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Please help confirm my water cooling parts so I can place my order

7K views 225 replies 16 participants last post by  Solarity 
#1 ·
This is my first water cooled build and I decided to go all out and do a hard-tube custom loop using PETG.

I think hardware wise I am good but I am confused with it comes to the fittings needed for the drain and fill ports.

Here's my main parts list so far: (See update below)
Pump/res - https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-xres-140-revo-d5-rgb-pwm-incl-sl-pump
Top rad - https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-coolstream-se-360-slim-triple-5002
Front rad - https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-coolstream-ce-280-dual
Phanteks CPU waterblock
EVGA Hydro Copper 1080

I want to set up both a fill port and drain port so maintenance will be easy down the road.

Drain port:

Now to add my drain port, I will use one of the openings in the pump so I was thinking I would use the below:
1. 90 degree fitting from pump angled down - https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-af-angled-90-g1-4-black
2. Ball valve connected to 90 degree fitting - https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-af-ball-valve-10mm-g1-4-black
3. Use this to connect the 90 degree fitting to the ball valve fitting - https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-af-extender-6mm-m-m-black
4. Compression fitting to connect the ball valve to a piece of PETG. - https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-hdc-fitting-16mm-g1-4-black-6318

Does this look correct? If my parts are correct this should leave me with an empty pipe routed down into the basement of my case. I may decide to go with soft line instead for this but I thought t would be cleaner to see all PETG through the glass of my case. Is it possible to connect soft tube to the end of this PETG, if so what do I need?

Fill port:

At the end of my loop it will dump into the top of my res. What parts will I need to also have a tube possibly routed to the back of my case that I can use to fill when needed. I also need to prevent fluid from going into this tube while the system is running. If I can get around this by just lifting the top off of my res then I'll just do that, but I'm not sure how it's possible when you have hard tubing connected.

Thanks and sorry for the large post. I've been trying to get my parts in order for the past few weeks.

Update: After doing further research and advice from you guys I have the below part list:

XSPC Photon D5 V2 170 Reservoir
Swiftech D5 pump (PWM version)
XSPC D5 aluminum ring
Barrow fittings/parts, all in black. Purchased from FormulaMod on AliExpress
- Compression x 12
- 90 degree rotary x 2
- Extender x 1
- Pressure release valve x 1
- Temperature sensor x 1
- Ball/drain valve (for drain) x 1
- Barbed fitting (for drain) x 1
- Double male connector (for drain) x 1
- Cap/plug x 3
- 240mm radiator (front of case)
- 360mm radiator (top of case)
- PETG/Acrylic cutting/bending kit
- 6 x 12/16mm 500mm long PETG tubing
- 1 x 10x16 soft tubing
EVGA 1080 Superclock GPU
Phanteks 1080 GPU waterblock
Phanteks CPU waterblock
ModMyMods replacement top of Phanteks Evolv TG case
Washer mod for front of case to improve airflow
Mayhems Blitz radiator cleaning kit
Mayhems X1 clear concentrate 100ml
 
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#2 ·
Don't buy the 360 SE. It is a putrid rad. Literally one of the, if not the worst on the market - http://www.xtremerigs.net/2015/02/11/radiator-round-2015/5/

You could literally get better performance from a good quality 240mm. If you can fit another 280 CE in your rig, go that route, or go with a better 360mm.

I have seen a number of people say they had leak issues with the EK angled fittings. The Bitspower rotary fittings are distinctly higher quality. Their fittings in general are higher quality than EK's.

Not sure I would bother with PETG for the drain unless you are doing it for looks. You can simply put a plug in the ball valve and screw in a barb with a short piece of tubing when you need to drain.
 
#3 ·
Thanks for the info, I had no idea that the rad was bad.. I think Jayz2cents used it so I assumed it was good.

When you did your build, did you mix and match parts from different vendors or did you try to buy all from the same company? I personally like the idea of using parts from the same place if the parts are branded. I think I may bail on EK since they are based overseas and I heard their support is not great. If you could provide input on manufacturers that would be great. Bitspower, swiftech, primochill, monsoon, xspc?

As for the drain, I will go with your suggestion and leave the valve plugged and attach a fitting/tube only when needed.
 
