Project: Akula

[DocNitrous]

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/jdbnsn/worklogbanners/akula1.png

Here is my new worklog about my actual project.

This project consist of modding my actual everyday computer case as i implement my water cooling in it.

For the last month ive been thinking about ideas to mod my Shark case, but i never found "the idea" im looking for. I did have a few neat tweak that come in my mind but nothing that make a real project.

But lately my friend upgraded his computer and being the builder i inherited some "old parts" to form a complete decent water cooling system.

This was enough to motivate me to think about a complete makeover of my case.


Obviously the main theme has to stay around "sharks". I named my computer Akula when i upgraded it last fall. The name come from the russian atomic class submarine ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akula_class_submarine ) . Akula meaning Shark in russian.


I still have a big blank section in my external modding plan of this case. I count on you to help me on this. By sharing my project and what i want to do and have done, you will certainly come with good addition that will make this project complete.

So enough of the story lets get started.



The Goal : Extreme cooling with total silence in a menacing predator looking case.

The Case : Thermaltake SHARK in Black.

The System : scroll up and click on "my system" ;)

Whats done : the system is working, air cooled by a TT big Typhoon VX HSF, in a stock case. Complete cables management.




Part I : gathering the Water cooling parts.

My friend just upgraded his complete system, including most of his stock watercooling set up ( he own a TT tai chi with watercooling option) I wont tell you much about his set-up now because i plan on showing you when its completed (totally...) all i can say its "the everybody's dream" set-up. So he upgraded and i inherited parts...

One TT CPU Waterblock

Two Zalmann 8800 GTS GPU Waterblock

His stock TT waterpump



What i already have :

One TT VGA all copper waterblock (will try use it for northbridge cooling)

One All copper 1/4 ID 4 row radiator




Its getting late now, im going to bed.

i'll be back tommorow with pics and the others details of the project.

[The boy 4rm oz]

If you are cooling your CPU and 2 GPUs then you will need at least a single 120mm radiator and a 240mm radiator.

[p0Pe]

:pics:

:P

[DocNitrous]

Your rigth...

here they are!!

My computer as it was yesterday night.. (dont remind me to clan the dust i did it today...)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/DSCF1432.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/DSCF1431.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/DSCF1438.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/DSCF1441.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/DSCF1442.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/DSCF1443.jpg

[The boy 4rm oz]

Is that your radiator under your CPU block??? That is tiny lol. I strongly recommend getting another one.

[DocNitrous]

yes its a radiator and i doubt im gonna use it in this setup but still its a gathered parts for water cooling so its in the log...

[DocNitrous]

I think im gonna go for the same kind of water cooling setup i was planning to use in X3O2.

1/4 copper pipes.

I dont know why but im attracted to copper pipe.

In addition im really confident in the heat dissipating advantage of using copper for pipes rather than "plastic". I do already have the pipe and the fittings.


I want to take the heat out of the cases and ""externalize" the water cooling. The idea i came up with use a big reservoir and a small radiator (yes the tiny one, The boy 4rm oz). Along with running the pipe out of the case, in the back, it should dissipate enough heat.. The concept is to transfer the heat to the case too with the bracket. and in the reservoir.

The case already have holes to pop out to rout water cooling pipe out of it, i told myself lets do something with it..


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/Pipesinpreview.jpg

the reservoir would be up in the front of the case.

This way allow me to add an external huge radiator in another case in the eventuality my predictions are wrong....

as soon my kids go to bed, later, ill start planning this more carefully and ill show up with more sketches....

[DocNitrous]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/Backpipe.jpg



:D


im still not fixed about the water tank. But i guess i will be doing one out of brass or copper sheet, unless i find something better since then...


Edit:

here are the video card with zalmann water block on...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/DSCF1408.jpg

[The boy 4rm oz]

I like the idea of transferring the heat to the case, only downside is it will heat the whole case lol. Zalman make a case that comes with custom heatpipe attachments for everything in the case, the entire case acts as a radiator, much like your idea.
Check it out:
http://www.zalman.co.kr/ENG/product/Product_Read.asp?Idx=116

[DocNitrous]

yeah that is really a nice case!! I already knew of it and its particular price tag...

But definitly coolling engineering at is best.

