Introduction
Our new pre-configured water cooling bundles are meant to provide new water cooling users with a reliable system water cooling solution that uses only standard parts with no proprietary connectors or components so that they can be expanded later without throwing things away.
In configuring these kits, our primary focus is reasonably quiet, reliable operation with the best performance possible. Running at full-throttle, the Essentials 360 kit is slightly louder than 3 standard case fans, and can even be undervolted for very quiet operation.
The Essentials 360 kit is also designed for maximum performance with a triple radiator that can be externally mounted on a radbox.
Here's a brief run-down of what's included in the Water Cooling Essentials 360 kit:
Swiftech APOGEE DRIVE CPU Water Block: The APOGEE DRIVE is a very unique product in that it includes a CPU water block as well as a very high quality pump. It also flows very freely, which gives the end-user the option to use multiple blocks (ie CPU, VGA, and Chipset) in the same water loop.
Triple 120mm Swiftech Radiator: The radiator dissipates the heat captured by the water into the air. The efficiency of Swiftech's MCR320 radiators is well optimized for optimal performance without excess noise.
Swiftech MCB-120 "Radbox": The Radbox is a convenient way to externally mount your radiator anywhere a rear fan would mount on the back of your case.(assuming enough clearance - please see the product description for the included radiator for dimensions)
Pump: The pump is integrated on the CPU block.
Yate Loon Ball Bearing 120mm fans: With excellent static pressure and quiet operation, Yate Loon fans are the number one choice of water cooling enthusiasts. These Yate Loon D12SB-12 are an excellent match for the MCR320.
Polypropylene T-line: T-lines are tidy, easy to install, and flow very well even when compared to a reservoir. The T-line is also inexpensive which allows this kit to perform with the best while keeping the price low.
Clearflex 3/8" thick wall(10ft): It never pays to use cheap tubing. Cheap tubing can kink when going around tight bends, reducing flow and hurting performance.
Primochill PC Pure : Primochill PC Pure is a performance oriented non-conductive coolant. That means that you should be protected against minor spills when you're setting up your system. In the event that you do get fluid on your hardware, dry it off, clean it with 99% rubbing alcohol and let it dry completely before attempting to power it on. There's some cool UV dye in the syringe for this stuff too :)
Magicool UV Zip Ties: Using inexpensive zip ties to secure tubing is an aesthetically appealing and effective way to ensure that no water leaks. Pull tight one zip tie on each barb.
Recommended Upgrades
Swiftech MCW30 Chipset Water Block: The MCW30 is an easy way to add chipset cooling to your water cooled system. Please check compatibility with your motherboard before ordering this item
Swiftech MCW60: The MCW60 will use your water cooling system to cool the GPU on your graphics card. It is recommended when adding this upgrade that you also add Zalman ZM-RHS1 (or other) VGA RAMsinks
Zalman ZM-RHS1 VGA RAM sink 8 pack: When you cool the GPU with water, you may also need additional cooling for your video card memory. This kit includes enough RAMsinks for X1950/7900 series video cards and below. It may be necessary to purchase an additional kit, or fabricate a couple extra heatsinks for an HD3000/8800 series video card.
Water Additives+: Due to the all-copper design of our water cooling system, and the included Primochill PC Pure coolant, an additive is not necessary for this kit.
*Special Note Regarding nvidia 8800 series video cards and ATi HD3000 series video cards*
There are components on these video cards that need to be cooled *besides* the GPU and video RAM. It may be necessary to buy additional MC21 or MC14 heatsinks to cool these other components.
There are also water blocks available that have that advantage of cooling all components on the video card. They are called full cover blocks. These are recommended for the best aesthetics and the best overall performance. EK and Danger Den both make excellent full cover blocks.