#4 ·
Hi there

As above @ciarlatano said I wouldn't go with SE radiators, there are few radiators which performs better

I would have look on HWLabs GTS360 if you want good radiator

Depends on case are you looking to use and loop layout

Regarding the fill port, you can buy for EK reservoir multiport which I have used on my EK X-RES

https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-res-x3-top-v2-multiport

If I would then I would bin the EK amd go with Monsoon MMRS and D5

For fittings I use exclusively or use only Barrow fittings which has been faultless in my case there and plus no issues with leaking plus quality of them is pretty much good and price for these fittings is pretty good there

Hope this helps

Thanks, Jura
 
#5 ·
Thank you! If I go with individual pump/res setup with Monsoon MMRS and D5, do I only need those 2 components or are there other parts that come with a pump/res combo that I would need to buy?

I did read about the Barrow fittings, someone said they ordered them on alibaba and had no issues and they are inexpensive.

The case I am using is the Phanteks Enthoo Evolv tempered glass. I will have to see which rads I can fit. I picked the EK rads because I looked at a few builds with my case in which those rads were used.
 
#6 ·
Hi there

With Monsoon MMRS you can choose what you want to have or what not there

Have look on this page

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/assembled-monsoon-mmrs-fully-customisable-reservoir-wc-42f-mo.html#t=a;b,c;d8

Price is in British pounds ÂŁ and I assume if you are in US or EU price will be different or lower if you are in US

Regarding the Barrow fittings you can buy them like on eBay or Aliexpress(FormulaMod) and eBay seller for UK is good one mizucooling

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/mizucooling/Other-Fittings-/_i.html?_dmd=2&_fsub=8347385013&_sid=267273683&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322&_vc=1&rmvSB=true&ul_ref=http%253A%252F%252Frover.ebay.com%252Frover%252F1%252F711-53200-19255-0%252F1%253Fcampid%253D5337413396%2526toolid%253D10001%2526mpre%253Dhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fstores.ebay.co.uk%25252Fmizucooling%25252FOther-Fittings-%25252F_i.html%25253F_dmd%25253D2%252526_fsub%25253D8347385013%

For Enthoo EVOLV I would really ask above @ciarlatano as he have this case and same Monsoon MMRS reservoir and for radiators HWLabs GTS360, I use these radiators and very happy with these radiators

Hope this helps

Thanks, Jura
 
#7 ·
Perfect, I am glad I did not place my EK order and posted this thread. Yes I am in the US and would prefer to buy within the US for the sake of speed. While I am in no immediate rush, I do want to start building within the next 2 weeks. The video card I want is not available at the moment and I am waiting on EVGA to make them available.

@ciarlatano, can you please provide what is in your loop and maybe a few pics? I am trying to build my loop with parts that I know will fit my case and are good quality. Money isn't a huge concern but less is better of course.
 
#8 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by RyanBRZ View Post

Perfect, I am glad I did not place my EK order and posted this thread. Yes I am in the US and would prefer to buy within the US for the sake of speed. While I am in no immediate rush, I do want to start building within the next 2 weeks. The video card I want is not available at the moment and I am waiting on EVGA to make them available.

@ciarlatano, can you please provide what is in your loop and maybe a few pics? I am trying to build my loop with parts that I know will fit my case and are good quality. Money isn't a huge concern but less is better of course.
Hi there

I would have look on this thread for ideas and maybe inspiration

http://www.overclock.net/t/1598825/phanteks-enthoo-evolv-atx/1560#post_26428981

Hope this helps

Thanks, Jura
 
#9 ·
I loaded my aliexpress cart with all Barrow parts (fittings / PETG / radiators / res+pump) and I am spending a little over half (including shipping) of what I was going to spend on EK stuff. The only thing I am unsure about is the pump res combo, does anyone have any experience with them? If no good I may just go with the combo from EK, unless you guys have any recommendations.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Barrow-12V-17w-Water-pump-sets-water-cooling-pump-cooling-system-water-pump-computer-speed-SPB17/32763383695.html?spm=a2g0s.13010208.99999999.262.S7Pl9p

If I was to piece together a pump res combo, what components do I need besides the res tube and pump itself? I'm not a big fan of the clear part of the one I linked above, I'd rather have an all black setup.
 
