[Build Log] NINJA - TJ08E CPU/GPU loop + Swiftech Apogee Drive 2

Ok...finally pulled the trigger on a whole bunch of parts and want to do a build log

I am downsizing from a 650D to a TJ08-E and wanted to go with WC after the H80 I bought sounded like a coffee grinder and is off for RMA!! Rather than replace it and hope for a good one, I will take things into my own hands!!

CPU - 3570k or 2600k
GPU - Gigabyte GTX 670
RAM - 32Gb G.skill ripjaws
SSD - Crucial M4 - 256GB
HDD - 2 x Hitachi Deskstar 5K3000 - 2TB
MOBO - Asrock Z77 Professional-M
PSU - Seasonic M12II 620W

I need to get both the 3570 and 2600 under water and see which one performs the best, then sell the loser

Watercooling parts are ordered from Swiftech and Performance-pcs and on the way...

I went with the new Swiftech Apogee Drive 2 as it is an integrated CPU water block and MCP35X pump, in a single unit. Supposed to be better/similar performance as the Apogee HD block which is good enough for me. This setup should save me some space and the PWM controlled pump will let me tune the speed to ensure quiet operation

The parts list is leaning towards the cheaper side on all the components, but still has some bling

The loop could be a little weird as the pump is built into the CPU block so the order will be from the RES > CPU > 120 > GPU > 180 > RES
Open to suggestions here though and hopefully I can get by with the 4 x 45 degree fittings, but will try and use as few as possible.

1 x EK-FC680 GTX for nVidia Reference Design GeForce GTX 680 & 670 - Acetal (EK-FC680GTX-AC)

8 x PrimoFlex Pro LRT Black Tubing -3/8in. ID X 5/8in. OD (PFLEXP-58-BK)
1 x Monsoon Free Center Compression Fittings, 3/8" x 5/8" Six Pack - Red (MON-FC-3858-6-RD)
4 x Monsoon Free Center Compression Fittings, 3/8" x 5/8" Single - Red (MON-FC-3858-1-RD)
1 x Monsoon Silver Bullet Antimicrobial G1/4 Plug (MON-PLUG-AG-BLK)
4 x Enzotech 45 Degree Rotary Fitting - Male-Female G 1/4 Thread - Matte Black (BRMF-G1/4-45)

1 x Magicool Pro Slim Profile 1X120mm Radiator - Black (LC-RADI120)
1 x Magicool 180 Slim Radiator - Single 180/35mm Thick (MC-RAD180)

1 x XSPC Bay Reservoir 5.25" - Aluminum Front -Black/Silver (XSPC-BAYRES525-AL)
Edited by zer0sum - 6/5/12 at 3:56pm

Impressed with both performance-pcs and swiftech as they both shipped the same day that I ordered

Trying to do a bit of loop design before getting the parts and would really appreciate any advice people might have
I have 6 x straight and 4 x 45 degree fittings to work with, and as you can see things are a bit tight. The diagram isn't to scale but its relatively close I think



Here is the same case full of parts in a slightly different layout. I have the pump built into the CPU block so dont need that extra tubing...and it looks like I may be able to go out the top of the GPU across to the 180mm

Edited by zer0sum - 5/31/12 at 4:00pm

I was going to go with a skythe fan controller in the bottom 3.5" bay but decided it would be a mess with my HDD there, so I went with a Lamptron FC5V2 that will go in the top 5.25" bay above the res.

I will run it with the red color and am going to replace the blue power and hdd LED's that are built into the case with some red ones to match

That's someone elses, and hopefully I can make mine a bit cleaner as I have a bay res, and the pump build into the cpu block, but these cases are pretty tight to begin with