Cooling components questions

[WonderWoman]

Hello,

Can someone please provide me with a link to where I can download the manual for the Hydro X custom water cooling soft tube kits?  I am building a PC and Micro Center sold me your awesome components (reservoir/pump, cooling block and iCue display upgrade but they also sold me the fittings individually.  I would like to review your manuals for your full kits for comparisons as a guide.

Regarding the iCue display upgrade for the CPU cooler block, are there any large controller mechanisms that I need to purchase to do the synchronization the way that it comes in your kits?  I have been reviewing the pics on your site for your kits and I see that there is a block that has plugs on both sides, one side for the fans and the other side for the RGB features; does that come in the upgrade kit or do I need to purchase it separately or is only available in your Hydro X iCue pro water cooling kits and not separately?

I am including screenshots of both the "controller block" that I took on one of the kits on your website and of the product I purchased at Micro Center for the display upgrade for the water cooling CPU block so you can see what I am talking about.

 

Thank you for your help.  I look forward to your reply so I can continue my build which I am extremely excited about!

 

Sincerely,

 

Alisa Klein

 

[LeDoyen]

that lcd upgrade is for all-in-one coolers, not for custom loop CPU blocks. i wonder why they sold it to you since you can't use it with custom loop at all.

[WonderWoman]

I don't know....you mean I cannot just snap it onto my CPU water cooling block?  (see pic for what I have)

 

 

 

[WonderWoman]

Oh, I would still love some help finding where I can download the AIO water cooling kit manuals.....would be great if I could get links to all of the manuals for the different variations of the kits so I could review them all and figure out which one works best for me.  Can you help me out with them?  I tried looking for them myself and couldn't fine any of them.

[c-attack]

No, you won't be able to put that over the top of the XC7.  It is unique to the Elite Capellix line of AIO coolers.  Corsair are releasing a new set of Hydro X custom cooling components with that feature, but it's likely 1-2 months away at best.  

 

Scroll down to the bottom of this page.

https://www.corsair.com/us/en/s/icue-link

 

There really aren't any written manuals for custom water cooling installation.  There are some videos and that actually might be of more help.  Also, the fittings, tubes, and physics are all the same regardless of brand, so any guide about building your own water cooling will be applicable.

https://help.corsair.com/hc/en-us/sections/360004037552-Custom-Liquid-Cooling-Hydro-X-Series-

 

 

More links in the Corsair Labs Youtube series.

 

 

 

[c-attack]

There are a couple of unique product specific things to be aware of.  The most notable are the flow directions for the CPU block and pump/reservoir.  The pump is going to be marked and as you can see above it will always be the left side of the pair when looking at it from the front.  The CPU block is the opposite with the right side port the preferred intake.  However, this can be easily reversed by taking apart the block and flipping the jet plate and plastic guide around.  There are instructions to do that in the XC7 manual and you can ask here as well when things come up.  

[WonderWoman]

I just looked at the box for what I bought and you are correct......it cannot be used with my water block.  I will be returning it to the store on Monday.  Thank you for catching that........

I do have one starting question, I think I already know the answer but want to be certain I am correct (don't tell anyone but I have been known to be wrong from time to time!  ROFL).  I know the water block comes with an alternate mounting bracket for AMD processors, but since I am an Intel girl do I still need to install the metal piece on the back side of the motherboard or is that metal piece only for the AMD processor mounting?

[c-attack]

You will need the "X backplate" for Intel and backplates are specific to their respective CPU blocks.  It's the X with the square in the middle.  The exception to the rule are Intel CPUs like the old X299 series with a backplate built into the motherboard.  Those you you simply tighten down, easy as can be.  Otherwise, this is the trickier part of the installation you likely will need one hand lighting supporting the bracket in the back while you use the other to tighten down the thumbscrews in the front.  