#10 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by RyanBRZ View Post

I loaded my aliexpress cart with all Barrow parts (fittings / PETG / radiators / res+pump) and I am spending a little over half (including shipping) of what I was going to spend on EK stuff. The only thing I am unsure about is the pump res combo, does anyone have any experience with them? If no good I may just go with the combo from EK, unless you guys have any recommendations.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Barrow-12V-17w-Water-pump-sets-water-cooling-pump-cooling-system-water-pump-computer-speed-SPB17/32763383695.html?spm=a2g0s.13010208.99999999.262.S7Pl9p

If I was to piece together a pump res combo, what components do I need besides the res tube and pump itself? I'm not a big fan of the clear part of the one I linked above, I'd rather have an all black setup.
Hi there

I agree you will spend less when you will go with Barrow fittings

I never used Barrow pump and reservoir combo and due this I can't comment on that, but I know friend is using similar combo with which is happy

This combo does looks like DDC and if you will go with DDC add there heatsink as well

Depends on budget but I would go with Monsoon MMRS reservoir and pump combo,have this and very happy with that combo personally

Hope this helps

Thanks, Jura
 
#11 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by jura11 View Post

Hi there

I agree you will spend less when you will go with Barrow fittings

I never used Barrow pump and reservoir combo and due this I can't comment on that, but I know friend is using similar combo with which is happy

This combo does looks like DDC and if you will go with DDC add there heatsink as well

Depends on budget but I would go with Monsoon MMRS reservoir and pump combo,have this and very happy with that combo personally

Hope this helps

Thanks, Jura
Thank you for the input. While that tool looks awesome, I do not fully understand it. I am better off buying a ready to go combo I think. I just want a 10-15cm tall res tube, 1-in & 2-out ports in the pump base, and 2 ports (1 for fill, 1 for pressure relief valve) on the res cap.
 
#12 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by RyanBRZ View Post

Thank you for the input. While that tool looks awesome, I do not fully understand it. I am better off buying a ready to go combo I think. I just want a 10-15cm tall res tube, 1-in & 2-out ports in the pump base, and 2 ports (1 for fill, 1 for pressure relief valve) on the res cap.
Hi there

Over in PPCS this combo will cost you around $227 USD which can be lot for many people but is well worth it

http://www.performance-pcs.com/monsoon-mmrs-fully-assembled-and-customizable-reservoir-style-8.html

For money is hard to argue with these Barrow combos, I just not sure what pump is there and how long this pump will last

But still this combo does look good and is not expensive

Hope this helps

Thanks, Jura
 
#13 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by jura11 View Post

Hi there

Over in PPCS this combo will cost you around $227 USD which can be lot for many people but is well worth it

http://www.performance-pcs.com/monsoon-mmrs-fully-assembled-and-customizable-reservoir-style-8.html

For money is hard to argue with these Barrow combos, I just not sure what pump is there and how long this pump will last

But still this combo does look good and is not expensive

Hope this helps

Thanks, Jura
I'm at $214 but I do not know what all of these components do, specifically the tension rod and reservoir end cap1 and 2

Here's what I built:

Tube Length
100mm
Tube Color
Clear - -$2.00
Tension Rod Length
100mm - -$4.00
Tension Rod Color
Matte Black
Reservoir End Cap 1
D5 Pump Mount
Reservoir End Cap 1 Color
Black
Reservoir End Cap 2
Triple Port - -$1.00
Reservoir End Cap 2 Color
Black
D5 Motor Mounting Cover
Matte Black
Reservoir Mounts Length
25mm
Reservoir Mount Color
White
Fill Drain Port Round Caps
None
Dual Bulb CCFL Lights
None - -$6.55
Dual Bulb CCFL Light Color
None
Sleeve Lighting Power Cable
No. Leave Cable Stock
Pump Cable
No, leave stock cable
D5 Pumps
EK-D5-PWM-MOTOR - $89.99
Sleeve Color
Allure Premium Black Sleeving
Heatshrink Color
Black
 
#14 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by RyanBRZ View Post

Thanks for the info, I had no idea that the rad was bad.. I think Jayz2cents used it so I assumed it was good.

When you did your build, did you mix and match parts from different vendors or did you try to buy all from the same company? I personally like the idea of using parts from the same place if the parts are branded. I think I may bail on EK since they are based overseas and I heard their support is not great. If you could provide input on manufacturers that would be great. Bitspower, swiftech, primochill, monsoon, xspc?

As for the drain, I will go with your suggestion and leave the valve plugged and attach a fitting/tube only when needed.
Listening to youtube channels as advice is like quoting Wikipedia as evidence. Don't do either.
 
