Wattes

I just got an old Compaq Proliant 3000 server case (server hardware is even in there) and it will be modded to fit my sig-rig + watercooling.
Now I want to add a second loop; since I will be buying 2 videocards for SLI/CrossFire; 1 for CPU+NB and 1 for my GPU's.
Well I've been doing a little research and have some questions:

1. Can anyone tell me the difference (performance wise) between the "Black Ice GT Xtreme 360" and the "Black Ice GT Xtreme Lite 360"?

2. Will an Acetal topplate on the EK blocks be stronger then the "plastic" (not sure what it's called) ones? For tightening the barbs etc (I know they don't have any difference performance wise).

3. Will running it all in one loop (with 2 pumps/rads) be (in any way) beneficial compared to running two separate loops?

Help will be appreciated

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Exidous

More expensive but thicker
Thinner and cheaper, I use this one.


Which ever radiator you choose I strongly suggest that you get one with a X-flow design. I use the stealth 360 with my sig rig and it works GREAT. I suggest avoiding the full face blocks if you can(restrictive and HEAVY). The new D-tek GPU v2 is awsome. I get 35C at full load with the GPU and VRAM maxed in CCC at 790/1100. Delrin/Acetal is MUCH less likely to chip or crack.

For the single or dual loop: If you already have the gear run dual loops. One loop is plenty if you were going to go with CPU/NB 4870CF. If you run multiple 280's or two 4870x2's a double loop might be in order. The config all depends on what cards you plan on running.
Also I suggest 7/16" tygon tubing on 1/2" primochill ghost fittings. Its pretty much the best way I have found to run the tubing.
Ex

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3 : I can tell it's m ore efficient based on what I see here

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DaCrusader

2 loops would almost always be better than one in my opinion.

BIX are the top line of HW labs radiators. And AFAIK Acetal is generally stronger than plastic.

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gtarmanrob

3:

i think 1 or 2 loops would depend on your pump really.

if you have a single loop for all those parts but a weak pump, chances are your water cooling wont be as effective.

2 will always be better than 1. the way i see it, if you can, why not?

EDIT: 2 always better than 1 i meant. fixed

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Wattes

Thanks so far guys I think I didn't explain the question very good so I'll be a bit more clear:
1. I know the GTX's are the best, but the have a "Lite" version that is half price now and I was wandering what it's performance is compared to the regular 360GTX?

2. So Acetal is stronger, I'll go for that then Thanks!

3. I'll be running either 2x 280GTX(55nm)@SLI or 2x 4870x2@CF later this year (or whatever is best by then ^_^). So yeah I'll need 2 loops, but what I meant was, will it be beneficial to run them in series:

Res1 -> Pump1 -> Rad1 -> CPU -> NB -> (Res2) -> Pump2 -> GPU1 -> GPU2 -> Res1

As compared to 2 seperate loops:

Res1 -> Pump1 -> Rad1 -> CPU -> NB -> Res1
&
Res2 -> Pump2 -> Rad2 -> GPU1 -> GPU2 -> Res2

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DaCrusader

"Thou shall keep the CPU loop sacred"

Basically means because the CPU is the main thing you are w/c keep it by itself. The NB and GPU's won't run that hot under water, and I'm guessing you will want to keep you're CPU nice and cold, So I would put the NB on the GPU loop before the GPU's. A 240 for the CPU and 360 for the GPU's should be fine.

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