 

https://res.cloudinary.com/corsair-pwa/image/upload/corsairmedia/sys_master/productcontent/49_002455_revAB_WW_XC7_RGB_PRO_SOCKET_1200_1700_AM4_QSG.pdf

 

[WonderWoman]

I am confused on some things..........I am looking at this White Kit kit which shows the same block I have but yet it doesn't look the same and the kit seems to indicate that it can do the really cool display customization that I like.  The difference I am visually seeing is my water block, which even by the kit's own description is the same exact model I have which is the XC7 RGB Pro White is not as thick as the one shown visually in the kit.  What is the difference?  Am I missing some accessory I need to purchase?

 

 

Am I missing something for the back of the block?

[c-attack]

The first picture is the "XD3 Pump/Reservoir".  It's a DDC type pump motor with a smaller reservoir intended for trickier mounting locations or more confined spaces.  It is an alternative choice to the XD5 you appear to have.  For analogy, a DDC pump is a bit like a truck engine.  Geared for good torque (pressure) at low RPMs, but it gets really loud and doesn't have the same maximum as a race car engine.  A D5 Pump like in the XD5 is the race car engine.  It doesn't make much torque (pressure) at low RPMs, but it comes on very strong at high RPMs.  

 

For most people the maximum pressure and flow metrics don't matter.  However, do know that any DDC pump is going to get really loud past 50% speed and any DD5 pump is pretty loud at 100% speed.  If noise is a prime consideration, you always get the D5 pump motor (XD5 or XD7) units.  

[WonderWoman]

I am not referring to the pump/reservoir looking different, I am referencing the CPU cooling block, I have which is a model XC7 RGB Pro CPU cooling block.  I am wondering why the same model in the kit (the kit specified that it is an XC7 RGB Pro just like mine) is thicker and looks like it has a second white piece on the back making it look more cubicle?

[c-attack]

Right, that’s not a cpu block. Its the XD3 pump reservoir. XC7 Pro on the left. XD3 to its right closer to the water bottle. 

[WonderWoman]

Thank you for the manual you sent me.....I found it extremely useful.  I also found the pictures in the kits on the website helpful in cementing the installation/placement of the tubing.  I need to confirm somethings I am thinking in my own mind to make certain my interpretation is correct.  First off, I am believing that the reservoir/pump has as many ports as it does purely for functionality flexibility as no two builds are the same, that being said the ones that a person does not use can simply be plugged up.  Is that correct?

Second off, I am uncertain of the directionality requirements for outflow vs. intake.   Do I have to stick with any particular right side for one vs. left side for the other on the reservoir/pump, the CPU block and the radiator?

Third do I need to flush my brand new radiator before installing and using it?

Fourth, I was again reviewing the kit (boy do I wish I had done more research, I would have just purchased the kit outright) and I don't have these items, I know they are iCue controllers for the RGB and fans, where can I get them?

Now back to the CPU block discussion...........

I only used the pump/reservoir in the picture to prop up the water block so I could take a sideways picture.....I am asking what is the difference between these two items:

This one on the website (HYDRO X SERIES iCUE XH303i RGB PRO Custom Cooling Kit - White):

 

And this one that I have (two views - one from the top and the other sideways view propped up against my reservoir pump - ignore the reservoir/pump please):

[c-attack]

2 hours ago, WonderWoman said:

First off, I am believing that the reservoir/pump has as many ports as it does purely for functionality flexibility as no two builds are the same, that being said the ones that a person does not use can simply be plugged up.  Is that correct?

Yes, correct.  Most pumps have a multitude of ports, but typically just 1 or 2 are capable of being the "outflow" port and all the others are return or inflow ports.  Those extra outflow ports may or may not be useful depending on how you mount it.  Specifically on the XD5, there is one outflow port --- left side of "the two" when looking at it from straight ahead.  Typically you have that facing forward and that makes the rear port inaccessible for tubing but possibly a temp probe plug location.  The "right front", right side, or top right ports are the common return or inflow ports.  There's no difference in performance based on which return port you use in a reservoir of this size.  

