Blue Storm

[diluzio91]

So here it is. Im starting my second project, and i have 2 warnings, 1 this will be my first water cooled rig, and i will be using some used parts where i can. The second is that this build will be slooooow. Like one or 2 updates a month once i have to start buying parts, so it will probably be part build, part review as i oogle over the new toys as they come in. So, the story commences.

The goal: to make a watercooled rig in a cooler master 690 case, the lighting will be blue, and not blindingly bright, and the only cables that should be seen through the window will be the 24pin power connecter, the 4 pin processor connector, and the 6 pin graphics connectors (one at first, a second will be possible later). The budget is 1500, and thats where the parts list falls for everything new. Some things may be upgraded if i find good deals, or deals that go very underbudget ill be getting better parts. So this project began early because my gf got me the case for our one year anniversary (:bannana:). So here we go!

The case! and yes i have the radiator mounted to the motherboard for now to keep it safe and together. lol.

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0546.jpg

The radiator was purchased from SXRguyinMA, huge thanks and a + rep goes to him for helping me out with this! The Res is built in to the top, and i will be using it to make a fill port to the top of the case.

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0551.jpg

The case has quite a bit of mesh to cut out to make it as quiet as possible.

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0554.jpg

Here we can see the screwless PCI slots. That blue will not DO! they will have to be painted.

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0556.jpg

The drive bays where the 120 mm radiator will be mounted, the tape signifies the mounting bars (much, much thicker than the bars will be) that will be used for the rad mount, and allowing the blue fan to shine through the front.

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0561.jpg

The 240 mm rad will be mounted on top... however, the pre made mount points wont fit the fans under the cover, and will block too much of the mother board, so it will have to be modded... hmm... who would have thought... :whistler: So you can see the lines where the 120mm fans will poke through, about half of the fan will sit above the case, the mounting solution will have to be improvised, so i will be stealing ideas from R2's sand crawler, and using flatbar to mount it.

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0565.jpg
http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0568.jpg

The vent for the back will be morphed into an open panel so that i can change out heatsink back plates like many of the newer cases.

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0572.jpg

here are the toys that came in e case. http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0576.jpg

A few more details.

The interior color scheme is yet to be determined, how ever the outside will be satin black, there will be an aluminum bottom plate to hide the cables coming from the PSU, and there will be a mobo cover that covers the bottom inch or so to hide the cables that are going to be plugged in. The next update will be the window design for the side, Enjoy!

[BuzzKillington]

Interesting placement for a radiator. Looking forward to see more.

EDIT: didn't read the entire post. I was thinking you were gunna do something crazy. haha

[diluzio91]

hmm... well... its... kind of crazy... the top panel of the case only has about 15mm of space for fans, so i had to improvise a way to make everything fit without blocking a big chunk of the mobo, but that would be a sweet placement... anyone with crazy ideas should give this a shot! :smoker:

[SXRguyinMA]

looking good! I cant wait to see it!

[diluzio91]

hmm... started on the design for the window, will probably post pics of it when its taped out. is there a way to... clearcoat, without making it shiny? i want the interior to be a satin white, but the clear would make it shiny wouldnt it? hmmm... help requested...

[SXRguyinMA]

you can probably find a matte or satni clearcoat at home depot or the like :up:

[msmrx57]

There are a few flat/matte/satin clears on the market. Menards has a decent rattlecan selection. An art/craft store like Hobby Lobby would probably have something as well.

[diluzio91]

thanks for the input guys, the window design came to me while i was pondering some math homework, and i should have it taped up soon. after that it will probably be may 15-20 before i can do any work on it with my good friend mr dremmel.

[x88x]

Looks like a good start. I'll be interested to see what you do for mounting the top rad.

[diluzio91]

Looks like a good start. I'll be interested to see what you do for mounting the top rad.

I was stumped, but then i had an idea... an eeeevil idea...
http://coto2.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/dr-evil2.jpg
mwahaha

[diluzio91]

Update time:

Got the design for the window nailed down, and its now in place (with tape) the grills will have to be filled with bondo, but other than that we are great, so, pics!

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0589.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0582.jpg

There probably wont be any more work done until school is out, but ill still answer any comments or questions.

[Xtrykr]

Woah, that's some crazy shape. What are you using to cut that?

Btw, where does the mobo go in the case? (I notice the radiator is mounted where the mobo typically is in a case o.O).

