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Loop is done, could use advice on how to proceed (thread title changed once more)

2K views 49 replies 9 participants last post by  RnRollie 
#1 ·
Hi there fellow overclockers.

I've been thinking about going over to water for quite some time now and finally I feel the time is right. I thought I'd start with a 360-kit and just the cpu and take a clooser look at the gpu's once I feel I know better what the hell I'm doing.

My first question...

I started looking at the 360 XE kit from EK, prices for that with some surrounding stuff I want lands at ~500€. Then I found a similar kit from Phobya at a better price (~330€) so I thought it had to be some major differences. But the thickness of the radiator was the same, the reservoir was actually bigger... and since I'm a noob at this I don't really know how to tell why the prices differ so much. I've got the money for the Phobya, so if you think it's worth it and isn't that much of a difference then I'm sending an order tomorrow
wink.gif


https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-kit-x360
http://www.aquatuning.se/vattenkylning/kit-und-system/interna-kits/16022/phobya-pure-performance-kit-360lt?c=5264 (press "Beskrivning" for english)

Second question:

All builds I look at seem to have the cpu block this way



Is there a specific reason to this or is it possible to turn it 45 degrees? Cause I've been thinking of setting is up like this



Two 90 degree fittings on the cpu block, one on the radiator and one down on the side of the pump. One 45 degree on the radiator and one on the top of the reservoir. Then straight ones on the bottom of the reservoir and one on the top of the pump. In my world this would be the best setup... shortest way for the water to travel and as few bends on the tubes as well. Remeber that I'm a noob at this and my logic might be like that of a woman
wink.gif


I want it black and red. So I've added four 90 degree fittings, two 45 degree fitting and two straight ones. Besides this I've added biocide and red dye... am I missing something or would I be good to go with this?



The only thing I'm afraid might be a problem is the fittings on the radiator. Will it hit the fan next to it? Could/should I use an extension of some kind?

Would this be the correct thing? http://www.aquatuning.se/vattenkylning/anslutningar/adaptrar/12268/koolance-verlaengerung-20mm-g1/4-auf-g1/4-black?c=5300

How about the length of the thread, are those correct on the fittings I've chosen?

I really need your help guys!

Thanks in advance and sorry for all stupid questions
wink.gif
 
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#2 ·
Yes, you can have the fittings point any direction you want.
You don't show flow direction in your drawing. The best setup is Pump . Rad > Block . Res. But note that the water temp anywhere in a loop doesn't vary by more that 1/2°c so loop order isn't critical.

As for the p[performance of those systems you best bet is to read testing results (not reviews!) that have actual flow rates, temps, fan rpms, etc.

You might want to read this article on choosing a pump. It points out many of the concepts involved in watercooling.

https://martinsliquidlab.wordpress.com/pump-planning-guide/
 
#3 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bogga View Post

Hi there fellow overclockers.

I've been thinking about going over to water for quite some time now and finally I feel the time is right. I thought I'd start with a 360-kit and just the cpu and take a clooser look at the gpu's once I feel I know better what the hell I'm doing.

My first question...

I started looking at the 360 XE kit from EK, prices for that with some surrounding stuff I want lands at ~500€. Then I found a similar kit from Phobya at a better price (~330€) so I thought it had to be some major differences. But the thickness of the radiator was the same, the reservoir was actually bigger... and since I'm a noob at this I don't really know how to tell why the prices differ so much. I've got the money for the Phobya, so if you think it's worth it and isn't that much of a difference then I'm sending an order tomorrow
wink.gif


https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-kit-x360
http://www.aquatuning.se/vattenkylning/kit-und-system/interna-kits/16022/phobya-pure-performance-kit-360lt?c=5264 (press "Beskrivning" for english)

Second question:

All builds I look at seem to have the cpu block this way



Is there a specific reason to this or is it possible to turn it 45 degrees? Cause I've been thinking of setting is up like this



Two 90 degree fittings on the cpu block, one on the radiator and one down on the side of the pump. One 45 degree on the radiator and one on the top of the reservoir. Then straight ones on the bottom of the reservoir and one on the top of the pump. In my world this would be the best setup... shortest way for the water to travel and as few bends on the tubes as well. Remeber that I'm a noob at this and my logic might be like that of a woman
wink.gif


I want it black and red. So I've added four 90 degree fittings, two 45 degree fitting and two straight ones. Besides this I've added biocide and red dye... am I missing something or would I be good to go with this?



