As well as ordering everything you can see in a PC case with a completed setup — tubing, fittings, pump, reservoir and radiator — there are various parts and tools you need to help you connect all the components and ensure everything is secure to avoid leaks when assembling a water cooling setup. Liquid and electronics don't mix well, and that combination is absolutely the worst case scenario for any PC build. It's rare but can occur, so we'll need to make sure we're confident and take our time.
The case we will be installing everything into is the Thermaltake Core P5, which was specifically designed for this kind of cooling. Thus, we should encounter no issues, but it's a good idea to double check your own case to see if it's possible to mount a pump, reservoir, radiator and more.
The order
Here's everything that has been delivered to our office:
- Alphacool 2-way ball valve.
- Alphacool L-Connector (x2).
- Alphacool TEE T-Piece.
- EK PETG clear tubing (500mm x8).
- EK Supremacy MX CPU block.
- EK 140 Revo D5 PWM pump/reservoir combo.
- EK-HDC fitting (12mm x8).
- XSPC EX480 radiator (480mm).
Some tools that we need for the build:
- 2,000W heat gun.
- Distilled water.
- Tube cutter.
- Reamer.
- Silicon tube mold insert.
- Measuring tape.
- Thermal compound.
We'll have a more in-depth look at the various components and how to check that the fittings and tubing will fit with one another at a later date, though standard sizes should make it easy to match everything up.
Additional thoughts
We opted for 12mm tubing and fittings with a full EK setup for the pump, reservoir, and CPU block. XSPC was selected for the company's EX480 radiator, which isn't the thickest by any means but is solid-looking for what we need it to do.
As for tools, you will absolutely require a tube cutter and reamer of some sort. Heat guns are only required for hard tubing (like PETG and acrylic) where you won't use 90-degree fittings and will want to bend the tubing. Measuring tapes are for those who don't wish to be in the position where you've overshot or undershot a connecter by a few centimeters. CPU blocks may come with thermal compound, but it's always a good idea to have some stored away should you need to remove processor cooling for any reason.
The only thing we're missing is actual coolant to be pumped through the loop. We're still thinking about the color. The case itself is green, so would white look better with cabling or should we stick with a shade of green to match the metal? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Cable combs will be installed to keep power delivery looking tidy alongside precisely-cut tubing, so we're not worrying about the current mess.
Part two of this project will cover tube measuring and cutting, so remain tuned for more details on installing (and failing at installing) a custom setup!
Progress in our PC water-cooling project