Looking forward to your next update :)

[diluzio91]

The window will be mostly cut with a dremel, jig saw, and finished with files, sand paper, and some elbow grease, aaand the radiator is only mounted there for storage, that rad will be mounted on the top of the case, and the fill port will be connected to it as well.

[diluzio91]

Shameless Bump time. Update will be coming soon on this. Along with lots of case pron, watercooling pron, and radiator pron! horray!

[diluzio91]

Da da da DAAAA update time!

So after getting over a cold i got to work on this thing (finally). To start out:

The Victim, a coolermaster 690 that my beloved girlfriend got me for our 1 year anniversary.

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0595.jpg

Looking at the inside. :eek: it CAME WITH 2 RADIATORS???????? not quite, those are the fruits of my labors of staring at the for sale section for hours. :D

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0596.jpg

A closer view of my $20 each radiators (lol... to B.O.B., thats what it works out to with division in my head)

the little one

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0597.jpg

The big one!

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0598.jpg

Sir! where are your clothes!

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0599.jpg

Oh i see, you are here for surgery...

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0600.jpg

Here is the hole for the top radiator!

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0601.jpg

And all that silly mesh removed so the power supply can breathe.

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0602.jpg

Oh i have always wanted one of these... would make life sooo much easier... Dremel tools make dreams come true :P

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0603.jpg

Hmmm.... That looks like a piece of the mesh that he cut off... what could that be for...

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0604.jpg

ZOMG... this man is a genius! Such a simple, free, and effective radiator mount! 8)

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0605.jpg

And it even holds the radiator above the DVD drive to reduce vibration!

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0606.jpg

The same design to mount the top radiator? how versatile!

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0607.jpg

More to come

@ SXRguyinMA, Thanks for the awesome RAD hookup, ill be using plumber's epoxy to put a 1/2 in barb fitting into the top hole of the rad where the missing plug is supposed to go so i can route it to a fill port on top of the case.

@ Blue on Black, Thanks for the WC parts hookup, ill be taking glamour shots of the parts when my new barbs arrive.

@ x88x, microcenter hookup = AWESOME! you will see the use for that random seeming T fitting and all that sleeving soon enough.

Also thanks to all the sweet mods that prodded me into this!

[x88x]

Looks good. Interesting rad mounts. Less solid than I prefer, but I like things to survive an elephant sitting on them. :P

[StormRider]

hmm, neat way to secure the rads. like x88x, I prefer to have a case that can survive a sledgehammer, so I won't use that in the big project I plan to get around to sometime before I die:D

[diluzio91]

hmm, neat way to secure the rads. like x88x, I prefer to have a case that can survive a sledgehammer, so I won't use that in the big project I plan to get around to sometime before I die:D

TBH, with 4 of them that rad is extremely stable... but elephants were not used in the testing of this mount...

[x88x]

Actually, you make a good point. If the top of the 690 is anything like the top panel in my 590, it's 2mm steel...pretty strong, even in that small a piece.

[SXRguyinMA]

no prob, glad to see it's actually being used! lol

[The_Crippler]

Looks like you've got some good work going there. Keep it up!

Say...in the early pictures - it looks like you've got the same desk in the background I used for a computer desk 15 years ago or so. Is that a white tilt-top art table, by chance?

[Luthien]

Creative radiator mounting - I like it.

[diluzio91]

@ x88x, its not 2 mm, but I had to use pliers to bend the metal.

@ crippler, no, its a POS desk that the school provided me in the dorm. Lol

[The_Crippler]

@ crippler, no, its a POS desk that the school provided me in the dorm. Lol

lol Well, mine was a POS as well...It just happened to have a nice tilt-top to it.

[diluzio91]

Small update, no pics, and a plea for help.

So i started to get the false bottom done today, (my dremel died! or overheated... Gotta take it to sears) and wanted to get the 4 pin and 24 pin extenders sleeved. So i ran into a few issues. So hopefully ill get things sorted out tomorrow and get some pics up, even if they are just parts thus far. So i got the 4 pin sleeved, but i had troubles with removing the wires from the molex connectors to sleeve them. The other issue i had was from my heat shrink. The heat shrink i have is about 1.5 - ish wide when flat and when i shrink it it is still very loose... So my plea is thus, could anyone help out with some cheap or free heat shrink? i only need about 2 feet, and i dont know where to get it locally. Also, Color does not matter for the application, although black is preferred. It needs to be ( i think ) about 1 in wide, just wide enough to fit over a 4 pin or a sata head. Thanks Guys!

