Wouldve got a higher end gpu that supports a fullcover waterblock - ie gtx980 or 780/780ti, trust me after you finish the loop you'll look at the gpu and go 'shit, wish that was in the loop as well...'
Minimize the tubing used. Long runs of tubing look silly imho
If you want a drain port dont use a t piece and stoppers. Use a proper drain switch that has a tap
Ive never been a fan of coloured coolant, yeah there are reports the the new pastel range has an approximate life of 2 yrs, but ill be darned if it isnt a pain in the arse to clean out of a loop and blocks. I'll stick to demin water + liquid utopia & coloured tubing - no staining, no clogging, relatively safe to the environment, and cheap.
you can fit some serious radiators in that case - settling on a single thin 360 to me seems a waste when there is room for uber thick ones. just check out TTL's review for ideas.
Unfortunately I don't have the money to get a different gpu + waterblock right now, was planning on adding that stuff to the loop a little down the road
However, I decided to get a thicker 360 to put in the top
Quick question regarding pumps and draining...
On a pump+top like this: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/21014/ex-pmp-245/EK_D5_X-Top_Pump_Top_w_D5_Vario_Pump_-_Black_Acetal_EK-D5_Vario_X-TOP_incl_pump.html?tl=g30c107s1802&id=CRj8wheG&mv_pc=38545
There is 1 inlet and 2 outlets. Can I have 1 outlet going to a water block and the other outlet going out as a drain port at the same time? Obviously I won't run the pump to drain, it would just function as a regular drain just running straight from the pump. Is using both outlets like this possible?
Yeah you could do that. Ive used drain ports on loops in the past, they're handy but not a necessity. Towels, a bowl and quick hands can drain any loop easy enough.
As far as blocks for the 970 later on, perhaps check on the ek-cooling-config site from time to time. There are always the universal blocks for which are a little ugly but do the job for the core alone ~ vrm and memory will need little heatsinks etc.
I'm not understanding what the T-adapter is being used for (assuming it's being used with the stop fitting). If you intend to put your GPU on water, I I'd recommend against the Asus Strix variant of the 970 because it uses a non-standard, extra large PCB. Also, why do you want to use your res upside-down? The top port should be used as a fillport only