Description
Added second GTX980 to a previous build http://pcpartpicker.com/b/HH3Ff7 and part of my long term goal was to do a custom water loop, so here it is.
Went the easy path with the expandable Swiftech H240-X, added two VGA full cover blocks from XSPC and an XSPC 120-V3 radiator.
Previous GPU temps would hit the low 80s. Highest I have seen since the loop was installed is 41C while running Witcher 3 at 1920x1080 maximum settings. Next on the list is new monitor to utilize the available performance.
Swiftech H240-X: Instructions were straight forward for installation. Draining the radiator and replacing the outlet fitting on the pump was a little challenging, but again the instructions were quite clear. Filling required putting the machine on the back and running a hose out the 5-1/4 bay. So far the included Apogee XL cooler is keeping the CPU to the same temperatures as my h80i, but that max temperature was under the latest Prime95, and there are two GPUs in the loop. So I can only say, so far so good.
XSPC Razor GTX980: These came with somewhat incomplete instructions, but they have some helpful videos posted. Included instructions make no mention of the backplate screws or two screws that hold the heatsink onto the reference cooler that must be removed. Not a big deal but thought I would point it out. Cooling potential is amazing and should overclock quite well. EVGA SC are at stock settings so far. I have no need for the performance level they can achieve at the moment. I do have a 4K TV I can hook it up to, so I may try that at some point or I can use DSR to throw the hammer at them.
Update, ran them at full tilt for about two hours and the GPUs managed to hit 50C
Didn't include the price of the hose or clamps, but that was somewhat minor. Automotive heater hose was used in place of the hosing I purchased online. Wouldn't make the corners I needed without collapsing. This much thicker tubing certainly works, though I had to rearrange a few fittings on the GPU blocks.
I don't have a windowed case, so, for all you people that want to see the light show, sorry. Not going to try and shove any more cables in there. The ghost is not the best when it comes to having space behind the tray. It is quite the struggle to get the side panel on.
Everything else in the build was purchased at various points, so some of the prices will seem high.
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