[jacoro1]

Hi all-

I'm putting together a new custom loop for my nephew. The case will have room for 2x 560mm or 480mm rads. Fans will run at <800RPM for silent operation.
The system will have a bykski gpu block for rtx3090 that has water front and back, along with an Optimus CPU block.
I have read that the Hardwarelabs GTS series is the best performer for silent operation, but also that it has very high flow restriction. Would 2x 560mm GTS rads along with the blocks be too much restriction for a single D5 pump? If so, are there any alternative radiator recommendations with lower restriction and similar low speed performance, or do I just need a 2nd pump?

Also, Is there a good soft tubing I can use that doesn't have plasticizer? I will be using 3/8" ID 1/2" OD fittings.
Thanks for your help!

 

[Cobra26]

I would recommend for SOFT tubing Primochill Advanced LTR (NOT the PRO this has plasticizer).
Used it for years and years with NO plasticizer issues and many others can attest to that. Its one of the best SOFT tubing out there which doesnt leech plasticizer at least in normal tempratures conditions.

If you want rubber tubing go with Tygon Norprene like A60. Regardless do FLUSH the tubing before use with distilled water any tubing that is!
Be careful with EKWB ZMT to many negatives about those ranging from VERY dirty inside that can leave tiny rubber bits in your block channels, to having wrong specs with sizes.

Not much to say about rad i would go for a external setup less hassle less points of leaks (since the rad + pump) is outside the case + colder air.
If you do want external setup just ask me and others will help.

 

[StAndrew]

The GTS is pretty restrictive but it does perform well. That said, I'd consider another thin rad for a single D5.

 

[This is a hat.]

The side installation mora is an ideal structure for movement and cooling as hot water moves left and right through the top. Similarly, it would look very comfortable with two 560 rads installed sideways.
It is recommended that the 1120mm lard be used as a single pump first.

 

[Dash8Q4]

You can go with dual alphacool xt rads and arctic fans, run them at 1000rpm. They will be pretty quiet. The coolant temp might be high tho if the fans are kept quiet.

 

[jacoro1]

I would recommend for SOFT tubing Primochill Advanced LTR (NOT the PRO this has plasticizer).
Used it for years and years with NO plasticizer issues and many others can attest to that. Its one of the best SOFT tubing out there which doesnt leech plasticizer at least in normal tempratures conditions.

If you want rubber tubing go with Tygon Norprene like A60. Regardless do FLUSH the tubing before use with distilled water any tubing that is!
Be careful with EKWB ZMT to many negatives about those ranging from VERY dirty inside that can leave tiny rubber bits in your block channels, to having wrong specs with sizes.

Not much to say about rad i would go for a external setup less hassle less points of leaks (since the rad + pump) is outside the case + colder air.
If you do want external setup just ask me and others will help.

Thanks, think I'll go with that Primochill tubing. Do you know if their Flexsx fittings are any good? They have a bundle with them that seems pretty affordable.
I'd like to keep everything internal on this build. If I need 2 pumps, is the EK xtop dual a good way to go or is there something better?

 

[inlandchris]

Install two D5 pumps. I have two swiftech pumps still working since 2012. Without restrictions, its 5 liter/m. With watercool cpu block, byski gpu block and 3 - 360 rad#, its 3.5 liters/m.

 

[Sir Beregond]

I would recommend for SOFT tubing Primochill Advanced LTR (NOT the PRO this has plasticizer).
Used it for years and years with NO plasticizer issues and many others can attest to that. Its one of the best SOFT tubing out there which doesnt leech plasticizer at least in normal tempratures conditions.

If you want rubber tubing go with Tygon Norprene like A60. Regardless do FLUSH the tubing before use with distilled water any tubing that is!
Be careful with EKWB ZMT to many negatives about those ranging from VERY dirty inside that can leave tiny rubber bits in your block channels, to having wrong specs with sizes.

Not much to say about rad i would go for a external setup less hassle less points of leaks (since the rad + pump) is outside the case + colder air.
If you do want external setup just ask me and others will help.

I'm not sure that's correct. I used Primochill Advanced LRT for years and it definitely had plasticizer issues with extended use.

I'm using acrylic hard tubing for now, but when I go back to soft tubing, you better believe I'll be using either Tygon A-60-G or Watercool also makes an EPDM.

