Is multiple loops really better?

[Snyxxx]

Since I have created my first dual loop machine recently, I have been pondering if it is really the right thing to do.

Knowing that most GPUs are not loaded at the same time the CPU is loaded, I am leaning to think a single loop with both rads would provide better temperatures overall.

When the GPUs are loaded, they benefit from both rads. When the CPU is loaded, it benefits from both rads.

I think I am going to need to experiment with this, but want to know how others feel or specifically if anyone has already tested this.

[Cutless009]

yes it is better, and yes your cpu is stressed during gameplay as well. Ill let the hardcore people give you the whys.

[Kayin]

Simple math tells us that you can overload those systems even on separate loops, so why chance it.

Also, take the case of the DKA790GX (I'll have one in a few weeks), which carries the 790GX northbridge. It runs at approximately 9 watts. If I drop a highly efficient block on it (such as my Twinplex XTs) and it's first in the chipset loop, it'll probably hang at ambient. If I instead throw it in a CPU loop, it's gonna stay warm-in this case, possibly even warmer than air, depending on OC...

[Bigtime]

Just get enough radiator that it won't matter :p

[Baleful]

I'm with Kayin on this. I would think you would see higher temps across the board with a setup like that.

Of course it would still perform better than air, but I just don't see this being able to outperform single loops.

[Fitseries3]

i like to group components by temperature range.

video cards are in a league of their own. usually 4X - 8Xc depending on the card(s)

chipsets and VRMs and pci/pcie(non video) cards are in a low wattage output/medium temperature catagory so they would be great on a loop together.

cpu's tend to be in the high wattage output/medium - high temp output depending on OC's.

i like to keep them in 3 separate loops if possible.

[RedRaider]

Be a man and run multiple loops....

[ballz0r]

Id be interested in your comparison Synxxx

I'm a fan of the one big loop and lots of rad

for me its just about the simplicity and reliability.... 1 loop means less can go wrong.

An overclocked CPU will run about the same temps or higher than your vid cards

[Snyxxx]

Id be interested in your comparison Synxxx

I'm a fan of the one big loop and lots of rad

for me its just about the simplicity and reliability.... 1 loop means less can go wrong.

An overclocked CPU will run about the same temps or higher than your vid cards

Yes, I will test this and report back. Everytime I see your avatar it reminds me of the other testing I need to do with the parallel GPU arrangement. :D

[Baleful]

Id be interested in your comparison Synxxx

I'm a fan of the one big loop and lots of rad

for me its just about the simplicity and reliability.... 1 loop means less can go wrong.

An overclocked CPU will run about the same temps or higher than your vid cards


I don't understand your logic here. To me, having separate loops should be safer because you don't have as many variables. With one big ass loop, you have added many different variables to the mix (More parts, more hardware) therefore more can go wrong.

Having separate loops means less variables if something goes wrong. If one blocks messes up, or one pump messes up you are only having to work on that one single loop instead of the rest of the machine.

[ballz0r]

I don't understand your logic here. To me, having separate loops should be safer because you don't have as many variables. With one big ass loop, you have added many different variables to the mix (More parts, more hardware) therefore more can go wrong.

Having separate loops means less variables if something goes wrong. If one blocks messes up, or one pump messes up you are only having to work on that one single loop instead of the rest of the machine.

Ive got a temp sensor in my loop with the bios set to shut down the computer if water temp goes over 50. Ive also got a flowmeter in the loop hooked into the CPU Fan Headder so that if it stops the computer shuts down.

3 loops multiplies this by 3

[Septim]

really depends on lots of things... separate loops easier to fill and drain... you do need to commit more time for maintenance either way...

[Baleful]

Ive got a temp sensor in my loop with the bios set to shut down the computer if water temp goes over 50. Ive also got a flowmeter in the loop hooked into the CPU Fan Headder so that if it stops the computer shuts down.

3 loops multiplies this by 3


I didn't really look at it like that. Built in redundancy with the multiple pumps and such.

The only downside I see is if one part fails such as one pump, you're stuck troubleshooting all the pumps in your loop.

[ballz0r]

I didn't really look at it like that. Built in redundancy with the multiple pumps and such.

The only downside I see is if one part fails such as one pump, you're stuck troubleshooting all the pumps in your loop.

yeah there are arguments for and against.

My next build will be multiple loops.... im gona water cool EVERYHING :)

[Septim]

full setup immersion...

[ballz0r]

even my fans will be water cooled :)