I've done a fair bit of research on the topic of custom loops and have a majority of it planned it. I am a huge fan of the minimalistic design of EK's water-blocks, so I will be going with them for a lot of the parts.
Before I ask questions, let me answer some of yours.
Q: Why are you buying an AIO when you're making a custom loop? A: It will be a while until I make my custom loop, so I will use this for now until I build it.
Q: Why are you buying extra fans for the loop? A: I'm not, I plan to reusing some of the fans and put the extra AF fans on the bottem of the case.
Q: Why isn't there a pump, etc? A: v Read below v
Now here are my questions. 1. How much fluid do I need for this? Which fluid? What anti bacteria do I use? etc? 2. Do I have enough radiator support for my CPU and GPUs? Is it enough for overclocking? 3. Pumps, I'm clueless on this. What should I pick up? 4. Are there any problems with what I have so far? 5. Do I need anything else?
I'll edit in any additional questions/thoughts. Thanks for the support.
I would advise you to measure your radiator locations for clearance once you get the case before ordering your rad's. That includes the mounting holes, make sure everything lines up with the schematic on EK's product page. You'll run out of room a lot quicker than you think when you start cramming all that stuff into a case so proper measurements are important.
Those 2 rad's would be more than enough cooling capacity. You only need about 120mm of medium FPI radiator capacity for each water block with medium to high rpm static pressure optimized fans. The more radiator capacity you have, then the lower rpm you can run your fans for a quieter operation.
I would suggestion getting a pump or pumps that have around 800 - 1,000 L/H flow rate that are pwm controlled or at least variable speed so the rpm can be adjusted. I use dual pwm controlled DDC pumps that usually run at about 50% so the pump noise is minimal. Mounting options will be a determining factor with the type of pumps you chose. You will need a reservoir so you'll need to figure out where to mount it as well or use a pump/res combo and mount them together.
1. I only use water now. I no longer purchase coolant because it always seems to gum up my loops. Just get a gallon at walmart and you will be good to go. Change the fluid every 6 months and use silver plugs. 2. Yes 3. A d5 or similar will be enough for this loop. 4. No problems so far. BTW the titan blocks fit great on the 980ti. When installing them there is some thermal pads you don't use that is in the titan kit. Do not worry just install what you need. 5. Yes you need a res.
Also I am still not a fan of compression fittings. Everyone on the internet seems to say you NEED them or your system will leak and it simply isnt true. Barbs are still my go to for a few reasons. They are easy to install and the price point.
You can use an EK terminal block like the one I use or you can use Bitspower Crystal Link. There both about the same price once you by the Bitspower tubes and fittings so it's really a question of aesthetics. Also, I missed the coolant question. Like @hate said, a gallon of distilled water from Wal-Mart with a silver kill coil will do the trick. Compression fittings are optional. I use them for the looks.
I've always liked the looks of the EK terminal block and it has the advantage adding rigidity to build. However, it does block the BIOS switches on my Fury cards with the back plate installed. I'm thinking about switching to crystal link because of that. Your 980 Ti's don't have have dual BIOS so you shouldn't have to worry about that. I've flashed the BIOS on both my Fury cards to unlock software locked CU's so I would like to be able to access the switch to revert to the stock BIOS if needed.
I've been considering it. I've actually bought all the things I need to hard tube my setup. I just haven't mustered the courage or the patience to do it.
Valid points above. Patience is key. Anyways, I hope you post pics when you complete your build! I love seeing new builds. My wallet doesn't however...