The idea behind my set up is a bit the same, but not at the same level.

I will isolate the panel with a special foam i use in high end car audio. It will dampen the panel, reducing the noise level and vibration a lot and will serve as insulation between the outside panel and the inside. (its called Tac Mat from Dynamat) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41BKFh5MG6L._AA280_.jpg

http://www.dynamat.com/technical_specs_tac_mat.html


My panel are always cool as well as my inside frame, from normal air circulation. My computer room is in the basement so i benefit from a fresh environnment from the start. As an example, my core is actually at 24 Celsius, and usually go around 19-21 degrees idle. im overclocked to 3.446 Ghz. With my thermaltake big Typhoon VX HSF at low speeds...

If my environement was not as forgiving i would probably wont go for that kind of cooling, but rather go for an external radiator mounted in a side case.

Im thinking about incorporating my watercooled PSU in this one rather than in my wife X3O2 (the original purpose of it is now out of actuality, we upgraded the power supply in his computer so an AUX PSU is not necessary anymore.) Powering independently my lighting, pump, fans and the remote start. The only downside, it take up a 5.25 bay, thus less space for the water tank and pump.

The clamp (copper, same as on my AUX PSU) holding the pipe will be "thermal pasted" with the pipes and "thermal glued" to the case and bolted.



Watercooling the chipset will really be a difficult challenge, his location dont leave any space for a water block.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/DSCF1435.jpg

[DocNitrous]

I worked on the design this week, mainly trying to clean up all the ideas to come up with somethings that will fit.

side panel with honeycomb : I wanted to give personality to those honeycombed Window, while drinking a NOS bottle, i imagined one of them monted as "torpedos" in the middle of each. those bottle may even be my water tanks.

So tonight i dissasembled the plastic trim and started figuring how i would fix them, and the routing of the pipes.

Ill should add pics later.

[DocNitrous]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/DSCF1469.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/DSCF1470.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/DSCF1471.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/DSCF1472.jpg

[DocNitrous]

Update day!

The project is taking a more precise form in my mind.

I Sketched a bit to figure everything out.

i wont post pics of my sketches, they are hand draw and not quite clear anyway.

The WC AUX PSU will definitly go in this mod.

The two 3.5 bay will host te switch panel, and power status leds
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/DSCF1476.jpg


The bottom 5.25, the aux PSU, followed by the remote starter, the pump assembly and 9 to 12 analog temp gauge. Still looking for thoses...

DVD Drive wil be moved on top of the case, with a motorized opening/closing hatch.

I wont use the original switchs and leds, so im gonna replace them with a glass etched logo. About an inch by an inch, Still looking for the exact logo, but it have to be a dangerous looking shark and easy to draw and etch.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Interesting idea.

[Logikal]

The idea of using Tacmat is good but you do realize that it is also an insulator. Even with the water cooling any gain you would have is lost due to the properties of the material. I do install for a living and I am well acquainted with the product. Your best bet would be to use a product called Ensolite which you can find HERE (http://www.professionalplastics.com/ENSOLITEPVC-NBRFAOM). Unlike Tacmat Ensolite does not trap heat instead it allows the heat to so to say flow through. Just my two cents. But great build and keep up the good work!

[DocNitrous]

Exactly, the way i build my system, i bring the heat out as fast as possible.

I know its an insulator, an its the purpose of it. i want to dissipate heat using the external of the case, and prevent it from coming back in.

The radiator, is on the outside, the two tanks will be on the outside, most of the tubing will go outside via the shortest road.

I shall build panel to direct the flow in two separate way.

the air coming from the front intake fan going up from the hard disks to exit via the power supply and the air coming in throught the side opening via natural aspiration due to the exhaust fan will go out directly to the radiator on the rear.

A little fast draw to explain

The blue is the air

the red is the separation and the Dark Red lines ares the heat going out via the water cooling.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/aiflow.jpg

[Logikal]

So what you are saying is that you want to allow the air to flow only a certain way correct?

[DocNitrous]

exactly, Airflow is really important. if the airflow is bad, there is no air velocity, thus less effective cooling.

i want to avoid "heat cross-contamination" too.

