Preparing my first shopping list

[Abra_Cadaver]

Hello World!

This is my first post in the forum, so, first of all: Hello everyone.

Since I was a child, I have been very interested in modding in general. As one grows up, one realizes that some things are liked more and others less, so I have come to the conclusion that:

1- I dedicate myself to a branch of the computer sector and the computer is a main tool of my daily life.

2- Besides being an essential tool, as I said, I like modding.

3- The conclusion of the first two points leads me to consider the installation of an RL system. This system WILL BE, FOR THE MOMENT, a purely AESTHETIC system.

I have highlighted this before starting since I possibly won't have components of the latest generation, so the aesthetic aspect of the hardware itself will be limited.

So let's get to the point:

I have an HP Pavilion p6124es with an MSI gtx 660 and an LC-POWER 550W power supply. (The only thing that is not standard).

As a Pavilion leaves much to be desired, my first intention is to choose a case. I would like (and I know that many of you will find it rat) to spend no more than 60-70€ on it. As the main purpose is aesthetics, the case must have a transparent window.

Having said the basics, here is my choice:

Nox Coolbay VX Zero Edition

Image of the inside of the case

For the moment I would like you to advise me about the case. Basically if the radiator will fit on the top cover with its two fans. (My motherboard is Micro ATX, but if I ever change my motherboard I would like to keep as much equipment as possible).

I don't understand much about the different radiators, but I had opted for this one:

XSPC EX240 Black

Will it be too thick? Will the fans fit?

For the moment I launch the question.
As always, money has to be talked about in these matters, so I tell you that my idea for the moment is not to invest more than 300€ in THE ENTIRE assembly (Racors and tube and dye and whatever is included).

Thank you very much. For the moment I have little to say, but I will update the list as I decide.

P.D: Comments on the budget are accepted.

[Fassou]

First of all, welcome to the forum :sisi:

And now to the point. I don't quite understand this thing about you only wanting the RL for aesthetic purposes, and you focus on the radiator, without commenting on anything about the pump, reservoir or the exchanger, so I wonder if it wouldn't be more interesting for you to have a pre-assembled kit from Corsair or CoolerMaster, which you can get for ~100€ or an expandable one like the ones from Swiftech, if you are going to need to cool several things.

Cheers!

[Abra_Cadaver]

Okay, we're going to throw all the cavalry now.

Before I made any mind maps, I had to know if the setup would fit in that box, so I started there. (Also because someone else might buy it before me).

I was thinking of a reservoir-pump to simplify the circuit. And, this was another doubt about the box…. Could I consider putting a simple reservoir at the bottom of the box next to where the pump source goes? (There is a grille, maybe it gets in the way)
Mostly because the reservoir with the pump included does simplify the circuit but also makes it less visually appealing.

What I'm looking for is a kit that can highlight the RL tubes. Not too many lights and that through a visual enhancement doesn't gain any noise.

My idea so far is:

Reservoir - pump: XSPC D5 Dual Bay v4 incl. Bomba X2O 750

CPU block 775 : Swiftech APOGEE GT

For now this is the idea I had… It wasn't definitive by any means, but I wanted to take it step by step. These days I've been reading a lot about the subject and starting to receive advice on different topics could get me lost. But deep down I will receive information that will be available here in the thread and I won't lose it either.

The block looks like a brick, but I've been looking for things that are low-priced but with a more or less.... attractive finish, let's say...

Now I accept suggestions of all kinds!
From quiet fans to a different block, through reservoirs and pumps.

Thanks for your time!

[Abra_Cadaver]

I'm reviewing the components and the one I was least clear about was the CPU block.

I've been doing some calculations too and with the equipment I've looked at so far, we're on budget.

So I think it would be a good option to choose the Raystorm better. You probably all know it, but here's a link just in case:

Raystorm CPU (775)

So far, with the components mentioned in the thread, I've accumulated about 250€. Adding shipping costs, I estimate that they will add up to about 270€.
Later on, I will try to organize the orders to save on costs.
Here's another doubt... Do you think I can finish the equipment under 300€??

I'm missing tubes, dye, fans (as quiet as possible) and fittings...

How do you see it???

P.D: The doubts mentioned so far are still standing!

--------EDITED-------

I found an image where you can see the top of the case and glimpse the space for the radiator... I'm attaching the link to see if you might know some standard measurements to help me choose the radiator and fans

External top view.

Internal top view

Thanks

[Fassou]

If you like LEDs, this is what a Corsair Hydro H100i looks like.

Personally, I like coolers better whose beauty lies in their good performance, like this Swiftech Apogee XT that I now keep in a drawer.

Salu2!