Adding a GPU to my loop

[ENTERPRISE]

Hey guys,

 

So I am possibly toying with the idea of adding a GPU to my loop. Currently only the CPU is under WC. My question is however, what order should the loop be in. My immediate thoughts are as below

 

RES OUT -> CPU IN -> CPU OUT -> GPU IN -> GPU OUT -> RAD 1 IN -> RAD 1 OUT -> RAD 2 IN -> RAD 2 OUT -> RES IN

 

Or

 

RES OUT -> CPU IN -> CPU OUT -> RAD 1 IN -> RAD 1 OUT -> GPU IN -> GPU OUT -> RAD 2 IN -> RAD 2 OUT -> RES IN

 

I was thinking about it and it was for some reason starting to hurt my head lol. I am not wanting to do a separate loop for the GPU as I am trying to make it as simple as possible. Never added a GPU to a WC setup so a little new to this one. I would have through option 2 was the best as you have a RAD in between the flow which I would imagine would keep a better balance so far as the overall cooling.

 

I have the Be Quiet Dark Base Pro 900, I currently have a Black ICE GTR420 RAD to the front of the case. These boys are bulky, so I am not so sure I will fit one of these bad boys to the top of the case, so I am thinking the Black Ice GTS 280 RAD would be better.

 

Any suggestion are always highly welcomed

 

[tictoc]

With only a single GPU in the loop I would just go with whatever is easiest and/or looks the best. Overall temps won't be that different either way. The water temp will be slightly elevated after the CPU, but unless you are right on the ragged edge of stability with a GPU OC it won't matter.

 

 

[ENTERPRISE]

With only a single GPU in the loop I would just go with whatever is easiest and/or looks the best. Overall temps won't be that different either way. The water temp will be slightly elevated after the CPU, but unless you are right on the ragged edge of stability with a GPU OC it won't matter.

 

 

So I may not even need to install an additional rad ? Granted I know the water temp will be elevated when you add a GPU (especially when the GPU is under load), so I thought an additional rad would be required in order to keep load temps under control. I mean I know and additional rad will help, but as to how much is beyond me.

[tictoc]

A single 420 radiator would probably be OK, depending on how much you are OCing the CPU and GPU, and your tolerance for fan noise. You might need to turn up the fans and/or go push/pull when both the CPU and GPU are under heavy load.

[ENTERPRISE]

A single 420 radiator would probably be OK, depending on how much you are OCing the CPU and GPU, and your tolerance for fan noise. You might need to turn up the fans and/or go push/pull when both the CPU and GPU are under heavy load.

 

The CPU does have a fairly heavy OC 4525/4500/4500/4350. GPU I tend to only give light overclock as it is rarely needed. If I were to go with a secondary RAD (To be on the safe side) which of the loop options in the OP would be the best to go with ?

[tictoc]

If you add a radiator the order won't really matter. Whichever of the two options is easier and/or looks better will be fine.

 

The only time that I have seen it have much of an affect, is with a machine that didn't really have enough rad space for the heat load. In that scenario, I had a pair of 7990s in series and the 2nd card had an OC that was barely stable. To keep it at max clocks, I had to go Res->Pump->CPU->GPU->Rad->GPU->Rad, because it was right at the edge of stability and the increased water temperature from the CPU and other GPU didn't have enough cooling capacity to keep it stable.

That was a rather specific scenario, and could have probably been solved with an additional radiator. With what you are running, you won't encounter anything like that.

[ENTERPRISE]

If you add a radiator the order won't really matter. Whichever of the two options is easier and/or looks better will be fine.

 

The only time that I have seen it have much of an affect, is with a machine that didn't really have enough rad space for the heat load. In that scenario, I had a pair of 7990s in series and the 2nd card had an OC that was barely stable. To keep it at max clocks, I had to go Res->Pump->CPU->GPU->Rad->GPU->Rad, because it was right at the edge of stability and the increased water temperature from the CPU and other GPU didn't have enough cooling capacity to keep it stable.

That was a rather specific scenario, and could have probably been solved with an additional radiator. With what you are running, you won't encounter anything like that.

 

That is fair enough. I probably will go with 2nd option as it will be just as easy as the first option so far as time wise, but also makes more sense to me to stagger the rad intervals, even if the different is negligible to none lol.

[Bastiaan_NL]

So I had to try my setup out before having an answer.

With a single D5 with the reservoir on top, a 420 and 280 rad(both 45 thickness) a CPU and GPU block, my GPU temp doesn't go over 45c with 27c ambient in my room.