The only thing I'm afraid might be a problem is the fittings on the radiator. Will it hit the fan next to it? Could/should I use an extension of some kind?

Would this be the correct thing? http://www.aquatuning.se/vattenkylning/anslutningar/adaptrar/12268/koolance-verlaengerung-20mm-g1/4-auf-g1/4-black?c=5300

How about the length of the thread, are those correct on the fittings I've chosen?

I really need your help guys!

Thanks in advance and sorry for all stupid questions
wink.gif
I will Generalize at first as your post description was generalized at first.

Phyoba is subpar cheap stuff in pretty much every way possible, it isn't really bad IMO although a lot of people will tell you it is horrible and stay far far away from it. I have heard a lot of people say phyoba fittings are prone to leaks and the quality control on all products is not very good. The fittings thing I do not know as I dont use there fittings (I dont see those compression's leaking but idk, I think that more applies to there rotaries). There Quality control however I can vouch for that it is not very good, they fill the cheap end of the watercooling industry, that doesnt mean there stuff is bad, it just doesnt have the quality other makers do.

Then we have EK, EK is pretty much the best in terms of watercooling company's. There components top the charts in almost every category there QC is pretty good. We will get more into this below.

Radiators -
Now we can get into performance questions, The EK XE rad that comes in that kit is the best 120mm rad on the market period. It scales extremely well with high fan speeds as it has a High FPI, however at low fan speeds it does lose to some rads, this is made up for with the average. If you want the best at every fan speed (something that can scale with your fans) then the XE is top dog. There is rads that are better with very slow fans in the 700rpmish range however at 1000RPMs+ the XE takes the lead and never gives it up, even at low speeds it is in the top 10 for sure.

The Phyoba G changer, is a middling rad, it isnt the best it isnt the worse, it holds a steady spot in the middle of the charts so it is mediocre.

http://www.xtremerigs.net/2015/02/11/radiator-round-2015/5/

Waterblock -

The Supremacy EVO is the best CPU block on the market, It is rivaled by none in any situation it is the top dog. It is not as good as the old supremacy but that is EOL so EVO is best bet.

The Phyoba block is one of the highest restriction CPU blocks on the market by alot. It is also not that good of a performer not even middling with rad its straight out pretty bad, however this will only make a 5-8c difference tops and most likely not even that much.

http://www.xtremerigs.net/2014/08/27/ek-supremacy-evo/

Pump -
The 2 most common and considered best (and for a reason
smile.gif
) pumps in water cooling are the DDC and D5 they are both Laing designed pumps however brands like EK and swifthech re brand them. The EK kit comes with a DDC pump with a optional heatsink installed, this pump alone would cost US 120 dollars if bought separately (The kit US is 380 for me).

The Phyoba kit includes a Phobya DC12-260, which is a much cheaper much less reliable and much worse performing pump all around. I would choose the EK personally due to the pump choices alone, never mind the fact the EK is superior in every single way.

Fans -
Fans we have another loss for the Phyoba, with EK including there Vardar series, in terms of fans for radiators and there performance the Vardars are second only to the Gentle Typhoons that they mimic. Vardars are 20 dollar a piece rad fans phyoba well see below.

The phyoba fans are 10 dollars a piece, now money isnt everything however they are 10 dollars because they are not very good. They are decent all around fans, They do not have the best SP nor airflow they are not great for rads they are not great for airflow they're just meh in every way.

So in closing you have a choice, you can pay more and get the best, pay less and get the meh.

The EK has pretty much the best components you can buy all in a nice package for way less than you would pay if you were to piece it out. The EK is also newer alot newer, that kit is new for 2015 and includes all the newest and best components you will find.

The Phyoba is cheaper and will provide a Meh situation its performance will be middling at best, its components are all old that kit was designed in 2012. In the defense of Phyoba they do not have the R&D money that EK has, they have not put out new components IE rads, CPU blocks ect since 2012, This is largely due to the fact that not many people buy Phyoba parts as they are not very good. They are very budget friendly though so if this is a concern they are a valid option. The difference in temps will be less than 15c (most likely less then 10c but not by much.), 5-10c could be gained just by using a better thermal paste or turning your fans faster so it isn't much at all (of course the EK could benefit from the same).