Heat from the hard disks wont go in the motherboard section, but rather up trough the front drives ( AUX PSU and remote/switchs casings in my case) and exit by the Main PSU.

the motherboard section will only have to deal with the heat from the MB and the cards. All major heat source being water cooled, and heat being ejected of the case, There should have no excessive heat build up.

Most of this is based on theorical concepts and some practical experience, so everything might not be perfect on the firts time, but i always have a ' what if " space in my plan to add anything necessary to the completion of my project.


I was thinking of augmenting the cooling capacity of the hard disks by rigging them with a passive water cooling system, still using an all copper design. Heat would transfer from the disk to the pipes via brass shims inbeetween them and the mounting rack. the pipes would go in the front, and come back, to make a close circuit, filled with coolant, but not connected to the cooling system. Connection to it might be an option but adding such length of pipe, my tiny pump wont do the job anymore (if it does...), So i would have to buy a pump....

[DocNitrous]

Some delays on the horizon...

for the next week i will be confined to planning only, drawing at best.

I cut my left thumb badly at work, with my best friend, Mr. Olfa. (better call him mister if you dont want what happened to me... )

the cut is deep and long, severing the thumb artery and i damaged my extensor, but luckily didnt severe it.

Pics are better than words...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/tyke/DSCF1513.jpg


Here, hospitals may be free, but doctors are real buchter, I never saw such a bad stiching...

I removed the damned blade, and will keep it as a souvenir.

only a tiny spot of blood on it.


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/tyke/DSCF1521.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/tyke/DSCF1522.jpg



I guess i will have more time to take pics and make plans...

[XFOX]

ouchhhhh that must hurt but think positive you will have more time to think and plan your mod

[Logikal]

Those Olfa's think just because they cant scratch glass means that they can take it out on us.
Sorry to hear man, hope you get better soon!

[DocNitrous]

Those Olfa's think just because they cant scratch glass means that they can take it out on us.


You make my day, few people might understand why i find that so funny, but i do...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/forum/Smiley/lafttears.gif


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/forum/Smiley/rollslow.gif


Logikal, Its obvious now that your an installer, i would have know without you telling me first, only with these kind of comments :up:






:hurt:

[DocNitrous]

My thumb recovered well, and i just (finally) got the water cooler for my graphics cards and my pump. (pumps?)

Last week i upgraded my CPU too. From a AMD 6400+ Black to a Phenom 9850 Black. And changed my ram from 2 Gb OCZ platinum to OCZ Reaper 4 Gb.

I successfuly overclocked the Phenom to a stable 2.7 ghz, and didnt yet tried to go over that. From what i read, going past the (stable) 2.8 ghz mark is quite difficult, so should stay there for a while.


As for the other mod to the case, they mostly happened in "research and developement". Mainly because of my thumb recovering, As an example, i wanted to do two torpedo/missile looking tanks on the rigth side panel, right over the honeycomb grill, but realizing my panel would become a pain in the ass to open i decided to tinker this idea in another way.

I will do it on the left side panel instead, and i will probably do more than two missilles water tanks... :twisted: (4? Phenom is a quad core so....)

But all that that still leave me with a "blank" right panel... :?

[nevermind1534]

They also have tri-core Phenoms.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Nice new tech. Now where is the pic update lol.

[DocNitrous]

Sorry , yesterday night after the update on the Ata-Tendo i was tired and did go to bed.

but i m taking a few minutes now, on my noon lunch break, to redeem myself...


So here are the two Asus 8880Gts that are going to replace my Evga one, Why? because those two already have the water block installed and its simpler just to swap cards with my friend rather than remove the cooler and do the job again.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/250608011.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/250608010.jpg

My friend, changed them for a Tri-Sli setup of 9800GTX...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/250608001.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/250608002.jpg

only two are installed in my friend computer, because it think one card is defective, My friend computer is a 100% assembled an configured by me. And yet to be finished (still have a nice water tank to do for him).

it will go there

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/250608005.jpg



Back to Akula...


