Adding watercooling to gfx card question

[AdamP]

I am just about to embark on my first watercooling system mainly to reduce noise, i will be using a kit and adding a block for the graphics card (Sapphire 9800pro) i have seen that alot of people add the zalman graphics memory heatsinks to their cards is this essential as i am obviously going to be removing the stock heatsink, the card will not be overclocked at this point in time.

Also i have noticed that there seems to be 2 circuits that people use when setting up water cooling

pump -> cpu -> gfx -> radiator -> pump
or
pump -> radiator -> cpu -> gfx -> pump

is there much difference ? is one better at reducing temps over the other or is it just personal preference.. or am i just confused lol.

Any advice greatfully received.

[latency]

Generally speaking, there's not much difference in the different loops, your best bet is to arrange the hoses in a manner that gives maximum waterflow, so avoid tight corners, go for smooth curves instead, try to avoid zig zags.

As for the memory sinks, if you're not overclocking, and you have good airflow through the case (ala, an exhaust fan) you should be fine without them.

I also have a 9800 pro, I have two exhaust fans on 5v, and no memory sinks. All clear for me so far.

[Hardass]

The CPU block position in the circuit depends on the type of CPU water block, for an impingement type like the DD RBX/TDX it is best placed immediately after the pump, as they perform at their best with the highest pressure available.

Other than that, as L4T3CY suggests, the shortest ‘least restrictive’ runs available will be best.

[AdamP]

Thankz for the advice guys, all the bits just arrived so it looks like i have a fun filled weekend ahead of me :D

[PHILIP1193]

pump -> cpu -> gfx -> radiator -> pump

i run that one as the pump is gettin the most cool water from the rad and then pushing it over the cpu and gfx with a high pressure which 90% of blocks like as hardass says an impingement type like the DD RBX/TDX it is best placed immediately after the pump, as they perform at their best with the highest pressure available. becauseiirc the rad and res (if u get one) tend to make it loose pressure due to their nature, so presonally i would go with that one, i run that loop and i have good temps!!

also why you got no res? are you using a fill hole witha t-line? also what kitt have you bought as we may be able to advise you on the best method of plumming it :)

Phil

[AdamP]

There is a res with the kit, but i am not sure i have room for it, the kit is the thermaltake Bigwater (fitted my need and my budget) with the aquarius II Vga waterblock , i have the thermaltake tsunami dream case and saw the Bigwater kit while i was checking out the specs hehe :D

[AdamP]

Another thing that has been bothering me, how do i leak test the rig ? is it best to fit the blocks loosely then measure and fit the pipes and remove the blocks and power it up outside the case, thats the only thing thats worrying me don't wanna have to dry out all the components or worse...

[Forthy]

Do it exactly the way you describe. Lob all the bits in the right places so you know how long a hose you will need. Then assemble and leak test prior to installation. :)