Batman: Midnight's Only Begotten

[Kayin]

All right, this is gonna be FUN, Bats!

For those that know me, I'm a semi-prolific semi-professional modder and reviewer working for TBCS. I'm also a bona-fide, card carrying Batman fanatic and have way too much trivia knowledge to prove it. So, what's a bored modder to do when his giant machine starts having motherboard issues-his fourth high-end machine in two years?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/tumblrkqp2rwrwgu1qzwiy8.jpg

Too right. I'm going to a bit, um, higher level of hardware.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/088.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/089-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/092-2.jpg

If you can't read the steppings, that's an Opteron 8346 HE, 55w, quad core processor, capable of up to eight-way connections. If you know what that is, then you know what this means.

Question is, what would Batman do?

[BerticusPryme]

Batman would go big or go home. Last time I checked he doesnt like going home.

[Trace]

Quad Quad!

[f8l_0e]

Batman would go big or go home. Last time I checked he doesnt like going home.

Damn right on both counts.

[SXRguyinMA]

this looks interesting +sub

[Couch3ater]

Dunna dunna dunna dunna, Dunna dunna dunna dunna, BAAAAAAT MAAAAAN! Hahaha, looking forward to seeing progress. =D

[jdbnsn]

That first picture is a riot!

[Kayin]

It's exactly how I feel every time my current board shows FF and crashes.

How's your i7 feel now? Scared yet?

[Trace]

My i7 is feeling great, thank you for asking :)

[x88x]

If you can't read the steppings, that's an Opteron 8....

And it was at this point that I realized this would be an awesome build :twisted:

I can't wait to see what you'll be doing with it.

[Trace]

Folding for me if I'm not mistaking

[Kayin]

It will run Word Community Grid, which helps for a lot of diseases. However, there's no love for me on either project...

[Kayin]

Tonight's update is brief but important:

Motherboard has not only been selected but ordered!

What did I get?

http://www.msi.com/index.php?func=proddesc&maincat_no=133&prod_no=1131

Because Batman would.

And folks, remember-

I'm Batman.

[billygoat333]

black and yellow MSI server board? WIN! lol Batman would be pleased with your choice.

[x88x]

Aww, got me all excited with the 8000 series Opteron :( If you're only doing 2 CPUs, why the 8000 series? That is a nice board though.

[Kayin]

HE series, 55w TDP. I could run it passive if I really wanted to.

Also, 8xxx series are dirt cheap.

[x88x]

Also, 8xxx series are dirt cheap.

:? ??? I must be looking in all the wrong places because everywhere I've ever seen them, the 8000 series are way more expensive than the 2000 series. Like, on Newegg, the 2.2GHz 6-core 2427 (OEM) is $500, and the only 8000 series they have is the 2.0GHz 2-core 8212 at $530. I remember pricing out decent 4-core 8000 chips a couple months ago and they were around $800 each.

[Kayin]

Ebay, 50 bucks a pop.

[x88x]

Oooohhh....I might have to look on there...

[Kayin]

And, today's work...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/004-35.jpg

All the work is done for me here...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/006-19.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/007-23.jpg

That's not big enough...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/005-25.jpg

Though this looks good.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/008-21.jpg

So I tie these up here...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/010-11.jpg

These up there,

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/011-10.jpg

And these cleats are rather convenient.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/012-9.jpg

Stop-hammertime!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/014-14.jpg

and afterwards...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/015-13.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/016-13.jpg

And that's this evening's progress. I might have more this week, depending on the shipment of my board, and some other stuff.

[Trace]

Looking good!

[Loki]

Lol, the sacrifice of a cooler for the batkind :P

[billygoat333]

what case are you using? those rubber grommets for cable management are nice!

[Snowman]

I like that you have a rubber mallet around to beat things into submission with a nice pop or wham action bubble to cover up the carnage... sorry the old adam west flick with joker penguin and cat woman working in cohorts was on this weekend and I was obligated to watch it.

[Kayin]

So my new motherboard showed up today...

Single pin was bent in socket 0, but a safety pin fixed it immediately.

And now, the action you've all been waiting for.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/001-31.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/002-32.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/003-32.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/004-36.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/005-26.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/006-20.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/007-24.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/008-22.jpg

Because really, how can we have a Batman case without at least a few of those...

[Trace]

LOL! +rep for the laugh

[SXRguyinMA]

love it! lol

[Kayin]

Today's work, part 1 of 2...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/005-27.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/002-33.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/001-32.jpg

And it got cut short, unfortunately, by this.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/003-33.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/004-37.jpg

There's more, waiting on cam batteries to recharge.

[SXRguyinMA]

chemical burn? poison ivy? doesnt look like much fun

[Oneslowz28]

The case he is using is the NZXT Tempest EVO. Keep your eyes on the TBCS front page this week to see a full review on it.

[Kayin]

I dropped a skillet on myself. I have issues with my left hand grip.

[SXRguyinMA]

ouch!! hope it heals well

[DonT-FeaR]

lol i had to google a skillet.. never heard that name for it..

hope it heals better.

[billygoat333]

yeesh... thats no bueno! get feeling better. buy lots of aloe and apply with a trowel.

[Oneslowz28]

Skillet = iron frying pan

[Kayin]

You guys are weird. It's a skillet, for dog's sake.

[Loki]

I dropped a skillet on myself. I have issues with my left hand grip.

Tsss.... that must hurt more than a
http://www.littlestuffedbull.com/images/comics/fnf/hampton0.jpg

Hope it gets better...

Now... i really envy your hardware lol

[Kayin]

All right, this isn't dead. However, the reason for the delay is that this mod (and my modding career) have outlived my marriage. It was an unfortunate thing, honestly, but I have noone to blame but myself. If you wish to express condolences or whatever, PMs are fine but this thread is about case modding, and I'd like to keep it that way for my sponsors.