That is with about 300Watt usage on the GPU and the CPU at ~60% load.

All 1/2 ID tubing and not a single 90 degree fitting. I think you'll be good with one pump ?

 

I did go with what worked best for my loop order, but it also happens to be what I prefer anyways.

Pump - GPU - 420 rad - CPU - 280 rad - pump.

 

For now I'm running the fan speed at 70%, push pull Corsair ML140 pro's, and the pump at 75%. Ambient dropped a few degrees, but still steady between 40c and 45c.

Edited May 11, 2020 by Bastiaan_NL

[ENTERPRISE]

So I had to try my setup out before having an answer.

With a single D5 with the reservoir on top, a 420 and 280 rad(both 45 thickness) a CPU and GPU block, my GPU temp doesn't go over 45c with 27c ambient in my room.

That is with about 300Watt usage on the GPU and the CPU at ~60% load.

All 1/2 ID tubing and not a single 90 degree fitting. I think you'll be good with one pump ?

 

I did go with what worked best for my loop order, but it also happens to be what I prefer anyways.

Pump - GPU - 420 rad - CPU - 280 rad - pump.

 

For now I'm running the fan speed at 70%, push pull Corsair ML140 pro's, and the pump at 75%. Ambient dropped a few degrees, but still steady between 40c and 45c.

 

Nice ! Thanks for doing the test for me. Sounds like a single pump will suffice then. I run my pump at 75% at this point as well. Your setup looks like what my future one will, including the ID of the tubing. So I will expect to see similar results (assuming similar ambient). The only difference is while my front rad is 45mm thick like yours, I will likely go with a slimmer top rad due to space. I will have to have a measure again as I MAY be able to fit a thicker rad to the top of the case or I may just have to stick to a 29mm. As I say, the additional rad is only there to help offset the inclusion of a single GPU (Possibly 3080Ti) to the loop.

 

Thanks again !

[Bastiaan_NL]

Happy to help

The top radiator was a bit too tall with this case and motherboard combination, the ram is up pretty high on the board so the middle "push fan" can't be installed.

I already knew that, but I went with this one anyways cause I'm pretty sure even with 5 fans it'll cool better than a 30 rad with 6 fans.

 

Just wondering, how much power does that Ryzen use?

The 7700K uses close to 90w, not that much heat added to the loop compared to the 300w from the 2080Ti.

[ENTERPRISE]

Happy to help

The top radiator was a bit too tall with this case and motherboard combination, the ram is up pretty high on the board so the middle "push fan" can't be installed.

I already knew that, but I went with this one anyways cause I'm pretty sure even with 5 fans it'll cool better than a 30 rad with 6 fans.

 

Just wondering, how much power does that Ryzen use?

The 7700K uses close to 90w, not that much heat added to the loop compared to the 300w from the 2080Ti.

 

Looking at the package at 100% load its pulling 232W

[tictoc]

I agree one pump should be just fine, unless you want a second for redundancy/failover. I have a single D5 in a loop with a CPU, 3 GPUs, and 2 radiators, and it has been going more or less 24/7 for the last three years with various CPU and GPU combinations.

[ENTERPRISE]

Sweet. Will likely just stick with the single pump, the D5 is reliable and I have a second screen on my PC case for monitoring stats, so I think I will notice if the pump gives out as I have a flow meter etc

[J7SC_Orion]

Sweet. Will likely just stick with the single pump, the D5 is reliable and I have a second screen on my PC case for monitoring stats, so I think I will notice if the pump gives out as I have a flow meter etc

 

 

...single pump ? My inner Bonobo is offended (...then again, he's offended quite easily...)

 

 

But seriously, never had a single D5 fail in operation at work or home in 10 years plus; though I still run two of them in series for fail-over (just in case..)

 

Edited May 13, 2020 by J7SC_Orion

[ENTERPRISE]

Holy...that is more of a pump ARRAY than anything lol ! Yeah I hear the D5's last well, so it is good to hear you have the same opinion, always nice to have the extra confidence haha.

[ENTERPRISE]

Decided to go with https://www.watercoolinguk.co.uk/p/B...ack_44923.html

 

I think this RAD will fit nicely in the top section of the case with no issues (Fingers Crossed) and will help offset any additional temps given off from a future GPU.

[ENTERPRISE]

So if I were thinking of another pump as a fail safe. What would you guys recommend (smaller the better) secondly, would the pump be directly after my first pump in the loop such as...