 

2 hours ago, WonderWoman said:

Second off, I am uncertain of the directionality requirements for outflow vs. intake.   Do I have to stick with any particular right side for one vs. left side for the other on the reservoir/pump, the CPU block and the radiator?

XD5 as mentioned above.

 

XC7 - In default state.  The little plastic triangle inside can be reversed so the ports do the opposite if needed.  Takes about 5 minutes to switch it around.

 

Radiators - Corsair radiators are not directional.  You can use either port for inflow or outflow.  It makes no difference.  

 

2 hours ago, WonderWoman said:

Third do I need to flush my brand new radiator before installing and using it?

Absolutely and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.  They won't be around to dismantle, clean, and scrub your entire loop later.  Lots of manufacturers claim their radiators are "pre-rinsed" and you don't have to do this.  It takes 30 seconds to do and you will be punished severely if it was not done right at the factory.  You do not need to do any type of chemical or extended flow rinsing.  Simply fill it the radiator half-way with distilled water, then shake it for 10-15 seconds.  Put a paper towel down over the sink drain and pour it out over that.  If you see a lot shiny metal particulate on the paper towel after, then you might have some more work to do.  Nearly all radiators will have some fine dust in there and that is what you are rinsing out.  If it's more than that, some questions should be asked.  

 

2 hours ago, WonderWoman said:

Fourth, I was again reviewing the kit (boy do I wish I had done more research, I would have just purchased the kit outright) and I don't have these items, I know they are iCue controllers for the RGB and fans, where can I get them?

Technically, you don't need any Corsair specific RGB controllers and the newer Hydro X gear all comes with classic "motherboard style" 5v RGB adapters so you theoretically can use the MB software to handle this along with fan/pump speed control.  However, you will get far more lighting control and enjoyment out of using the Corsair RGB controllers and software specifically designed for these devices' LED counts and geometric arrangements.  

 

A couple of different ways you can do this.  

1) In the kit picture above is a Commander Pro with a "RGB Lighting Hub".  This is the original style of controller that does 6 PWM/DC fan speed control, then has 2 LED ports for different types of devices.  The RGB Lighting Hub is like a special powered adapter for fans.  They came with all of the original ML, LL, HD fans but are no longer provided with the current controllers that use a direct plug and play approach (see #2).  I like the Commander Pro for custom water cooling because it has 2 LED ports which can be used for the Hydro X or 3rd party blocks or fans.  It also has 4 temp probes for data nuts like me.  Neither is necessary but some of us like it.

 

2) Most new Corsair users will use the Commander (Core) XT.  Note the emphasis on the XT ending and I deliberately call this controller the Commander XT to differentiate it from the Commander Core (for AIOs) and the Commander Pro mention in #1 above.  It is the newer style of controller.  It is 6 fan PWM speed control only on one side and 6 direct connection RGB fan plugs on the other.   All of Corsair's fans are PWM only these days and so are most others, but those using older DC fans need to be aware they can't control them on this device.  It has ONE LED port for the Hydro X devices that will all chain together.  It has 2 Temp probes.  That's all a normal person needs.  It can be 2 inline water temp sensors or 1 water temp and 1 air temp probe.  All current Corsair RGB fans will work with this device as a straight connection.  The one exception is the brand new "QX fan" that uses a very different inline control scheme and a different controller.  You can use QX fans in your build, but you will need to use it's small CUE Link hub (1 PCIe 6 pin power cable from PSU and 1 USB internal connection).  

 

**Don't worry about the kits.  Anything in there you need, can be obtained on it's own or in a different form elsewhere.  You could try to price calculate the value of each piece and compare it to purchasing a la carte, but one of the core factors in custom water cooling is you can do and use most anything you want.  You can mix fitting types, brands, colors and there is no requirement that everything is the same.  A lot builders will want it to be the same and that's fine, but a few minutes into the calculation you will probably realize there is no free lunch. Don't stress over doing it piece by piece.  