[msmrx57]

The other issue i had was from my heat shrink. The heat shrink i have is about 1.5 - ish wide when flat and when i shrink it it is still very loose... So my plea is thus, could anyone help out with some cheap or free heat shrink? i only need about 2 feet, and i dont know where to get it locally. Also, Color does not matter for the application, although black is preferred. It needs to be ( i think ) about 1 in wide, just wide enough to fit over a 4 pin or a sata head. Thanks Guys!

You might try an automotive parts/supply store with the audio stuff. It seems to me I've found it in the automotive dept.at wallyworld near the stereo and lighting.

[SXRguyinMA]

let me check tonight and see what I've got floating. around. I can probably hook you up with some for free :up:

[diluzio91]

let me check tonight and see what I've got floating. around. I can probably hook you up with some for free :up:

Thanks a ton, im still jobless, but i did get a call and have an interview on tuesday. So heres hoping!:banana:

[Luthien]

Good luck!

[x88x]

i had troubles with removing the wires from the molex connectors to sleeve them.
For the Molex connectors, you can get tools to do that fairly cheap, or, when I haven't had access to mine I've had fairly good luck with a metal pen tip. Basically, there are little tabs that stick out on each side of the contact that you have to hold down, then pull the contact out.


So my plea is thus, could anyone help out with some cheap or free heat shrink? i only need about 2 feet, and i dont know where to get it locally. Also, Color does not matter for the application, although black is preferred. It needs to be ( i think ) about 1 in wide, just wide enough to fit over a 4 pin or a sata head. Thanks Guys!

Doh! Too bad you didn't mention this a couple days ago, I could have thrown something in with the Tygon. Where are they going? Do they need to fit over those heads to shroud them or because you can't get them off? How small does it need to get? I can send you a couple different sizes, just drop them in an envelope. Between Harbor Freight, dealextreme, and the 3/4" AC Ryan I picked up at Microcenter, I can get it dirt cheap. :D

[diluzio91]

Alrighty then! time for a real update... Mind you its mostly pics of my toys for the case thus far, but its progress in a way i suppose.

@x88x, you will see the application ill be using it for in the pics if that helps.

@SXR, any you dont need i can probably use.

so begins the update

So, I want to create a false bottom for this tower, and heres the cardboard mock up.

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0618.jpg

Water pump with XSPC top and Bitspower fittings.

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0619.jpg
http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0620.jpg
http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0621.jpg

Water Block with some black bitspower fittings i had around.

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0623.jpg

MMMM high flow goodness

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0625.jpg

Crystal T fitting... notice that the fittings that will be seen are pretty, and the ones that wont.. .well.. arent pretty...

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0626.jpg

Mr CPU needs a waterblock too!

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0628.jpg

So shiny it focused on the reflection of the trees...

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0631.jpg

Same 120x1 rad, but with new fittings! :banana:

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0632.jpg

For the graphics card again, Deal Extreme heatsinks... 1/5th the price of any other retailer online... with free shipping too

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0634.jpg

Some came with thermal tape. some didnt

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0635.jpg

So some real work finally, Plumbers waterproof epoxy puts a nice 1/2in fitting in the top of this so i can have a fill port on top.

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0637.jpg

My 4 pin, deal ex again, sleeved this time.. now you can start to see my sleeving issues... if that helps you guys with sizing up HS for it...

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0638.jpg
http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0639.jpg
http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0640.jpg

The 24 pin extender. Is it easier to remove the pins from the male or female end. And the HS needs to compress 4 wires with a zip tie over them well.

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0642.jpg

I also started my false floor... but my dremel died on me... Sadddd :mad:

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0645.jpg
http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0646.jpg

This will need some filing to make it right...

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0647.jpg

Just easier to see the progress on this

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0648.jpg
http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0649.jpg

[x88x]

Hmm, ok, I was thinking that might be what you were trying to do. Unfortunately, to pull that off with a molex connector is gonna be difficult. I did some quick testing, and to fit over a standard molex plug, you're gonna need 1" heatshrink. Unfortunately, to get it to fit nicely around 4 standard gauge wires, sleeving, and a ziptie, you'll need it to compress down to ~1/4" under heat. All the stuff I have is 1:3 heatshrink, which is the most common, but for the molex connectors you'll need 1:4 heatshrink. I'm pretty sure I've seen that ratio before, but I'm pretty sure it was usually more expensive (which makes sense).