The bottle im gonna use to do my side torpedoes-reservoir

1 Liter energy drink plastic bottle. 4 of them, thats a 4 liters water Tank...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/250608028.jpg

There willl have around a gallon of water in the AKULA :eek:




Thats all for now, got to bak at my job :rolleyes:

[DonT-FeaR]

cool
looks interesting

tri-sli!!

im thinking of making a mod with like i think i worked out like 30 litres or something.... ill se if i get arround to it
nice work keep it up

[The boy 4rm oz]

Tri SLI, lucky prick lol. I like the bottles you are using for the reservoirs. Remember, 4L of coolant = 4Kg of added weight lol.

[DocNitrous]

Tri-Sli IS NOT MY configuration, its my friend computer, i herited his water block for the 8800gts, Mine is only a SLI of 8800GTS. (just make sure everyone got it :P )

in fact after seeing how much heat is emanated from those 9800 GTX i dont envy him a bit. When i start his computer, i can do a BBQ on his Graphics cards. And its not because his case dont flow well. Im working to find an appropriate solution to the heat problem...



About the weight of Water : its not a problem, as i dont move my case, except to mod it. And the Shark is Full aluminium, so i have a head start on weight reduction. but for sure with a Gallon of water, and all the goodies in it i will become a super heavyweight. But im sure it wont be heavier than my friend Taichi (we always move it with TWO man, each time we try to move it alone we get hurt somehow.... )

[DocNitrous]

Today i worked on carefully planning the routing of the water cooling system. (along with some sanding on my Ata-tendo)

The system is composed of those parts:

All around 1/4 inch copper tubing
1 small radiator copper radiator
2 small Thermaltake pump
1 Thermaltake CPU water block
2 Zalmann 8800gts water block
4 1 liter torpedo shaped water tank
1 water cooled AUX PSU
and a lot of compression fittings...


First i need to convert all fittings on Water blocks to copper fittings that will accept a 1/4 pipe with compression ring on the other side.

I dissasembled one original fitting from a GPU water block and the Cpu one. I will bring them with me to an industrial hardware store as soon as i can..

Then i need a way to connect my radiator.

first i tried to install compression fittings rigth on the tip of the rows, but they are not long enough to assure me a complete seal.

as last resort, i will join the Rad to copper pipes with a simple piece of rubber hose.

One of my pump have a broken outlet .

so i drilled it 1/4 i and will stick a copper pipe directly in it. Will repeat the proccess with the other outlet, and maybe on the second pump too (if succesful....)

Im too lazy and tired for pics of the progress tonight, maybe tommorow.


Thats all for today.

[Acey]

Dude, what do you call this thing? Was looking for one but don't know whats its general term.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/aceytlv/250608002.jpg

[NightrainSrt4]

Dude, what do you call this thing? Was looking for one but don't know whats its general term.


Looks like a small hydraulic cylinder. Not sure where you would get a small one like that. Maybe one like they use for RC cars?

[Acey]

So that means its sth thats "tricky" to get

[Eclecticos]

It is called a Gas Spring. Link (http://www.firgelliauto.com/) <=-

[Acey]

It is called a Gas Spring. Link (http://www.firgelliauto.com/) <=-

Thx mate. Wow.. 39 bucks.. thats abt 132 my money.. :(

[nevermind1534]

I know that the Jeep Grand Cherokee has one. You might be able to strip one off of a junk car, buy buying new would probably cost even more, and it might be too overpowered. You could also use a hydraulic door closer for a storm door.

[DocNitrous]

I shutted down Akula in its present form today...

the next time he may live, water will flow thru his copper artery.


im writing from my friend's "Beast" as we have stability issue with Vista 64 i am to "use" it for the next week, to find and correct any problems, in the meantime i will work on Akula :)

See ya later for some pics of my dismantled machine...

[DocNitrous]

I have formed all the pipe, only a finishing touch is needed on some.

a real maze...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/akulapipes001.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/akulapipes002.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/akulapipes004.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/akulapipes008.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/akulapipes010.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/akulapipes012.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/akulapipes013.jpg



I still have about three to four feets left of pipes, so i might redo one or two of them i am not a 100% satisfied with.

[DonT-FeaR]

looks cool tho... why so many... i thought you had like a res a rad a pump and a block but thats alot of pipe


(you in general people)

looks really cool tho keep it up

[The boy 4rm oz]

Looking good, depending on how many joins you did it will be a bitch to leak test lol.