Edited August 6 by c-attack

[c-attack]

That XH303i kit (ugh, the names) comes with the XD3 pump/reservoir (DDC type) instead of the XD5 pump/reservoir.  By design, it looks like a big fat CPU block.  I think it's one of the more interesting things about it and why I bought one when it first came out.  However, it is most definitely a pump/res.  

 

These pictures are a bit old, but it might help show the difference.  And then later on with a more traditional D5 pump/res -- the XD5.  

 

Edited August 6 by c-attack

[WonderWoman]

Quote

7 hours ago, c-attack said:

2) Most new Corsair users will use the Commander (Core) XT.  Note the emphasis on the XT ending and I deliberately call this controller the Commander XT to differentiate it from the Commander Core (for AIOs) and the Commander Pro mention in #1 above.  It is the newer style of controller.  It is 6 fan PWM speed control only on one side and 6 direct connection RGB fan plugs on the other.   All of Corsair's fans are PWM only these days and so are most others, but those using older DC fans need to be aware they can't control them on this device.  It has ONE LED port for the Hydro X devices that will all chain together.  It has 2 Temp probes.  That's all a normal person needs.  It can be 2 inline water temp sensors or 1 water temp and 1 air temp probe.  All current Corsair RGB fans will work with this device as a straight connection.  The one exception is the brand new "QX fan" that uses a very different inline control scheme and a different controller.  You can use QX fans in your build, but you will need to use it's small CUE Link hub (1 PCIe 6 pin power cable from PSU and 1 USB internal connection).  

 

Do they sell the Commander (Core) XT separately?  If yes, where can I purchase it?  I don't see it listed on the Corsair website......I am not using Corsair fans I am using Asia Horse pink RGB fans (well, I am a girl) as I wanted them to match the case and couldn't resist.....If I am able to get the XT will it work with my fans?  Can I just download the Corsair Commander software separately and use it?

Side note, I will be returning that upgrade display piece to Micro Center today...........Thanks for catching that mistake....it wasn't their mistake, it was my own because I requested it directly at the store without giving them much info on what I had.

[WonderWoman]

Oh, forgot to ask, I have already plugged in the temp sensor to the reservoir/pump, where does the other end get plugged in and where/how do I get it to display?

[c-attack]

Here is the Commander XT.  Commonly available at other retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, as well.  

https://www.corsair.com/us/en/p/pc-components-accessories/cl-9011112-ww/corsair-icue-commander-core-xt-smart-rgb-lighting-and-fan-speed-controller-cl-9011112-ww

 

and the XD3 Pump/Reservoir.  Should have linked that from the start.  Interesting it's out of stock right now.  I wonder if there will be a new version?

https://www.corsair.com/us/en/p/custom-liquid-cooling/cx-9040003-ww/hydro-x-series-xd3-rgb-pump-reservoir-combo-cx-9040003-ww

 

Commander Pro - Also available at other retailers besides Corsair.

https://www.corsair.com/us/en/p/custom-liquid-cooling/cl-9011110-ww/icue-commander-pro-smart-rgb-lighting-and-fan-speed-controller-cl-9011110-ww

 

 

 

So two general ways you can go about this.  The first is without any Corsair controllers.  Your AH fans don't have their own control program and are intended to connect to the MB 5v RGB header and managed through the MB RGB control program.  Your board will have 2 5v ARGB headers with slightly different names depending on brand.  You connect the fan series adapter to one and the Hydro X chain using the pump's MB adapter to the other.  Then you connect the pump tach cable and all fan cables to various motherboard headers for speed control.  You most likely use the fan speed component of the MB program and those are all unified fan speed/rgb programs like CUE now.  Happiness with this may depend on the program.  Some people are just fine with them.  Others loathe their existence.  However, it won't be programmed specifically for those devices and you will treat each "chain" of devices like one long RGB strips.  Fans = 184 LEDs, Hydro X = 48 LEDs (or whatever).  The positive side of this is fans, hydro x, and motherboard RGB panels will all be under the same system.  If there are no other Corsair devices like KBs, mice, etc., then you don't need CUE here.  With this set-up the 2 prong temp probe from the pump sensor goes to a 2 prong temp sensor on the MB.  Hopefully you have one.  Not all boards do.