 

RES/PUMP Combo -> Failsafe Pump -> Rest of loop.

 

?

 

Thanks in advance.

[J7SC_Orion]

So if I were thinking of another pump as a fail safe. What would you guys recommend (smaller the better) secondly, would the pump be directly after my first pump in the loop such as...

 

RES/PUMP Combo -> Failsafe Pump -> Rest of loop.

 

?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

 

...probably doesn't really matter, as long as both (D5) pumps are below the reservoir (and thus always get 'fed' and lubricated). As far as I recall, your current pump is a combo / the bottom of the reservoir, so if you can find some space in the case 'near it' and vertically below the reservoir for the 2nd pump, it should not make a difference cooling-wise - flow will equalize anyhow in the loop. If there's enough room at the back in your case and some space for tube pass-throughs, that's another option as well. Finally, within the above parameters, I would put the second pump between the CPU block and GPU block, but only if I would have the choice.

 

BTW, an example of a nice free-standing D5s with OLED display (incl. rpm, L/hr)...

 

[video=youtube;ya-8E7Hzj3s]

[J7SC_Orion]

...oh, one more thing: A note of caution :

 

Once you get into multiple pumps, you might contract 'pumpritis' and 'fanritis', like the ongoing build of my buddy 'Iamjanco' underscores

 

 

​

​

[ENTERPRISE]

 

 

...probably doesn't really matter, as long as both (D5) pumps are below the reservoir (and thus always get 'fed' and lubricated). As far as I recall, your current pump is a combo / the bottom of the reservoir, so if you can find some space in the case 'near it' and vertically below the reservoir for the 2nd pump, it should not make a difference cooling-wise - flow will equalize anyhow in the loop. If there's enough room at the back in your case and some space for tube pass-throughs, that's another option as well. Finally, within the above parameters, I would put the second pump between the CPU block and GPU block, but only if I would have the choice.

 

BTW, an example of a nice free-standing D5s with OLED display (incl. rpm, L/hr)...

 

[video=youtube;ya-8E7Hzj3s]

 

Nice, little on the pricier side but nice. I would imagine that I would need to set the pumps both at the same speed setting to ensure it equalizes ? In order to make sure that modification to the pumps settings is nice and easy so far as the on pump buttons, I may mount the D5 Nxt next to my Pump/Res combo. Assuming they are on the same level this should not be an issue ? Thanks for the other advice

 

...oh, one more thing: A note of caution :

 

Once you get into multiple pumps, you might contract 'pumpritis' and 'fanritis', like the ongoing build of my buddy 'Iamjanco' underscores

 

 

​

​

 

Hmmmm now that is one hell of a setup, not so sure I have the room for something like that haha.

 

 

[J7SC_Orion]

 

Nice, little on the pricier side but nice. I would imagine that I would need to set the pumps both at the same speed setting to ensure it equalizes ? In order to make sure that modification to the pumps settings is nice and easy so far as the on pump buttons, I may mount the D5 Nxt next to my Pump/Res combo. Assuming they are on the same level this should not be an issue ? Thanks for the other advice

 

 

 

Hmmmm now that is one hell of a setup, not so sure I have the room for something like that haha.

 

 

 

...I usually set all pumps to the same speed, though I have read that w/ D5 type pumps, it is not that big an issue if speeds are different, other than may be efficiency...argument is along the same lines why 'fail-safe' works w/ D5s, ie. one one pump is out, flow still works via the other...

 

...if you got the room next to the pump / rez combo and don't end up with tight '90 degree' bends etc, that would work fine

 

Pictures / vid when you're done !

 

[ENTERPRISE]

 

 

...I usually set all pumps to the same speed, though I have read that w/ D5 type pumps, it is not that big an issue if speeds are different, other than may be efficiency...argument is along the same lines why 'fail-safe' works w/ D5s, ie. one one pump is out, flow still works via the other...

 

...if you got the room next to the pump / rez combo and don't end up with tight '90 degree' bends etc, that would work fine

 

Pictures / vid when you're done !

 

Awesome, I imagined it would be ok, but never having done a double pump build, I thought it best to ask lol. Pics and vids will come. I will likely install the new rad and pump just for the CPU for now and get it all setup and add the GPU to it later once the 3080Ti's hit the market.