 

[Imprezzion]

I am using a single D5 with a Nemesis GTX420 and a GTX240 + a Bykski 3080 block and a EK Velocity CPU block. Tubing is Mayhems Ultra Clear. It doesn't have plasticizer issues but it does get a bit cloudy after long use with clear fluid.

The pump can handle it but flow isn't the best. It's basically the max the pump can do at 75-100% PWM. If I added anything else like a RAM block or whatever i'd have to go dual D5.

 

[sakete]

I'm not sure that's correct. I used Primochill Advanced LRT for years and it definitely had plasticizer issues with extended use.

I'm using acrylic hard tubing for now, but when I go back to soft tubing, you better believe I'll be using either Tygon A-60-G or Watercool also makes an EPDM.

Tygon A-60-G is the way!

 

[Cobra26]

Thanks, think I'll go with that Primochill tubing. Do you know if their Flexsx fittings are any good? They have a bundle with them that seems pretty affordable.
I'd like to keep everything internal on this build. If I need 2 pumps, is the EK xtop dual a good way to go or is there something better?

I have no experience with Flexsx fittings.

But if you want NO HASSLE compression fittings that go very well with Primochill Advanced LTR tubing and are not to expensive and do look good. I highly recommend Koolance fittings why?

1 - No more guessing how TIGHT it needs to be tightened because it has a recessed design so it "kind of" stops by it self and never squash the o-ring.
2 - Very easy to put the nut on even with tubing on unlike Bitspower fittings that shreds my fingers because of the threads.
3 - Prices aren't to high.
4 - They do look good and professional high quality (either in black or silver)

Best is to order from them directly here a fitting 3/8 x 1/2 this is your size correct? These are the straight fittings but you might order angled adapters they also sell on their web site. Example fitting:

Compression Fitting for 10mm x 13mm (3/8in x 1/2in) *Black*, G 1/4 BSPP

Single fitting for 3/8in (10mm) ID, 1/2in (13mm) OD tubing. G 1/4 BSPP (parallel) thread fitting.

koolance.com

 

[jacoro1]

I have no experience with Flexsx fittings.

But if you want NO HASSLE compression fittings that go very well with Primochill Advanced LTR tubing and are not to expensive and do look good. I highly recommend Koolance fittings why?

1 - No more guessing how TIGHT it needs to be tightened because it has a recessed design so it "kind of" stops by it self and never squash the o-ring.
2 - Very easy to put the nut on even with tubing on unlike Bitspower fittings that shreds my fingers because of the threads.
3 - Prices aren't to high.
4 - They do look good and professional high quality (either in black or silver)

Best is to order from them directly here a fitting 3/8 x 1/2 this is your size correct? These are the straight fittings but you might order angled adapters they also sell on their web site. Example fitting:

Compression Fitting for 10mm x 13mm (3/8in x 1/2in) *Black*, G 1/4 BSPP

Single fitting for 3/8in (10mm) ID, 1/2in (13mm) OD tubing. G 1/4 BSPP (parallel) thread fitting.

koolance.com

Just put in an order for 12 of them, thanks!

 

[jacoro1]

OK I'm committed now, 2x 560 GTS rads and an EK Revo Dual pump. Thanks for all the input everyone.

 

[Cobra26]

Just put in an order for 12 of them, thanks!

PS have you included some angled fittings as well? Like these ones just to be sure you are bound to make some sharp bends (best not to use to many angled fittings only if you MUST) so best to use angled adapters like these ones:

Fitting Single, *Black* Swiveling 45-Degree, G 1/4 BSPP

Koolance swiveling G 1/4 BSPP socket fitting with a 45-degree bend.

koolance.com

Fitting Single, *Black* Swiveling 90-Degree (Low Profile), G 1/4 BSPP

Koolance low profile swiveling G 1/4 BSPP socket fitting. Each segment rotates for a maximum 90-degree bend.

koolance.com

Fitting Single, *Black* Swiveling Elbow, G 1/4 BSPP

Create a swiveling 90 degree elbow bend using any Koolance G 1/4 BSPP (parallel) thread fitting. For a basic elbow fitting, the Koolance Coupling Adapter cou

koolance.com

And these ones do come very in handy they saved me a bunch of times with difficult places:

Fitting Coupling Adapter, *Black* Male-Female, G 1/4 BSPP

ADT-XMF-BK is a Male-Female G 1/4 BSPP (parallel) thread coupler. Among various applications, it could be used as a spacer for obtaining extra fitting cleara

koolance.com

Fitting Coupling Adapter, *Black* Male-Female, 20mm, G 1/4 BSPP

ADT-XMF-L-BK is a longer Male-Female G 1/4 BSPP (parallel) thread coupler. Among various applications, it could be used as a spacer for obtaining extra fitti

koolance.com

Good luck if you have questions feel free to ask.