 

The second way is to get a Commander PRO (like it in the kit picture) and make use of it's two LED channels.  You'll need a MB to Corsair RGB adapter (about $12) and the fans connect to the Commander Pro for lighting.  Just like with the motherboard, they will be like a long RGB strips and we'll need to figure out an exact LED count to best choose the proper "Corsair element" to mimic their actual layout.  The Hydro X chain goes in LED port 2 and will be specifically recognized and you will have individual control over each LED on every device.  Each device can be separately or jointly programmed for lighting.  Fan and pump speeds will be on the Commander Pro.  Temp plug from the XD5 connects to the Commander Pro and that is the data point you use for fan and pump control.  This option likely costs you about $70 more than option 1, but if you have other Corsair stuff where you will need to run CUE anyway, then this is probably the way to go.  

 

These two paths are not exclusive.  You can start off with option 1.  If it does not work to your liking, all you need to do it plug in the Commander in the back and re-route some RGB and PWM wiring.  It will not require you to drain or change the loop layout in any way.  

Edited August 7 by c-attack

[WonderWoman]

FYI - This is my MoBo:  MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi DDR4 and with that being the case, do I still need to purchase the MB to Corsair RGB adapter that you mentioned?

[c-attack]

You only need to track down a 3rd party adapter if you decide you want to control everything through CUE.  The Hydro XD5, XC7 Pro, XG7 stuff should all have a standard MB to Corsair adapter.  You chain the Hydro X gear together with Corsair connectors, then use the adapter to connect the chain to the MB.  That puts RGB control into the MSI Mystic Light/Aura program.  

[WonderWoman]

Hello,

I am moving right along with my build, and I have gotten a lot of the major components installed, including:

Motherboard, the two triple fans, CPU, CPU water block, RAM, radiator (it has been flushed with distilled water), the combination Reservoir/pump, and of course the PSU.

I have decided to water cool my GPU, whereas I originally was not going to do it. I realized if I did not do it now it would be a mess to do it later because I would have to drain the entire system and probably pull most of it apart in order to add on the GPU to the water cooling loop and that just wouldn’t make any sense whatsoever. Due to the fact that I purchased my components last year and then wound up having health issues to deal with delaying my building of the desktop my GPU is 3080 card. I did want to get the corsair XG5 Hydro wax card which is the translucent version versus the X G7, which has a black back plate. I am not able to obtain the translucent XG5 water cooling block for the GPU because it is the old series from last year and pretty much sold out everywhere in the version that fits the 3080 card. I am able to find the XG5 in the 3090 version card water block but I don’t think that they are interchangeable and I don’t think that it will fit. I did speak to a Coursera representative and it sounds like from what they said to me I really do need the 3080 Ventis version which again is the one that is sold out everywhere and it’s not even available on the secondary market .

I am providing some links to ask your opinion of compatibility just to double check myself. 

My GPU:   Zotac Gaming GEFORCE Trinity White OC LHR GPU

Corsair Hydro X XG5 Ventus (3090, 3080) - (recommended by Corsair customer support chat representative)

‘Alternative XG5 - Will this work?

XG7 3080 - Will this work?