[ENTERPRISE]

You will be pleased to know that I went for the Aquacomputer D5 Next with another Rad Black Ice Nemesis GTS 280. Aside from the additional monitoring via software that the D5 next will bring, it is nice to have the backup, granted I already have a flow sensor which is on my diagnostics monitor (so I would notice). However at least if one goes down, my rig can stay operational while I order a new pump if the worst was to happen.

 

Purchased some additional fittings to allow for angling the tubes if I need to as well as a new cutter for modding the case if necessary. My case has a basement section covered by a shroud which I already modded for my current setup but I'm going to clear more space underneath for the new pump which will sit below my current pump/res combo. However so that I can have the tubing coming back up and out of the basement, it is time for a new tubing hole lol. Also ordered some more of the tap like fittings for my CPU block (which is actually a full mobo coverage block) so when it comes to future maintenance I can lock off the mobo block when undoing pipes etc for future GPU inclusion, just reduces risk of unnecessary spillage. I will also do the same for the top mounted rad, again when altering the loop, why risk additional coolant spilling out of the rad when I can just lock it off right! At least that is my logic.

[J7SC_Orion]

You will be pleased to know that I went for the Aquacomputer D5 Next with another Rad Black Ice Nemesis GTS 280. Aside from the additional monitoring via software that the D5 next will bring, it is nice to have the backup, granted I already have a flow sensor which is on my diagnostics monitor (so I would notice). However at least if one goes down, my rig can stay operational while I order a new pump if the worst was to happen.

 

Purchased some additional fittings to allow for angling the tubes if I need to as well as a new cutter for modding the case if necessary. My case has a basement section covered by a shroud which I already modded for my current setup but I'm going to clear more space underneath for the new pump which will sit below my current pump/res combo. However so that I can have the tubing coming back up and out of the basement, it is time for a new tubing hole lol. Also ordered some more of the tap like fittings for my CPU block (which is actually a full mobo coverage block) so when it comes to future maintenance I can lock off the mobo block when undoing pipes etc for future GPU inclusion, just reduces risk of unnecessary spillage. I will also do the same for the top mounted rad, again when altering the loop, why risk additional coolant spilling out of the rad when I can just lock it off right! At least that is my logic.

 

 

Nice ! When I checked the pricing for the Aquacomputer D5 Next, I started to feel a bit guilty, but then checked other D5 pump and water-cooling gear prices - wow, what happened (rhetorical question) ? The good part about D5 is that they last a long time, but since we bought a bunch back in 2013 -2014 (same for XSPC RX 360 rads, fittings, GentleTyphoon and other hi-po fans), I haven't really kept up on pricing...just clean and recycle the old stuff . That said, if/when more D5s are needed, it's going to be the Aquacomputer D5 Next with embedded flow-meter.

 

Looking forward to your full build pics - those Asrock X570 Aqua full-block mobos are cool(ed) and gorgeous (not to mention ready for the next-gen Ryzen)

 

 

[ENTERPRISE]

 

 

Nice ! When I checked the pricing for the Aquacomputer D5 Next, I started to feel a bit guilty, but then checked other D5 pump and water-cooling gear prices - wow, what happened (rhetorical question) ? The good part about D5 is that they last a long time, but since we bought a bunch back in 2013 -2014 (same for XSPC RX 360 rads, fittings, GentleTyphoon and other hi-po fans), I haven't really kept up on pricing...just clean and recycle the old stuff . That said, if/when more D5s are needed, it's going to be the Aquacomputer D5 Next with embedded flow-meter.

 

Looking forward to your full build pics - those Asrock X570 Aqua full-block mobos are cool(ed) and gorgeous (not to mention ready for the next-gen Ryzen)

 

 

Yeah will be sure to post pics. It will not look like a showcase build as mine are more for purpose than looks and I use trusty EPDM tubing for low maintenance but it will be interesting nonetheless. Yeah the D5 Next was a fair bit more expensive than I thought but I treat it as an investment as it will hopefully not only serve me for a long time but is also an AIO solution as it comes with the flow meter etc and will give me some nice statistics to look at on Aquasuite haha.

 

Yeah the X570 luckily is supporting the next gen, though I may not go next gen. My 3950X is working great for me and is fantastic middle ground for workstation and gaming. It gives me PCIe 4.0 for my M.2 drives and future GPU. There is no need to really upgrade to the next gen, I would rather wait it out and do another build when DDR5 is commonplace, or even PCIe 5.0 as I know that standard is not a million miles away either. Upgrading now I think would be more spending money for the sake of spending money with very little gain.