[DocNitrous]

before going to bed, i painted the inside of the case.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/akulapaint004.jpg


Now its time plan the lightning.

Blue is of course the color to go in my case.

Do you think i have enough LED ?

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/akulapaint005.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/akulapaint006.jpg

:smoker:

[The boy 4rm oz]

Yes lots of LED's lol.

[DonT-FeaR]

lol omg they are one led each!! they would of cost you a fortune

[DocNitrous]

lol omg they are one led each!! they would of cost you a fortune

Nope, its free, its all installation leftover from my job, whenever we install a remote starter or alarm and dont install the led (the brand we install have a LED in each box, as long as a thermistor), i keep it. Rather thant throwing it in the garbage.

if anyone want some i can sell a bunch too.

I have tons of Blue led, Relays, wires harness, fuses, fuses holder, thermistor, name it...

I have more Leds than what you see in the box, much much more ;)

[nevermind1534]

if anyone want some i can sell a bunch too.

I have tons of Blue led, Relays, wires harness, fuses, fuses holder, thermistor, name it...

I have more Leds than what you see in the box, much much more ;)

I will have to get back to you on that.

[DonT-FeaR]

yea same ill talk to you bout that in the future...

[DocNitrous]

Update!

Akula is going well, not as fast as i would wish, but its going forward at least!


during the last week i worked on finishing the AUX WC PSU.

Its done and ready to use :twisted:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/Photo072.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/Photo071.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/Photo070.jpg[IMG]

[IMG]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/Photo069.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/Photo068.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/Photo067.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/DSCF1812.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/DSCF1808.jpg



I installed the water block on the CPU, the radiator and formed the pipe to a better fit.


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/DSCF1806.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/DSCF1804.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/DSCF1802.jpg





the torpedo tank project changed a bit...

i found a MUCH better reservoir on bay that had me change my mind...

surprise to come...

I should still do one or more torpedoe, but wont be used as water tank. Only aesthetic purpose.


Im working on the electrical wirings in the case now.

[Eclecticos]

Very Interesting. Watercooling looks efficient, Good bends.
Have you taken any thermal readings from your aux PSU?

[DocNitrous]

nothing "runs" yet , i hope it will for the next week end...

[The boy 4rm oz]

Awesome, I have been waiting to see that PSU. Looks great.

[DocNitrous]

Awesome, I have been waiting to see that PSU. Looks great.
Thanks
Its been more than year now that i have started this WC PSU. If you saw the previous pics you probably remarked that i changed my "output connector" for something more standard and appropriate to my actual build.

The resevoir: in fact i dropped the "torpedo tank" idea when i stumbled on a Zalman Reserator 1 on Ebay... Its perfect for my build...


http://www.overclockersonline.net/images/articles/zalman/reserator1/large/reserator1.jpg

Its passive, thus increasing my cooling capacity, it include a pump, stronger than my two tiny combiined, its about the same height a my case and the deal included two water block... for my next WC build..

I should received it tomorrow, hopefully...

[DocNitrous]

I received the reserator yesterday.

Is really a huge ***** piece of fine craftmanship, Zalman at his best...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/DSCF1817.jpg

After examining it carefully and trying to find a way to mount it, I dissasembled it for cleaning and changed the original "rubber hose" compression fittings for brass ones to accomodate my copper pipe directly. As i did on the CPU water block. The GPU blocks are bit more tricky to adapt (wrong thread), but i think i found a suitable way to do it.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/DSCF1815.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/DSCF1814.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/DSCF1818.jpg

I started the front switchs assembly too.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/DSCF1825.jpg

As well as the acrylic illuminated separator.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/DSCF1826.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/DSCF1827.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/DSCF1828.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/DSCF1829.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/DSCF1831.jpg



And connected the pipe on the CPU block the the rear radiator with all adequate precautions to avoid any possible leak.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/DSCF1821.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/DSCF1823.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/DSCF1832.jpg

The Reserator change my exterior look plans A LOT. in fact i spent all yesterday night just to find a way to "blend" it in my actual theme and design. First its blue, and painting anodized aluminium always lead to failure and decrease its cooling effectiveness. Second its taller than my case. So just putting it straight beside the case dont satisfy me, I will mount it diagonally beside the case.