I have plenty of 3/4" that you're welcome to a few feet of, especially if UV red AC Ryan is good. ;) I have black Woer as well.

For the 3-pin connectors, the wires that are normally used with them are a smaller gauge, so for that you'll want 1/2" heatshrink. I have plenty of that in black Woer too.

I don't have any 4-pin connectors to test with, but I think 3/4" would probably fit over them just fine.

[Luthien]

I love that Crystal T fitting and the shiny-ness of the waterblock.

[SXRguyinMA]

or just pull the pins out of the connectors, put the heatshrink on, then put the connector back on and heat it :D

[diluzio91]

or just pull the pins out of the connectors, put the heatshrink on, then put the connector back on and heat it :D

Lol.. that was the plan... just having issues pulling those damn pins out...

[SXRguyinMA]

get one of these (http://xoxide.com/sunbeam-psu-tool-kit.html) :up:

and I dont have any heatshrink that big, sorry

[diluzio91]

thats kay on the shrink, hmm... i just realised im in Sturgeon Bay and my uncle owns an auto dealership up here... I can probably ask him for a bit of Shrink...

As for the tools, do you speak from experience SXR?

[SXRguyinMA]

yes, yes I do :D

I have that exact toolkit and its awesome!

[clausbelly]

Mine doesn't have a 12v adjustment pot either like the other blue storms..

[diluzio91]

small update time, which will shortly be followed by a big update with pics.... So i made a menards run for some various things.. bondo, heatshrink, paint, bolts... And i ended up doing a mini project before i could work on blue storm. Things accomplished

-mini project - made a suitable work surface

Removed the plastic "mesh" from the top panel so there would be room for the radiator and fans.

Bondo'd the top mesh holes

finished cutting the false bottom and drilled mount holes for it.

primed 95% of the case

re-designed the window for the side

Tomorrow, there may be an update, if not ill be chillin in the dells (wisconsin) for a while... but i am expecting an order from xoxide tomorrow and want to get my window cut and polished so i can finish the painting... after that ill be killin time till i can afford parts for the rig... updated wish list though,

Phenom 2x4
6gb gskill trident 2x2 1x2
60gb ssd (whatever is cheapest when i have the $$)
samsung t drive
ati 5830 (same as ssd)
silverstone 650 watt PSU
asus mobo


and now we wait... pics to come... also, if theres a mod watching could you delete the SPAM post above this? thanks

[diluzio91]

Real update...

first off, the project that i did before the project.

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0650.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0651.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0652.jpg

This also acts as a TV stand while im at school

Then The case, after bondo, sanding, and priming

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0653.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0654.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0655.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0656.jpg

DVD drive primed, will be painted flat black to match the interior
http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0657.jpg

Side panel after priming and 1 coat of paint ( i used engine enamel)
http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0658.jpg

False bottom is cut sanded primed and drilled for mounting needs
http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0660.jpg

How everything will be mounted on there

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0661.jpg

GOODIES FROM XOXIDE!

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0662.jpg
http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0663.jpg

And after a tip from sxr.

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0664.jpg

Fancontroller... dosnt have to be pretty... just has to work...

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0666.jpg

Thats all for now folks!... Gotta get back from a fam trip, then more painting... and next update you will get to see the new window design.

[SXRguyinMA]

nice :D

[StormRider]

looking good!

[diluzio91]

Got some more work done today... Here it is!

I tested the hold on my silicone glue with some scrap plexi and scrap from the case windows

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0669.jpg

I picked up some awesome tinted Plexi at menards.

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0670.jpg

My weapon of choice

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0673.jpg

The new window of Blue Storm

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0674.jpg

Exterior coat of paint. first coat

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0675.jpg

The engine enamel dried on the tower

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0676.jpg

The first coat of enamel for the false bottom

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0678.jpg

The window cut out and ready for mounting

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0679.jpg

[StormRider]

It's coming along nicely

[SXRguyinMA]

indeed, its looking good!

[diluzio91]

So since ive last updated i've finished the case till i get hardware... (god i want the hardware! its like its teasing me...) But some pictures for all you guys watching this

Back Side looks stock, with a less... bumpy... paint job

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0680.jpg

The user side (?) window looks sharp too... i love how this turned out... As a side note, i love the CM 690 that i used, just disliked its stock lack of window-ness. i also had to make the 240 rad fit on top...