 

[jacoro1]

PS have you included some angled fittings as well? Like these ones just to be sure you are bound to make some sharp bends (best not to use to many angled fittings only if you MUST) so best to use angled adapters like these ones:

Fitting Single, *Black* Swiveling 45-Degree, G 1/4 BSPP

Koolance swiveling G 1/4 BSPP socket fitting with a 45-degree bend.

koolance.com

Fitting Single, *Black* Swiveling 90-Degree (Low Profile), G 1/4 BSPP

Koolance low profile swiveling G 1/4 BSPP socket fitting. Each segment rotates for a maximum 90-degree bend.

koolance.com

Fitting Single, *Black* Swiveling Elbow, G 1/4 BSPP

Create a swiveling 90 degree elbow bend using any Koolance G 1/4 BSPP (parallel) thread fitting. For a basic elbow fitting, the Koolance Coupling Adapter cou

koolance.com

And these ones do come very in handy they saved me a bunch of times with difficult places:

Fitting Coupling Adapter, *Black* Male-Female, G 1/4 BSPP

ADT-XMF-BK is a Male-Female G 1/4 BSPP (parallel) thread coupler. Among various applications, it could be used as a spacer for obtaining extra fitting cleara

koolance.com

Fitting Coupling Adapter, *Black* Male-Female, 20mm, G 1/4 BSPP

ADT-XMF-L-BK is a longer Male-Female G 1/4 BSPP (parallel) thread coupler. Among various applications, it could be used as a spacer for obtaining extra fitti

koolance.com

Good luck if you have questions feel free to ask.

Yup, got some 45 degree elbows and QD3 quick disconnects too. Thanks for looking out.

 

[Cobra26]

I'm not sure that's correct. I used Primochill Advanced LRT for years and it definitely had plasticizer issues with extended use.

I'm using acrylic hard tubing for now, but when I go back to soft tubing, you better believe I'll be using either Tygon A-60-G or Watercool also makes an EPDM.

Yes that can be the case ive read above a certain temp (wrote this in my post) like in extended hot environment it can leech plasticizer. I live in a moderate climate so i dont have these issues i dont live in California lol.
Or maybe the water temps are just to high. Ive read this that it can plasticize at extended hot temps ambient or water it self due to insufficient radiator cooling or climate without AC. In any case i had no issues with plasticizer it is promoted as one of the best soft tubing that is "plasticizer free".

Yup, got some 45 degree elbows and QD3 quick disconnects too. Thanks for looking out.

Cool your welcome,
One thing DO NOT get the BLACK QD3 i hope you didnt order that one. The black ones have issues with oxidation inside i had mine never used after 2 months i was greeted by white snow inside...Many had the same issues. Apperantly Koolance made some updates on their black ones so i hope you get the updated ones. Either way i went with the silver ones the silver QDC has zero issues you can always return the black ones for the silver ones. As for coolant get the Koolance 702 CLEAR its regarded as one of the best coolant out there and can be used for 2.5 years before a change is needed. My blocks after opening and after almost 3 years where as new on nickel plated block inside.

Pro tip:
Using QDC the best way is say you want to disconnect the QDC before you do this OPEN the reservoir fill port this causes a pressure difference making it easier for the QDC to open. Without this people can still disconnect but...it may lead to malfunction of the QDC.

 

[jacoro1]

Yes that can be the case ive read above a certain temp (wrote this in my post) like in extended hot environment it can leech plasticizer. I live in a moderate climate so i dont have these issues i dont live in California lol.
Or maybe the water temps are just to high. Ive read this that it can plasticize at extended hot temps ambient or water it self due to insufficient radiator cooling or climate without AC. In any case i had no issues with plasticizer it is promoted as one of the best soft tubing that is "plasticizer free".