I am finding it difficult to find the appropriate GPU water cooling block for mice specific GPU. Due to its age which it’s still on used I’ve never taken it out of the box and installed it yet. I am finding it is out of stock everywhere in what the corsair website calls the Ventus version which is what the chat representative recommended for me. Do you have any suggestions as to where I can find an in stock the proper Coursier water cooling block for my GPU? If you do not, do you happen to have any recommendations for alternate brands that are good quality if not, comparable quality to corsair? I would prefer to not be a mixed hardware environment within my cooling loop but if I have no choice then, that is the reality I have no choice.

I will be reviewing your pictures again, showing me intake versus outflow on the various ports on the components for the loop. I am hoping to be able to start installing the fittings and the actual loop tubing tomorrow (Saturday). I am uploading the most recent pictures of where my build is at the moment. If I get all of the fittings and the tubing installed, I will then move onto starting to do the wiring. My PSU is a white 1000 W fully modular PSU. I also bought a strimer because again I am a girl and girls like bling so the more RGB the better. In the meantime, here are the pictures of where I’m at currently with my build. 

 

 

[WonderWoman]

I was just reviewing your pictures and came up with a couple of questions based on them.

Pump/reservoir unit: 

The port, that you circled in red and marked as out is that for where the drainage valve for doing yearly loop maintenance would get installed or is that for outflow going to the radiator or both?

The two top ports do they have any in versus out designations? Additionally, for the top ports, are they specifically to be used for the radiator?

Radiator:

The radiator only has two ports on it, are those ports interchangeable for inverses out?

General loop circulation question:

please confirm my thinking is correct on this. I am envisioning that the pump/reservoir is supposed to feed the radiator and then the radiator is supposed to go to the CPU water block and then the CPU water block is to feed through to the GPU water block, which then should feed back to the pump/reservoir unit? 

 

Edited August 19 by WonderWoman

[c-attack]

On 8/18/2023 at 11:23 PM, WonderWoman said:

The port, that you circled in red and marked as out is that for where the drainage valve for doing yearly loop maintenance would get installed or is that for outflow going to the radiator or both?

That will be the outflow from the pump to the next radiator or CPU block.  It is the only outflow port on the XD5 and you must use that one.  

 

On 8/18/2023 at 11:23 PM, WonderWoman said:

The two top ports do they have any in versus out designations? Additionally, for the top ports, are they specifically to be used for the radiator?

The one with the tube is meant to be used if you do a top return to the reservoir.  It helps with swirling and splashing as the fluid re-enters the chamber.  The other port is the one you likely use for filling the reservoir.  I think you can swap the tube over to the other side if needed, but you must completely disassemble the XD5 in order to remove the reservoir from the base.  That top does not come off and it is one of the design elements I would like to see changed on this model.  Other units allow you unscrew the top and move the tube over in 15 seconds.  

 

On 8/18/2023 at 11:23 PM, WonderWoman said:

The radiator only has two ports on it, are those ports interchangeable for inverses out?

Those two ports are interchangeable in/out.  It makes no differences.  Most radiators are like this, but Hardware Labs (the partner manufacturer) also makes a 54mm thick radiator that is directional.  The Corsair equivalent is the XR7 radiator, but it's not exactly the same with a FPI density change and it is not directional.  Any Corsair radiator port can be in or out and they all follow the "U-shape" path going up one side (left/right) of the radiator then coming back on the other side.

 

On 8/18/2023 at 11:23 PM, WonderWoman said:

please confirm my thinking is correct on this. I am envisioning that the pump/reservoir is supposed to feed the radiator and then the radiator is supposed to go to the CPU water block and then the CPU water block is to feed through to the GPU water block, which then should feed back to the pump/reservoir unit? 

 

There are no real loop order rules.  My advice is to do it in any path that makes good sense for tube runs.  Too short can be even more difficult than too long.  