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0683.jpg

Better view of the window... looking at the pic there seems to be a little bit of wag in the cuts that dosnt appear in real life...

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0685.jpg

Better window view... the flowers in the back ground are popping like crazy, this isnt edited, this is how it looks outside today, hence why im sitting on the back porch with my macbook

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0688.jpg

The back of the window

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0692.jpg

Silicone... messy... but effective

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0695.jpg

My dirty wire secrets exposed!!! lol

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0698.jpg

Pump mount

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0700.jpg

Top radiator mount. The fans and the top of the case gave me some trouble... but it turned out well.

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0702.jpg

Not quite unisleeving... but not a bad look... i like it... although the different lengths on the shrink bugs me a little.

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0705.jpg

drive area

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0708.jpg

another interior shot

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0726.jpg

This was my remedy for the fan clearance issue... worked out pretty well i think...

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_0728.jpg

The next update will just be stealthing the dvd drive on front, you can already see the velcro there for it. i just need my dremel tool back... After that there will be updates when i can afford some hardware for this guy.

[SXRguyinMA]

looking good! that window came out great! +rep

[x88x]

Looks good! It's a good thing you're not using a GTX series rad, or you wouldn't be able to fit your MBB in. (speaking from experience here... :whistler: )

[diluzio91]

lol... i had to strain to keep the 25mm fan in and still use the rad... i almost went with 15mm instead. on another note, im seeking sponsors for the hardware in this build. Wish me luck!

[diluzio91]

Just so everyone knows, this project is not dead, well... its postponed, ish... im waiting for some paint to dry, and im going to be putting my current system into this case until i can afford the new parts... So stay tuned for some pics in the near future...

[diluzio91]

As promised, updates of the new shiny silver paint job.

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_1132.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_1133.jpg

More pics to come after my 2 fillports come in... if your looking for a cheap one grab up the enzotech on jab tech.com, only $6.99! so i ordered that one and a delren port from DD. Once those arrive they will be installed, the components will be put in, and leak testing will commence... Side note... do you guys have any advice for filling a loop for the 1st time with a top mounted fillport?

[x88x]

Fill it enough so that there's a good amount of fluid above the pump intake. Then, connect the pump to a PSU and run it by itself, adding fluid continuously. I would recommend a fitting attached to the top of the fillport with a length of tubing connecting it to a funnel. I finally got that set up for mine and it made my life soooo much easier. The biggest thing you need to watch out for it to make sure that you're never running your pump without fluid, so you might have to shut off the pump occasionally to add more fluid, then turn it on to circulate it.

[diluzio91]

I finally got the fillports installed, and got all my tube wrangling finished up. I loaned my camera out, so i had to take some pictures with my cell phone, but heres an update.

So i realized that i didnt have a drill bit large enough to make a hole for my fill port, so i started with a 1/3 inch drill bit, and took a file to it, to get this

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/0731102116.jpg

it looks kind of rough, but after you insert the fillport i think it looks pretty good.

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/0731102127.jpg

And after 3 hours of tube wrangling, fighting, swearing, burned fingers, and a cut thumb we get this.

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/0801102335.jpg

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/0801102336.jpg

Not too shabby, i cant wait to get the coolant in it and leak test it, i also have to fix this in the morning

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/0801102338a.jpg

I think i tweaked the radiator while i was getting the tubing on the barbs, so ill have to go sort it out and re-tighten the mounts. and i might have to trim more of the under side plastic to get it flat again. better quality pictures tomorrow, as well as my shenannagins on trying to fill the loop. Stay tuned guys (i know some of you are watching this ;) )

[diluzio91]

The loop is installed, the jug is gone, and you can finally see why the computer was named "blue storm" pictures coming tonight... but i just couldn't wait to tell you guys that i got my loop filled. Thanks for all the massive amounts of help you guys gave me with this!

[diluzio91]

So with the computer complete and running, all thats left are the final pictures. Enjoy the photoshoot

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_1167.jpg
http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_1170.jpg
http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_1155.jpg
http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_1171.jpg
http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_1175.jpg
http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_1186.jpg
http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_1190.jpg
http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_1163.jpg
http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_1180.jpg
http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_1198.jpg
http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_1192.jpg

And for retrospect A pic of our shooting setup
http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_1201.jpg

and i have to say. THA KITTAH APROVES OF DA POOTER

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz302/diluzio91/IMG_1195.jpg

[blueonblack]

Excellent end result.

