water-cooling a mATX

[PartyLikeARockstar]

The case:http://www.bgears.com/images/b-envi_photogallery/images/sideview02_jpg.jpg


I've seen this done quite a few times. The Rockstar case mod is on hold, since I have a wedding and a PC store to run. We're looking at releasing a flagship mATX box with either a 9800 or a 4850 in it, and my partner has asked that I watercool it too.

I have laying around only a 2x120mm rad, and I know this case (http://www.bgears.com/b-envi.html the bgears b-envi) is the one she wants. but the internal layout is wierd. Anyone got any ideas on placement of the rad? it's gonna be a tougie!

i'm all ears for ideas guys! right now i am thinking that the case needs to look as stock as possible in front.got lots of room on the HDD side if i turn the rad sideways. won't fit in front or on bottom i dont think. any ideas on how i could get it top-mounted, maybe half-externally?

[Snowman]

You definitely have a tough one on your hands. I honestly dont see anywhere to put it on top without blocking the power supply's airflow That is definitely a tough case to work with. I dont know how feasible it is but what about the side opposite of the window. It may block access to one of your pci slots but its the only thing I can see

[Luke122]

If you only have a 2x120mm rad then yes, it's definitely going to be a trick to mount it.

With the removable tray, you could just extend your water lines a bit, and then mount the rad onto some standoff's on the top of the case, in a sort of semi-external configuration, sort of like this. (http://www.koolance.com/water-cooling/product_info.php?product_id=375)

Just run the water lines out through one of the PCI slots on the mobo tray. That will allow you to still use all the internal space, and even have that rear mounted 120mm fan still working.

[PartyLikeARockstar]

what im thinking is a semi-external; or maybe internal somehow? cutting may be needed. can't mess up that sexy front panel.oh, and the apogee drive had a barb break off :mad:. waiting on michelle from Swiftech to hook me up with an RMA. I bought an A.C. Ryan Radgrill for wherever the hell this thing fits. anyone nice enough to offer a sketchup? my art skills are inferior to those of a 4 year old.

[PartyLikeARockstar]

WooT! Michelle is processing it for me already pending the invoice from MicroCenter! That was less than 24 hours response time! Hopefully this will go nice and smooth.

[nevermind1534]

anyone nice enough to offer a sketchup? my art skills are inferior to those of a 4 year old.

I can see if my 4 year old sister is willing to help. First, I would have to get sketchup for her to use, though.

[PartyLikeARockstar]

I can see if my 4 year old sister is willing to help. First, I would have to get sketchup for her to use, though.

We have a taker, folks! That's the modding spirit...seriously, I have to learn to draw. Bad. I'm going to take a shot at this tonight, I think that I have it figured out. My dremel is getting hot for it: some aluminum cutting action! :banana:

[nevermind1534]

I'm somewhat decent in working with CAD, and my sister isn't willing to help. I might be able to come up with something.

[PartyLikeARockstar]

AAARRGHHH! Sketchup doesn't work natively in Linux! :banghead:

[PartyLikeARockstar]

UPDATE! The case will ***INTERNALLY*** house the res! I can grab a 3.5" adapter for my HDD and mount it in the extra optical drive bay! Then, i plan to slice part of the original HDD bay mount, but bolt the rad to the supports, with aluminum angle for support. It can be modded!

Re-update: no go! external mount only for this one. let me try to gracefully fit my foot in mouth, Christine.

[chaksq]

Is this a one or two fan rad? If it is only 1x120mm then mount it out the rear where that fan is.

[PartyLikeARockstar]

2-fan Swiftech rad. a bit of a beast. I have decided on an external mount, just want it not to look too ghetto.

[b4i7]

i have some ideas for your problem...it will prolly require a lot of cutting..

ill catch you in chat...lil too tired to try to explain it right now

[The boy 4rm oz]

Quite a challenge, I like the idea.

[PartyLikeARockstar]

So....this is what I came up with. Not the best of mods, but I like it, and it handles Linux just fine. Sorry that I forgot to take WL pics, next time will be better.



http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/3573/bgearsbenvird4.th.jpg (http://img401.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bgearsbenvird4.jpg)

http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/4479/benvicablemanagementez6.th.jpg (http://img124.imageshack.us/my.php?image=benvicablemanagementez6.jpg)

Final parts:

e4400
ECS G31 -M
2GB G. Skill DDR2 800
320GB SATA HDD
SATA DVD+-RW
Intel GMA X3100
580W Hiper Type-R PSU
Swiftech H20-220 kit

[The boy 4rm oz]

That turned out really well, nice specs also.