 

As fluid passes through a component it will pick up heat and raise the temperature of that "unit" of fluid as moves to the next component.  In general, you only pick up 1-1.5C from a heat source like the CPU or GPU as the fluid passes through and you only drop 0.75 to 1.5C as liquid passes through a radiator.  So for loop order, if you put your CPU leading directly into the GPU, the GPU may run 1C warmer than if you went to the GPU directly after a radiator.  For most people these are inconsequential differences or at least they should be.  With water cooling, you will not be running your CPU at the temperature max and it won't clock down because the CPU temp is 73C vs 72C.  The Nvidia GPUs do have very specific clock down points at specific temperatures.  I know from experience that I tend to run right near one of them and so I generally go from GPU to CPU before moving on the other radiators.  Cooling the GPU is more important to me and is also an easy run from the pump/res out to the GPU. You can see this in the third picture I posed above with a XD5 pump/res.  In the earlier XD3 pictures, it is going from pump/res -> CPU -> GPU ->radiator->radiator-> pump/res.  That was an instance of trying to run two intake radiators on the bottom and side.  Their placement forced the GPU/CPU order which can go either way.  Do not feel like you have to go...  Component -> radiator -> Component -> radiator.  If that arrangement helps the tube routing, fantastic.  If it does not, then the worst case scenario is one component is 1.5C warmer and the other 1.5C cooler.  

 

More common first time issues are setting up radiators that are working at cross purposes.  If you put a front intake radiator in, and an exhaust radiator up top, then the front radiator dumps its heat into the top radiator and really squelches it's performance.  When forced to do that for whatever reason, you need to go from GPU/CPU up to the top so the warmest liquid goes to the top radiator before it then goes to the front radiator.  That may help with create a temperature difference between the intake air and liquid temp.  If you blow 35C air into a radiator with 35C liquid, you won't remove any heat.  It also works the other way.  Blow 35C air into a radiator with 33C liquid and soon the liquid will be at 35C.  So general rule is you want both radiators in a multiple radiator system to be blowing the same direction -- intake or exhaust.  

[WonderWoman]

Ok, this leaves me with some directionality/layout/functionality questions.

The way I have the radiator with attached pump/reservoir attached and installed in the case as per your marked up image the port on the front that you circled in red and marked "out" I am thinking that I will need to use that port as the one that goes out from the pump/reservoir and has the tubing running to one of the ports on the radiator.  If that is the case then I gives me these questions:

Does that port also get the valve that is used for draining the loop for maintenance AS WELL AS for feeding the radiator or do I use a port that I will not be using for any other portion of the loop?

The way I have things installed the ports for the radiator are above the pump/reservoir.  I am using soft tubing will that be an issue?  I do not have the room to put the radiator with the ports at the bottom due to the triple fans I have installed on the bottom and I cannot move the pump/reservoir up higher on the radiator because the mounting bracket screw holes do not match and the top of the pump/reservoir would be blocking the ports on the radiator.

I am believing that the top port that has the tube inside the reservoir is the one that I will be using to receive the coolant back from being processed around the system and then back to the radiator to be processed back out to the radiator to be cooled and looped through again (in other words completeing and restarting the loop).  Is that understanding correct?

I am uploading my receipt files from Micro Center and one of them has pictures of my purchases and the other is just a plain receipt listing the items and quantities purchased.  Can you advise me of which fittings go where on the reservoir/pump, radiator, CPU and GPU blocks?  I still need to purchase the GPU block.  I need to work out some financial issues due to a temporary shortfall in funds.  I am disappointed that I cannot get the clear version of the XG5 Ventus like I wanted but it is minor; I will make due with the XG7.

 

Thanks again for all your help.  I appreciate it.

 

[WonderWoman]

FYI - I was standing and looking at how I have everything set up in the case, and I took out the valve and started just seeing how it would fit in the case when I would attach it to the pump reservoir, and I realized that I will have to re-orient the direction the pump/reservoir is facing. I will have to turn it so that the side with the two ports on it which is facing forward right now, will actually be facing inside the machine, otherwise I will not have room to install maintenance drainage valve.  does that make sense to you and am I correct in what I am thinking?