Now I do not want to deter you from the Phyoba, if budget is a concern than it is a concern and there is nothing wrong with that. The Phyoba kit is a solid bit of kit for the price. It will cool your CPU and much better than an AIO or an air cooler. I am simply providing you with an answer as to is there a difference, there is.

This is like comparing a Toyota to a Ferrari, The Toyota will do what it needs to do and get the job done, it wont look especially well doing it and dont take it to the track. The Ferrari Can be taken to the track and is much more flashy however it has a much much higher cost of entry.

So do you want to get from A point to point B, or do you want to race.

If you want to use 90s on the rad, depending what side you put the fans on ya you will need extension fittings. However you could avoid this by putting the fans on the other side.

And these are not stupid questions, we all hard to start somewhere in our watercooling adventure
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#4 ·
Thanks for the answers, since wifey have got horses and i just spent 1300€ on other components then funding is an issue.... haha. I had a feeling it was like you said.

I've got nothing to compare with since I'm new to this so I suppose the phobya will feel like an upgrade from my current phanteks cooler. Of course I want nice things, but I'm not looking to break any records. Just doing it for fun
smile.gif


I've put other fittings in my order so I hope they won't leak
wink.gif
 
#5 ·
As said above the quality of all the components in the EK kit is much higher than the Phobya. You pretty much get what you pay for in kits.
The X series kits are the luxury kits though. Their L series kits are cheaper and is composed of excellent quality parts. Much better quality than other brands of low cost kits.

If the L series kits had been around when I first got into the hobby I would have saved a lot of money. They would be first choice to recommend to newcomers without any doubt. The X series are just a bit nicer again.
 
#6 ·
I have had a couple of Phobya bits and they worked fine. But seriously like only 2 things.

I don't know what they were thinking when they named the company and tacked on their slogan.

Phobya--Fear it!

Yes, we do. Which is why we don't buy it.

On the other hand, if you order from aquatuning (Phobya parent company), you'll get some Phobya gummy bears.
 
#7 ·
Haha seems like I'm in for a ride since I didn't wait and decided to go ahead last night and order it... wish me luck
doh.gif


Before I got answers from you all I decided to check reviews and all reviews I could find said it wasn't the best out there but still an ok kit.

Quality aside... the fittings and all things in the package in my third picture, all those things will fit together? After all my noobish research my conclusion was that it would
 
#8 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by electro2u View Post

I have had a couple of Phobya bits and they worked fine. But seriously like only 2 things.

I don't know what they were thinking when they named the company and tacked on their slogan.

Phobya--Fear it!

Yes, we do. Which is why we don't buy it.

On the other hand, if you order from aquatuning (Phobya parent company), you'll get some Phobya gummy bears.
"Yes, we do. Which is why we don't buy it." HAHAHAHAHA, I am seriously on the floor right now that is too good.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bogga View Post

Haha seems like I'm in for a ride since I didn't wait and decided to go ahead last night and order it... wish me luck
doh.gif


Before I got answers from you all I decided to check reviews and all reviews I could find said it wasn't the best out there but still an ok kit.

Quality aside... the fittings and all things in the package in my third picture, all those things will fit together? After all my noobish research my conclusion was that it would
Ya should be fine man, and ya that Phyoba kit will be much better than the Phanteks cooler. However a word of warning, you have just entered the bottomless pit of addiction that is water cooling, be prepared to put your paycheck direct deposit to your chosen water cooling retailer
smile.gif
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#9 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bogga View Post

Before I got answers from you all I decided to check reviews and all reviews I could find said it wasn't the best out there but still an ok kit.
For next time:
You won't be able to find a "review" anywhere, for anything, that actually says what was reviewed was junk. Reviewers just don't do that. You want to look at test results and compare those. It's a lot more work, but will filter out the junk.
 
#10 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by billbartuska View Post

For next time:
You won't be able to find a "review" anywhere, for anything, that actually says what was reviewed was junk. Reviewers just don't do that. You want to look at test results and compare those. It's a lot more work, but will filter out the junk.
I have actually seen a few reviews that specifically used those words "This is Junk" hahaha. but In agree it is very rare and so awesome when it does happen.

I have seen linus trash some stuff really really hard.
 