Now that that's out of the way, onward with the pics!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/027-6.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/029-5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/028-8.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/072.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/073.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/074.jpg

Just some busy work while more parts arrive (and incorrect parts go back.)

[billygoat333]

sweet batman symbols!

[DuroMentis]

sweet batman symbols!

I beleive those are "Bat-erangs"... sheesh. Get your Batman facts straight. XD Just kidding.

[Kayin]

Well, actually, they're getting replaced with aluminum.

Now, on to the show!

Actual parts this time...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/Uploads%20via%20Pixelpipe/2010-02-12122459.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/Uploads%20via%20Pixelpipe/2010-02-12124130.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/Uploads%20via%20Pixelpipe/2010-02-12124201.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/Uploads%20via%20Pixelpipe/2010-02-12125359.jpg

A pair of Cuplex HDs, gotten for a song. However, I have to fab mounting, as those are clearly S775 mounting ears. This is not a problem.

All right, back to work...

[blueonblack]

For those who didn't follow Kayin's last epic build, he seems to be using a computer that is way beyond what the average user ever has the chance to use, much less own, as a workbench/photo backdrop.

I'm not sure exactly what that says, but I have to say I'm feeling a little inadequate right now. :D

Seriously, beautiful parts there, carry on!

[Kayin]

Yeah, cause the case (and just the case) didn't survive the trip. The PC is safe and happy in a Cosmos S beside me.

I'll be using this as my backdrop for all small parts stuff for two reasons-instantly recognizable, and it's made of 3/4" thick spalted white ash-it's indestructible.

[Kayin]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/047-5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/048-4.jpg

Had a little time tonight, so I did some modding...

[billygoat333]

All I see is that beautiful case in the background ;)

[x88x]

/\ This. :D I'd forgotten how big Mithril was.

[Kayin]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/001-33.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/002-34.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/003-34.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/004-38.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/005-28.jpg

All modding done with 100% 0 cuts. This is all repositioning original pieces of the case.

[Kayin]

And this is what I got done across a day on Friday. Little late, but life's busy. Lots of parts coming in now.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/005-29.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/006-21.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/004-39.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/010-12.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/013-10.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/012-10.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/009-18.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/011-11.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/008-23.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/007-25.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/007-25.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/015-14.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/018-11.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/017-9.jpg

Clearance issues, much?

That card is now for sale.

[Kayin]

Some actual parts progress, and some REAL modding...

In addition, this update is brought to you partially by Danger Den (http://www.dangerden.com/), who sponsored me way back in the planning stages with this DDC. In fact, I think they forgot about it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/004-40.jpg

Yes, this DDC has four wires.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/005-30.jpg

Two sleeved, the other two... you'll see.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/006-22.jpg

A new XSPC dual DDC top/reservoir. I like this thing a LOT.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/007-26.jpg

Another 4-wired DDC? What's going on here?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/008-24.jpg

First one to get it on each forum gets a cookie. Strictly e-cookie, though.

And...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/011-12.jpg

Yes, Nils, my lighting needs work. I'm learning!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/012-11.jpg

And a LOT of sleeving. That one strand of white is kinda interesting...

[x88x]

Hmm, well, my first thought was a speed controller, but then you put LEDs right after it... Maybe an in-pump LED or an activity monitor?

Sweet dual pump res though; was that custom made or is that something they actually sell normally?

[Kayin]

Those are a regular stock item. It's VERY well made,as well.

[Kayin]

Tonight's work...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/014-16.jpg

Setting up spotlighting in the case...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/016-14.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/017-10.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/019-10.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/023-7.jpg

And wiring up the pump switches.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/020-5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/022-9.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/KayinStorm/024-10.jpg

The switches light up in 18w mode. Nifty, no?

[Trace]

I'm modding that same case!

[Kayin]

I seldom reveal a hand before it's played, but this score was just too good.

http://www.intel.com/products/server/raid-controllers/srcsas18e/srcsas18e-overview.htm

156 shipped w/256MB cache installed. NIB.

I'm sure somewhere Bruce is nodding...

[Kayin]

http://www.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=1NCDnJiO2BVYZUT4

The MSI and I had a disagreement. I said it was a motherboard, it disagreed. It won.

This is a good bit more powerful, as well as being much more robust on support. It also hits the mail tomorrow.

[Snowman]

Not to be a fan boy or anything but ASUS rocks and has great support and has always been good to me, that is an awesome board and +rep for an awesome build.

[x88x]

Looks good. I still think you should have picked up a couple more 8346's off eBay and gone quad-socket though. :twisted:

[Kayin]

Going full SSI-CEB would have required a new case. Yes, the boards are available, but it requires some AMAZING tracts of case real estate, as well as custom PSU setups.

I'm not discounting it when I upgrade to Shanghai/Istanbul. I'll have a pair of 8347s, finding a few more should be cheap then.

[Kayin]

And yay again for server pulls. 4 36.4GB SAS 10k drives are winging their way to me as well. 4 more and I'll be OK. Then I get to look at STORAGE, not boot.

[Trace]

lol

[x88x]

Niiice. You gonna put those in a RAID-01 config or what?

[Kayin]

Raid 10.

[x88x]

Heheh, very nice. Fitting, too, that it's two joined arrays of 4 disks each....mirroring the CPUs. :D

[SXRguyinMA]

you're pics are gone - bandwitch exceeded. gotta love photobucket lol

[Kayin]

Stop staring at my work so much then!

Seriously, it just lets me know I'm popular.

More work to come later in the week.

[f8l_0e]

Behold my powers! I resurrect this thread and command it to do my bidding. What happened to this project?