Thanks for all the advice so far... right now I'm looking at a 420mm rad for the front panel (coolest air intake, quiet).
Between Barrow/BarrowCH and EKWB, which one is more "leak proof" in your experience? Is there a big difference in terms of the noise/reliability of the various pumps?
Go for 120mm variants instead, coz good SP fans are usually in 120mm. Other than noctua but it is superby expensive.
Both ekwb and barrow are good quality. Mine haven had any lraks yet unless there is a missing o ring. IMO, i will avoid xspc parts, their rotary is very loose though it doesnt leak. Bp ek, barrow all need some force to rotate.
For pumps, d5 is quieter and moves more water. DDC is smaller, noiser a bit, moves less water but can have more pressure.
In short, if u r buying those distro blocks, u r limited by ddc unless u custom make to fit D5. If it is the traditional res+pump combo, d5 is usually used.