I also decided to modify the WC setup. I wont use the two small thermaltake pump at all. Only the Zalman should be enough, as its flow rate is higher than both thermaltakes. If the Pump in the reserator is not strong to do the job right, i still have the case prepared to mount at least a second pump.

thats all for tonight.

Thanks for looking!

:glasses:

[The boy 4rm oz]

Looking really nice.

[DocNitrous]

The set up was up and ready to fire up...

Water system was leak tested, I added the second pump, as the Zalman alone was not strong enough to give a decent flow.

Except for a leak, that was quick fixed with a small 1/2 wrench...


Then i moved it underneath my desk to make it live again...


...

























thats it... nothing happenned....

nothing...

having no fan connected to the motherboard, all i heard was a faint humming from the secondary pump, and the hard drive initializing....

I waited for THE "beep", announcing the BIOS went through is initial check up sucessfuly...



...


and waited..

and waited...


then started to sweat in an anormal way..

MY SYSTEM WAS NOT POWERING BACK CORRECTLY!!! :evil:

I started troubleshooting the machine...

nothing made it yelp a single "beep"


and there i am, tearing it back down to check EVERY part individually in another "working" system...

As now Video cards are good, Memory too, the CPU is gone for a test were i bought it, and if it dont work, i will have to wait for the replacement.

If the CPU is good, tomorrow i will check the Mobo...


here are the pics of the assembled system...

Before I added the secondary pump. (rigth up from the rad)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/DSCF1844.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/DSCF1836.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/DSCF1837.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/DSCF1838.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/DSCF1839.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/DSCF1840.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/DSCF1841.jpg



I did triple checked EVERYTHING... The leak didnt reach any component...

The CPU was correctly seated, (could see it from the imprint of the grease when i removed it), everything was handled very carefully during the assembly...

i couldnt figure anything that could tell me WHAT HAPPENNED!!!

still searching, will keep you in touch...

[nevermind1534]

If something's broken, it's probably the motherboard, if everything except for the cpu has been tested as working. Did you try resetting the cmos yet?

[Luke122]

Is your reset button stuck? That happened to me once..

Test your PSU?

[DocNitrous]

The reset button was not even connected, i only had the power switch and the speaker connected.

tried to clear the CMOS MANY times...

Im quite confident its the mobo too, anything else SHOULD make at least an error beep..

The PSU will be be the thing to test after the mobo, but i doubt its him, its not cheap and i have enough power, tried without any other devices connected than a graphics card.

Im currently getting the mobo out, the next boot will definitly be "on the desk" then "in the case".

i will use the downtime to make some change to my WC system, Things i found out to be '"not service friendly" while troubleshooting it... (as the connection to the CPU waterblok AND the waterblock).

I will use my Zalman Waterblock on the rebuild, not the Thermaltake. Why?

because i have TWO identical Thermaltake CPU waterblock now.... a nice pair that would fid really nicely in my next mod... (remember the dual CPU mobo i showed you before)

and the Zalman one would make the pair too with the current Zalman waterblock on my two GTS...


And it look nicer...

[DonT-FeaR]

cool looks good

[The boy 4rm oz]

Sucks about your machine, sounds like a faulty mobo to me. When my mates died the HDD's and everything else spun up but there was no on screen post or beep.

Layout looks good though, great pics.

[DocNitrous]

My CPU tested GOOD!!

so my phenom IS INTACT..

the Mobo is gone for a checkup were i bought it. Still have a month and a half of waranty on it!!!


AS i cant stand anymore having no PC (decent) to game, i bought a new Mobo to make a spare computer. I already have my "old" 5200+. Its a cheap ECS A780GM-A Black series. A nice and inexpensive motherboard. So tonight will be dedicated to it...

[Ap1thy]

maybe the asus cant supply as much power as that phenom requires?

[DocNitrous]

maybe the asus cant supply as much power as that phenom requires?



it worked ...


:think:

[Ap1thy]

try booting with 1 gig of ram?

[DocNitrous]

I finally bought a new motherboard.

I should receive it next week.

It took me a while to get a new one but this time i wanted to buy a really good motherboard, with dual 16X in SLI.

After long researchs on all thats is available for the phenom, the final one is a M3N HT MEMPIPE from Asus.

