Which WC setup, EX360 vs RX360 vs EX420 - Page 2

I just got done installing an XSPC 360 kit in my NZXT Switch 810 case. It was easy as sin and only cost $280.

Granted I'm just cooling a CPU, that is MASSIVELY overclocked ... from 3.5GHz to 5.0GHz (and climbing), but the wonderful thing with the switch and the XSPC system, you can EASILY add another water block on to your video card, and pick up another 120.2 radiator and expand your loop and waste nothing.

Here is my build log, which includes a bunch of pictures if you are interested.

[Build Log] Project White Ranger - 24/7 Team Competition i7 Folder

I got it from FrozenCPU.com for $280 ... PerformancePC is a good place too, but I was ordering some things that PPC didn't have, so I just ordered it all from FrozenCPU. Also, I think if you use the discount code "OCN" at check out, you get 5.1% off (which is basically free shipping in my case).







As an aside, the Switch 810 is so big that even if you don't want to use the "pre-built" kit from XSPC, which is a 120.3 kit, there is enough room (if you remove the very top drive bay) to put a 140.3 up there, even in a "push/pull" configuration ... with NOTHING protruding from the case on top or need to modify the case in any way). Down below, you are pretty much limited to a 120.2 though (without mods), but there too you can put it in a "push/pull" config.

Now that is using the slim radiators. If you went with the fan RX360s (60mm), then you will most likely only be able to put 2/3 fans on, because putting 4/6 on for a "push/pull" might run into issues with the lower fans hitting your motherboard. But in all honesty, the slim radiators in a "push/pull" config are more than enough ... especially if you go to the 140.3 up top and a 120.2 down below in a "push/pull".


Edited by 47 Knucklehead - 9/27/12 at 10:41am

you can also use the promo code facebook if you order off of jab-tech, at least you could a week ago

I highly recommend the EX420 for the top of the Switch 810, it's an easy installation provided you don't mind drilling 8 holes for the middle and rear fan mounts. It fits in push pull easily with the Rampage 4 Extreme (the only one I have tested it with) and paired with 6 Bgears Blasters 140mm fans push pull, it is very powerful. You are essentially getting slightly more surface area than a 480 rad but with only 3 fans per side. With the split fins, and at 19fpi, you reallyaaren't losing much if any surface area over thicker rads, and even if you do lose a small amount, the huge effort required to fit a full thickness rad up top is not worth it IMO for the possible 5-8% max gains. XSPC really hit it out of the park with the EX series.
Plus, you can still fit a 60mm thick rad in the bottom of the case, even in push pull, to further increase cooling.

For a pump, the MCP35X is the top dog IMO, and provides the absolute best performance for the money with a compact size and air cooled design meaning that you won't have the 30W of heat dumped into your loop from a D5. The PWM control, included best-Performance top, and $80-85 price make it almost perfect. However, as it's air cooled, you MUST BUY THE HEATSINK! It's the best $12 you can spend, as it will drop the temp of the pump PCB by 35-45C depending on airflow, and even more if you grab an 80x15mm fan to mount directly to the heatsink ($8 for a very nice one @ PPCs). The hardware for mountingthe ffan is included with the heatsink.

If you don't want to mod, then maybe an EX360 with push pull, you could use RX series but you might not be able to fit push pull fans in.

You could also go for the slimline alphacools, I think they're the XTs in their lineup