the prong style clips (kind of a pain as the clips are very tight).

I have a build log on here from last year but I am revamping it significantly at the moment and will have lots of pictures once my gear arrives if you want any inspiration but judging by your pictures you are doing a fine job if I think of anything else I'll let you know.

[shiftymcgoo]

That's funny, *just* last night I figured out the whole mounting the front fans on the outside of the case. After doing so I was able to move the front rad (as you mentioned) AND my top rad up the extra 25mm giving me much better access to the screw holes in the top rad as well as a better path for tube routing. Felt so dumb for not trying that sooner! I'm not sure I routed the fan cables the right way though. I'll try to take some pictures of what I did.

I think I'll need to keep the 5.25 bays installed. For one, my fan controller needs it (I think) and secondly I'll need a spot for my 3.5" HDD. I tried mounting it at the bottom of the case in the pre-installed trays but it looks like it'll be problematic when trying to route the tube from the front rad. I ended up using it for my SSD instead which is obviously much lower profile.

Where is your reservoir mounted? That has been the most problematic piece of the build so far. I've got like 1-2mm clearance between the res, the rear exhaust fan, and the gpu waterblock. Curious to see your set up now! I'll look for your build log (and the updates).

Thanks for the info man!

[shiftymcgoo]

I just saw your build thread. I would never have thought to try and mount the res there. Nicely done! Looking forward to seeing the updates! Nice to see someone else's config. Definitely giving me some inspiration.

I thought about cutting the trays from the bottom but I don't have the right tools to do that. Maybe one day...

Looking forward to your updates.

[Chann3l]

Thanks, Ya, I have a new thread up that I will be updating with lots of pictures once my parts arrive. I'll be sure to keep an eye on yours as well . Also, best to mount the 240 in a pull configuration, will make connections a lot easier and you should have plenty of clearance. For a couple years right out of high school, long before I started working in IT, I was a sheet metal worker and I still have my trusty tin snips lol. My updated build will actually have a separate res mounted against the side where yours is mounted and the pump with EK top will be mounted below the video card.

[nass]

welcome the the forums, some nice hardware it seems you have there.

[shiftymcgoo]

Thanks, Ya, I have a new thread up that I will be updating with lots of pictures once my parts arrive. I'll be sure to keep an eye on yours as well . Also, best to mount the 240 in a pull configuration, will make connections a lot easier and you should have plenty of clearance. For a couple years right out of high school, long before I started working in IT, I was a sheet metal worker and I still have my trusty tin snips lol. My updated build will actually have a separate res mounted against the side where yours is mounted and the pump with EK top will be mounted below the video card.

Good tip! I switched the top fans to pull last night. I never really considered doing a separate pump/res. Didn't think I would have the space. Interested to see how you do that!

I took some pictures of where I routed the fan wires for the front. Not sure if this is going to be problematic when I put the case back together again.

I also attempted to bend tubing for the first time last night. Totally blistered my first attempt. Feel like that's a right of passage. By the time I got to the third attempt I was getting much more comfortable with it. Got two done in total last night. The rest are going to be... more challenging. Considering buying some 90 degree fittings to help make it easier.






Here are the pics of where I routed the fan wires in the front. I tried putting the grill back on and it seemed to clear ok. I would think Corsair would have considered wire routing when giving the option to mount outside the frame. But I could be wrong...

[bungwirez]

mods a brewin!

keep at it Shifty and

[shiftymcgoo]

Thanks! It's nice to be part of a community that I can talk to about this stuff!

[Chann3l]

Looking good, I never even thought to route it that way. Ensures that you don't have remove (read break) a clip off to get the front panel to fit. I should have just enough space to have a separate pump and res but I shall see tonight hopefully. For some reason I didn't think I'd be able to mount a d5 res combo there but you have proven that wrong

[Hooded]

Shaping up nicely.
Keep that porn coming.