(and some very nice w/c gear)

+rep

[x88x]

Nice. The fan controller looks a little awkward, but it looks great. :up:

[Luthien]

It turned out great. Congrats!

[diluzio91]

@ BOB - Thanks, and it defiantly is some nice gear, the only problem i had was with the enzotec block, the blue shiny plastic piece had to come off in order to get the fittings to seal... but it works great, my full load temps on my rig are lower than my old idle temps!
@X88X The fan controller isnt in the best location, but considering i just set the fans for noise level and the cath for light level, it works pretty well. the only downside is that i had to open the panel to adjust everything. I did tune it over the course of about 2 hours with p95 and everest stress tests running till i hit my goal for temps vs noise.
@ Luthien Thanks! i have definatly been enjoying it!.

- Side note. I just finished overclocking it, the CPU is back at 3.24 ghz (2.8 stock) and i forget the numbers on the GFX, but my furmark score went from 2200 to 3000 after the overclocking (!!! :D) so i got a sizable boost on each. Load temps are ~46 cpu and ~49 GFX, and the gaming temps (no artificial loads) are ~43 and ~41, idle is around 38 on each. Not bad considering that the ambient temps in the house are ~28C

[diluzio91]

the graphics fairy has revived this thread!!

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs796.snc4/67684_448881393425_601993425_5362270_3612848_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs906.snc4/71923_448881473425_601993425_5362272_4766735_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs136.snc4/37160_448881518425_601993425_5362273_3159741_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs449.ash2/72265_448881563425_601993425_5362274_5673265_n.jpg

but it is used, hence

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs443.ash2/71616_448881608425_601993425_5362275_7641021_n.jpg

but after some elbow grease

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs151.ash2/40872_448882038425_601993425_5362287_591326_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs838.snc4/69822_448881678425_601993425_5362277_1366963_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs883.snc4/71619_448881788425_601993425_5362278_5311738_n.jpg

mmm naked card

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs454.ash2/72734_448881853425_601993425_5362280_6641555_n.jpg

umm. so with this will i be okay with just a ram sink on this chip?

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs452.ash2/72583_448881943425_601993425_5362282_391625_n.jpg

[x88x]

You'll want to cool the main chip, that one in your last picture, each of the 7 RAM chips on the front, and preferably all the similar RAM chips on the back, though I imagine those aren't strictly necessary because the full-coverage block that I got for mine doesn't come with coverage for the back chips by default.

[diluzio91]

You'll want to cool the main chip, that one in your last picture, each of the 7 RAM chips on the front, and preferably all the similar RAM chips on the back, though I imagine those aren't strictly necessary because the full-coverage block that I got for mine doesn't come with coverage for the back chips by default.

so that chip on the bottom of the thread i can get away with just a ram sink? like one of these?

http://img.ncix.com/gif/15682.JPG

[x88x]

IDK, I'm not sure what it is, but I wouldn't feel safe with that. It looks important, and even has mounting holes, which to me says that it needs a proper heatsink. Maybe use an aftermarket NB HSF or get a small universal GPU block for it?

[diluzio91]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118002

got this for it

[x88x]

That should do nicely for the VRAM chips.

[diluzio91]

the ups man came today! horray! Loot abounds!

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs943.snc4/73602_449235168425_601993425_5366788_5714899_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs763.snc4/66374_449235188425_601993425_5366789_1977731_n.jpg

Cables are sleeved too, however. my fingers have been flayed... i wont post pics of the horror...
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs892.snc4/72582_449235243425_601993425_5366790_7032274_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs886.snc4/71915_449235283425_601993425_5366792_606090_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs773.snc4/67386_449235388425_601993425_5366797_1524787_n.jpg

[SXRguyinMA]

looks nice :D

[diluzio91]

Mwa haha... after weeks of toil and troubles... new pics!