#15 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by RyanBRZ View Post

I'm at $214 but I do not know what all of these components do, specifically the tension rod and reservoir end cap1 and 2

Here's what I built:

Tube Length
100mm
Tube Color
Clear - -$2.00
Tension Rod Length
100mm - -$4.00
Tension Rod Color
Matte Black
Reservoir End Cap 1
D5 Pump Mount
Reservoir End Cap 1 Color
Black
Reservoir End Cap 2
Triple Port - -$1.00
Reservoir End Cap 2 Color
Black
D5 Motor Mounting Cover
Matte Black
Reservoir Mounts Length
25mm
Reservoir Mount Color
White
Fill Drain Port Round Caps
None
Dual Bulb CCFL Lights
None - -$6.55
Dual Bulb CCFL Light Color
None
Sleeve Lighting Power Cable
No. Leave Cable Stock
Pump Cable
No, leave stock cable
D5 Pumps
EK-D5-PWM-MOTOR - $89.99
Sleeve Color
Allure Premium Black Sleeving
Heatshrink Color
Black
The tension rods are the bars outside the tube, they actually are what holds the res together. The end caps are just that, the caps at the end of the tube. End cap 1 need to be the D5 pump mount. End cap 2 is your choice of styles - two inlets, three inlets, side inlets, etc. If you call PPCs customer service, they are really helpful in answering MMRS questions and making sure you have it out together correctly.

Also, consider using the Monsoon LED plug rather than the CCFL - http://www.performance-pcs.com/fittings-connectors/monsoon-premium-g-1-4-led-plug-matte-black.html. It is another interesting lighting alternative.

And while using Barrow fittings may be ok (don't know, I never used them), I wouldn't suggest suggest using their main components like rads, pumps, res, etc.
 
#16 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by ciarlatano View Post

Quote:
Originally Posted by RyanBRZ View Post

I'm at $214 but I do not know what all of these components do, specifically the tension rod and reservoir end cap1 and 2

Here's what I built:

Tube Length
100mm
Tube Color
Clear - -$2.00
Tension Rod Length
100mm - -$4.00
Tension Rod Color
Matte Black
Reservoir End Cap 1
D5 Pump Mount
Reservoir End Cap 1 Color
Black
Reservoir End Cap 2
Triple Port - -$1.00
Reservoir End Cap 2 Color
Black
D5 Motor Mounting Cover
Matte Black
Reservoir Mounts Length
25mm
Reservoir Mount Color
White
Fill Drain Port Round Caps
None
Dual Bulb CCFL Lights
None - -$6.55
Dual Bulb CCFL Light Color
None
Sleeve Lighting Power Cable
No. Leave Cable Stock
Pump Cable
No, leave stock cable
D5 Pumps
EK-D5-PWM-MOTOR - $89.99
Sleeve Color
Allure Premium Black Sleeving
Heatshrink Color
Black
The tension rods are the bars outside the tube, they actually are what holds the res together. The end caps are just that, the caps at the end of the tube. End cap 1 need to be the D5 pump mount. End cap 2 is your choice of styles - two inlets, three inlets, side inlets, etc. If you call PPCs customer service, they are really helpful in answering MMRS questions and making sure you have it out together correctly.

Also, consider using the Monsoon LED plug rather than the CCFL - http://www.performance-pcs.com/fittings-connectors/monsoon-premium-g-1-4-led-plug-matte-black.html. It is another interesting lighting alternative.

And while using Barrow fittings may be ok (don't know, I never used them), I wouldn't suggest suggest using their main components like rads, pumps, res, etc.
Thanks for your help. I placed my order last night for all the barrow fittings. I also took a gamble and went with the barrow radiators, a 360x34 for the top and a 240x34 for the front. Hoping they both fit.
 
#18 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by RyanBRZ View Post

Thanks for your help. I placed my order last night for all the barrow fittings. I also took a gamble and went with the barrow radiators, a 360x34 for the top and a 240x34 for the front. Hoping they both fit.
They will fit with no issue. Curious to see how you make out with the Barrow rads. I have never actually seen them, and have never seen feedback from anyone using them. Apparently their fittings come out of the same factory as the Bistpower fittings. The rads look suspiciously like AC.

BUT...I would strongly recommend you get some Mayhems Blitz to clean them with prior to using them. One can only imagine what flux and gunk could be hiding in what is essentially a no-name Chinese rad.
 