#11 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by billbartuska View Post

For next time:
You won't be able to find a "review" anywhere, for anything, that actually says what was reviewed was junk. Reviewers just don't do that. You want to look at test results and compare those. It's a lot more work, but will filter out the junk.
I guess I'm spoiled but a Swedish site called sweclockers do "honest" reviews and have a huge impact here in Sweden. If something is straight out bad, well then they say so.

When you said this I immediately started thinking about 3dgameman and his 100% kick ass products (which 100% of all reviews got)

But all those graphs, are they just manufactured? Do they really do that?
 
#12 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by billbartuska View Post

For next time:
You won't be able to find a "review" anywhere, for anything, that actually says what was reviewed was junk. Reviewers just don't do that. You want to look at test results and compare those. It's a lot more work, but will filter out the junk.
Not true. I written reviews and basically stated that the component had no redeeming qualities. I got a call from the site owner simply asking "is it really that bad?". If I said yes, he published as is. If I hedged, he asked me to at least express the points that made me hedge. Only thing I liked about writing for that site was the fact that they didn't kiss manufacturers' rings. We called it as we saw it.
 
#13 ·
I wrote a question on the site asking if it would fit the 1151 socket. I assumed it would since I used that on my Phanteks and after reading these two...

https://www.digitec.ch/en/s1/product/phobya-pure-performance-kit-360lt-cpu-water-coolers-2452776
https://pcpartpicker.com/forums/topic/97158-will-lga1150-cpu-coolers-be-compatible-with-upcoming-skylake-socket-lga1151

But the reply I got from the administrator on their site said "no it is not for the 1151". So do I have to call Germany tomorrow and tell them not to send the package or will it fit despite what he said?

EDIT: Googled some more and found numerous other sites that said that most coolers that fits 1150 will fit the 1151. The one I'm going for is the swiss site selling the same kit where it says that it will fit the 1151...
 
#14 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by billbartuska View Post

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bogga View Post

Before I got answers from you all I decided to check reviews and all reviews I could find said it wasn't the best out there but still an ok kit.
For next time:
You won't be able to find a "review" anywhere, for anything, that actually says what was reviewed was junk. Reviewers just don't do that. You want to look at test results and compare those. It's a lot more work, but will filter out the junk.
You won't be able to find many "reviews" a "review" anywhere, for anything, that actually says what was reviewed was junk. Reviewers just don't do that very often. You want to look at test results and compare those. It's a lot more work, but will filter out the junk.

Better?.................
 
#15 ·
Generally speaking, unless a product is just that bad (usually if that's the case, the manufacturer wouldn't even ship out review units or will send out cherry picked ones), reviewers tend to try to be at least a bit diplomatic with their criticism to avoid pissing off the manufacturer and get blacklisted. It is shady on the side of the manufacturers when it does happen, but hey, it's ultimately the manufacturer's call of who gets review units. A good example of this would be AMD and the Nano which ended up getting a fair amount of backlash.
 
#16 ·
While what billbartuska is not completely wrong, what @ciarlatano said is more accurate.

OC'ing Noob says it best
Quote:
reviewers tend to try to be at least a bit diplomatic with their criticism to avoid pissing off the manufacturer and get blacklisted
@ciarlatano & I would have a hard time getting test samples from one popular CLC seller.
tongue.gif


When reading reviews wording like "this product is good for most ..." means it's just acceptable. Wording like 'it performs well' means performance was acceptable, but not at all great.
 
#17 ·
Sorry - didn't mean to lend a hand in derailing the thread. I have actually been following it since I have been one of those who "Fear It" when they see Phobya and was hoping to get a little insight from those that have actually used their products. I freely admit that my Phobya phobia has no first hand experience behind it, and is completely based on word of mouth, and something always seeming a bit off about their products when I see them.
 
#18 ·
Lucky like *insert curse word of your choice*! When thinking about how to set up the loop it hit me that I might need extension for the 90 degree fitting on the rad. So I just took a chance and bought something that in my mind seemed to be the logical solution... boy was I lucky!

xeQobmI.jpg
 
#19 ·
Encountered more problems than I anticipated... I thought I was being thorough but boy was I wrong. Don't know what I would've done if I wouldn't have bought all those extra fittings. I knew the reservoir was big and the same with the radiator. But I knew that in a worst case scenario I could remove the hdd-bays in the bottom. I realised immediately that I would have to do that and also that I had to set the pump next to the reservoir instead of beneath it. But I've tried to remin calm and think things through and come up with this solution, and this is where I'd appreciate if you guys could tell me if I'm doing things right?
biggrin.gif


This is how I set up the pump/reservoir



The hose from the pump up to the cpu will go through the cable management hole to the left.