All the tubing removed and the prep work complete, fittings are replaced

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1220.snc4/155233_464723833425_601993425_5606836_1620829_n.jp g

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs931.snc4/74426_464723868425_601993425_5606837_5568290_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs945.snc4/73856_464723888425_601993425_5606838_2299411_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1172.snc4/154451_464723928425_601993425_5606839_5729436_n.jp g

there was a slight change, my friend had to give me a 45* rotary fitting and i used another 90* fitting to make it work
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1223.snc4/155527_464724008425_601993425_5606841_3561901_n.jp g

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1154.snc4/149600_464724103425_601993425_5606843_3566438_n.jp g

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs995.snc4/76810_464724178425_601993425_5606846_4136521_n.jpg

lol this reminds me of bioshock.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1142.snc4/148431_464724328425_601993425_5606850_7524087_n.jp g

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs974.snc4/76780_464724388425_601993425_5606852_4181482_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs995.snc4/76881_464724418425_601993425_5606853_3145267_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1198.snc4/155042_464724483425_601993425_5606856_211441_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1170.snc4/154202_464724718425_601993425_5606866_2277504_n.jp g

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1170.snc4/154203_464724763425_601993425_5606867_7146062_n.jp g

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs990.snc4/76331_464724928425_601993425_5606873_7935857_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs568.ash2/149090_464724978425_601993425_5606875_7437458_n.jp g

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs990.snc4/76347_464725148425_601993425_5606886_476480_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs925.snc4/73876_464725613425_601993425_5606899_4227166_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1176.snc4/154895_464726628425_601993425_5606929_6046823_n.jp g

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1133.snc4/149572_464726653425_601993425_5606930_928797_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1177.snc4/154964_464726718425_601993425_5606931_2849612_n.jp g

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs945.snc4/73810_464726813425_601993425_5606934_7688771_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs949.snc4/74268_464727038425_601993425_5606940_260320_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs564.ash2/148597_464727088425_601993425_5606942_4396839_n.jp g


The tubing looks amazing, i didnt know that it had that pattern when i bought it, but i LOVE it. the next challenge i need to tackle is the cable mob on the bottom... but thats for another update

[Mark Fei]

Nice:d

[billygoat333]

I am liking the reservoir. :)

[diluzio91]

why thank you. i think the retubing turned out better than planned, and im getting mentally prepared for the crows nest of wires next. lol

[jpmeyer038]

dude this looks 100x better now. seems less cluttered. nice fittings!

[x88x]

Hahahaha, I love that fitting stalk on the GPU! :D The tubing does look great too.

[diluzio91]

lol. thanks! thats a 25$ stalk... i was extremely lucky that my friend mark had an extra 45* rotary fitting i was able to use (see the slightly smaller stalk next to the big one) So far the tubing hasnt leaked or slipped, and by rearranging my loop order my gpu temps dropped about 4 degrees, and my cpu only rose 1. Does anyone know what kind of dye to use on wires? i remember a mod that used it, but i couldnt find it on here. i wanna dye my sata cables black, and the cables from the power switch and the like.

[x88x]

Be careful when you dye the wires. You don't want the dye to seep up the inside of the wires into the electronics.

OOC, what did you use to make the stalk?

[diluzio91]

long stalk

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=59_346_393_620&products_id=24757

x2 http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=59_346_830_829&products_id=28317

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=59_346_393_614&products_id=27724

Short Stem

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=59_346_393_620&products_id=24757

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=59_346_203_473&products_id=25787

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=59_346_393_614&products_id=27724

[TheMainMan]

I haven't actually used the dye yet (though I have plans for some) but I've done a fair bit of reading on people using a fabric dye called Rit-Dye.
I apologize that the link is on a different forum but it's the one I first came across and prompted me to look into. Rit-Dye Colour for WC Tubing (http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthread.php?t=175117)
I love this case and the effect that painting the mesh had. I'm doing mine in red and black and hadn't thought about changing the mesh colour until reading your log. Was there any special steps you needed to do to prep it for painting?

[diluzio91]

I haven't actually used the dye yet (though I have plans for some) but I've done a fair bit of reading on people using a fabric dye called Rit-Dye.
I apologize that the link is on a different forum but it's the one I first came across and prompted me to look into. Rit-Dye Colour for WC Tubing (http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthread.php?t=175117)
I love this case and the effect that painting the mesh had. I'm doing mine in red and black and hadn't thought about changing the mesh colour until reading your log. Was there any special steps you needed to do to prep it for painting?

umm... for paint i just roughed it up a bit, and painted. a tip though, you need to take the mesh off to paint it or you risk blowback. other than that nothing special. Thanks for the tip about the dye though

[diluzio91]

Added In an SSD and some cable management, not to mention some sweet CF to the interior.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs591.ash2/154335_476002923425_601993425_5771079_1379515_n.jp g

Carbon Backing
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs821.snc4/68187_476003008425_601993425_5771083_7697131_n.jpg

All put back together.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs447.ash2/72090_476003518425_601993425_5771110_3490231_n.jpg