I wanted a DFI but none of heir MB have a SLI board with the chipset i wanted. Asus won again....

I will then be able to continue on my project and keep you updated, of course.

Since then i run my phenom on my temporary replacement MB directly on my desktop.

[DonT-FeaR]

good to hear man.... asus are sweet

im waiting on mine to be sent back

[The boy 4rm oz]

Nice. I still love DFI, they are my fave.

[SXRguyinMA]

I like the idea of transferring the heat to the case, only downside is it will heat the whole case lol. Zalman make a case that comes with custom heatpipe attachments for everything in the case, the entire case acts as a radiator, much like your idea.
Check it out:
http://www.zalman.co.kr/ENG/product/Product_Read.asp?Idx=116

that case is insane! :bowdown: the price is insane too :eek: love the idea though

nice mod :up: looks good so far

[DocNitrous]

thanks guys!!

i received my MB yesterday. :devious:


I should start again on this tonight, i will have plenty of time to do some work. my wife and kids are out for the week end :smoker:


I will have to share with you how i found out the way to cool the mempipe array with WATER.... 8)

see ya later ! (time to go to work :( )

[DocNitrous]

Today i worked on the MB.

The waterblocks are now in place, but see by yourself... :D

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/DSCF1855.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/DSCF1854.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/DSCF1857.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/DSCF1856.jpg

I rigged the OEM Mempipe cooler with a Thermaltake VGA waterblock. I installed it upside down, it gave me more surface to contact with the fins. I used thermal pads in between both to make the contact and transfer the heat.

For sure its not a 100% efficient in terms of heat transfer, but it should transfer much enough to make a difference. :rolleyes:

I reajusted some water pipes, as this MB is a bit different than my old one.

All i can say is that the MB is now really heavy...

And i definitly love the way it looks :twisted:


I removed the pump inside the Zalman reserator. I decided to go LARGE about the pump. Still looking and thinkering about wich one exactly i will use.

I'm hesitating between using simply a good 500-800 LPH Mag drive pump or going larger with a complicated system using a recycled power steering pump and an electric motor. Or something like that. Something mechanical, overkill, archaïc... :think:

[The boy 4rm oz]

Nice ghetto cooling with the VGA block mate, looks really cool. Love all the copper, nice work.

[DonT-FeaR]

loving that w/c looks sweet nice

[DocNitrous]

shiny, shiny metal...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/DSCF1858.jpg


I started hand polishing the copper pipes using Autosol metal polish and a a soft pad.

the result is satisfying to me.

[DonT-FeaR]

wow thats gunna b cool

[The boy 4rm oz]

Dude I have always liked your copper work, keep it up.

[SXRguyinMA]

looks awesome, cant wait to see them installed

[DocNitrous]

Thanks guys for the good comments.:up:

As i'm waiting to raise the fund (my MB broke my budget for a couple of weeks...)to buy my pump, I will finally buy a TT P500, I worked a lot sketching on the exterior design. I made a trip deep in my garage and found some interesting parts to use in my project.

I dug out a complete dashboard from a '82 280ZX turbo. I was keeping it to use it in my future rebuild of the one that lay in my parking. But as I (my wife, to be honest) recently decided to get rid of it soon, I can now scavenge it for use in my computer projects.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/DSCF1863.jpg


I disassembled the cluster assembly and took out all the gauges, except for the RPM and speedo, as they are much too large for my case and uninteresting.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/DSCF1864.jpg



I will use these 3: temp, oil temp/press and boost. The fuel one might be interesting but i wont use it.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/DSCF1865.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/DSCF1866.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/DSCF1867.jpg

PLUS two of theses:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/DSCF1868.jpg

And this "special part"

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/DSCF1869.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/DSCF1871.jpg


Anyone have an idea of what is it?
8)

I will let you try to find out...
:D



I tought a lot about the case feets too, but nothing is decided yet about them. All I know is they have to be sturdy, to keep the case stable, and have to serve as a mount for the reserator too. I'm hesitating between heavy (lead) or lightweight (aluminium ). They will be resting on "speaker spikes". Your suggestions are welcomed in this matter.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Hmm, I can see that it says "OK" on it, not quite sure what it does though lol.