My plans for this is: Switch the 45 fitting on the rad to a straight one which will go down to the reservoir. A 45 on the cpu which will "receive" water from the pump and finally a 90 on the cpu that will push water to the 90 fitting on the rad. The water flow is very nicely drawn by me in paint! So am I doing this right or are my plans totally worthless?

 
#20 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bogga View Post

Encountered more problems than I anticipated... I thought I was being thorough but boy was I wrong. Don't know what I would've done if I wouldn't have bought all those extra fittings. I knew the reservoir was big and the same with the radiator. But I knew that in a worst case scenario I could remove the hdd-bays in the bottom. I realised immediately that I would have to do that and also that I had to set the pump next to the reservoir instead of beneath it. But I've tried to remin calm and think things through and come up with this solution, and this is where I'd appreciate if you guys could tell me if I'm doing things right?
biggrin.gif


This is how I set up the pump/reservoir



The hose from the pump up to the cpu will go through the cable management hole to the left.

My plans for this is: Switch the 45 fitting on the rad to a straight one which will go down to the reservoir. A 45 on the cpu which will "receive" water from the pump and finally a 90 on the cpu that will push water to the 90 fitting on the rad. The water flow is very nicely drawn by me in paint! So am I doing this right or are my plans totally worthless?

Looks fine, however I wouldn't use the pump like that. A 90 degree fitting right before the pump inlet like that is about the worst place you can have a 90 and should be avoided if at all possible. If you can connect the pump to the reservoir with a straight coupler that is best. However if you cant well the you cant and carry on, but if you can make it work with a straight that is advisable.
 
#21 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cyber Locc View Post

Looks fine, however I wouldn't use the pump like that. A 90 degree fitting right before the pump inlet like that is about the worst place you can have a 90 and should be avoided if at all possible. If you can connect the pump to the reservoir with a straight coupler that is best. However if you cant well the you cant and carry on, but if you can make it work with a straight that is advisable.
Read a lot about fittings just now and the opinions seems to differ a lot. But just as you said the general nono is a 90 degree before the pump. Question is, how will the pump work lying down on the side?
 
#22 ·
Since when is Phobya a subsidiary of Aquatuning? Always thought it was Alphacool...
blinksmiley.gif


And to sidetrack a bit... comparing a Ferrari to a Toyota is not the best comparison there is... sure the Ferrari will look a lot more flash and fly around the track. But the Toyota will start every morning and take you where ever you want to go without hassle for 20 years... which is not something which can be said for a Ferrari ... it remains a FIAT and italian cars DO tend to have issues
smile.gif


And to completely sidetrack Lamborghini used to be even more prone to "italian car issues" ... but those are now completely gone, since a Lambo is now essentially a Volkswagen
smile.gif


Anyways @OP : "Starter kits" : Swiftech H220X/H240X/H320X , EK WB , XSPC Raystorm D5 , Alphacool

PS: oh, i just noticed that i am several days behind the ball... nvm
smile.gif
 
#24 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bogga View Post

Running out of space haha... opinions on 45 degree out of reservoir and 45 degree in to a 2cm extension in to the pump and then a straight fitting straight up to the CPU?
Yoou can just use a 90 its just better not to, but if you have to you have to and dont worry about it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by RnRollie View Post

Since when is Phobya a subsidiary of Aquatuning? Always thought it was Alphacool...
blinksmiley.gif
Aquatuning owns both Phyoba and Alphacool, It think Aquacomputer is also there subsidiary as well, so they have the low end (Phyoba) the Midrange (Alphacool) and the top Line (Aquacomputer) not that that makes a whole lot of sense but I am pretty sure thats the case.
 
#25 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cyber Locc View Post

Yoou can just use a 90 its just better not to, but if you have to you have to and dont worry about it.
The reason for my thoughts about the 45 degree was because I didn't check in and out from the pump. A 90 degree won't work when turned the right way. So a 45 degree out of the reservoir down to a 45, an extension of 20 mm and the the pump will work quite alright (at least in my head since I'm at work now)
wink.gif
 
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