Cool your welcome,
One thing DO NOT get the BLACK QD3 i hope you didnt order that one. The black ones have issues with oxidation inside i had mine never used after 2 months i was greeted by white snow inside...Many had the same issues. Apperantly Koolance made some updates on their black ones so i hope you get the updated ones. Either way i went with the silver ones the silver QDC has zero issues you can always return the black ones for the silver ones. As for coolant get the Koolance 702 CLEAR its regarded as one of the best coolant out there and can be used for 2.5 years before a change is needed. My blocks after opening and after almost 3 years where as new on nickel plated block inside.

Pro tip:
Using QDC the best way is say you want to disconnect the QDC before you do this OPEN the reservoir fill port this causes a pressure difference making it easier for the QDC to open. Without this people can still disconnect but...it may lead to malfunction of the QDC.

I was going to just use the little bottle of Liquid Utopia that comes with the tubing and some distilled water. Is that not recommended? Also, my nephew who I'm building this for does live in California and it gets hot, so hopefully that advanced LRT will hold up. It should be in an air conditioned room and will have plenty of cooling capacity with those rads and pumps.

I purchased the silver QD3's. Good tip with the reservoir port though.

 

[Cobra26]

I was going to just use the little bottle of Liquid Utopia that comes with the tubing and some distilled water. Is that not recommended? Also, my nephew who I'm building this for does live in California and it gets hot, so hopefully that advanced LRT will hold up. It should be in an air conditioned room and will have plenty of cooling capacity with those rads and pumps.

I purchased the silver QD3's. Good tip with the reservoir port though.

If the room is cool enough even in a hot environment it should be good i have never ever encountered plasticizer from Advanced LTR for many years and i check the inside of tubing once i tear down, others can attest to it as well it is branded for years and years the best soft tubing.
But its not bullet proof at very high temps (ambient) or poorly cooled WC systems like using a 360 rad with a 12900k and RTX 3090 lol). With LTR you have choice with colors. Another very good soft tubing = Mayhems ultra clear but only comes with clear.

Liquid Utopia from my research isn't something that has been promoted a lot here...(you can do a research if its good or not on google)
What does get the vote from many here is Mayhems additives (but do some research which one to get some can wreck your nickel plated blocks if one chose the one specific for FULL copper).
Or another great contender is Aquacomputer DP Ultra coolant but needs annual change.

The best from my experience and others = Koolance 702 clear very good protections vs oxidation and biological growth and also lubricates the pump can use it for 2.5 years. Its ready to go just fill in your loop. Typical you need 2 bottles for a standard loop, for bigger 3 bottles. Me personally just go with Koolance 702 clear and be done with it. Here a link of my cpu block after 3+ years with pics no gunk no plasticizer (used Advanced LTR Red) inside block channels nor oxidation just spotless clean with Koolance 702:

My Koolance CPU-380i after 3+ years!

Ive been using this cpu block on my secondary water cooled system which i use for general purpose. My main rig (heavy gaming sessions) oddly enough i tear apart every 1 to 1.2 year. Clean all blocks cpu + gpu (both Koolance) which there is hardly anything to clean btw new coolant new tubing...

www.overclock.net

My last point regarding leak testing leak test with air pressure like with Dr. Drop or EKWB air leak tester highly recommended instead of using the classic leak testing which takes so much time.

 

[Sir Beregond]

Yes that can be the case ive read above a certain temp (wrote this in my post) like in extended hot environment it can leech plasticizer. I live in a moderate climate so i dont have these issues i dont live in California lol.
Or maybe the water temps are just to high. Ive read this that it can plasticize at extended hot temps ambient or water it self due to insufficient radiator cooling or climate without AC. In any case i had no issues with plasticizer it is promoted as one of the best soft tubing that is "plasticizer free".

I don't live in California or a "hot environment". I guarantee I had enough radiator and cooling lol.

Anyway, I think it's been well documented at this point that Primochill's claim of "plasticizer free" or "no leaching" for the Advanced LRT products has not really been the truth.

Should go for EPDM/Norprene/Neoprene type tubing if you want actual plasticizer free tubing. Literally none in that.

 

[ChaosAD]

I'm also in the process of a new water-cooling build. Was about to get a HWL gts 420 along with one d5, but just saw the new EK quantum surface rads. Worth considering these, how they perform in comparison with the gts?

Edit: CPU only loop with SW3 ~1000rpm