[DonT-FeaR]

transformer??? lol idk

[DocNitrous]

no one else?

I wont tell you so easely...:D

yesterday evening i had a brainstorm session with a friend about the "blank" parts of my project.

It was very flourishing and some very good ideas came out, like what to do exactly with the "mystery part" and the front intake fan grill.

The grill will be made to look like a military speaker grill and the last left over blank space of the front case will be filled with a "listening device" like the one used in a submarine. Its like a sismograph but read sounds in the ocean to identify ennemy vessels. Its operated by a small rotating handle. I dont know exactly how it work and operate, as i never been in a real submarine, but i know what it look like in an Akula submarine from a video.

I must give credit on this one to my good friend Denis, he made me the remark while we were looking at a video on Akula Subs to help us "brainstorm". I instantly replied "thats a cool idea, lets exploit it"

I wish i can find a way to make it "operational" in some way, like mesure in real time the effective noise level of my PC, but didnt figures a way that would fit my project yet. Worst case it will simply be decorative. If anyone have an idea of a simlpe system that would do that, ill be more than pleased to hear about it.

Else than a few fresh idea and some sketching, nothing new about my project. Too much work during the week, no time left to mod.

but now its the weekend...:smoker:

[DonT-FeaR]

i love the weekend :)

i think that sounds cool... now do it :P

[The boy 4rm oz]

Can't wait to see what you have sketched up, you have intrigued me lol.

[jdbnsn]

Banner is done and placed in your first post, hope you like red.....

There is a variation posted in your request post if you like that better.

[DocNitrous]

8)

@ jdbnsn

Thanks!

I like it a LOT!!

You did surprise me a lot on this one, your art is on the opposite side of the idea i made to myself about what i would like it to look.

You show me another side, or aspect, of my own mod, from a different point of view.

Definitly much appreciated.



Now a bit of new information on my mod...

I ordered a pump.

i found what i was looking for...

DD-CPX-Pro 12V Pump

:D

Silent operation - Mag Drive Ceramic Bearing Operation
Flow - 800 Liters/hour (211.3 gallons/hour)
Max Height - 4 meters (13.1 ft)


Should get it thuesday :neutral:

[DonT-FeaR]

very cool loving that red jd very nice

[The boy 4rm oz]

Nice header jdbnsn, I may need to borrow your services again shortly ;).

Pump sounds good Doc, a good replacement from the one you were using.

[DocNitrous]

The MB is back in again


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/DSCF1879.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/DSCF1880.jpg



Then the first graphic card :

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/DSCF1884.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/DSCF1885.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/DSCF1887.jpg




followed by the second one...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/DSCF1889.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/DSCF1888.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/DSCF1891.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/DSCF1890.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/DSCF1892.jpg



More tommorow :D

[DonT-FeaR]

you stole my idea!!! lol

copper piping... lol nice

[DocNitrous]

you stole my idea!!! lol

copper piping... lol nice

i dont think so :D

iv been planning on using copper piping a long time ago....8)

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6943

[DonT-FeaR]

lol... well i had the same idea anyway :) looks gunn none the less

[DocNitrous]

I received my pump today!!

and i dont regret every penny i invested in it...

Just by the look and touch you can feel the quality and power, but its weight is definitly the best indicator!

see by yourself the difference in size!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/DSCF1894.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/DSCF1895.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/DSCF1896.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/docnitrous/Compute/DSCF1897.jpg



But that leave me with a pump location issue.

I didnt plan use a pump that big, so i need to do some thinkering again without screwing up my actual planning...

[SXRguyinMA]

I had a Thermaltake pump similar to that, lasted me about 18 months before it crapped out

[Acey]

Damn. I love ASUS mobos a lot and that is one definite "I want" board. Too bad can't afford it :(

[The boy 4rm oz]

I love the way the copper looks. The pump looks like it will do the job. Nice progress.

[DocNitrous]

the pump do the job...

the water is runniong and after 24 H of leak test, no leak at all...

but my thermaltake PSU have hard time powering my new MB
my Vcore is too low and i dont know why but the bios dont let me adjust it...

i think i will have yo chage my PSU for a 1000 watts or more...


DAMN!!

[DonT-FeaR]

sweet :) 1000W woo hoo