How many mm of radiator do i need?

[HarryM]

Hi,

Im thinking of getting a system with an i7 3930k, 2 GTX 680s and a Rampage IV Extreme.

If i were to watercool all of these components, how much radiator would i need? would 560mm be enough?

(i will be overclocking heavily)

Thanks

[xeromist]

Are you planning for a dual loop? That can allow you the flexibility to run components at different coolant temps but you'd be limited to the cooling capacity for that loop of course.

I'd say that with dense rads and high speed fans you could probably get away with that but if you can afford/fit more I would recommend it. Most people with a system like that have 2x 360mm. At one time some years ago I had a CPU and 3 GPUs on just 360mm of rad for giggles but temps were pretty high. By that standard anything is possible.

[HarryM]

or i could have an external 360mm hanging off the back using one of those koolance brackets?

[HarryM]

what about 1 360mm and 2 140mm radiators? that's almost what you said.

its just that i have the cosmos 2 but i want to use the bottom hard drive cages for my raid arrays

[HarryM]

or even a 560 out the back

[kkn]

some told me one time to take : for one oc'd part you should take 2 x 120 rad.

[Krindor]

I would say 1 radiator per part, though start with 1 more radiator i.e. for 1 gpu and CPU start with a 360, then for each new part have one more radiator so for 1 cpu and 3 GPU would be 5 radiators.

[Zka17]

My opinion is to have as much as you can! :cool:

Are your GTX680 hotwired and voltage unlocked? If so, they can produce a lot of heat when you're pushing them...

If you don't want insane OC'ing, then the 2x120mm rule for each component should be enough... just think and plan well the airflow...