Advice for new Hydro X build, first time hardline build :)

[knightwolf]

Hello Everyone,

 

First time poster, read through the rules but let me know if I'm doing anything wrong.

 

Just ordered a the XH305i water cooling kit and am super excited. Only thing where I'm not too sure is loop order and tube runs. I may get a better idea once I have everything but wanted to run it by anyone who is willing to share some input.

 

Not sure if ok to say my case model since I believe one of the rules mentioned not discussing competitors. Luckily the Hydro X loop designer includes a render of my case so you should be able to get an idea (also it should be in my system info I believe). Any recommendations are welcome. Also plan on updating wit progress as I start building. You can see my configuration in the Hydro X configurator with this code: 1g7t9m. I've also uploaded a screenshot for your convenience.

 

Thank You,

knightwolf

 

P.S. I do plan on cooling my GPU as well but not at this time. I'm waiting on being able to purchase a 3080 or 6800XT. For now, I would only be cooling my CPU.

[c-attack]

You're fine to mention the case. There is no way to have a meaningful discussion without knowing. No one here is aggressive about that and it's fairly obvious you can't have every single component come from the same manufacturer. The O11 is a popular case and a lot of users have one.

 

With one component, loop order is irrelevant. It has minimal impact even in multiple component systems, except for perfectionists. Usually the case layout and the desire to have the tubes be in a somewhat pleasing arrangement will supersede everything else.

 

So for now, it's one 360mm radiator, CPU block, and XD5 pump. Your choices are bottom intake or side intake. My recommendation is the side intake. In the XL there is plenty of space to put the 30mm thick radiator on the back side with the fans on the interior. That space is wasted if you don't use it for this. Can't block it up with hardware and then get intake flow through it. Also in my very lengthy testing with this, the XL has some extra airflow resistance in the bottom panel. I never quite get the airflow and cooling expected through there. On the other hand, the side works great and it will keep your top and bottom fans looking balanced with their height/depth when looking at the side glass.

 

Pump->CPU block->radiator->Pump or Pump->radiator->CPU->Pump makes no difference except your coolant temp sensor in the pump will read about 1-2C warmer if the CPU block empties into the reservoir directly. This is an illusory difference as the water will be the same temp entering the CPU block.

 

If at some point down the line you add the GPU into the loop, you'll want another 360mm radiator and then it gets a bit more complicated as where to put things.

[monkeybastard]

Hello Everyone,

 

First time poster, read through the rules but let me know if I'm doing anything wrong.

 

Just ordered a the XH305i water cooling kit and am super excited. Only thing where I'm not too sure is loop order and tube runs. I may get a better idea once I have everything but wanted to run it by anyone who is willing to share some input.

 

Not sure if ok to say my case model since I believe one of the rules mentioned not discussing competitors. Luckily the Hydro X loop designer includes a render of my case so you should be able to get an idea (also it should be in my system info I believe). Any recommendations are welcome. Also plan on updating wit progress as I start building. You can see my configuration in the Hydro X configurator with this code: 1g7t9m. I've also uploaded a screenshot for your convenience.

 

Thank You,

knightwolf

 

P.S. I do plan on cooling my GPU as well but not at this time. I'm waiting on being able to purchase a 3080 or 6800XT. For now, I would only be cooling my CPU.

 

it wont matter when ya cool the gpu on what order...temp will stablize whatever the order. when ya get a gpu cooler just plumb it in, peace randy.

https://forum.corsair.com/v3/showthread.php?t=198231

[LeDoyen]

Usually it's good practice to get the cooled water going to the reservoir instead of dumping warm water and keeping the pump hotter.. but.. the difference between cool and hot here is like 1 or 2°C at best.. So as it has been said: whatever :)

 

My only advice would be the usuall Kiss principle. keep it stupid simple.

Runs as short as necesary, maybe try to stick to one bend per tube. Two if you are getting good at bending.

If it barely fits = it doesnt fit. adjust your bends rather than replace drowned components :)

 

Maybe you should also consider adding a T junction with a ball valve to make draining the loop easy, at the lowest possible spot of the loop. that's a time saver. not mandatory, but after you used it once, you'll curse yourself for not having done it earlier.

 

And uh... stay away from opaque coolants.. seriously :)

[monkeybastard]

Usually it's good practice to get the cooled water going to the reservoir instead of dumping warm water and keeping the pump hotter.. but.. the difference between cool and hot here is like 1 or 2°C at best.. So as it has been said: whatever :)

 

My only advice would be the usuall Kiss principle. keep it stupid simple.

Runs as short as necesary, maybe try to stick to one bend per tube. Two if you are getting good at bending.

If it barely fits = it doesnt fit. adjust your bends rather than replace drowned components :)

 

Maybe you should also consider adding a T junction with a ball valve to make draining the loop easy, at the lowest possible spot of the loop. that's a time saver. not mandatory, but after you used it once, you'll curse yourself for not having done it earlier.

 

And uh... stay away from opaque coolants.. seriously :)

 

last advice is the best...yea stay away from the "shampoo" coolants. just stay with clear and distilled water, also if ya flush radiator dont use tap water.

[LeDoyen]

uh, add some clear concentrate to your DI water eh :) pure water has a sneaky tendency to strip nickel plating off blocks in short notice.

 

Ad about opaque coolant.. i ran some opaque white a year and a half ago. my loop is still very slightly murky no matter how much i flush it.. clenaed the waterblocks and pump/res twice, flushed rads, replaced 2 rads out of 3.. dismounted all fittings, replaced tubing twice, still there..

Edited December 7, 2020 by LeDoyen

[thetnduke]

You will enjoy the kit. I purchased the same kit but decided to hold off on hard tubing until I get my new Corsair case. I ended up purchasing some soft tubing and fittings until my new case arrives. It should be hear tomorrow. This weekend I will change it all out. It does not matter what order you put GPU in but I usually will put a part before a rad and then out to next part and then to another rad and then to the pump/res.