First time Liquid cooling

M

motorboatink1ng

New Member
I just bought two GTX 970's. I'm running SLI and my temperatures are getting into the low-mid 80's. I know that isn't terrible, but I have extra money to blow so I was going to liquid cool my whole PC. I've done a bit of research and just have some questions.

Can I cool both GPU's and my CPU in one loop? If not would I need two pumps and radiators or how would that work?

I'm looking at cooling blocks for my GPU, and back plates are sold separate. Most of the forums I read just said "it looks cool". Do I need back plates or is it really just cosmetic?

There are SLI water bridges. Are those better so I just connect an inlet and outlet to that for both GPU's, or should I route each GPU individually?

Sorry for so many questions. I just don't want to spend that kind of money and be wrong with what I buy or miss out on a better setup.
 
one loop is fine for all components as long as the rad is big enough. for 2 x 970s plus cpu id think a 480 rad is required on half inch tubing with d5 pump. the back plates are mainly cosmetic but also provide protection and strength as well as minor additional heat dissipation.
 
I was doing research and the waterblock for my MSI GTX 970 doesn't appear to be out yet. EK's website said that it will come out in December. Otherwise I have a cart with a few things in it. XSPC EX480 Quad 120mm split fin radiator. Alphacool TPP644 12v Water pump 1/2 barb. And a waterblock for my CPU. I will also get a reservoir, I'm just looking at a bunch of different styles and haven't found one I really like yet.

Also What kind of barbs do I need? There are also lots of different dimensions of tubing. 1/2 x 5/8, 1/2 x 3/4.
 
I have 2x 980's in SLI and before i set a custom fan profile on them they were nearly getting 76c, since i have set that up they dont go above 65-70c as on stock they run quite slow. They have a max of 105c i think so 70-80c will be fine for them. If you havent already set a fan profile with afterburner and try that.

Watercooling will help quite a bit but of course its quite costly.
 
I didn't know about afterburner. The made a profile to turn the RPM's to 100% at lower temps and now I'm not getting to 80. Looks like I won't need to liquid cool. Thanks
 
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