Please Help a noob...

[DrBeppo]

Hi all,

i would like an advice when it comes to the custom loop.

1. My case of choice is Phanteks NV9.
2. Radiators: 2x 420mm UT 60 and 1x 420mm XT45, 60 on top and bottom and 45 on the side (this one is for the consideration based on the question at the bottom of this thread) https://shop.alphacool.com/en/shop/...acool-nexxxos-ut60-full-copper-420mm-radiator https://shop.alphacool.com/en/shop/...acool-nexxxos-xt45-full-copper-420mm-radiator
3. CPU block to cool 7800x3D: https://shop.alphacool.com/en/shop/cpu-water-cooling/intel/13886-alphacool-core-1-lt-aurora-acrylic
4. GPU block to cool 5080: https://shop.alphacool.com/en/detail/index/sArticle/21870
5. Fitting: probably these (this one is for the consideration based on the question at the bottom of this thread) https://shop.alphacool.com/en/shop/...dtube-screw-on-nozzle-g1/4-deep-black-sixpack
6. Drain port: https://shop.alphacool.com/en/shop/...ol-eiszapfen-2-way-ball-valve-g1/4-deep-black
7. Fill port: https://shop.alphacool.com/en/shop/cooling-liquids/accessories/ans-alphacool-apex-fillport-black
8. T piece - to add the drain port: https://shop.alphacool.com/en/shop/...on-terminal-tee-t-piece-round-g1/4-deep-black
9. Flow indicator: https://shop.alphacool.com/en/shop/...sfluegel-flow-indicator-black-g1/4-ig-acrylic
10. Tubes: https://shop.alphacool.com/en/shop/...3/10mm-acrylic-pmma-clear-80cm-set-of-4-320cm
11. Cooling liquids: probably 3x? https://shop.alphacool.com/en/shop/...quids/17313-alphacool-ultra-pure-water-1000ml
12. Distro: unfortunately, alphacool does not make a 280mm distro with a pump on the backside, so i had to choose this one: https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-quantum-kinetic3-flt-280-d5-pwm-d-rgb-plexi
13. Fans: 9x Lian Li UNI FAN SL-INF 140 - 3x classic and 6x reverse

Tools:

1. Benidng kit https://shop.alphacool.com/en/shop/...s/sz-alphacool-hardtube-bending-kit-basic-v.2
2. Leak testing tool: https://shop.alphacool.com/en/shop/...ls/sen-alphacool-leak-testing-tool-incl.-pump
3. Spray bottle: https://shop.alphacool.com/en/shop/...hacool-spray-bottle-core-500ml?number=1022197

Now the questions:

1. When it comes to the radiators: i would like to choose 2x UT 60 and 1x XT45 as i have mentioned above. However, i dont want push pull on the top and on the bottom it is unreal to have a push pull. Would be 3 fans sufficient for each 60mm rad? I am sure that for 45mm rad, 3 fans will be sufficient.
2. When it comes to the fittings: how many will i need? If i count corretly, 2 fittings for each component, so 6 for radiators, 2 for CPU, 2 for GPU, 2 for distro and how many then? 3x for the piece to connec a drain port and 1 for drain port and 1 for fill port? Probably also some 90 degree fittings to ease the pain...
3. When it comes to the tubes - i have read somewhere, that it doesnt matter that much to have 13mm or 16mm tubes. What is the truth?
4. What else i will need to build this loop?

When it comes to the ispiration builds - JayzTC build one loop in this case to that is one (with the connection to the drain port on the bottom back of the case -

and second one with the distro on the back of the case

Many thanks for any advice

 

[Eddy]

Running a UT60 radiator without push & pull makes little sense. Unless you plan to run fans at 2000 RPM or more, it will perform worse than an ST30 without push & pull. In that case, you would be better off using an XT45 in push & pull, or at least equipping it on one side only. However, even with an XT45, push & pull should be used if you want the fans to run below 1000 RPM. Otherwise, it offers no real advantage over an ST30.

The only real advantage of thicker radiators is a slower increase in water temperature, simply because they contain more water. Many people confuse this with better cooling performance, which is not necessarily the case.

Your fitting calculation is generally correct. Regarding the drain port and fill port, you simply need to think logically about how you want to mount them. Ideally, make a rough drawing of your loop layout. You will quickly see what additional fittings or adapters you might need. I would generally recommend sketching the entire loop beforehand. It often helps to identify where angled adapters would make routing easier.

There is no difference in flow rate between 13 mm and 16 mm tubing. Even with 19 mm tubing, you will not achieve higher flow, because G1/4" threads only provide an opening of about 8 mm for water flow. 16 mm tubing is simply stiffer than 13 mm and looks bulkier. In the end, it is mostly a matter of personal preference.

To be honest, anyone building a loop like this almost always ends up ordering twice. During assembly, you usually realize that a 90-degree fitting would have been better in one spot, or you change the routing slightly to make it fit better. Just be prepared to place a second order. Almost all modders building showcase systems do. Quite often even a third.