#19 ·
Visually they look great and I like that they have a port at the bottom for draining (or do all rads have this?). I read somewhere that they are made by the same people as bitspower but I don't know how accurate that is.

I will be doing a build thread and will post pics/comments on all parts.
 
#20 ·
I assume the EK 140 pump/res is good one to have since I see a ton of builds with it, what are the advantages of having a monsoon modular pump/res instead? Is it just the ability to customize colors/components?

Leaning towards this due to price and its easy: https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-xres-140-revo-d5-rgb-pwm-incl-sl-pump
 
#21 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by RyanBRZ View Post

I assume the EK 140 pump/res is good one to have since I see a ton of builds with it, what are the advantages of having a monsoon modular pump/res instead? Is it just the ability to customize colors/components?

Leaning towards this due to price and its easy: https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-xres-140-revo-d5-rgb-pwm-incl-sl-pump
You see a ton of builds with it only for the simple fact that novice builders will buy anything with an EK logo, really no other reason. It's ok, and does the job, but is really cheap looking next to a better res like an MMRS, XSPC Photon (which is no longer made with a D5, sadly), Heatkiller, etc. In addition to the looks, there is a pretty significant difference in the quality of the materials used.

The price on the EK is attractive, but you get what you pay for. The MMRS is just as easy if you let PPC assemble it for you, and a simple 15 minute project of you don't.
 
#22 ·
Hi,
I got the EK-280 performance it seems fine to me
Using the EK premixed fluid
Got it all from Micro Center.
 
#23 ·
Its not that I'm afraid of assembly, I just don't fully understand the impact of each component that I select. I will watch some youtube videos on these and hopefully figure it out. I think I prefer the monsoon over ek now that I think about it.
 
#24 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by RyanBRZ View Post

Its not that I'm afraid of assembly, I just don't fully understand the impact of each component that I select. I will watch some youtube videos on these and hopefully figure it out. I think I prefer the monsoon over ek now that I think about it.
Hi there

As above @ciarlatano pointed out Monsoon MMRS is easy to assemble or ask PPC to assemble this for you

I have owned EK X-RES and if I can compare both reservoir then Monsoon looks and feels better with materials used

I would suggest at least have look on some reviews and YT videos

Hope this helps

Thanks, Jura
 
#25 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by RyanBRZ View Post

Its not that I'm afraid of assembly, I just don't fully understand the impact of each component that I select. I will watch some youtube videos on these and hopefully figure it out. I think I prefer the monsoon over ek now that I think about it.
Not sure what you mean as far as impact. There will be no performance difference. Essentially, you need the D5 end and cover, tube with matching size rods, and top end cap in the configuration that makes the most sense. In the Evolv ATX, you can do a 100mm tube, or two 50mm with a coupler as your max size. Two 50mm just happens to line up with existing holes for mounting, and also allows you to use the coupler for input.

Only pic I have at the moment, prior to installing the drain valve and shortening tubing runs:

 
#26 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by RyanBRZ View Post

Its not that I'm afraid of assembly, I just don't fully understand the impact of each component that I select. I will watch some youtube videos on these and hopefully figure it out. I think I prefer the monsoon over ek now that I think about it.
As cool as the monsoon modular res look, as a water cooling noob, it just seemed over the top and to particular for my needs. Also I just wanted a black and clear look. I am new to this as well and I just picked up a D5 Photo 170mm pump/res combo. Holy Crap! this thing is about 3x the size I thought it would be and it is heavy. You could bludgeon with it's metal and glass construction, then plug it back in. I have the room in my case for it, but wow. I did get 2x XSPC D5 Raystorm Pro kits (minus the rads) for around $150 each. I live in the same town so I worked with them on a deal, so for less than an acrylic EK pump combo, I got a XSPC CPU block, D5 Pump/res combo, 6x compression fittings, 3x XSPC's SP fans and some other stuff. Granted I think those kits had the older version Pump combo as they tweaked the rez a little and have a different mounting bracket than V2. Whoever said they discontinued their Photon D5 set, I think they are wrong. They just created a version 2 that you can mount a X4 or a D5 to. While the XSPC res is a little more money and it is made out of acrylic, it isn't going to fall apart. The pump is the only moving part. I think enthusiasts really want things over engineered. The D5 is used in the HVAC industry.
 
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