(Edit - if you’re new to the forum, this build has evolved a ton, since I started this journey - be sure to check the newer pages for pics of its current state)
So early in the year I decided I wanted to do some upgrades to my computer. I've always wanted to build a custom cooling loop to replace my aging Corsair H100 AIO, but never been brave enough to do so... until now.
I am still running sandybridge-e, and have yet to make the leap to a newer cpu/mobo. I am waiting on Intel to release their latest generation chips, as I currently am struggling to justify replacing my trusty i7-3930k as it still serves me very well to this day, OC'd to 4.4 Ghz.
I figured rather than spend money on a new cpu and jumping into a custom loop, I'd start with the loop and if I screwed up, at least I wouldn't fry a brand new cpu and/or mobo.
I started purchasing parts direct from EKWB, not knowing Dazmode was right here in Canada. So glad I found such an excellent distributor of quality water-cooling parts, close to my home! (Although my wallet isn't thanking me, LOL)
My first install was pretty simple, just cooling my CPU:
So I decided to expand and added a second Rad, along with a block on my newly purchased GTX 1080 Ti:
While I was very satisfied with the cooling performance, I wasn't really happy with the looks.
The TT Level 10 GT wasn't really made with water-cooling in mind. So after much browsing of various cases, I decided to purchase an EVGA DG-86... and bigger rads and a new modular psu with black cables. I also ended up sleeving all the other cables in the system, myself. Fan, pump, etc. (I think I need help! =D )
I have to say I'm very pleased with the look and performance, (And silence) of this new build! I don't have a name for it... maybe "Insanity" based on the amount of time & money I ended up spending on it, LOL.
It was a rewarding experience and I learned a lot during the whole process.
I've been forum lurking for a while, and have many people to thank here for your insights posted throughout this forum. Your posts, and Daz' (and many other youtubers ) vids helped a great deal with getting to this end result.
My next steps?
Next time I drain/service the loop, I want to put a larger res tube in and add some sort of lighting to the res itself. This may not happen until I get a new cpu, mobo and memory, though. (Depending on how impressed I am, with Intel's next gen.)
Cheers,
Mack
So early in the year I decided I wanted to do some upgrades to my computer. I've always wanted to build a custom cooling loop to replace my aging Corsair H100 AIO, but never been brave enough to do so... until now.
I am still running sandybridge-e, and have yet to make the leap to a newer cpu/mobo. I am waiting on Intel to release their latest generation chips, as I currently am struggling to justify replacing my trusty i7-3930k as it still serves me very well to this day, OC'd to 4.4 Ghz.
I figured rather than spend money on a new cpu and jumping into a custom loop, I'd start with the loop and if I screwed up, at least I wouldn't fry a brand new cpu and/or mobo.
I started purchasing parts direct from EKWB, not knowing Dazmode was right here in Canada. So glad I found such an excellent distributor of quality water-cooling parts, close to my home! (Although my wallet isn't thanking me, LOL)
My first install was pretty simple, just cooling my CPU:
So I decided to expand and added a second Rad, along with a block on my newly purchased GTX 1080 Ti:
While I was very satisfied with the cooling performance, I wasn't really happy with the looks.
The TT Level 10 GT wasn't really made with water-cooling in mind. So after much browsing of various cases, I decided to purchase an EVGA DG-86... and bigger rads and a new modular psu with black cables. I also ended up sleeving all the other cables in the system, myself. Fan, pump, etc. (I think I need help! =D )
I have to say I'm very pleased with the look and performance, (And silence) of this new build! I don't have a name for it... maybe "Insanity" based on the amount of time & money I ended up spending on it, LOL.
It was a rewarding experience and I learned a lot during the whole process.
I've been forum lurking for a while, and have many people to thank here for your insights posted throughout this forum. Your posts, and Daz' (and many other youtubers ) vids helped a great deal with getting to this end result.
My next steps?
Next time I drain/service the loop, I want to put a larger res tube in and add some sort of lighting to the res itself. This may not happen until I get a new cpu, mobo and memory, though. (Depending on how impressed I am, with Intel's next gen.)
Cheers,
Mack
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