First custom loop or AIO GPU? Are Bykski blocks any good? What fittings, res etc?

[rinners]

So this might be a bit long winded, the custom loop help I need is in the last paragraph.

I've built a Cougar QBX build with a 4790K. Checking bottleneck guides suggests that pairing anything more than a 1070 or 1070ti would be a waste. I've current got a Zotac 1070ti mini which gets me 144fps if I don't max out my settings, otherwise I get throttled @ 83 deg. I don't think putting a 3 fan GPU would do much for temps due to breathing space. Blower style might work better, but I don't think I'll enjoy the noise. And I want as lower TDP as possible.

So the quick solution is to get a 1070/1070ti hybrid GPU, which I'm stuggling to find. I've put an ML120L on the CPU on the PSU side of the bracket and I'm almost sure I can put another 120mm rad next to it.

So here's where I need help deciding. If I can't find the hybrid, I must then put my own AIO or loop on. I would use the Kraken however the VRMs sit to the left of my GPU so the cooling fan is useless and if I get a different card to use it with the axial fan on the kraken is not ideal. However I haven't ruled out this option yet.

First prize would be a custom loop. I have however spent very little on my rig so it almost seems like a bit of a waste to do this, however I don't mind giving it a try. I can only find one full cover block for my card - this Bykski one. It's going to cost me another R1500 just for the block though, so is it even worth it? I mean if a 1080 hybrid comes a long it's probably still going to be a cheaper option to get that surely? Or how about a different card & block?

So besides a R1500 block what else am I going to need? I have a 240mm rad from a cooler master ML240L that I'm half hoping I can use. Would that work? The ML rads are quite thin so I'm hoping I can use the spot below the card for this. I'm not familiar with the fittings I would need? Bearing in mind the ML AIOs have very thin pipes, probably 6mm or 1/4". And I assume I would need to get a pump + res combo, any suggestions? You can check the pic below on the bottom right of the case (where you can see the cables) to get an idea of how much space I have for this, unless I get an SFX PSU.

 

[Doom5003]

Hi,

Firstly, I am by no means a customs loop pro, but have done some research and immediately I can say that no, that ML240L rad wont work. It is a AIO cooler so you will have to buy a separate rad.
Secondly, regarding Bykski brand. I have never found any posts stating that they are of inferior quality/performance so cant see anything wrong with using them. They do have some products that wont/doesn't perform well, but all brand have those products that fall short so.
Thirdly, and I am most likely wrong here so, but going custom loop is a long(ish) term investment so if you will be keeping the build as is for the next couple of months or years then that might be a very good option. Otherwise going hybrid or aftermarket cooling would be your best option.

Don't take my post a law, lets wait for those in the knowhow to make a appearance.

 

[rinners]

Hi,

Firstly, I am by no means a customs loop pro, but have done some research and immediately I can say that no, that ML240L rad wont work. It is a AIO cooler so you will have to buy a separate rad.

Ok, great, it is a copper block, but then again so is the block of the AIO so how do they prevent galvanic corrosion in regular AIOs?

So fittings might be the issue, but I'm not against going ghetto with some clamps like this:

Secondly, regarding Bykski brand. I have never found any posts stating that they are of inferior quality/performance so cant see anything wrong with using them. They do have some products that wont/doesn't perform well, but all brand have those products that fall short so.

At this point it still seems like the only option. Google reveals nothing, but perhaps if I try specific manufacturers I might have more luck. I only know EK though and they only have the universal GPU mount, so I would still need something for the VRMs. What other manufactures are good?

Thirdly, and I am most likely wrong here so, but going custom loop is a long(ish) term investment so if you will be keeping the build as is for the next couple of months or years then that might be a very good option. Otherwise going hybrid or aftermarket cooling would be your best option.

Don't take my post a law, lets wait for those in the knowhow to make a appearance.

I don't plan on upgrading for a while after this, in the past I've been OK with an i3 and GTX 680, so this will be sticking with me for a while.

Cool, I appreciate the input, hopefully others will also share their knowledge and experiences. Or hybrid card =P

 

[rinners]

Should this have been posted in smack talk?